Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed its inaugural X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) into a meticulous circular orbit at an altitude of 650 km following a 21-minute flight on January 1. XPoSat represents the globe's second satellite mission exclusively focused on conducting X-ray polarimetry measurements.

About  XPoSat:

1. XPoSat, India's inaugural X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, is dedicated to studying X-ray polarization from bright celestial Sources within the medium frequency band.
2. The satellite features two key payloads, namely the Indian X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) and X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT), developed by the Raman Research Institute and UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.
3. Positioned in a low earth orbit at approximately 650 km with a low inclination of around 6 degrees, XPoSat is designed for observations of polarized X-rays.
4. The spacecraft is expected to operate for an estimated five years, during which it will focus on observing polarized X-rays emitted by Sources such as magnetars or neutron stars, known for their strong magnetic fields and diverse X-ray activities.
5. XPoSat's observations will particularly occur when these celestial objects, like magnetars or neutron stars, pass through Earth's shadow, such as during eclipse periods.

Payloads:

1. POLIX Payload:

• It is the world's pioneering instrument intended for operation within the medium X-ray range of 8 to 30 kilo electron Volt (keV).
• Components: POLIX comprises a crucial collimator, responsible for filtering light from bright Sources in the field of view, and a scatterer featuring four X-ray proportional counter detectors to prevent the escape of trapped light.
• Function: It is designed to observe several astronomical Sources and was entirely conceived, designed, and constructed at RRI (Raman Research Institute).

2. XSPECT Payload:

• It is designed for fast timing and high spectroscopic resolution, specifically in the soft X-ray energy band ranging from 0.8 to 15 keV.
• Observation Targets: XSPECT aims to observe a diverse range of Sources, including X-ray pulsars, black hole binaries, low-magnetic field neutron stars, active galactic nuclei (AGNs), which are compact regions at the center of galaxies emitting significant energy across the electromagnetic spectrum, and magnetars.

Significance:

1. Historical Dependency on Traditional Data Sources:

• Astronomers have traditionally relied on data from ground-based telescopes or satellite missions covering the optical to radio frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Celestial polarization was typically studied in the optical or radio bands.

2. XPoSat's Revolutionary Role:

• XPoSat represents a groundbreaking shift, enabling X-ray polarization measurements from bright Sources within the medium energy band of 8-30 keV, a novel endeavor in astronomy.

3. Targeted Celestial Sources:

• The XPoSat team has identified numerous X-ray-emitting Sources, categorizing them into persistent Sources (known and targeted) and transient Sources (such as pulsars, active galactic nuclei, and magnetars).

4. Deep space understanding:

• X-rays in space become polarized due to various factors, such as exposure to strong magnetic fields or interactions with material surrounding black holes.
• Studying polarized X-rays from Sources like magnetars, black holes, and neutron stars allows scientists to probe radiation nature and the intricate processes involved in radiation generation.

5. POLIX Mission Objectives:

• POLIX, as part of XPoSat, will conduct crucial measurements, including determining the degree and angle of polarization of X-ray photons in the vicinity of cosmic entities like black holes and neutron stars.

6. Comprehensive Data Integration:

• The combination of polarimetric data along with spectrographic, timing, and imaging data enhances researchers' ability to comprehensively understand celestial bodies.
• The goal is to unravel previously unknown mysteries of the Universe by improving the understanding of the radiations and processes associated with cosmic entities like black holes and neutron stars.

Need to study polarization of X rays:

• X-rays are composed of electric and magnetic waves in constant motion, characterized by sinusoidal waves lacking a specific direction.
• Polarized X-rays exhibit organization, featuring two waves vibrating in the same direction, unlike the random motion of non-polarized X-rays.
• When magnetars or black holes release X-rays, these encounter diverse materials in the Universe.
• As X-rays pass through thick material clouds, the electric component of the X-ray emits a photon in a different direction due to scattering.
• The resulting photon becomes polarized in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the original and scattered photon.
• Scattering during X-ray emission by magnetars or black holes alters the direction of the electric component of X-rays.
• This process results in the polarization of the new photon, perpendicular to the plane formed by the original and scattered photons.
• Polarization measurements, including angular and degree of polarization, are crucial for understanding bright X-ray-emitting Sources.
• These measurements offer insights into the nature of X-ray radiations and the intricate processes they undergo.
• By studying polarization in X-rays, scientists aim to gather valuable clues about the characteristics of Sources emitting bright X-rays, providing a deeper understanding of the radiations and the complex processes involved in their generation.

