Current Affairs, 2 October 2026

Extension

The scheme is extended up to 31 December 2026 by a Department of Commerce notification.

What it refunds

It refunds embedded, un-rebated central, state and local duties, taxes and levies, including prior-stage cumulative indirect taxes.

Rates and caps

Rates and value caps in Appendix 4R and Appendix 4RE as on 30 September 2026 continue unchanged.

Eligible units

DTA units, Advance Authorisation holders, SEZ units and EOUs can claim it.

Aim

It aims to give exporters a level playing field against competing economies.

Predecessor

RoDTEP replaced the MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India Scheme) from January 2021.

Don’t confuse with RoDTEP vs MEIS: MEIS was a reward-based export incentive; RoDTEP refunds actual embedded taxes.

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. 2026Mains GS3 · Q14Types of agricultural subsidies in India and related WTO Agreement on Agriculture issues.
2. 2023Mains GS3 · Q14Direct and indirect farm subsidies in India and WTO concerns about them.
3. 2019Mains GS3 · Q1Indirect taxes subsumed in GST and its revenue implications since 2017.

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

Source of the tigress

The tigress was translocated from Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar. This is the first phase of a phased, adaptive programme.

Tiger Reserve status

Buxa was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983. It connects to forests and protected areas of Bhutan and Assam.

Recovery project

The Tiger Augmentation and Recovery Project is run by West Bengal with NTCA and WII support. It has been implemented since 2018.

Prey and habitat work

More than 800 chital have been released as prey, and about 380 hectares of grassland have been restored or converted.

Community role

The programme engages 64 Eco-Development Committees/Joint Forest Management Committees.

Don’t confuse with Reintroduction vs augmentation: Reintroduction brings a species back where it has vanished. Augmentation adds animals to a small existing population. Buxa's programme uses both terms, and tigers have been recorded there through natural movement.

Species and protected areas: 12 Prelims questions since 2013; they test legal status, location and the year of designation.

1. 2017Prelims Q80What does the term M-STrIPES refer to in news?
2. 2020Prelims Q100Which Tiger Reserve has the largest area under Critical Tiger Habitat?
3. 2026Prelims Q32Statements about Madhav National Park's tiger reserve status and Ramsar site.

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

Nodal agency

KVIC implements the scheme at the national level under the MSME Ministry.

Form of aid

Margin Money subsidy on bank-sanctioned loans.

Reach since FY 2014-15

About 8.12 lakh entrepreneurs got Rs 24,398.61 crore subsidy, generating jobs for about 73.08 lakh persons.

Sector

Only non-farm sector enterprises are supported.

Launch

PMEGP was launched in 2008-09 by merging PMRY and REGP.

Implementing agency

PMEGP is implemented through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) under the MSME Ministry.

Type of support

Margin money subsidy on bank loans for new micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.

Outlay and units

Outlay of ₹13,554.42 crore was fully used; 4,03,706 units were set up against a target of 4,02,000.

Scheme type

PMEGP is a central sector scheme that helps set up new micro-enterprises with small project costs, funded through small loans.

Reach among small projects

From FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25, about 63% of manufacturing units and 93% of service units with project cost up to Rs 10 lakh were assisted.

No collateral

As per RBI guidelines, banks are not to insist on collateral security for loans up to Rs 10 lakh.

Education requirement

No educational qualification is needed for projects up to Rs 10 lakh in manufacturing and up to Rs 5 lakh in services.

Interest rates

Banks set PMEGP loan interest rates themselves within RBI's framework, since rates on advances are deregulated.

CHAMPIONS portal

The Ministry's CHAMPIONS portal handles grievances on its schemes including PMEGP and offers handholding and guidance to MSMEs.

Don’t confuse with PMEGP vs PMMY (Mudra): PMEGP gives a margin money subsidy for new micro-enterprises; Mudra gives collateral-free loans to small businesses without a subsidy.

Don’t confuse with PMEGP vs MUDRA: PMEGP gives a margin money subsidy on bank loans through KVIC; MUDRA loans are collateral-free credit without a subsidy element.

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. 2020Mains GS2 · Q17Evaluate SHGs in microfinance for rural asset creation and empowerment
2. 2023Mains GS3 · Q1Role of government policies in boosting MSMEs and manufacturing share
3. 2015Mains GS2 · Q9SHG Bank Linkage Programme's role in poverty alleviation, women empowerment
4. 2026Mains GS3 · Q12How startups promote entrepreneurship and employment; global and domestic challenges; measures.
5. 2015Mains GS3 · Q2Discuss promoting livestock rearing for non-farm employment and income in rural areas.
6. 2025Mains GS3 · Q14Food processing employment scope and government measures to generate jobs
7. 2016Prelims Q73Aim of MUDRA Yojana: bringing small entrepreneurs into formal finance
8. 2012Prelims Q6Which DPSP provisions include promoting cottage industries in rural areas?

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

Number of names

28 places and features in Ladakh were identified with standard names.

