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Women and Child Empowerment in India     1. The Ministry of Women and Child Development anchors a life cycle approach through Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya for women and children. 2. Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 targets children aged 0 to 6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through nutrition, care, checkups, and education. 3. Anganwadi Centres provide supplementary nutrition, preschool non formal education, nutrition and health education, while immunisation, health checkups, and referral services are delivered through National Health Mission. 4. Poshan Abhiyaan was launched on 8 March 2018 as the flagship nutrition programme, using convergent service delivery and the Poshan Tracker for beneficiary monitoring. 5. Scheme for Adolescent Girls covers girls aged 14 to 18 years in all Northeastern districts and Aspirational Districts, combining nutrition support with IFA, health education, and skilling. 6. By December 2025, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi had trained over 8.55 lakh Anganwadi workers and 41,645 master trainers, with curricula rolled out in 12 regional languages. 7. PM POSHAN provides one hot cooked nutritious meal to students of Classes I to VIII in Government and Government aided schools under the Ministry of Education. 8. Under PMMVY 2.0, effective from 1 April 2022, eligible women receive ₹5,000 in two instalments for the first living child and ₹6,000 for second girl child. 9. India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio declined from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014 to 16 to 93 in 2019 to 21, according to SRS. 10. Between 2015 and 2023, India’s under five mortality rate fell from 48 to 28, while neonatal mortality declined from 28 to 17 per 1,000. 11. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, launched on 22 January 2015, improved national Sex Ratio at Birth from 918 in 2014 to 15 to 929 in 2024. 12. In 2024 to 25, ₹28,841.96 lakh was allocated for 3,564 ICT labs and 3,655 smart classrooms across 29 States and Union Territories in KGBVs. 13. Female PhD enrolment increased by 135.6 percent from 2014 to 15 to 2022 to 23, adding 64,724 women researchers in advanced academic study. 14. National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies, launched in 2023 to 24, offers 10,000 annual slots, with 30 percent reserved for women and ₹1,50,000 yearly support. 15. NAVYA, launched on 24 June 2025, targets girls aged 16 to 18 years; by December 2025, 1,295 girls were enrolled and 671 trained. Must Know Terms : 1. Samarthya Samarthya is the empowerment focused sub scheme under Mission Shakti. It supports women’s long term independence through service and care mechanisms. Its key components include Shakti Sadan for shelter and rehabilitation, Sakhi Niwas for working women’s accommodation, Palna for daycare support, and SANKALP Hub for Empowerment of Women for convergence, skilling, capacity building, and livelihood access across institutional systems. 2. Sambal Sambal is the safety and security focused sub scheme under Mission Shakti. It includes One Stop Centres, Women Helpline 181, and Nari Adalat. One Stop Centres provide emergency medical aid, legal counselling, police assistance, psycho social support, and shelter referral for women facing violence. Women Helpline works as a 24×7 toll free crisis response mechanism linked to immediate support services and institutions. 3. SUMAN SUMAN stands for Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan. It was launched in 2019 to unify maternal and neonatal health services under one umbrella. It brings together existing schemes to provide service assurance for pregnant women and newborns. It works within the National Health Mission framework alongside Janani Suraksha Yojana and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, strengthening safer deliveries and reducing maternal and neonatal risks nationally. 4. NAVYA NAVYA was launched on 24 June 2025 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It targets girls aged 16 to 18 years with at least Class 10 qualification under PMKVY 4.0. It began in 27 Aspirational and North Eastern districts across 19 states. By December 2025, 1,295 girls enrolled and 671 completed training. 5. Aadharshila Aadharshila is the curriculum designed for children aged 0 to 3 years under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi. It was rolled out nationwide along with Navchetana as part of the effort to convert Anganwadi Centres into joyful early learning hubs. By December 2025, over 8.55 lakh Anganwadi workers and 41,645 master trainers had been trained, with curricula introduced in 12 regional languages nationwide. 6. Navchetana Navchetana is the curriculum designed for children aged 3 to 6 years under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi. It supports early learning at Anganwadi Centres through play based educational methods aligned with NEP 2020 recommendations on Early Childhood Care and Education. By December 2025, it had been rolled out nationwide in 12 regional languages after large scale training of Anganwadi workers and master trainers. MCQ : 1. Which of the following umbrella programmes together reflect the life cycle approach for women and children described here? A) Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, and Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 B) Mission Indradhanush, PM POSHAN, and DigiLocker C) PMMVY, KGBV, and PM GatiShakti D) Samagra Shiksha, DIKSHA, and UPI 2. Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is targeted at: A) only pregnant women and lactating mothers B) children aged 6 to 14 years only C) children aged 0 to 6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers D) only adolescent girls in urban areas 3. Which among the following services at Anganwadi Centres are delivered through the National Health Mission and public health infrastructure? A) Supplementary nutrition, pre-school education, and Poshan Vatika development B) Immunisation, health check-ups, and referral services C) Nutrition and health education, skilling, and play-based learning D) Supplementary nutrition, referral services, and pre-school education 4. Poshan Abhiyaan was launched on: A) 22 January 2015 B) 1 April 2022 C) 8 March 2018 D) 24 June 2025 5. The Scheme for Adolescent Girls, as described, covers: A) girls aged 10 to 14 years in all districts B) girls aged 14 to 18 years in all Northeastern districts and Aspirational Districts C) girls aged 14 to 21 years only in urban districts

GRAM G Bill, 2025: A Revised Rural Employment Guarantee with Infrastructure Focus 1) Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Bill, 2025 proposes replacing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new statutory rural employment framework linked to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.   2) The Bill raises the guaranteed wage employment to 125 days per rural household per financial year, compared to the earlier 100-day entitlement under MGNREGA.   3) It introduces an aggregated 60-day “no-work” pause during sowing and harvesting seasons to avoid disrupting peak farm operations, while still ensuring 125 workdays within the remaining 305 days.   4) Wage payments are tightened: wages must be paid weekly, or at the latest within 15 days (a fortnight) after the work is completed.   5) Works are tied to durable rural assets under four priority verticals: water security works, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-linked infrastructure, and special works for extreme weather risk mitigation.   6) All created assets will be pooled into the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack to enable unified tracking, coordination, and outcome monitoring at the national level.   7) Planning is decentralised through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans prepared locally, and these plans are spatially linked with PM Gati Shakti for integrated infrastructure planning.   8) Funding shifts from demand-based releases to a normative allocation model to reduce budget uncertainty, while keeping legal entitlements intact.   9) Estimated annual funds requirement for wages, material, and administration is ₹1,51,282 crore (including State share), with estimated Central share at ₹95,692.31 crore.   10) Cost sharing is set at 60:40 between Centre and States; 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States; and 100% Central funding for Union Territories without legislatures.   11) The administrative expenditure ceiling increases from 6% to 9% to strengthen staffing, pay, training, and technical capacity for planning, execution, and accountability.   12) Women’s participation under MGNREGA increased from 48% to 58.15% between FY 2013-14 and FY 2025-26, alongside near-universal electronic wage payments and wider Aadhaar-based governance.   13) Monitoring findings cited include works not found on ground, spending not matching physical progress, machine use in labour works, bypassing digital attendance, and accumulated misappropriation.   14) Unemployment allowance becomes payable if work is not provided: after 15 days, a daily allowance is due; liability rests on States; and rates and conditions will be set through rules.   15) Governance includes Central and State Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Councils, Steering Committees, Panchayati Raj Institutions, District Programme Coordinators, Programme Officers, and stronger Gram Sabha social audits at least once every six months.     Must Know Terms :     1) Normative Allocation: Funds are fixed in advance using standard norms (households, expected person-days, unit costs, admin limits), so money is sanctioned upfront instead of waiting for demand spikes. This reduces mid-year cash shortage, late wage payments, and sudden supplementary demands. Legal right to work remains, but budget flow becomes more predictable for States and districts.   2) Unemployment Allowance: If work is not given within 15 days of demand, a daily allowance becomes payable. Payment liability is on the State, so States lose money if they fail to provide work. The exact rate, eligibility rules, and payment process are notified through rules. This creates a direct financial penalty for delay in providing employment.   3) Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans: Village-level plans listing works, locations, and season-wise schedule, prepared locally by Gram Panchayat with Gram Sabha role. These plans prioritise practical works like water harvesting, drainage, rural roads, community assets, and livelihood-support works. They are mapped with PM Gati Shakti so village projects align with larger road/utility corridors and avoid duplication.   4) Rural Infrastructure Stack: A single national asset database where every created work is recorded with location and basic details for tracking. It is meant to show what asset was built, where, cost, stage, and expected use. This helps prevent “work not found on ground” cases, supports monitoring of physical progress versus spending, and improves transparency across districts and States.   