Comparasion of XPoSat with X-ray experiments in other countries:

• Few missions globally have focused on X-ray polarization measurements, such as HX-POL and XL-Calibur, which were balloon-based experiments conducted by NASA and collaborators. These were short-duration projects.
• Indian astronomers utilized AstroSat, launched in September 2015, for timing and broadband spectroscopy of X-ray Sources. However, no polarisation studies were conducted at that time.
• The scarcity of highly sensitive and precise instruments has posed significant challenges in the development of missions dedicated to X-ray polarization measurements.
• This difficulty has contributed to the limited number of missions in this domain.
• In 2021, NASA introduced the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), specifically designed for soft X-ray band polarization measurements (2 to 8 keV energy band).
• XPoSat, with its POLIX payload, aims to complement IXPE by extending the observational energy band. POLIX is designed to perform X-ray polarization measurements in the medium X-ray band (8 to 30 keV), providing additional insights and capabilities.
• POLIX, part of XPoSat, offers a unique contribution to X-ray polarimetry by operating in the medium energy band, differentiating it from the soft X-ray focus of the IXPE mission.

Context: There are not enough judges at all levels of the judicial hierarchy to deal with the increased workload. The result is that there is little time to reflect on issues which can change the course of the nation’s march forward. The collegium system has also been in news for tussles between the judiciary and the executive and the slow pace of judicial appointments.

About collegium system:

The collegium system, not originally mentioned in the constitution, is a process for appointing judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts in India.

Supreme Court Appointments:

• As per Article 124 of the constitution, Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India after consulting with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and other judges as deemed suitable.
• The collegium for Supreme Court appointments comprises the CJI and the four most senior judges of the Supreme Court.
• Appointments can involve elevating High Court judges to the Supreme Court or directly appointing experienced lawyers.

High Court Appointments and Transfers:

• According to Article 217, High Court judges are appointed by the President in consultation with the CJI, the Governor of the State, and the Chief Justice of that High Court.
• For transfers, the President may move a judge from one High Court to another after consulting with the CJI.
• The High Court collegium, consisting of the Chief Justice of the High Court and two other senior-most judges, recommends judicial appointments. However, the final decision lies with the Supreme Court collegium.

Role of Supreme Court Collegium:

• The Supreme Court collegium, consisting of the CJI and the two most senior judges, not only decides on appointments but also handles the transfers of High Court judges across the country.

Evolution:

The evolution of the collegium system in India traces back to the constitutional provisions regarding the appointment and transfer of judges.

Constitutional Framework:

• Initially, the Constitution vested the President with the authority to make appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts and to transfer judges between High Courts.
• The President, acting on the advice of the council of ministers, was required to consult authorities like the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or the appropriate Chief Justice of the High Court, aiming to minimize executive influence and political interference.

First Judges Case (1981 - SP Gupta case):

• The Supreme Court ruled that "consultation" did not imply "concurrence," making the CJI's opinion non-binding on the executive.

Second Judges Case (1993):

• The court reversed its earlier stance, stating that "consultation" now meant "concurrence," making the CJI's advice binding on the President.
• The term "collegium" was introduced, and the CJI was to form an opinion through a body of senior judges.

Third Judges Case (1998):

• The collegium composition was clarified:
  • For Supreme Court appointments: CJI and four senior-most colleagues.
  • For High Court appointments: CJI and two senior-most colleagues, consulting other senior judges from the Supreme Court who had served in the concerned High Court.
• On whether the views of consultee-judges were binding on the collegium, the judgments remained silent.
• National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC):
  • The government attempted to replace the collegium with the NJAC through the 99th constitutional amendment.
  • The NJAC included the Union Minister for Law and Justice and two eminent persons, along with the CJI and the next two senior-most Supreme Court judges.
• Fourth Judges Case (2015):
  • The court affirmed the judiciary's primacy in judges' appointments as a fundamental aspect of the Constitution's basic structure.
  • It declared the NJAC unconstitutional, emphasizing that the law gave politicians an equal say in judicial appointments to constitutional courts.

