📰 PIB Notes for UPSC – 11 August 2026
Daily PIB Current Affairs | UPSC & SSC Exam Preparation
Today's PIB Notes for UPSC covers 12 key topics —
ICAR's Precision Agriculture (NePPA) Programme, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2024 & 2025,
NGOPV 'Shruti' Launched at GRSE Kolkata, PM-MKSSY (Fisheries Scheme) Status,
Cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh & MSCT, National Green Hydrogen Mission (SIGHT Mode-2B),
NW-4 (Krishna River) Waterways Development, Samarth Skill Scheme Update,
MSME Development (Amendment) Bill 2026, Ship Recycling – India's Global Leadership,
Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS), and PMBJP Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
✅ Tap any option to instantly see the answer! MCQs at UPSC Prelims standard. Facts verified from PIB.
✅ Tap any option to instantly see the answer! MCQs at UPSC Prelims standard. Facts verified from PIB.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
🌱 ICAR's Network Programme on Precision Agriculture (NePPA) – Technologies & Impact
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- ICAR-NePPA = Network Program on Precision Agriculture; 16 ICAR Research Institutes; uses sensors, remote sensing (ground/airborne/satellite), AI and ICTs.
- 5 Key Technology Domains of NePPA:
- Spatio-temporal monitoring and management of crop and soil health.
- Sensor-based post-harvest quality monitoring (mango, banana, pulse, rice).
- IoT-based precision vertical farming for high-value vegetables under controlled environment.
- Sensor-based monitoring of aquatic environment for precision aquaculture.
- IoT-enabled sensing for precision livestock health monitoring.
- Key Technologies Developed by ICAR:
- Sensor-based irrigation, IoT-enabled environmental monitoring.
- Drone-based spraying, AI-enabled precision planters.
- Remote sensing and GIS applications; drip fertigation; poly-mulching.
- Hydroponics, aeroponics, agrivoltaic farming.
- Precision subsurface drip irrigation; raised-bed cultivation.
- Automated livestock management; low-cost protected cultivation.
- Tank-based super-intensive precision shrimp farming: Yields 120–150 tonnes/ha/year over three annual cycles.
- AI & IoT Devices Developed: Smart micro-irrigation systems, Variable rate fertilizer applicator, AI & IoT Jute grading system, SPAD meter 2.0 (leaf chlorophyll), IoT Cold Room monitoring, Aflatoxin-B1 rapid detection instrument, Smart Banana Supply Chain (blockchain-enabled), AI-based Grain Analyzer, Smart Rice Seed Quality Assessment.
- Drone Demonstrations: Conducted in 230 ha; benefiting 2,487 farmers.
- KVK Agri-Drone Demonstrations: 38,402 demonstrations on 41,280 ha; 4,54,083 farmers participated.
- Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO): Established at Dehradun for UAV/drone training.
- AI in Livestock Management: ICAR-NIVEDI (National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics) uses GIS, satellite datasets and ML models to forecast 15 economically important livestock diseases up to 2 months in advance.
- Wearable IoT sensors (smart neck collars, rumination tags, leg pedometers) detect illness 5–12 days before clinical symptoms; can reduce veterinary expenses by 20–40%.
- Drone-based foliar nutrient application: Improves yield by 4–5%; reduces spraying cost by ~15%; sprays 1 acre in ~6 minutes using only 9.5 litres water + 0.5 litre nano-fertilizer.
- Impact of Precision Irrigation (solar-powered Jhola Kundi systems):
- Cropping intensity: 137% → 272%.
- Crop diversification index: 0.40 → 0.80.
- Average monthly farmer income: ₹4,644 → ₹19,676.
- CO₂ mitigation: ~40.5 tonnes/year.
- At Goa: Rice yield +4.69%; Cowpea yield +6.58%; Irrigation water reduced by 92.9%; Labour reduced by ~95%.
- Hydroponics: Reduces water use by up to 90%.
- Information given by MoS Agriculture Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in Lok Sabha.
38,402
Agri-drone demonstrations by KVKs on 41,280 ha
4,54,083
Farmers participated in Agri-Drone demos
120–150 T/ha/yr
Yield from precision shrimp farming system
₹4,644 → ₹19,676
Monthly farmer income rise via precision irrigation
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research; est. 1929; HQ New Delhi; under DARE (Dept. of Agricultural Research & Education); apex body for agri-research and education.
- Precision Agriculture: Farm management strategy using IT and ICT to observe, measure and respond to inter- and intra-field variability in crops; aims to optimize inputs and maximize output.
- Agrivoltaic Farming: Simultaneous use of agricultural land for both solar power generation and crop production (dual-use of land).
- Hydroponics: Growing plants in nutrient-rich water solution without soil; saves up to 90% water vs conventional farming.
- Aeroponics: Growing plants in air/mist environment with no soil; roots suspended in air and sprayed with nutrient solution.
- KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra): Farm science centres; est. 1974 (first KVK at Pondicherry); under ICAR; link between research stations and farmers; ~731 KVKs across India.
- ICAR-NIVEDI: National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics; Bengaluru; uses GIS + ML for livestock disease prediction.
- Nano-fertilizers: Nano-sized nutrient particles (1–100 nm); higher surface area; better absorption; developed by IFFCO (Nano Urea, Nano DAP).
- Dweep Microclimate Monitor: Digital tool developed by ICAR for island/microclimate-specific weather monitoring and decision support.
- DRDO + ICAR collaboration: On agri-drone frameworks; DGCA regulates drone operations in India (Drone Rules 2021).
❓ MCQ Practice
🔥 Hard📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding precision agriculture technologies developed by ICAR in India:
1. ICAR-NIVEDI uses GIS, satellite datasets and machine learning models to forecast 15 economically important livestock diseases up to two months in advance.
2. Under NePPA, ICAR has developed a tank-based super-intensive shrimp farming system that yields 120–150 tonnes per hectare per year over three annual cycles.
