Current Affairs, 14 October 2026

Outlay and target

The scheme has an outlay of ₹33,660 crore and aims to support 100 plug-and-play industrial parks.

Financial assistance

Support is up to ₹1 crore per acre for developing parks.

External infrastructure

Up to 25% of approved funding can go to external connectivity such as road, rail and last-mile logistics.

Implementation

Each project is run by a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that oversees development, operations, investor facilitation and maintenance.

Park size

Each park spans 25 to 1,000 acres, as per the scheme guidelines.

Don’t confuse with BHAVYA vs BHAVYA-Rasayan: BHAVYA covers 100 general plug-and-play parks. BHAVYA-Rasayan, approved in July 2026, is for three chemical parks.

Don’t confuse with SEZ vs plug-and-play park: SEZs are export-oriented zones with fiscal incentives and a regulatory perimeter. Plug-and-play parks offer ready infrastructure and faster approvals, mainly to cut set-up time.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2018Mains GS1 · Q16Significance of industrial corridors in India and their main characteristics.
2. 2015Mains GS3 · Q10Issues hindering SEZ success regarding taxation, governing laws and administration.
3. 2021Mains GS3 · Q12Infrastructure investment's role in rapid, inclusive growth, per India's experience.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Outlay and period

Cabinet approved continuation for five years, 2026-27 to 2030-31, with an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore.

Disability criterion

Disability pension now uses 40 per cent benchmark disability under the RPwD Act 2016 instead of 80 per cent.

Disability beneficiaries

Beneficiaries under the disability scheme rise from 8.33 lakh to 27.48 lakh.

Implementation

States and UTs implement it mainly through social welfare departments, with Gram Panchayats and municipalities helping to identify beneficiaries. Payment is largely by direct benefit transfer.

Constitutional basis

NSAP was launched on 15 August 1995 to meet the Centre's duty under Article 41 (DPSP).

Disability pension rates

Rs 375 for ages 0-79 and Rs 625 for 80 and above.

Benchmark disability

The eligibility threshold falls from 80% to 40%, and there is no minimum age (since birth).

Funding pattern

The Centre gives 100 per cent assistance so that benefits are uniform across the country.

Coverage

About 3.20 crore beneficiaries in all 36 States/UTs.

Don’t confuse with 80 per cent vs 40 per cent disability: 80 per cent is the severe disability level in the National Trust Act 1999, used earlier for the pension. 40 per cent is benchmark disability under the RPwD Act 2016, now used.

Don’t confuse with Central rate vs State top-up: The central rate is a floor. States add their own top-ups, ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 5700 a month.

Don’t confuse with NSAP vs Atal Pension Yojana: NSAP is a non-contributory, tax-funded pension for poor households. Atal Pension Yojana is a contributory scheme for unorganised workers.

Don’t confuse with Article 41 vs Article 21: Article 41 is a Directive Principle on public assistance. Article 21 is a justiciable fundamental right to life.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2019Mains GS2 · Q18Why vulnerable-section welfare schemes underperform despite low beneficiary awareness
2. 2026Mains GS2 · Q17Whether rights-based welfare mandate is realisable under non-integrated governance, minimal investment
3. 2016Mains GS4 · Q11Handling old destitute woman lacking documents for social scheme eligibility
4. 2017Mains GS2 · Q17Whether poverty alleviation programmes are mere showpieces without political will
5. 2008Prelims Q14Eligibility and central assistance amount under IGNOAPS for BPL elderly
6. 2004Prelims Q9Which statement about TPDS, Annapurna and old-age pension is incorrect
7. 2002Prelims Q96Central pension amount under National Old Age Pension Scheme

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Legal source

Section 73(6) of the MSCS (Amendment) Act, 2023 lets the Centre prescribe auditing and accounting standards for MSCS.

Model and format

It is modelled on CARO for companies. Auditors answer in a standard Yes/No format with remarks.

Inputs taken

The Ministry drew on inputs from RBI, ICAI, CAG and multi-state societies.

Risk-based supervision

The Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) can use audit observations to identify high-risk societies for focused inspection.

PMLA and cyber checks

Audit-level checks cover cybersecurity and anti-money laundering compliance, including Designated Directors and Principal Officers under PMLA.

Don’t confuse with MSCARO vs CARO: CARO applies to companies under the Companies Act; MSCARO applies to multi-state cooperative societies under the MSCS Act.