Significance of collegiums system:

The Collegium System is deemed necessary for several reasons:

1. Preservation of Judicial Independence:

• It ensures the independence and impartiality of the judiciary by separating it from the influence of the executive and legislative branches.
• This upholds the principle of the separation of powers, preventing any organ of the State from interfering in the functioning of another.

       2. Effective Separation of Powers:

• The Collegium System strengthens the principle of the separation of powers, emphasizing that no state organ should intervene in the affairs of another.

      3. Judicial Autonomy from the State:

• With a significant portion of cases involving the government as a litigant, giving the executive power to transfer judges could potentially hinder the delivery of justice.
• The Collegium System prevents the fear of politically motivated transfers that might impede the impartial administration of justice.

4. Specialized Appointment Process:

• The executive organ may lack the specialized knowledge required for judge appointments.
• The Collegium, being a body of judicial experts, is better suited for appointing judges who possess the necessary qualifications and expertise.

5. Prevention of Nepotism and Political Interference:

• The Collegium System serves as a safeguard against nepotism and political interference in the judiciary.
• Instances of civil servants being transferred for political gains are mitigated, ensuring a fair and stable judicial system.

6. Enhanced Judicial Stability:

• By providing stability to judges, the Collegium System contributes to the overall consistency and reliability of the judicial process.

Challenges

The functioning of the collegium system in India is marred by several issues:

1. Lack of Transparency in Appointments:

• The collegium's operations are perceived as opaque, lacking defined norms for eligibility criteria and selection procedures.
• There is a lack of public information regarding when and how the collegium meets, and decisions are made without official minutes of the proceedings.

2. Nepotism and Favouritism:

• Allegations of nepotism and favoritism are prevalent, with judges in the collegium accused of recommending their close relatives for appointments.

3. Diversity Concerns:

• The absence of an institutional mechanism to ensure diversity on the Bench poses a challenge.
• Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and minorities are significantly underrepresented in collegium selections.

4. Vacancy Challenges:

• Despite concerns about the backlog of cases, there is a persistent issue of non-filling of judicial vacancies in the Supreme Court.

5. Internal Conflicts:

• Conflicting opinions among collegium members hinder the effective functioning of the system.
• Recent instances, such as the differing views on circulating recommendations for Supreme Court appointments, exemplify internal disagreements.

6. Challenges with Conventions:

• Certain conventions, like the cessation of decision-making by the Collegium once a recommendation for the CJI's successor is made, pose challenges.
• This convention, based on seniority, may lead to shorter tenures for CJIs and potentially slow down decision-making processes.

Long pendency of cases:

• Decisions made after years have no relevance since the damage is already done and the clock cannot be turned back.

Context: The recent diplomatic overture during the visit Chief of the Army Staff of India, in November 2023, to the Republic of Korea, signifies a critical juncture in the trajectory of India-Korea defence relations. While this visit fortified diplomatic ties, it also unveiled the challenges, necessitating meticulous consideration.
Background:
India and the Republic of Korea have witnessed substantial progress in their bilateral relations, marked by a multifaceted approach driven by shared interests, mutual goodwill, and frequent high-level exchanges.

•    In the political arena, the bilateral relationship attained the status of a 'special strategic partnership' in May 2015, reflecting the depth of their engagement. India plays a pivotal role in South Korea's Southern Policy, emphasizing an expanded relationship beyond immediate regions. Simultaneously, South Korea is a key participant in India's Act East Policy, focusing on economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationships in the Asia-Pacific region.
•    On the economic front, the two nations set an ambitious bilateral trade target of $50 billion by 2030. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2010 has been instrumental in fostering trade relations. To facilitate Korean investment in India, the "Korea Plus" facilitation cell was launched under 'Invest India,' providing guidance and support to investors.
•    In the cultural realm, historical ties are evident in the visit of Korean Buddhist Monk Hyecho in 723-729 AD, who documented his experiences in the travelogue "Pilgrimage to the five kingdoms of India." This work provides a rich account of Indian culture, politics, and society. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore composed the poem 'Lamp of the East' in 1929, expressing admiration for Korea's illustrious past and anticipating a promising future.
These various dimensions of cooperation reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of India-South Korea bilateral relations, emphasizing a commitment to shared growth and mutual prosperity.