3. Hydroponics farming reduces water use by up to 90% compared to conventional soil-based agriculture.
4. The Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) for UAV/drone training was established by ICAR at Bengaluru.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 ✅ CORRECT: ICAR-NIVEDI (National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics), Bengaluru, uses GIS, satellite spatial datasets and predictive ML models to forecast 15 economically important livestock diseases up to 2 months in advance.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: ICAR developed a tank-based super-intensive precision shrimp farming system that yields 120–150 tonnes/hectare/year over three annual cycles, integrating smart automation, strict biosecurity and eco-efficient management.
Statement 3 ✅ CORRECT: Hydroponics reduces water use by up to 90% compared to conventional soil-based farming — a key water-saving precision agriculture technology.
Statement 4 ❌ INCORRECT: The Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) for UAV/drone training was established by ICAR at Dehradun (Uttarakhand), NOT Bengaluru. KVKs and ICAR institutes across India conduct agri-drone demonstrations — 38,402 demonstrations on 41,280 ha involving 4,54,083 farmers.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: ICAR developed a tank-based super-intensive precision shrimp farming system that yields 120–150 tonnes/hectare/year over three annual cycles, integrating smart automation, strict biosecurity and eco-efficient management.
Statement 3 ✅ CORRECT: Hydroponics reduces water use by up to 90% compared to conventional soil-based farming — a key water-saving precision agriculture technology.
Statement 4 ❌ INCORRECT: The Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) for UAV/drone training was established by ICAR at Dehradun (Uttarakhand), NOT Bengaluru. KVKs and ICAR institutes across India conduct agri-drone demonstrations — 38,402 demonstrations on 41,280 ha involving 4,54,083 farmers.
🎯 Medium📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q2. Which of the following correctly distinguishes between Hydroponics and Aeroponics?
1. Hydroponics grows plants in nutrient-rich water solution without soil.
2. Aeroponics grows plants with roots suspended in air/mist environment sprayed with nutrient solution.
3. Both Hydroponics and Aeroponics require conventional soil as the growth medium.
4. Agrivoltaic farming involves simultaneous use of land for both solar power and crop production.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Statement 1 ✅ CORRECT: Hydroponics grows plants in nutrient-rich water solution without soil; saves up to 90% water vs conventional farming. Promoted by ICAR under precision agriculture.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Aeroponics grows plants with roots suspended in air/mist; nutrient solution sprayed directly on roots; even more water-efficient than hydroponics.
Statement 3 ❌ INCORRECT: Both hydroponics and aeroponics are soilless cultivation techniques — they do NOT use conventional soil. This is their key distinguishing feature from traditional agriculture.
Statement 4 ✅ CORRECT: Agrivoltaic farming (or Agrivoltaics) simultaneously uses agricultural land for both solar power generation and crop production — dual use of land. Promoted by ICAR under precision and climate-smart agriculture technologies.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Aeroponics grows plants with roots suspended in air/mist; nutrient solution sprayed directly on roots; even more water-efficient than hydroponics.
Statement 3 ❌ INCORRECT: Both hydroponics and aeroponics are soilless cultivation techniques — they do NOT use conventional soil. This is their key distinguishing feature from traditional agriculture.
Statement 4 ✅ CORRECT: Agrivoltaic farming (or Agrivoltaics) simultaneously uses agricultural land for both solar power generation and crop production — dual use of land. Promoted by ICAR under precision and climate-smart agriculture technologies.
Ministry of Culture
🎭 Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) & Awards (Akademi Puraskar) – 2024 & 2025
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- President of India to confer Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 & 2025 to 115 artists on 13 August 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
- Akademi Fellowship (Ratna): Highest honour; purse money ₹3,00,000 + Tamrapatra + Angavastram.
- Akademi Award (Puraskar): Purse money ₹1,00,000 + Tamrapatra + Angavastram.
- Awards conferred since 1952.
- 7 Fellows (Akademi Ratna) selected: Ramlal Bareth, A V Anand, Rita Ganguly, Puru Dadheech, Chittaranjan Jyotishi, Pasumarthi Rattaiah Sarma, Sudharani Raghupathy.
- Awards for Year 2024 — Fields:
- Music (12): Hindustani Vocal, Dhrupad, Sarangi, Tabla, Carnatic Vocal, Carnatic Violin, Morching, Flute (Creative), Sugam Sangeet, Abhang, Mand.
- Dance (12): Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Sattriya, Mohiniattam, Chhau, Creative, Music for Kathakali Dance.
- Theatre (10): Direction, Acting, Lighting (Allied), Sangeet Natak (Traditional).
- Folk/Tribal/Puppet/Instrument Making (13): Folk Music & Dance from Telangana, Puducherry, Karnataka, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Haryana, Nagaland, Rajasthan (Kalbeliya), Manipur, Maharashtra; Rudra Veena making.
- Overall & Others (5): Overall Music contribution, Overall Dance contribution, Scholarship in Dance, Art Critique, Overseas Dance (Mohiniattam).
- Notable 2024 Awardees: Gulabi Sapera (Kalbeliya Folk Dance, Rajasthan), Rakesh Chaurasia (Creative/Experimental – Flute), Samandar Khan Manganiar (Mand music).
- Notable 2025 Awardees: Krishna Mohan Mishra Maharaj + Vaswati Misra + Ram Mohan Maharaj (Trio – Kathak), Usha Nangiar (Nangiarkooth – Traditional Theatre Kerala), T S Nandakumar (Overseas – Mridangam).
- Awards cover the entire gamut: music, dance, drama, folk & tribal art, puppetry, allied theatre forms.
- Union Culture Minister: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; SNA Chairman: Dr Sandhya Purecha.
115 Artists
Receiving SNA Awards for 2024 & 2025
₹3,00,000
Purse money for Akademi Fellowship (Ratna)
₹1,00,000
Purse money for Akademi Award (Puraskar)
Since 1952
Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards conferred
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Sangeet Natak Akademi: India's national academy for music, dance and drama; est. 1952; India's first national academy of arts; autonomous body under Ministry of Culture.