Purpose

Formal listing on the map is meant to give accurate recognition and better public awareness of the places.

Who acted

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced it; the Union government worked with the UT of Ladakh.

Feature types listed

The list covers peaks, passes, glaciers, valleys, lakes, rivers, water bodies and land areas, for example Chapchingal Pass, Skamri Glacier and Yangpa River.

Survey of India

Survey of India is India's oldest scientific department, set up in 1767, and works under the Department of Science and Technology.

Don’t confuse with Survey of India vs Geological Survey of India: Survey of India makes topographic and official maps. Geological Survey of India studies rocks, minerals and geological hazards, and works under the Ministry of Mines.

Places in the news: 26 Prelims questions since 2013, rising (12% of news questions in 2022–26); they test location and why it matters.

1. 2026Mains GS3 · Q10Discuss Border Area Development Programmes and Sixth Schedule demand for Ladakh.
2. 2022Mains GS1 · Q11Discuss political and administrative reorganization of states and territories, with examples.
3. 2003Prelims Q130Under which ministry does the Survey of India fall?

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

Parent mission

RELIEF is a time-bound intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), run by the Department of Commerce.

Launch date

RELIEF was launched on 19 March 2026 to help exporters facing freight escalation, high insurance premia and war-related risks.

Component II benefit

Exporters are encouraged to take ECGC cover for upcoming shipments to the specified regions, with 95% risk coverage.

Eligible policies

Stand Alone Policies or Whole Turnover Policies taken on or after 16 March 2026 qualify.

Cargo covered

FCL, LCL and Reefer containers are covered; energy shipments are excluded.

Premium protection

The premium paid by exporters will not rise above the pre-disruption level for the eligible period.

Don’t confuse with RELIEF vs Export Promotion Mission: EPM is the wider mission; RELIEF is a time-bound intervention within it, aimed at disruption-hit exporters.

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. 2025Mains GS3 · Q2Indian economy's challenges amid shift to protectionism and bilateralism
2. 2014Mains GS3 · Q19Impact of shifted piracy high-risk marking on India's maritime security
3. 2025Mains GS3 · Q20Maritime security's importance for India's sea trade; challenges, way forward
4. 2010Prelims Q18Objectives of SEZ Act 2005 for infrastructure, investment, exports
5. 2026Prelims Q29Implications of Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk exports

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

Organisers

NITI Aayog ran the workshop with the West Bengal Government and technical support from UNDP, under the State Support Mission.

Focus

The aim was to align planning and budgeting with the SDGs, institutionalise budget tagging and link spending to measurable outcomes at State level.

Guide on mapping State budgets

The Guide on Mapping State Budgets to the SDGs was developed jointly by NITI Aayog, the CAG and UNDP, and serves as a practical framework for States.

West Bengal first

West Bengal mapped its budget to the SDG goal level for the first time and built the exercise into its Integrated Financial Management System.

Scheme-SDG mapping

Sessions covered tagging to SDG targets through NITI Aayog's Scheme-SDG mapping and linkage with the Head of Accounts.

Target year

The SDGs have a 2030 deadline, which the release calls a critical milestone on the way to Viksit Bharat@2047.

Don’t confuse with SDG India Index vs SDG budgeting: The SDG India Index is NITI Aayog's score of State progress on the goals. Budget tagging tracks how much money is going to each goal.

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. 2020Mains GS2 · Q18Does NEP 2020 conform to SDG-4; critically examine the statement
2. 2018Mains GS3 · Q1Comment on India's progress on affordable, modern energy for SDGs
3. 2013Mains GS2 · Q15Identify health-related MDGs and assess government actions achieving them
4. 2026Prelims Q100Statements on NITI Aayog's MPI: methodology, indicators, UNDP overlap
5. 2015Prelims Q42NITI Aayog was established to replace which body?
6. 2019Prelims Q19Under which body is the Atal Innovation Mission set up?

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

Host and presidency

The meeting was held in Milwaukee, USA, under the US G20 Presidency. The UK holds the presidency in 2027.

MFN principle

India called MFN a key guarantee of a rules-based system. It ensures the same terms for the smallest and the largest trader.

Dispute settlement

India called for restoring the two-tier dispute settlement system of the WTO, that is, panels plus an Appellate Body.

Role of ILO

India said the ILO is the competent, universal and tripartite body for labour standards. The ILO is a UN agency.

Don’t confuse with MFN vs special and differential treatment: MFN means equal treatment among all members. Special and differential treatment gives developing countries extra flexibility and longer timelines.

Don’t confuse with ILO Convention 29 vs 105: Convention 29 concerns forced or compulsory labour. Convention 105 concerns the abolition of forced labour.

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. 2014Mains GS2 · Q20WTO's mandate, binding nature of decisions, and India's stand on food security.
2. 2016Mains GS2 · Q17WTO aims in globalization and why Doha round faces developed-developing country differences.
3. 2018Mains GS2 · Q19Key WTO reform areas amid trade war, considering India's interests.