Challenges persisting between both countries:
1. Challenges in Korean Recognition of India's Role:
   - The Korean government needs to reassess its perception of India beyond being a major consumer of defense products.
2. Addressing Arms Lobbies and Prioritizing Long-Term Goals:
   - Powerful arms lobbies in both India and Korea pose potential roadblocks.
3. Challenges from Emerging Coalition:
   - The coalition of North Korea, China, and Russia presents a new challenge to collaborative efforts between India and Korea.

Solution:
1. Overcoming historical perceptions, where India was viewed in opposition to the Soviet bloc, is essential to foster a deeper partnership.
2. While weapons acquisition and technology transfer are vital, the Indian government should avoid overemphasizing these aspects, giving due attention to broader strategic considerations in the partnership.
3. Collaborating in developing advanced defence systems and equipment, leveraging their technological capabilities.Shared understanding of technology's pivotal role in future conflicts opens limitless opportunities for cooperation in the defence sector.
4. In an era emphasizing defense against space warfare, information warfare, and cybersecurity, India and South Korea can explore collaboration in these critical areas.Korea's advanced high-tech digital capabilities offer opportunities to develop robust security measures for countering emerging threats in the digital domain.
5. Strengthening coordinated efforts to counter terrorism aligns with the shared concerns of both India and South Korea.
6. Collaboration can enhance security measures to protect critical infrastructure and information, acknowledging the importance of safeguarding against evolving threats in the digital landscape.
7. India and South Korea aim to leverage their UN peacekeeping expertise for joint efforts, enhancing regional and global stability.
8. Joint exercises and exchange of best practices in HADR demonstrate the shared responsibility of both nations in addressing vulnerabilities to natural disasters.
9. Mutual growth is sought through enhancing joint army exercises, fostering interoperability, and strengthening the capabilities of both armies for effective collaboration in diverse scenarios.

The goal is to create a partnership that fosters peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. When united, both nations are prepared to navigate complexities and uncertainties, forging a path toward a stronger and more resilient partnership for the future.

Context: The state government of Himachal Pradesh has finally issued notification to give Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Hatti community of Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district.

Background: The residents of the Trans-Giri area were demanding ST status on the lines of the Jaunsar-Bawar area of  . Uttarakhand granted in 1967 itself. Both Trans-Giri and Jaunsar Bawar area had remained part of erstwhile Sirmaur princely state and have similarity in all aspects.

About Hattis:

The Hattis form a tightly-knit community, earning their name from the practice of selling locally produced vegetables, crops, meat, and wool at small markets referred to as 'haats' in towns. During ceremonial events, Hatti men traditionally wear a distinctive white headgear.

• Geographically, the Hatti homeland spans the Himachal-Uttarakhand border within the Giri and Tons river basins, both tributaries of the Yamuna.
• The Tons river delineates the border between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The Hattis residing in the trans-Giri area of Himachal Pradesh and Jaunsar Bawar in Uttarakhand were originally part of Sirmaur's royal estate until Jaunsar Bawar's separation in 1814.
• The community comprises two clans, one in Trans-Giri and the other in Jaunsar Bawar, sharing similar traditions, with inter-marriages being common.
• Despite this unity, a fairly rigid caste system is prevalent, with the Bhat and Khash considered upper castes and the Badhois placed below them, discouraging inter-caste marriages.
• The Hattis are governed by a traditional council called 'khumbli,' akin to Haryana's 'khaps,' which makes decisions on community matters. Despite the establishment of the Panchayati raj system, the Khumbli's authority remains unchallenged.
• Politically, the Hattis have a significant presence in approximately nine Assembly seats in the Sirmaur and Shimla regions.
• According to the 2011 Census of India, the tribal population in Himachal Pradesh, including the Hattis, constitutes 5.7% of the state's total population, numbering 3,92,126.

Demands:

• Their key demand revolves around seeking Scheduled Tribe status, a demand that has persisted since 1967. This appeal stems from the precedent set when tribal status was granted to residents of Jaunsar Bawar in Uttarakhand, an area sharing a border with the Sirmaur district.
• The primary issue prompting this demand is the topographical disadvantages faced by the Hattis residing in the Kamrau, Sangrah, and Shilliai regions of Himachal Pradesh. These geographical challenges have resulted in a lag in both education and employment opportunities for this community.