- Three National Akademis: Sangeet Natak Akademi (music/dance/drama, 1952), Sahitya Akademi (literature, 1954), Lalit Kala Akademi (visual arts, 1954).
- Akademi Ratna: Highest award of Sangeet Natak Akademi; only 40 living artists can hold fellowship at any given time.
- Nangiarkooth: Ancient classical performing art of Kerala; performed only by women (Nangiars) of Nambiar community; recognized as classical art form.
- Kalbeliya Dance: Folk dance of Rajasthan; performed by Kalbeliya (snake charmer) community; UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (2010); Gulabi Sapera is its most famous exponent.
- Mand: Classical folk music genre of Rajasthan; traditionally sung at royal courts; associated with Manganiar community.
- Dhrupad: Oldest form of North Indian classical (Hindustani) vocal music; uses Sanskrit texts; sung in slow tempo; associated with Dagar gharana.
- Morching (Morchang/Jaw Harp): Traditional plucked idiophone instrument of Rajasthan/South India; featured in Carnatic music.
❓ MCQ Practice
🔥 Hard📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q1. Consider the following statements about India's National Akademis and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards:
1. Sangeet Natak Akademi was established in 1952 as India's first national academy of the arts.
2. The Akademi Ratna (Fellowship) carries a purse money of ₹3,00,000, while the Akademi Puraskar (Award) carries ₹1,00,000, both accompanied by a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
3. India has three national Akademis: Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi and Lalit Kala Akademi — all established in 1952.
4. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards have been conferred since 1952.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 ✅ CORRECT: Sangeet Natak Akademi was established in 1952 as India's first national academy of the arts, dedicated to music, dance and drama.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Akademi Ratna (Fellowship): ₹3,00,000 + Tamrapatra + Angavastram; Akademi Puraskar (Award): ₹1,00,000 + Tamrapatra + Angavastram. The President of India confers these awards.
Statement 3 ❌ INCORRECT: While Sangeet Natak Akademi was est. in 1952, both Sahitya Akademi and Lalit Kala Akademi were established in 1954 — NOT 1952. So they are NOT all established in the same year.
Statement 4 ✅ CORRECT: The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) have been conferred since 1952, recognizing excellence and sustained contribution in performing arts. The 2024 and 2025 awards will be conferred to 115 artists on 13 August 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Akademi Ratna (Fellowship): ₹3,00,000 + Tamrapatra + Angavastram; Akademi Puraskar (Award): ₹1,00,000 + Tamrapatra + Angavastram. The President of India confers these awards.
Statement 3 ❌ INCORRECT: While Sangeet Natak Akademi was est. in 1952, both Sahitya Akademi and Lalit Kala Akademi were established in 1954 — NOT 1952. So they are NOT all established in the same year.
Statement 4 ✅ CORRECT: The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) have been conferred since 1952, recognizing excellence and sustained contribution in performing arts. The 2024 and 2025 awards will be conferred to 115 artists on 13 August 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
🔥 Hard📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q2. Consider the following pairs of classical/folk art forms and their associated states/regions:
1. Kalbeliya Dance — Rajasthan (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2010)
2. Sattriya — Assam (founded by Srimanta Sankardeva)
3. Nangiarkooth — Tamil Nadu (performed only by Nangiar women)
4. Dhrupad — Oldest form of Hindustani classical vocal music
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Pair 1 ✅ CORRECT: Kalbeliya Dance belongs to Rajasthan; performed by the Kalbeliya (snake charmer) community; UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2010. Gulabi Sapera is its most famous exponent (SNA Award 2024).
Pair 2 ✅ CORRECT: Sattriya is a classical dance form from Assam; founded by saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century; received classical status in 2000; 8th classical dance recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Pair 3 ❌ INCORRECT: Nangiarkooth is an ancient performing art from Kerala (NOT Tamil Nadu); performed only by women (Nangiars) from the Nambiar community; Usha Nangiar received SNA Award 2025 for this art form.
Pair 4 ✅ CORRECT: Dhrupad is the oldest form of Hindustani classical vocal music; uses Sanskrit texts; performed in slow, meditative tempo; associated with Dagar gharana; one of the four major genres of Hindustani music (Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tappa).
Pair 2 ✅ CORRECT: Sattriya is a classical dance form from Assam; founded by saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century; received classical status in 2000; 8th classical dance recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Pair 3 ❌ INCORRECT: Nangiarkooth is an ancient performing art from Kerala (NOT Tamil Nadu); performed only by women (Nangiars) from the Nambiar community; Usha Nangiar received SNA Award 2025 for this art form.
Pair 4 ✅ CORRECT: Dhrupad is the oldest form of Hindustani classical vocal music; uses Sanskrit texts; performed in slow, meditative tempo; associated with Dagar gharana; one of the four major genres of Hindustani music (Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tappa).
Ministry of Defence – Indian Navy
⚓ Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Shruti' (Yard 3037) Launched at GRSE, Kolkata
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Yard 3037 (SHRUTI) — Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) — launched at M/s GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers), Kolkata on 11 August 2026.
- Launched by Mrs Manika Sadhu in presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition.
- Construction: Concurrently at two shipyards — GSL (Goa Shipyard Limited), Goa and GRSE, Kolkata.
- Key Roles of NGOPVs:
- Maritime surveillance.
- Search and Rescue (SAR).
- Protection of offshore assets.
- HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief).
- Anti-piracy missions.
- 'Shruti' — Naming: Derived from India's rich heritage; refers to the four Vedas (Shruti means "that which is heard"; Vedas are called Shruti texts).
- Crest Design: Depicts the constellation of Ursa Major (Saptarishi) and a red & white coloured lighthouse.
- Milestone in Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence/shipbuilding.
- Indigenously designed and built; augments existing OPV/NOPV fleet.