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

Who ran the auction

The J&K government handed the auction to the Union Ministry of Mines, which held it under the Central Government's auction process.

Exploration stages

G-4 is reconnaissance and G-3 is preliminary exploration. Both are lower than the G-2 (general) and G-1 (detailed) stages. This is why the blocks leave scope for further exploration.

Legal basis

Auctions of mineral concessions follow the MMDR Act, 1957, as amended in 2015 and 2021. The 2015 amendment made auctions the route for allotting mineral concessions.

Don’t confuse with G-stages vs resource categories: G-1 to G-4 mark the level of exploration detail, with G-1 the most detailed. They are not grades of ore quality.

Don’t confuse with Major vs minor minerals: Limestone is a major mineral, regulated by the Centre under the MMDR Act. Minor minerals such as sand are regulated by states.

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. 2021Mains GS1 · Q5Why India's mining sector contributes little to GDP despite rich mineral endowment.
2. 2013Mains GS3 · Q19Consequences of illegal mining and MoEF's go and no-go zones for coal.
3. 2025Mains GS3 · Q17Why mining is an environmental hazard and what remedial measures are needed.
4. 2025Prelims Q6Which statements on India's critical minerals and the 2023 MMDR amendment central auctions are correct?
5. 2018Prelims Q27Whether state governments can auction non-coal mines, and mineral occurrence in Andhra, Jharkhand, Rajasthan.
6. 2025Prelims Q89Whether states can make rules for minor mineral concessions; Centre's power to notify minor minerals.

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

Launch

The scheme was launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment on 1 April 2017.

What it provides

Physical aids and assisted-living devices for senior citizens in need, to support mobility and independence.

Implementing agency

ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) implements the scheme; its CMD said it plans to use AI to serve senior citizens better.

Elderly population

Census 2011 counted 10.38 crore senior citizens in India, about 70 per cent of them in rural areas.

Don’t confuse with RVY vs ADIP scheme: RVY gives aids to senior citizens (the elderly). The ADIP scheme gives aids to persons with disabilities. Both are run by the social justice ministry and ALIMCO is an implementing agency for both.

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 GS4 · Q7Officer identifying beneficiaries for a healthcare scheme for senior citizens, ethical dilemma
2. 2022Mains GS3 · Q5Challenges from rising life expectancy and steps to meet them
3. 2020Mains GS2 · Q6Discuss health care policies needed for geriatric and maternal health
4. 2004Prelims Q9Which statement about MoSJE scheme for indigent elderly is incorrect

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

Who leads it

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj leads the campaign, with 21 Union Ministries and Departments as partners.

Since when

The campaign has been rolled out in all States and UTs since 2018, to enable evidence-based, holistic and participatory plans.

Plan upload and assessment tools

Over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats upload GPDPs on the eGramSwaraj portal. The Panchayat Advancement Index helps each GP identify achievements and gaps.

Capacity building

Under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, the Ministry supports training and capacity building across nine themes of local development.

Finance Commission grants

The Sixteenth Finance Commission recommended ₹4,35,236 crore for Rural Local Bodies for 2026-31, about 84 per cent more than the Fifteenth.

Nodal ministry

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj facilitates the Gram Sabha discussions with other Ministries and Departments in a Whole-of-Government approach.

Panchayat Advancement Index

The index lets Panchayats see achievements and gaps in local development areas. It gives the Gram Sabha a basis to set priorities and take a Sankalp for the year.

Schemes on the agenda

Schemes highlighted include Jal Jeevan Mission, SBM (Grameen), One Nation One Ration Card, DILRMP and the VB-G RAM G employment guarantee of 125 days.

Constitutional basis of planning

Article 243G empowers State legislatures to give Panchayats powers to prepare plans for economic development and social justice, covering the Eleventh Schedule subjects.

Don’t confuse with Gram Sabha vs Gram Panchayat: The Gram Sabha is the body of all registered voters in the village (Article 243A). The Gram Panchayat is the elected executive body that carries out its decisions.

Don’t confuse with GPDP vs Panchayat Advancement Index: The GPDP is the plan a Panchayat prepares. The Panchayat Advancement Index is a tool that scores Panchayats on development themes to show gaps.

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 GS2 · Q15Assess Panchayat importance and sources of financing beyond government grants.
2. 2016Mains GS2 · Q11Discuss relationship between government effectiveness and people's participation in India.
3. 2020Mains GS2 · Q13Highlight challenges faced by local institutions in functionality today.
4. 2015Mains GS2 · Q3Critically discuss whether Panchayats and Samitis are effective governance instruments.
5. 2012Prelims Q1What powers does Gram Sabha have under PESA in Scheduled Areas?
6. 2015Prelims Q85What is the fundamental object of the Panchayati Raj system?
7. 2026Prelims Q74Which statements about Revamped RGSA's period, objective, and funding share are correct?

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