Status of Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India:

• In the context of India, Scheduled Tribes (ST) were initially termed as "backward tribes" residing in the "Excluded" and "Partially Excluded" areas, as per the Census of 1931.
• The Government of India Act of 1935 marked the first instance calling for representation of "backward tribes" in provincial assemblies.
• While the Constitution doesn't explicitly define the criteria for recognizing Scheduled Tribes, the 1931 Census definition was utilized in the initial post-independence years. However, Article 366(25) of the Constitution outlines the process for defining Scheduled Tribes: "Scheduled Tribes means such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this Constitution."
• Under Article 342(1), the President, with consultation with the Governor in the case of a State, may specify tribes, tribal 
• communities, or parts thereof as Scheduled Tribes for a particular State or Union Territory through a public notification.
• Currently, there are over 705 tribes that have been notified, with Odisha having the largest number of tribal communities.
• The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution addresses the Administration and Control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Additionally, the Sixth Schedule pertains to the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

• IIT Bombay has developed an instrument, GolDN (pronounced as Golden) for melt-mixing of waste thermoplastic polymers and inorganic particulate fillers to manufacture polymer composites.
• GolDN is a single screw extruder that mechanically recycles waste plastic polymers through melt-mixing.

The instrument can manufacture composites from thermoplastic waste that can be molded into materials like paver blocks, tiles, and bricks.

• Researchers have identified a new class of antibiotics named Zosurabalpin with the potential to tackle a drug-resistant bacterium, Acinetobacter baumannii recently.
• It inhibits the transport of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules.

Zosurabalpin was found to be effective against CRAB (carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii)-induced pneumonia and sepsis in mice models.

• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said that blood at hospitals or private banks and centres is “not for sale” but allowed for a “processing charge”.
• The revised guidelines said that processing fees can be charged for blood or blood components, which ranges from Rs 250 to Rs 1,550.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is a statutory body established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed to set up a forward fighter airbase in Minicoy Islands, to safeguard the sea lanes of communications and to keep the Arabian Sea free from non-state actors in the region.

• Location - In the Indian Ocean between the Laccadive Islands of Kalpeni and Suheli Par, and Maliku Atoll of Minicoy.
• Features - Approximately 200 km wide with a depth of 2597 metres.

Lakshadweep

• An archipelago consisting of 36 islands.India’s smallest and uni-district Union Territory.Almost all the inhabited islands are coral atolls.

Capital - Kavaratti

The territory falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court.

A study has pointed out that the 100 active permafrost structures identified in Jhelum basin, can cause catastrophic disasters in future.

• A rock glacier is a mass of rock, ice, snow, mud, and water that moves slowly down a mountain under the influence of gravity.

Formation - They typically form in mountainous regions where there is a combination of permafrost, rock debris, and ice.

• • A pre-existing glacier may accumulate debris and rocks as it moves.
  • Over time, if the glacier recedes or thaws, the debris-covered ice can transform into a rock glacier.

Permafrost - Thick ground layers frozen for at least 2 years

Types - They are classified as ‘active’ or ‘relict’ to indicate the status of permafrost within them, identified by the appearance of the rock surfaces.

Rock glaciers in Kashmir Himalayas - The Kashmir Himalayas dotted with these rock glaciers is facing deglaciation (retreat or melting of ice sheets and glaciers).

• The study has pointed that rock glaciers will become a more common mountain landform in the future, as debris concentrations increase in the melting glaciers due to global warming.
• The researchers found that some rock glaciers near glacial lakes in the region such as Chirsar Lake and Bramsar Lake particularly increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

Aditya-L1 spacecraft was successfully placed in halo orbit around the Lagrangian point (L1).A halo orbit is a periodic, 3-dimensional orbit that occurs near one of the L1, L2, or L3 Lagrange points.

• These points are locations in space where the gravitational pull from two celestial bodies is equal.

It is called a halo orbit because the tracked orbit looks like a halo around the moon.