GRSE + GSL
Two shipyards building NGOPVs simultaneously
'Shruti'
Named after 4 Vedas (Shruti = heard scripture)
Ursa Major
Constellation on ship's crest design
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers): Defence PSU; Kolkata; under Ministry of Defence; builds warships, submarines and other vessels for Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
- GSL (Goa Shipyard Limited): Defence PSU; Goa; builds patrol vessels, survey ships and other defence vessels.
- OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel): Naval vessel designed for patrol operations in EEZ and territorial waters; lighter than full warships.
- HADR: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief — important role of Indian Navy in regional disasters.
- Vedas (Shruti): Four sacred Hindu texts — Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda; called "Shruti" (heard) as they were orally transmitted; considered revealed knowledge.
- Ursa Major: Northern constellation; also called "Great Bear" or Saptarishi in Indian tradition; contains the famous Big Dipper asterism.
- Indian Navy's Aatmanirbharta: 76 ships/submarines on order; ~50 warships being built at Indian shipyards; aim to be 60% indigenous by 2030.
- Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: India's maritime development vision document.
- Other recently launched Indian Navy ships: INS Nilgiri (frigate), INS Surat (destroyer), INS Vindhyagiri.
❓ MCQ Practice
🔥 Hard📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q1. Consider the following statements about the Indian Navy's Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) 'Shruti':
1. It was launched at GRSE, Kolkata on 11 August 2026 and is indigenously designed and built.
2. The name 'Shruti' refers to the four Vedas, as Vedas are called Shruti (that which is heard) texts.
3. NGOPVs are being concurrently built at GSL Goa and GRSE Kolkata.
4. The ship's crest depicts the constellation Orion and a lighthouse.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 ✅ CORRECT: NGOPV 'Shruti' (Yard 3037) was launched at GRSE, Kolkata on 11 August 2026; indigenously designed and built in consonance with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: 'Shruti' is named referring to the four Vedas — Vedas are called Shruti (meaning "that which is heard") as they were orally transmitted as revealed knowledge.
Statement 3 ✅ CORRECT: NGOPVs are being concurrently constructed at two shipyards: GSL (Goa Shipyard Limited), Goa and GRSE, Kolkata.
Statement 4 ❌ INCORRECT: The ship's crest depicts the constellation Ursa Major (Saptarishi/Great Bear) and a red & white lighthouse — NOT Orion. Ursa Major is associated with the Saptarishi (Seven Sages) in Indian tradition.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: 'Shruti' is named referring to the four Vedas — Vedas are called Shruti (meaning "that which is heard") as they were orally transmitted as revealed knowledge.
Statement 3 ✅ CORRECT: NGOPVs are being concurrently constructed at two shipyards: GSL (Goa Shipyard Limited), Goa and GRSE, Kolkata.
Statement 4 ❌ INCORRECT: The ship's crest depicts the constellation Ursa Major (Saptarishi/Great Bear) and a red & white lighthouse — NOT Orion. Ursa Major is associated with the Saptarishi (Seven Sages) in Indian tradition.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
🐟 PM-MKSSY – 35.92 Lakh Fishers Registered on NFDP; 3829 Cooperatives Approved
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- PM-MKSSY = Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana; sub-scheme under PMMSY (PM Matsya Sampada Yojana).
- Duration: FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 (4 years); outlay: ₹6,000 crore.
- Implemented by Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
- NFDP (National Fisheries Digital Platform): Launched under PM-MKSSY for digital identity creation of fish workers.
- Key Objectives:
- Formalization of unorganized fisheries sector through digital work-based identities.
- Facilitate access to institutional finance (working capital).
- Strengthen fisheries cooperatives (capacity, market access, finance).
- One-time incentive for aquaculture insurance purchase.
- Performance grants for micro and small enterprises to improve value-chain efficiencies.
- Key Financial Supports:
- Aquaculture Insurance Incentive: 40% of premium (up to ₹25,000/ha or ₹1 lakh/farmer for 4 ha); SC/ST and women get extra 10%.
- Performance Grant for Microenterprise: 25% of investment or ₹35 lakh (lower); 35% or ₹45 lakh for SC/ST/women.
- Performance Grant for VLOs/SHG Federations/FFPOs/Cooperatives: Max 35% or ₹200 lakh (lower).
- Job Creation Grant: ₹10,000/year (men) and ₹15,000/year (women); up to 50% of eligible grant.
- Status as of 6 August 2026:
- 35.92 lakh fishers/fish farmers registered on NFDP.
- 3,829 primary fisheries cooperatives approved for strengthening — total cost ₹72.75 crore.
- Aquaculture Insurance: Covered 2,294 ha; 127 beneficiaries (321.74 ha) availed OTI = ₹40.03 lakh.
- Credit Module: 535 loans sanctioned; ₹28.04 crore.
- Performance Grant: 84 applications approved; eligible grant ₹20.55 crore; ₹4.33 crore released to 21 beneficiaries.
- Top States by enterprises supported: Telangana (2,35,665), Maharashtra (2,15,000), AP (2,04,967), Tamil Nadu (1,93,612), Kerala (1,79,487).
- Information by Fisheries Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in Lok Sabha.
35.92 Lakh
Fishers/farmers registered on NFDP
₹6,000 Cr
PM-MKSSY total outlay (2023-24 to 2026-27)
3,829
Fisheries cooperatives approved (₹72.75 Cr)
535 Loans
Sanctioned under Credit Module (₹28.04 Cr)
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- PMMSY (PM Matsya Sampada Yojana): Launched May 2020; flagship scheme for fisheries sector; outlay ₹20,050 crore (2020-25); aims to double fish production to 22 MMT by 2024-25.
- PM-MKSSY: Sub-scheme of PMMSY; specifically for formalization, credit access, insurance and value chain development in fisheries sector.
- India is the world's 3rd largest fish producer and 2nd largest aquaculture producer (after China).
- India's fish production: ~17.7 MMT (2023-24); fisheries sector: ~1.1% of GVA; >2.8 crore people directly employed.