5) Administrative Expenditure Ceiling: Maximum allowed share for admin costs such as field staff, technical measurements, training, supervision, and system support. Raising the ceiling from 6% to 9% increases money available for staffing and technical capacity. The intent is faster approvals, better worksite checks, stronger monitoring, and fewer payment delays and execution gaps.   6) Social Audit Frequency: Social audits must happen at least once every six months in Gram Sabha. Records like attendance, worksite existence, measurements, and wage payments are publicly checked. Regular audits reduce scope for fake works, machine use in labour works, and record manipulation. Findings are expected to trigger recovery, corrective action, and accountability steps faster. MCQ: 1. Under the GRAM G Bill, 2025, the proposed annual wage-work entitlement per rural household is: (a) 100 days (b) 110 days (c) 125 days (d) 150 days 2. The Bill introduces an aggregated “no-work” window of: (a) 30 days (b) 45 days (c) 60 days (d) 75 days 3. Wage payments are proposed to be made: (a) Monthly only (b) Weekly, or not later than a fortnight after work completion (c) Only after project completion (d) Quarterly through cash disbursement 4. The Bill explicitly links wage employment with durable rural infrastructure through how many priority verticals? (a) Two (b) Three (c) Four (d) Five 5. Which of the following is NOT listed among the priority verticals for infrastructure linkage? (a) Water security works (b) Core rural infrastructure (c) Livelihood-related infrastructure (d) Urban metro connectivity works 6. Planning is proposed to be decentralised through locally prepared: (a) District Vision 2035 Reports (b) Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (c) State Capital Region Plans (d) Regional Industrial Master Plans 7. Assets created are proposed to be aggregated into a national rural infrastructure: (a) Ledger (b) Stack (c) Portal (d) Census 8. A major funding design shift proposed is moving from: (a) Normative allocation to demand-based funding (b) Demand-based funding to normative allocation (c) State-only funding to private funding (d) Cash funding to barter funding 9. The standard cost-sharing

National Social Assistance Programme   The National Social Assistance Programme is a nationwide social security initiative introduced on 15 August 1995 to provide financial and food-based support to the most vulnerable sections of society living below the poverty line. Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, the programme covers both rural and urban areas and reflects the constitutional commitment to social justice by ensuring minimum income support and food security for citizens lacking stable livelihoods and social protection. Components and Coverage under NSAP NSAP currently supports more than 3.09 crore beneficiaries across the country through five major components: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, National Family Benefit Scheme, and the Annapurna Scheme. Each State and Union Territory is allotted a scheme-wise ceiling on beneficiaries to maintain balanced implementation and fiscal discipline. Old Age, Widow, and Disability Pension Schemes Under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, elderly persons aged 60–79 years receive ₹200 per month as central assistance, while those aged 80 years and above receive ₹500 per month. States and Union Territories supplement this amount, leading to higher effective pensions in many regions. The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme provides ₹300 per month to widows aged 40–79 years and ₹500 per month to those aged 80 years and above. The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme supports persons with severe or multiple disabilities aged 18–79 years with ₹300 per month, increasing to ₹500 per month for beneficiaries aged 80 years and above. National Family Benefit and Annapurna Schemes The National Family Benefit Scheme offers a one-time financial assistance of ₹20,000 to below-poverty-line families in the event of the death of the primary breadwinner aged between 18 and 59 years, helping households manage immediate economic distress. The Annapurna Scheme addresses food security by providing 10 kilograms of food grains per month free of cost to elderly persons who are eligible for old age pension but are not receiving pension benefits. Implementation, Monitoring, and Disbursement Mechanism Beneficiary identification is undertaken at the grassroots level by Gram Panchayats and Municipalities to ensure local verification and inclusion. Benefits are primarily disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer into bank or post office accounts, with limited provision for doorstep cash delivery in exceptional circumstances. States and Union Territories implement the schemes through designated departments and submit quarterly progress reports under a monitored framework. Budget Allocation and Digitisation Initiatives For the financial year 2025–26, the total budget allocation for NSAP is ₹9,652 crore, with the largest share directed toward old age pensions. The programme has been extensively digitised, with beneficiary details linked to Aadhaar and bank accounts and integrated with the Public Financial Management System to enhance transparency and reduce leakages. A mobile-based Digital Life Certification system has also been introduced to simplify annual verification and improve ease of access for beneficiaries. Overall Significance of NSAP The National Social Assistance Programme functions as a central pillar of India’s social security framework by providing sustained income support and food security to elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities, and families facing sudden economic shocks. Through digitisation, direct transfers, and structured monitoring, the programme strengthens inclusive welfare delivery and contributes to a more equitable social safety net. MCQ :   The National Social Assistance Programme was introduced in which year? 1989 1991 1995 2000   The National Social Assistance Programme is implemented by which Union Ministry? Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry of Home Affairs Ministry of Rural Development Ministry of Finance   The primary objective of the National Social Assistance Programme is to provide: Employment opportunities Social security to vulnerable citizens Skill development support Housing assistance   NSAP is applicable to beneficiaries belonging to which category? Below Poverty Line households All rural households Urban informal workers Scheduled Caste households only   Which of the following is NOT a component of NSAP? Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana National Family Benefit Scheme   Under IGNOAPS, individuals aged 80 years and above receive central assistance of: ₹300 per month ₹400 per month ₹500 per month ₹600 per month   Under IGNWPS, widows between 40–79 years receive central assistance of: ₹200 per month ₹250 per month ₹300 per month ₹500 per month   Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme provides assistance to persons with: Any physical disability Temporary disability Severe or multiple disabilities Occupational injuries only   The age group eligible under the National Family Benefit Scheme is: 18–59 years 21–60 years 40–79 years 60 years and above   The lump-sum assistance provided under NFBS is: ₹10,000 ₹15,000 ₹20,000 ₹25,000   Under the Annapurna Scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive food grains per month: 5 kg 8 kg 10 kg 12 kg   Identification of beneficiaries under NSAP is primarily done by: District Collector State Secretariat Gram Panchayats and Municipalities Central Government agencies   The preferred mode of benefit disbursement under NSAP is: Cash payments Cheque payments Direct Benefit Transfer Smart card system   For the year 2025–26, the total budget allocation for NSAP is approximately: ₹6,500 crore ₹8,200 crore ₹9,652 crore ₹11,000 crore   Digitisation of NSAP beneficiaries primarily aims to: Increase pension amounts Reduce beneficiary numbers Improve transparency and prevent duplication Replace state governments’ role  

International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women International Context and Significance The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed every year on November 25, signals global resolve to combat gender-based violence across social, cultural and digital domains. Initiated by the United Nations General Assembly, it also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism campaign (Nov 25–Dec 10), creating momentum for legislative, social and institutional reforms worldwide.   Theme for 2025: Digital Violence as a New Frontier The 2025 global theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, highlights the fast-emerging threats facing women online. Deepfakes, cyberstalking, trolling, impersonation, doxxing, and coordinated misogynistic attacks have intensified with greater digital penetration. The theme underscores that gender-based violence is no longer limited to physical spaces but extends deeply into online ecosystems.   India’s Policy Architecture for Women’s Safety India’s strategy to address violence against women is multi-pronged, combining laws, institutional mechanisms, digital tools and nationwide support systems. The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) anchors this effort through Mission Shakti, which integrates protection, redressal and empowerment. The approach emphasises both immediate support and long-term structural transformation to ensure gender equality.   Mandate and Role of the National Commission for Women The National Commission for Women (NCW), established in 1992, is the primary statutory body responsible for safeguarding women’s rights. It reviews legal protections, investigates rights violations, recommends reforms and handles complaints online and offline. Its IVR-enabled helpline (7827170170) offers 24×7 support by linking women with police, hospitals, counsellors and legal authorities. State Commissions for Women perform similar functions at the state level.   Criminal Justice Reforms: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 With the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) from July 2024, India undertook significant reforms in sexual offence laws. BNS expands definitions of sexual crimes, mandates audio-video recording of victim statements, prioritises trials involving women and children, and imposes strict punishments including life imprisonment for rape of minors. These reforms aim to make justice more survivor-centric and time-bound.   Protection Mechanisms under PWDVA, 2005 The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act recognises physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse within domestic relationships. It provides aggrieved women with protection orders, residence rights, monetary relief and legal support. By broadening the definition of domestic violence, the Act ensures that non-physical forms of abuse receive legal attention and remedy.   