It is the apex executive body for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and laws relating to MSMEs in India.MSME sector has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy, fostering entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities at comparatively lower capital cost, next only to agriculture.

Union minister- Shri Narayan Rane

Key Initiatives/ Schemes

Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Act (MSMED Act) 2006

Aim- To facilitate the promotion and development and enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs.

MSME definition- A revision was announced in Atmanirbhar Bharat package in 2020.

Services provided under the act

• MSME SAMBANDH- Launched in 2017 to disseminate information on procurement done by various government departments, ministries and Public Sector Units.
• MSME SAMADHAN- An online delayed payment monitoring system governed by Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council (MSEFC).
• MSME Technological Centres (MSME TCs)
• MSME SAMPARK- A digital platform where both the job seekers skilled in MSME Technology Centres and the industries looking for skilled manpower can interact.

PM Vishwakarma

• Launch year- 2023
• Central Sector Scheme
• Aim- To improve the quality as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that the Vishwakarmas are integrated into the value chain.
• Key components- PM Vishwakarma certificate, ID card, skill upgradation, toolkit incentive, credit and marketing support etc.,

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program

• Launch year- 2006
• Credit linked subsidy scheme- Provides employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.
• Aim- To provide financial assistance to set up self-employment ventures in rural as well as urban area.
• Subsidy- Margin money is provided to beneficiaries availing loan from banks for setting up new enterprises.
• Training- Free 2-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training.

Credit Guarantee for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)

• Launch year- 2000
• Aim- To encourage first generation entrepreneurs to venture into self-employment opportunities by facilitating credit guarantee support for collateral free
• The ceiling limit of Guarantee coverage has been increased from Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 5 crore

Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund

• Aim- To provide support for MSMEs across the country through equity infusion.
• Tenure of fund- 15 years.
• Fund type- Daughter Funds can be categorized I or II AIFs registered with SEBI.
• Exclusions- Non-Profit Institutions, NBFCs, financial inclusion sector, SHGs and other financial intermediaries.

Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP)

• Launch year- 2003
• Objective- Enhance the productivity and competitiveness of MSEs by extending financial assistance for establishment of Common Facility Centers 

Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)

• Launch year- 2005-06, revamped in 2014-15
• Aim- To organize traditional artisans into clusters for product development and diversification through value addition and to promote traditional sectors.
• Implementation- Coir Board and KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission)

A Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Rural Industry & Entrepreneurship’ (ASPIRE)

• Aim- To create employment opportunities in the agro-rural sector.
• Components
  • Livelihood Business Incubator- An entity set up for imparting skill development and incubation programs for promoting entrepreneurship and employment generation in agro-rural sector with special focus on rural and underserved areas.
  • ASPIRE Fund of Funds- Managed by SIDBI with a focus to invest through Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs), in early-stage scalable start-ups.

Procurement and Market Support Scheme (PMS)

• It promotes new market access initiatives and enhances the marketability of products and services in the MSME sector.
• It provides financial assistance to micro enterprise for selling products or services through e-commerce portals.
• It address the activities needed to establish market connections in order to effectively implement the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs Order of 2012.
• India International Trade Fair (IITF), 2023- MSME pavilion was inaugurated under the theme “PM Vishwakarma”.

National SC-ST Hub

• Launch year- 2016
• It has been set up to provide professional support to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs to fulfil the obligations under the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs Order 2012.

MSME Champions Scheme

• Objective- To pick up clusters and enterprises and modernize their processes, reduce wastages, sharpen business competitiveness, and facilitate their national and global reach.
• Components
  • MSME-Sustainable (ZED)
  • MSME-Competitive (Lean)
  • MSME- Innovation (Incubation, IPR, Design)
  • Digital MSME

Technology Centres’ contribution

• Technology Centre Systems Programme- It is a World Bank assisted project that provides access to advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Chandrayaan-3- Tool rooms under the ministry made their contribution in India’s 3^rd lunar mission realizing towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Aditya L1- Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar made contribution to India’s 1^st solar mission

Entrepreneurship Skill Development Program

• Objective- To promote new enterprises, capacity building of existing MSMEs and inculcating entrepreneurial culture in the country.
• Nature of assistance
  • Industrial Motivational Campaign
  • Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes
  • Entrepreneurship-cum-skill Development Programmes
  • Management Development Programs

Promotion of MSMEs in North East Region (NER) and Sikkim Scheme

• Objective- To provide technology support and skill development
• Key activities- Setting up of new and modernization of existing Mini Technology Centres.

Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance Programme (RAMP) Scheme

• Assistance- World Bank supported Central Sector Scheme
• Aim- To improve access of MSMEs to market, finance and technology upgradation by enhancing the outreach of existing schemes under the ministry.
• Sub schemes
  • MSE-GIFT- MSE Green Investment and Financing for Transformation
  • MSE-SPICE -MSE Scheme for the Promotion of Investment in Circular Economy
  • MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments

Udyam Registration Portal

• Launch year- 2020
• It is zero cost free registration to simplify the procedure for business owners to register their business under MSME.
• Udyam registration number- The enterprise is issued a permanent identity number after registration.
• Udyam registration certificate- It is issued online upon the completion of registration process.
• Udyog aadhar- New MSMEs must register as soon as possible with the Udyam Registration Postal in order to obtain an Udyam certificate.

My MSME

• Aim- It is a web based application launched to facilitate the enterprises to take benefits of various schemes.
• Mobile app- The app can also be accessed through mobile through which entrepreneurs can make their applications and track them.

Khadi and Gramodyog Vikas Yojana

• Launch year- 2019
• Khadi Vikas Yojana- Offers end to end support in promoting Khadi industry through increased khadi production, sales, number of artisans and employment opportunities.
• Gramodyog Vikas Yojana- Focuses on promoting traditional skills of rural artisans to meet the developmental needs of village industry sector.
• Khadi grant- For meeting establishment expenses of KVIC officers/ employee.

Coir Vikas Yojana

• Aim- To support the establishment of new 'state of the art' coir processing units, provide modern infrastructure facilities for creating more employment opportunities, especially for women.
• Implementation agency- Coir Board
• Science and Technology scheme- Modernize the traditional industry to bring improvement in productivity and enhancement of quality.
• Entrepreneurship Development Programme etc.,
• Mahila Coir Yojana- A women oriented self-employment scheme to rural women artisans in regions producing coconut.

Rozgar Yukta Gaon

• Vision- Transforming socio-economically distressed villages into sustainable and self-reliant khadi based enterprise.
• The Government will only play the role of enabler while the rural communities will transit into state of empowered entrepreneurship.

Mission Solar Chakra

• Launch year- 2018-19
• Implementation agency- Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
• The scheme envisages setting up of solar chakra clusters which would mean a focal village and other surrounding villages in a radius of 8-10 kilometers.

Honey Mission Programme

• Launch year- 2017-18 in line with sweet revolution
• Implementation agency- KVIC
• It promotes bee keeping activities and provide self-sustaining employment opportunities among farmers, Adivasis and unemployed youth in rural India, mainly in economically backward and remote areas.
• Project RE-HAB- Reducing Elephant-Human Attacks using Bees, it intends to create “bee fences” by installing bee boxes along the periphery of the forest and the villages to block the entrance of elephants to human habitations.

Project BOLD

• Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought (BOLD) is an initiative of KVIC launched in 2021.
• Aim- To prevent land degradation, reduce desertification, and provide livelihood and multi-disciplinary rural industry support to people living in dry/arid and drought-prone regions of India.

National Small Industries Corporation

• It is an ISO 9001-2015 certified Government of India enterprise to promote MSMEs in the country.

Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization

• It is a national autonomous institute established in 2009 in Wardha.
• Objective- To accelerate rural industrialization for sustainable village economy so that Khadi Village Industry sector co-exists with the main stream

International Cooperation Scheme

• It provides financial assistance on reimbursement basis to the eligible MSMEs to facilitate participation in international exhibitions, seminars, conference etc.,
• Sub-components-
  • MDA- Market Development Assistance of MSMEs.
  • CBFTE- Capacity Building of First Time MSE Exporters
  • IMID- Framework for International Market Intelligence Dissemination (IMID).

CHAMPIONS portal

• It stands for Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength.
• Launch year- 2020
•  It is an ICT based technology system for making the smaller units big by guidance and advisory services in areas of finance, marketing, technology, raw material, labour, infrastructure and capacity building.