- Blue Revolution (Neel Kranti): Integrated scheme for fisheries development (before PMMSY); centrally sponsored.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture: State subject (List II); but Centre plays major role through central sector schemes and CSS.
- FFPO (Fish Farmer Producer Organisation): Collectives of fish farmers similar to FPOs for farmers; promote collective marketing and access to finance.
- Sagarmala Programme: Promotes port-led development; also includes fisheries harbour development.
❓ MCQ Practice
🔥 Hard📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q1. Consider the following statements about the PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY):
1. PM-MKSSY is a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with a total outlay of ₹6,000 crore for four years.
2. The scheme provides an aquaculture insurance incentive of 40% of the premium, with SC/ST and women beneficiaries getting an additional 10%.
3. The National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) launched under PM-MKSSY creates work-based digital identities for fish workers for improved service delivery.
4. India is the world's largest fish producer, ahead of China.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 ✅ CORRECT: PM-MKSSY is a sub-scheme under PMMSY; duration FY 2023-24 to 2026-27 (4 years); total outlay ₹6,000 crore. 35.92 lakh fishers registered on NFDP as of 6 Aug 2026.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Aquaculture insurance incentive: 40% of premium (up to ₹25,000/ha or ₹1 lakh/farmer for 4 ha); SC/ST and women get an additional 10% (total 50% for them).
Statement 3 ✅ CORRECT: NFDP (National Fisheries Digital Platform) was launched under PM-MKSSY to create work-based digital identities for fish workers for improved service delivery and financial inclusion.
Statement 4 ❌ INCORRECT: India is the world's 3rd largest fish producer (after China and Indonesia) and the 2nd largest aquaculture producer (after China). China remains the world's largest fish producer overall.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Aquaculture insurance incentive: 40% of premium (up to ₹25,000/ha or ₹1 lakh/farmer for 4 ha); SC/ST and women get an additional 10% (total 50% for them).
Statement 3 ✅ CORRECT: NFDP (National Fisheries Digital Platform) was launched under PM-MKSSY to create work-based digital identities for fish workers for improved service delivery and financial inclusion.
Statement 4 ❌ INCORRECT: India is the world's 3rd largest fish producer (after China and Indonesia) and the 2nd largest aquaculture producer (after China). China remains the world's largest fish producer overall.
Ministry of Home Affairs
🌧️ Cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh – Multi-Sectoral Central Team (MSCT) Constituted
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Due to increasing frequency and intensity of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and extreme rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, a Multi-Sectoral Central Team (MSCT) was constituted.
- MSCT Composition:
- NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority).
- CBRI (Central Building Research Institute), Roorkee.
- IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology), Pune.
- IIT Indore.
- Other concerned agencies.
- Inputs from: IMD (India Meteorological Department), CWC (Central Water Commission), GSI (Geological Survey of India).
- MSCT's Mandate:
- Scientific assessment of causes of increasing extreme weather events.
- Analysing geographical and ground conditions of worst-affected areas.
- Compiling and examining data from various agencies.
- Recommending long-term measures to minimize disaster impact.
- Key Findings:
- Climate change increasing intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall in Himalayan region.
- Accelerated snowmelt and moraine instability → off-season slope failures and high runoff.
- Anthropogenic factors have also contributed to increased risk in the region.
- Information by MoS Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in Lok Sabha.
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Cloudburst: Sudden, extremely heavy rainfall event; defined as rainfall of ≥100 mm/hour over an area of ~10 sq. km; typically associated with cumulonimbus clouds; common in Himalayan terrain.
- Flash Flood: Rapid flooding caused by heavy rain, cloudburst or dam breach; little warning time; highly destructive.
- NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority): Apex body for disaster management; est. under Disaster Management Act, 2005; chaired by Prime Minister; sets national guidelines for disaster management.
- CBRI (Central Building Research Institute): Roorkee; under CSIR; researches building materials, construction technologies, earthquake-resistant design.
- IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology): Pune; autonomous institution under Ministry of Earth Sciences; specializes in monsoon research; developed Climate Forecasting System (CFS).
- GSI (Geological Survey of India): Est. 1851; world's second-oldest geological survey; under Ministry of Mines; geological mapping, mineral exploration, landslide studies.
- CWC (Central Water Commission): Technical body under Ministry of Jal Shakti; flood forecasting, river management; est. 1945.
- Moraine: Accumulation of debris/rocks deposited by glaciers; moraine instability (glacial lake outburst floods – GLOFs) poses serious risk in Himalayan region due to climate change.
❓ MCQ Practice
🔥 Hard📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q1. Consider the following statements about disaster management institutions and phenomena in India:
1. NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and is chaired by the Prime Minister.
2. A cloudburst is defined as sudden rainfall of 100 mm or more per hour over an area of approximately 10 sq. km.
3. The Geological Survey of India (GSI), established in 1851, is the world's oldest geological survey organisation.
4. IITM Pune is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and specializes in monsoon research.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 ✅ CORRECT: NDMA was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005; chaired by the Prime Minister; apex body for disaster management policy and guidelines in India. MSCT for Himachal Pradesh cloudbursts included NDMA experts.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: A cloudburst is defined as sudden rainfall of ≥100 mm per hour over an area of approximately 10 sq. km; common in Himalayan terrain due to orographic effects; associated with cumulonimbus clouds.
Statement 3 ❌ INCORRECT: The Geological Survey of India (GSI), est. in 1851, is the world's second-oldest geological survey (after the British Geological Survey, est. 1835), NOT the world's oldest. GSI is under the Ministry of Mines.
Statement 4 ✅ CORRECT: IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology), Pune is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences; India's premier monsoon research institution; developed the Climate Forecasting System (CFS) used for seasonal forecasts.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: A cloudburst is defined as sudden rainfall of ≥100 mm per hour over an area of approximately 10 sq. km; common in Himalayan terrain due to orographic effects; associated with cumulonimbus clouds.