Don’t confuse with CRCS vs RCS: The Central Registrar handles multi-state societies; State Registrars handle societies registered under State laws.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2016Mains GS2 · Q4Whether CAG audit of government policy implementation oversteps its jurisdiction.
2. 2015Mains GS2 · Q14Changes in corporate governance after Satyam scandal for transparency and accountability.
3. 2021Mains GS4 · Q6Elaborate need for independent, empowered social audit in public services.
4. 2020Prelims Q59Statements on DCCBs' short-term agricultural credit and funding of PACS.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

2003 amendment rejected

During the Budget 2003 discussions and the debate on the Repeal Act, an amendment to restrict dilution of the Government's stake was moved but rejected. It is not part of the enacted law.

Delhi High Court case

All India IDBI Officers' Association v. Union of India was decided on 17 December 2018. The Court dismissed the writ petition.

Promissory estoppel

The Court held that promissory estoppel cannot be invoked on the basis of statements made in parliamentary debates to stop the Government from diluting its stake.

Statute prevails over debate

The Court said statements made in the House cannot override the statute that Parliament enacted.

Budget 2016-17

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Government would consider reducing its stake in IDBI Bank to below 50%.

Budget 2021-22

The speech listed IDBI Bank among strategic disinvestment transactions to be completed in 2021-22.

Stake sold

60.72% equity: 30.48% from GoI and 30.24% from LIC. GoI keeps 15% and LIC keeps 19%.

Eligibility

Only bidders found Fit and Proper by the RBI and given security clearance by the MHA could bid.

FDI significance

Once completed, it will be the largest FDI in India's financial sector so far.

Don’t confuse with Disinvestment vs privatisation: Disinvestment is the sale of Government equity, which may leave the Government still in control. Strategic sale transfers management control to the buyer.

Don’t confuse with Strategic sale vs minority stake sale: A strategic sale transfers management control to a buyer. A minority sale, like the 15% GoI residual through the open market, does not.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

1. 2011Prelims Q85Why is the government disinvesting equity in CPSEs; is management control retained?
2. 2025Prelims Q10Which statements about capital receipts, including disinvestment, are correct?
3. 2010Prelims Q134Statements on National Investment Fund, where disinvestment proceeds are routed

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

India's current status

India has been a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party to SIOFA since 2022, with limited say in decisions. Accession makes it a full Contracting Party.

Species covered

Indian vessels can fish squids, toothfish, alfonsino and other non-migratory stocks within SIOFA's jurisdiction.

Exclusions

SIOFA excludes highly migratory species listed in Annex I of UNCLOS and sedentary species under coastal-state jurisdiction (Article 77(4) of UNCLOS).

Other Indian Ocean RFMO

India has been a Contracting Party to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) since 1996. The IOTC regulates highly migratory tuna and tuna-like species.

Enforcement tool

India will take part in the High Seas Boarding and Inspection (HSBI) Scheme adopted under SIOFA, which also supports efforts against IUU fishing.

Don’t confuse with SIOFA vs IOTC: IOTC manages highly migratory tuna and tuna-like species; SIOFA manages non-tuna stocks such as squid, toothfish and alfonsino. India is a full member of IOTC (since 1996) and is now acceding to SIOFA.

Don’t confuse with Contracting Party vs CNCP: A Contracting Party takes full part in decisions and committees. A Cooperating Non-Contracting Party cooperates but has limited participation.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

1. 2026Prelims Q38FAO's 'Four Betters' for Blue Transformation in sustainable fisheries

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

World position

India is the largest producer and exporter of coir, with about two-thirds of global production.

Coir Vikas Yojana

CVY is a central sector scheme run by the Ministry of MSME to develop the coir sector and support artisans.

Exports

Exports rose from ₹1,630.33 crore in 2014-15 to ₹6,614.40 crore in 2025-26, a rise of 305.70%.

Export markets

Major destinations are the US, China, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK. Major exports are coir pith, fibre, yarn and tufted mats.

Employment

The sector has over 21,000 units and gives direct and indirect jobs to over 7 lakh workers, 80% of them rural women.

Coir Board

The Coir Board is a statutory body set up under the Coir Industry Act, 1953. It is headquartered at Kochi.

Don’t confuse with Coir Vikas Yojana vs PMEGP: CVY is the coir-specific scheme for technology, training and market promotion. PMEGP is a general credit-linked subsidy scheme for new micro enterprises, which coir entrepreneurs also use.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

1. 2019Mains GS1 · Q6Can regional resource-based manufacturing help promote employment in India?
2. 2023Mains GS3 · Q1Comment on government policies to boost MSME manufacturing share in GDP.
3. 2017Mains GS3 · Q2Account for manufacturing's failure in labour-intensive exports; suggest measures.
4. 2026Prelims Q29Implications of Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in global textile markets.
5. 2019Prelims Q31Himalayan nettle is a sustainable source of which product: anti-malarial, biodiesel, pulp, or textile fibre?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Implementing agency

The programme is run by NBCFDC under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Launch date

It was launched on 5 November 2024 to connect traditional artisans with wider markets.

