Context: The Business Correspondent Resource Council (BCRC) has submitted a formal appeal to the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, urging a review of Bank Mitras’ commission structure and seeking infrastructure subsidies to support rural banking operations. The representation was made during a meeting with Bhartruhari Mahtab, Chairperson of the Committee. What is the Bank Mitra Program? The Bank Mitra program is an initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) launched on August 28, 2014, that aims to extend banking services to unbanked and underbanked rural areas through appointed individuals called Bank Mitras, who act as business correspondents of banks. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) within the Ministry of Finance of India is responsible for the scheme. Objectives of the Bank Mitra Program Key Benefits Impact on Financial Inclusion
Special-Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
Context: Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) is a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) set up by the Karnataka government to manage large urban infrastructure projects. What is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)? Purpose and Uses of SPVs Legal Forms of SPVs Accounting and Financial Risks TH
Geotubing
What is Geotubing? Geotubing involves the use of large, cylindrical geotextile tubes (commonly called geotubes) filled with sand, slurry, or dredged material. These are strategically placed underwater or along shorelines to act as submerged barriers, reducing wave energy and preventing erosion. Key Features of Geotubes Materials Used in Geotubing: Advantages of Geotubing Applications of Geotubing:
MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat)
Context: Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, designed to empower young Indians through technology-driven engagement and youth-led development.It was officially launched on October 31, 2023, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Primary Objectives Key Features of MY Bharat Significance for Youth and Nation
Mission D3
What is Mission D3? Mission D3 is a community-led social movement launched in November 2024 by Bhil and Bhilala tribal youths in Alirajpur and Jhabua districts of Madhya Pradesh. The campaign aims to eliminate three major financial and cultural burdens from tribal weddings: Core Objective To promote simple, debt-free, and culturally authentic tribal weddings, protecting poor families from exploitative customs and post-marriage indebtedness. Key Features of Mission D3 Social Impact
WHO’s State of the World’s Nursing 2025
Key Global Findings: Status of Nursing in India Key Challenges in India’s Nursing Sector
E-Waste Management in India
Context: India’s digital growth is driving massive use of electronic devices, leading to a dramatic rise in electronic waste (e-waste). As India moves toward its Viksit Bharat goal, managing this waste stream through sustainable mechanisms such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and fair floor pricing for recycling certificates becomes crucial. E-Waste Growth in India What is EPR and Why It Matters? E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 E-Waste (Management) Second Amendment Rules, 2023 E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024 Consequences of Improper E-Waste Disposal International Conventions on E-Waste Management National Framework for E-Waste Management in India Common E-Waste Disposal Methods Key Issues and Challenges in E-Waste Management Strategies to Strengthen E-Waste Management in India Global Best Practices to Learn From The Need for a National Recycling Vision UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions Prelims: Q. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? (2013) Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only (b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only (c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Ans: (b) Mains: Q. What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)
U.S.-China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Truce
Key Highlights: Current Tariff Structure: Key Policy Shifts: Reasons Behind the Truce: BS
India–U.S.–Pakistan Relations
Background: India’s Official Position Key Concerns for India Geopolitical Implications TH
Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021
Source:Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India Context: The annual crude birth rates (live births per 1,000 people in the population) for Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Kerala are declining at twice the rate of the national average, showed data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India last week. National-Level Trends Key Definitions Progress Report (2014–2021) Global Comparison (UN Reports 2023–24) Government Interventions Behind the Gains SDG 2030 Alignment Fastest Declining Birth Rates (Annual % Decline) State/UT Annual Decline Rate (%) Tamil Nadu 2.35% Delhi 2.23% Kerala 2.05% Telangana 1.67% Karnataka 1.68% Andhra Pradesh 1.26% Maharashtra 1.57% J&K 1.47% Himachal Pradesh 1.29% Odisha 1.34% Gujarat 1.24% Haryana 1.21% States with Slowest Decline in Birth Rates State Annual Decline Rate (%) Rajasthan 0.48% Bihar 0.86% Chhattisgarh 0.98% Jharkhand 0.98% Assam 1.05% Madhya Pradesh 1.05% West Bengal 1.08% Uttar Pradesh 1.09% Civil Registration System (CRS) 2021 Insights Fertility Indicators (SRS 2021) TH