Statement 3 ❌ INCORRECT: The Geological Survey of India (GSI), est. in 1851, is the world's second-oldest geological survey (after the British Geological Survey, est. 1835), NOT the world's oldest. GSI is under the Ministry of Mines.
Statement 4 ✅ CORRECT: IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology), Pune is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences; India's premier monsoon research institution; developed the Climate Forecasting System (CFS) used for seasonal forecasts.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
🟢 National Green Hydrogen Mission – 30 KTPA Green Hydrogen Capacity Awarded to Refineries
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): Goal — make India a global hub for production, usage and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
- SIGHT Mode-2B (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition): 30 KTPA Green Hydrogen production capacity awarded to 4 refineries.
- Refinery-wise Allocation:
- IOCL (Indian Oil Corporation Limited), Panipat: 10 KTPA.
- BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited), Bina: 5 KTPA.
- HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited), Vizag: 5 KTPA.
- Numaligarh Refineries Limited (NRL), Numaligarh: 10 KTPA.
- Projects implemented through BOO (Build Own Operate) arrangements via private developers.
- Expected benefits: Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhance energy security, support India's clean energy transition and net-zero objectives.
- Information by MoS New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in Rajya Sabha.
30 KTPA
Green Hydrogen capacity awarded to refineries
IOCL + NRL
10 KTPA each (highest allocation)
BPCL + HPCL
5 KTPA each at Bina and Vizag
BOO Model
Build Own Operate by private developers
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): Approved January 2023; outlay ₹19,744 crore till 2029-30; target — produce 5 MMT/year of green hydrogen by 2030; create 6 lakh jobs; ₹8 lakh crore investment.
- Green Hydrogen: Produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy (solar/wind); zero carbon emissions; different from Grey H₂ (from fossil fuels) and Blue H₂ (from fossil fuels + CCS).
- SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition): Major scheme under NGHM; two modes:
- Mode 1: Electrolyser manufacturing incentives.
- Mode 2: Green hydrogen production incentives (Mode 2A for various sectors, Mode 2B for petroleum refineries).
- KTPA: Kilo Tonnes Per Annum.
- NRL (Numaligarh Refinery Limited): Located in Numaligarh, Assam; public sector refinery; under BPCL-MoPNG; North-East India's major refinery.
- India's target: Net Zero Emissions by 2070 (announced at COP26, Glasgow).
- India's NDC (updated 2022): 50% of cumulative electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030; reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
- Hydrogen fuel cell: Converts hydrogen to electricity via electrochemical reaction; zero emissions at point of use.
❓ MCQ Practice
🔥 Hard📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q1. Consider the following statements about the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and SIGHT scheme:
1. The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved in January 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, targeting 5 MMT/year of green hydrogen production by 2030.
2. Under SIGHT Mode-2B, 30 KTPA of green hydrogen production capacity has been awarded to four refineries — IOCL Panipat, BPCL Bina, HPCL Vizag and NRL Numaligarh.
3. Green Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources and is different from Grey Hydrogen produced from fossil fuels.
4. Projects under SIGHT Mode-2B are implemented through PPP (Public-Private Partnership) arrangements.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 ✅ CORRECT: NGHM approved January 2023; outlay ₹19,744 crore (till 2029-30); target: 5 MMT/year green hydrogen by 2030; create 6 lakh jobs; attract ₹8 lakh crore investment.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Under SIGHT Mode-2B, 30 KTPA capacity awarded: IOCL Panipat (10 KTPA), BPCL Bina (5 KTPA), HPCL Vizag (5 KTPA), NRL Numaligarh (10 KTPA).
Statement 3 ✅ CORRECT: Green Hydrogen is produced using renewable energy (solar/wind) for electrolysis of water — zero emissions. Grey Hydrogen is from steam methane reforming of fossil fuels (emits CO₂). Blue Hydrogen is from fossil fuels + Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
Statement 4 ❌ INCORRECT: Projects under SIGHT Mode-2B are implemented through BOO (Build Own Operate) arrangements by private developers — NOT PPP. BOO means private developers build, own and operate the facility. The refineries (CPSEs) procure green hydrogen from them.
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Under SIGHT Mode-2B, 30 KTPA capacity awarded: IOCL Panipat (10 KTPA), BPCL Bina (5 KTPA), HPCL Vizag (5 KTPA), NRL Numaligarh (10 KTPA).
Statement 3 ✅ CORRECT: Green Hydrogen is produced using renewable energy (solar/wind) for electrolysis of water — zero emissions. Grey Hydrogen is from steam methane reforming of fossil fuels (emits CO₂). Blue Hydrogen is from fossil fuels + Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
Statement 4 ❌ INCORRECT: Projects under SIGHT Mode-2B are implemented through BOO (Build Own Operate) arrangements by private developers — NOT PPP. BOO means private developers build, own and operate the facility. The refineries (CPSEs) procure green hydrogen from them.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
🚢 National Waterway-4 (Krishna River) – Ro-Ro Terminal, ₹18.28 Crore Allocation (2025-26)
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India) developed a Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) terminal at Muktyala on NW-4 (Krishna River).
- IWAI also constructed and handed over 4 floating jetties to APTDC (Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) in 2024 for tourism activities.
- Construction of Ro-Ro terminal at Harishchandrapuram (AP) has been awarded.
- Funds Allocated/Utilised for NW-4:
- 2023-24: ₹0.67 crore | 2024-25: ₹1.22 crore | 2025-26: ₹18.28 crore (major jump).
- Cargo and Passenger Movement on NW-4 (2025-26): Cargo: 5.71 Million Tonne; Passengers: 2.34 Million.
- Challenges on NW-4:
- Land transfer (3.80 acres, State Irrigation Dept) at Ibrahimpatnam, NTR District under progress.
- Water depth on Vijayawada–Muktyala stretch depends on regulated releases from Pulichintala Dam — seasonal variation in navigable conditions.
- Presence of low-level bridges, old navigational locks, encroachments affecting navigation.