Branding

Traditional products are sold under a common BHARAT TULIP brand to raise visibility and enable online sales.

Support components

Support covers product promotion, digital marketing, quality assurance, skill development, and logistics and delivery.

Product range

Products include home décor, handcrafted jewellery, handwoven textiles and traditional leather goods.

Don’t confuse with BHARAT TULIP vs PM Vishwakarma: BHARAT TULIP is an NBCFDC market-access programme under the Social Justice Ministry. PM Vishwakarma is a separate scheme for artisans, run by the MSME Ministry with other ministries.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2014Mains GS2 · Q11Whether backward-group protection schemes exclude them from urban business.
2. 2015Mains GS2 · Q9Explain SHG bank linkage as poverty and women empowerment tool.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Chairman

Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar (Retd.) chairs the committee.

Constituted by

The Ministry of Home Affairs formed the committee on 26 May 2026.

Key mandate

It must recommend a permanent system for legal, fair and time-bound identification, detention and deportation of illegal immigrants already in the country.

Institutional mechanism

It is to suggest an institutional mechanism for border management, population stabilization and identification systems.

Don’t confuse with HLCDC vs Census: The Census is a statutory count of population by the Registrar General under the Census Act, 1948. HLCDC only studies trends and recommends measures.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2014Mains GS3 · Q18How illegal transborder migration threatens India's security, and strategies to curb it.
2. 2026Mains GS1 · Q19Critically examine challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India.
3. 2026Prelims Q69Statements on Colombo Process, Abu Dhabi Dialogue, GFMD migration platforms.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Chair

Prof. Ramesh Chand, an agricultural economist and former NITI Aayog Member, chairs the committee.

Sugar MSP

The committee will study revising the ex-mill Minimum Selling Price of sugar, in light of production costs, market realisations and mill viability.

Recovery and weighment

It will review how sugar recovery is tested and reported, and how cane is weighed at mills, including calibration and inspection.

Mechanised harvesting

It will assess deductions from the weight of machine-harvested cane and the actual losses, if any.

Members

Members are the Agriculture Commissioner, the Joint Secretary (Sugar) and the Joint Secretary (Legal Metrology).

FRP basis

The FRP of sugarcane is fixed by the Centre under the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966, on the advice of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

Don’t confuse with FRP vs ex-mill MSP of sugar: FRP is the minimum price mills must pay farmers for cane. The ex-mill MSP is the minimum price at which mills sell sugar. The committee looks at both farmer returns and the sugar MSP.

Don’t confuse with FRP vs State Advised Price (SAP): FRP is set by the Centre. Some states, such as Uttar Pradesh, set a higher SAP for cane.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

1. 2018Mains GS3 · Q3Define MSP; how it rescues farmers from low-income trap.
2. 2013Mains GS1 · Q23Agree with new sugar mill growth in southern states? Justify.
3. 2015Prelims Q13Which body approves the Fair and Remunerative Price of sugarcane?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Scale of pendency

Over 5.8 crore cases are pending across courts in India, most of them in district and subordinate courts.

Hotspot districts

The 100 identified districts account for over half of all district-court pendency.

Role of NLUs

NLUs are asked to use pro bono clubs, researchers and students for ground-level analysis of pendency and to suggest strategies.

Options discussed

Options discussed included identifying infructuous cases, case profiling, alternative dispute resolution, adjournment management, plea bargaining, mediation-assisted settlements and summary trials.

Constitutional hook

Article 39A of the Constitution directs the State to ensure equal justice and free legal aid, and Article 21 has been read to include the right to speedy trial.

Don’t confuse with District judiciary vs High Courts: The mission targets district and subordinate courts, which are under the High Court's administrative control (Article 235), not the High Courts or Supreme Court themselves.

Don’t confuse with Plea bargaining vs mediation: Plea bargaining is a criminal-law route where the accused pleads guilty for a lighter sentence (Chapter XXIA CrPC); mediation is a voluntary settlement process with a neutral third party.

1. 2014Mains GS2 · Q5Should a time limit be set for the President to decide mercy petitions, as delay denies justice?
2. 2021Prelims Q88Which statements on retired Supreme Court judges' recall and High Court review powers are correct?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.