- Information by Union Minister Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in Rajya Sabha.
5.71 MT
Cargo movement on NW-4 (2025-26)
2.34 Million
Passenger movement on NW-4 (2025-26)
₹18.28 Cr
Funds allocated for NW-4 in 2025-26
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India): Statutory body; est. 1986 under Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985; under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; develops and regulates national waterways.
- National Waterways: India has 111 National Waterways (NWs) declared under NW Act 2016 (earlier only 5 NWs); largest — NW-1 (Ganga river, 1620 km).
- NW-4: Krishna River; stretches through Andhra Pradesh; connects Wazirabad–Vijayawada–Muktyala–Kakinada canal–Puducherry.
- Ro-Ro (Roll on-Roll off): Vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo (trucks, trailers, cars) that are driven on and off the ship; eliminates need for cranes.
- Pulichintala Dam: Located on Krishna River in AP; helps regulate water for navigation and agriculture.
- Jal Marg Vikas Project: Flagship project for developing NW-1 (Ganga) for commercial navigation; World Bank assisted; ₹5,369 crore.
- Sagarmala Programme: Port-led development; includes waterway development; launched 2015.
- India's waterway freight: Target to carry 200 MMT by 2030; currently ~130 MMT.
❓ MCQ Practice
🎯 Medium📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q1. Consider the following statements about Inland Waterways in India:
1. IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India) was established in 1986 under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
2. India has 111 National Waterways declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
3. NW-1 (Ganga River, 1620 km) is India's longest national waterway.
4. NW-4 runs along the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
All 4 statements are CORRECT:
Statement 1 ✅: IWAI was established in 1986 under the IWAI Act 1985; autonomous body under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; develops, maintains and regulates national waterways.
Statement 2 ✅: India has 111 National Waterways declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016 (which consolidated earlier separate NW Acts and added new waterways).
Statement 3 ✅: NW-1 (Ganga River, Prayagraj-Haldia stretch, 1620 km) is India's longest and most developed national waterway; Jal Marg Vikas Project (World Bank assisted) is developing it for commercial navigation.
Statement 4 ✅: NW-4 runs along the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh; IWAI developed Ro-Ro terminal at Muktyala and handed 4 floating jetties to APTDC for tourism. Fund allocation: ₹18.28 crore in 2025-26.
Statement 1 ✅: IWAI was established in 1986 under the IWAI Act 1985; autonomous body under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; develops, maintains and regulates national waterways.
Statement 2 ✅: India has 111 National Waterways declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016 (which consolidated earlier separate NW Acts and added new waterways).
Statement 3 ✅: NW-1 (Ganga River, Prayagraj-Haldia stretch, 1620 km) is India's longest and most developed national waterway; Jal Marg Vikas Project (World Bank assisted) is developing it for commercial navigation.
Statement 4 ✅: NW-4 runs along the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh; IWAI developed Ro-Ro terminal at Muktyala and handed 4 floating jetties to APTDC for tourism. Fund allocation: ₹18.28 crore in 2025-26.
Ministry of Textiles
🧵 Samarth Scheme – 6.17 Lakh Trained, 5.17 Lakh Placed; ₹260 Cr Allocated (2025-26)
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- Samarth = Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector; by Ministry of Textiles.
- Provides demand-driven, placement-oriented skilling in organised textile and related sectors; covers entire value chain excluding Spinning and Weaving.
- Fund allocation directly to Implementing Partners (IPs) — no state/district-wise allocation.
- Key Achievements (since inception to March 2026):
- 6.17 lakh beneficiaries trained (certified).
- 5.17 lakh beneficiaries placed.
- Rajasthan-specific: 27,497 beneficiaries placed; 23,102 women; 10,727 SC; 4,753 ST.
- 370 Implementing Partners (IPs) empanelled:
- Textile Industry/Industry Associations: 327.
- State/Central Govt Agencies: 38.
- Sectoral Organizations: 5.
- 97 IPs' targets rationalized; 32 IPs cancelled (slow progress/non-commencement).
- Year-wise key data: 2017-18: ₹100 Cr | 2024-25: ₹331 Cr (highest allocated) | 2025-26: ₹260 Cr allocated, ₹255.42 Cr released.
- Information by MoS Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita in Lok Sabha.
6.17 Lakh
Beneficiaries trained under Samarth (till Mar 2026)
5.17 Lakh
Beneficiaries placed since inception
370 IPs
Implementing Partners empanelled
₹255.42 Cr
Released under Samarth in 2025-26
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- Samarth Scheme: Launched 2017; under Ministry of Textiles; provides skilling across garments, handloom, handicrafts, jute, sericulture (excluding spinning & weaving which are covered by other schemes).
- India's Textile Sector: 2nd largest employer in India (after agriculture); ~4.5 crore workers directly employed; ~6 crore indirect jobs; contributes ~2.3% of GDP, ~12% of export earnings.
- National Textile Policy: Being revised (2024); aims to make India a global textile hub.
- PM MITRA (PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel): 7 PM MITRA parks announced; integrated textile parks with plug-and-play infrastructure.
- PLI Scheme for Textiles: ₹10,683 crore PLI for MMF (Man-Made Fibre) apparel and technical textiles.
- Handloom Sector: ~35 lakh handlooms; 43.31 lakh weavers; 2nd August = National Handloom Day.
- Geographical Indication (GI) tags for textiles: Kanjivaram silk, Banarasi silk, Phulkari, Chanderi, Pashmina, etc.
❓ MCQ Practice
🎯 Medium📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q1. The Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector) is implemented under which Ministry and covers which segments of the textile value chain?
The Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector) is implemented by the Ministry of Textiles. It provides demand-driven, placement-oriented skilling across the organised textile and related sectors covering the entire value chain — EXCLUDING Spinning and Weaving (which are covered under other schemes). Since inception to March 2026: 6.17 lakh trained, 5.17 lakh placed. 370 IPs empanelled. Fund allocation in 2025-26: ₹260 crore (₹255.42 crore released). Spinning and weaving are excluded as they have separate support schemes under the Ministry of Textiles.
PIB Backgrounder – Ministry of MSME
🏭 MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – Key Reforms for 9.16 Crore MSMEs
📝 Key Notes
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
❓ MCQ Practice
- MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026: Passed by Parliament in August 2026; updates MSMED Act, 2006.
- Context: As per Economic Survey 2025-26 — MSMEs account for 31.1% of GDP, 35.4% of manufacturing output, 48.58% of exports; 9.16 crore MSMEs registered on Udyam platform; employing 40+ crore people.
- Key Reforms Introduced:
- MSME Classification: Now based on investment in plant/machinery/equipment AND turnover (earlier: only investment in plant and machinery).
- MSME Registration: Filing of memorandum made free and voluntary for ALL MSMEs (earlier mandatory for manufacturing medium enterprises); Central Govt to notify national digital platform; State Govts may notify state platforms.
- TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System): All CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises) must settle invoices from MSMEs through TReDS; States may mandate their PSEs to use TReDS too.
- MSEFCs (Micro & Small Enterprises Facilitation Councils): States can establish multiple MSEFCs; must provide adequate infrastructure (physical, digital, trained manpower).
- Mediation and Arbitration Timelines: Mediation to complete within 90 days; referral to arbitration within 30 days of mediation failure; arbitral award within 90 days of completion of pleadings.
- Dispute Resolution: Application to set aside award allowed after depositing 75% of awarded amount; court must pay at least 50% to MSME supplier if application pending 6+ months.
- Recovery of Dues: Mediated settlement/arbitral award recoverable as 'arrears of land revenue' through District Collector/Deputy Commissioner.
- Decriminalisation: Non-filing of registration and non-supply of information decriminalised; graduated penalty system (warning → penalty → fine).
- Digital & Institutional Support:
- Udyam Registration Portal: Free, paperless, self-declaration-based; formal recognition for MSMEs.
- Udyam Assist Platform: For informal micro enterprises (without GST/IT registration).
- TReDS: Invoice discounting rose from ₹40,000 crore (2022-23) to ₹3.47 lakh crore (2025-26).
- ODR Portal: Launched June 2025; online dispute resolution for delayed payment disputes.
- 161 MSEFCs established across States/UTs.
9.16 Crore
MSMEs registered on Udyam platform (Aug 2026)
40+ Crore
People employed by MSME sector
₹3.47 L Cr
Invoices discounted on TReDS (2025-26)
161 MSEFCs
Facilitation Councils across India
⭐ Prelims Extra Points
- MSMED Act, 2006: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act; provides for facilitation of promotion, development and competitiveness of MSMEs; defines MSME classification criteria.
- MSME Classification (revised 2020):
- Micro: Investment ≤₹1 crore AND Turnover ≤₹5 crore.
- Small: Investment ≤₹10 crore AND Turnover ≤₹50 crore.
- Medium: Investment ≤₹50 crore AND Turnover ≤₹250 crore.
- TReDS: Trade Receivables Discounting System; RBI-regulated electronic platform; enables MSMEs to discount/finance trade receivables; 3 TReDS platforms operating in India (Rxil, M1xchange, Invoicemart).
- Udyam Portal: Launched 1 July 2020; replaced Udyog Aadhaar; self-declaration based; PAN and Aadhaar mandatory.
- MSME Samadhaan Portal: For MSME dues recovery; delayed payment monitoring; 25 crore MSME buyers must disclose unpaid dues in annual accounts.
- CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises): Provides collateral-free credit guarantee for MSME loans up to ₹5 crore.
- RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance): World Bank assisted programme for MSME competitiveness; ₹6,062 crore.
❓ MCQ Practice
🔥 Hard📌 UPSC Prelims Pattern
Q1. Consider the following statements about the MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026:
1. The Bill mandates all Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to settle MSME invoices through TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System).
2. Mediated settlements or arbitral awards under MSEFCs can now be recovered as 'arrears of land revenue' through the District Collector.
3. Under the Bill, the mediation process must be completed within 60 days, and arbitration award must be made within 120 days.
4. The Bill introduces graduated penalty (warning → penalty → fine) replacing blanket criminal penalties for certain MSME registration violations.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 ✅ CORRECT: The 2026 Bill mandates all CPSEs to settle MSME invoices through TReDS. States may also mandate their PSEs to use TReDS. TReDS invoice discounting rose from ₹40,000 crore (2022-23) to ₹3.47 lakh crore (2025-26).
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Mediated settlements/arbitral awards can be recovered as 'arrears of land revenue' — through the District Collector/Deputy Commissioner — a strong enforcement mechanism for MSME dues recovery.
Statement 3 ❌ INCORRECT: The actual timelines are: Mediation within 90 days (NOT 60 days);
Statement 2 ✅ CORRECT: Mediated settlements/arbitral awards can be recovered as 'arrears of land revenue' — through the District Collector/Deputy Commissioner — a strong enforcement mechanism for MSME dues recovery.
Statement 3 ❌ INCORRECT: The actual timelines are: Mediation within 90 days (NOT 60 days);
PIB Notes for UPSC 11 August 2026
PIB Notes for UPSC 11 August 2026 covers important government updates and current affairs relevant for UPSC Prelims and Mains 2026. These notes are prepared for quick revision and exam-focused learning.
Today's PIB Current Affairs 11 August 2026 includes important topics such as ICAR's Network Programme on Precision Agriculture (NePPA), Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, NGOPV 'Shruti', PM-MKSSY, cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, MSME Development (Amendment) Bill 2026, ship recycling, CMAS and PMBJP Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
These PIB Notes for UPSC integrate current developments with important facts and concepts useful for UPSC Prelims, UPSC Mains and other competitive examinations.
Revise the PIB Current Affairs 11 August 2026 regularly to strengthen your government-scheme, science and technology, environment, economy and infrastructure-related current affairs preparation.
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