Workplace Safety under the POSH Act, 2013 The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act applies across formal and informal sectors, mandating Internal Committees in establishments with ten or more employees. Local Committees address cases in smaller workplaces. SHe-Box, the digital complaint and tracking platform managed by MWCD, ensures transparency, accountability and timely inquiries under the Act.   Mission Shakti: Integrated Protection and Empowerment Mission Shakti brings together multiple schemes under a unified framework to address women’s safety, shelter, health, legal support and empowerment. It focuses on strengthening institutional linkages and improving service delivery, ensuring that women receive continuous support throughout different stages of their lives.   Rehabilitation Framework: Swadhar Greh Scheme The Swadhar Greh Scheme provides shelter, counselling, food, clothing, health services, vocational training and legal assistance to women facing abandonment, violence, homelessness, social exclusion or mental distress. It aims to reintegrate them into society by promoting emotional stability and economic independence.   Crisis Support Services via One Stop Centres One Stop Centres (OSCs), operational since 2015, offer integrated support under one roof, including police facilitation, medical support, legal aid and psycho-social counselling. They fill a critical gap by providing immediate, coordinated assistance to survivors of violence at the district level.   Mental Health Support: Stree Manoraksha Initiative The Stree Manoraksha programme, developed with NIMHANS, enhances the mental-health preparedness of OSC staff. It trains personnel to respond sensitively to trauma, psychological stress and emotional needs, ensuring that survivors receive compassionate and professional care.   Digital Safety through the Digital Shakti Campaign The Digital Shakti Campaign builds cyber awareness among women, educating them about online threats, digital hygiene, reporting mechanisms and protective tools. It aims to reduce vulnerability to cybercrimes and empower women to participate safely in the digital space.   Emergency and Reporting Infrastructure The Women Helpline (181) provides round-the-clock nationwide support for women in distress, while the Emergency Response Support System (112) integrates police, fire and ambulance services. Women Help Desks in over 14,600 police stations improve reporting access, sensitivity and immediate assistance.   Fast-Track Justice Delivery Systems Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including dedicated POCSO courts, expedite trials involving rape and child sexual abuse. With 773 courts operational across 29 States and UTs, over 3.3 lakh cases have been disposed, improving the pace and effectiveness of justice delivery.   Technology-Driven Criminal Justice Tools India has deployed ITSSO for real-time tracking of investigations in sexual offences, NDSO for monitoring convicted offenders, and Cri-MAC for rapid inter-state information sharing. These digital tools strengthen coordination among law-enforcement agencies and improve case outcomes.   India’s Holistic Strategy for Ending Violence India’s combined use of legislative reform, institutional expansion, technology, helplines and community-level initiatives reflects a comprehensive national commitment to ending violence against women. As both online and offline threats evolve, these systems aim to secure a safe, dignified and equal environment for every woman and girl in India. MCQ: 1. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed to: (a) Mark global action against gender-based violence (b) Celebrate achievements in women’s sports (c) Promote women’s entrepreneurship only (d) Highlight global poverty rates 2. The 16 Days of Activism campaign begins on: (a) December 1 (b) November 25 (c) August 15 (d) December 31 3. The 2025 global theme focuses primarily on: (a) Eliminating child labour (b) Ending digital violence against women and girls (c) Promoting equal pay standards (d) Expanding women’s representation in sports 4. Digital violence includes which of the following? (a) Cyberstalking and deepfakes (b) Subsidy denial (c) Water scarcity (d) Cashless transactions 5. India’s policy framework for women’s safety is anchored by: (a) Ministry of Corporate Affairs (b)

National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Core Identity Statutory organisation established in 1963 under the Ministry of Cooperation to strengthen India’s cooperative movement through institutional finance and development support. Financial Scale and Trend (Highlights) Disbursement in 2024–25: ₹95,182.88 crore, up from ₹5,735.51 crore in 2014–15 (sharp long-term expansion). Disbursement in 2025–26 (till Oct 2025): ₹49,799.06 crore. Cumulative assistance to cooperative sugar mills: ₹33,311.79 crore (as of March 2025). SC/ST cooperatives: ₹57.78 crore (FY 2021–22 to FY 2024–25). Women cooperatives: – Total (FY 2021–22 to FY 2024–25): ₹4,823.68 crore – Infrastructure (2022–2025): ₹2.37 crore Sectoral Coverage Farm & allied: agriculture inputs, storage, cold chain, processing, marketing. Non-farm: dairy, livestock, poultry, fisheries, handloom, sericulture, women and SC/ST activities. Infrastructure: storage, logistics, processing plants, technology upgradation. Key Schemes 1) Yuva Sahakar (2019–20) Purpose: Support innovative cooperative start-ups; emphasis on NE region, Aspirational Districts, women/SC/ST/PwD cooperatives. Status: 32 societies, ₹49.35 crore sanctioned, ₹3.71 crore released. 2) Ayushman Sahakar (2020–21) Purpose: Cooperative-led healthcare, AYUSH facilities, alignment with national health systems and digital health. Status: 9 societies, ₹161.90 crore sanctioned, ₹43.19 crore released. 3) Dairy Sahakar (2021–22) Purpose: End-to-end dairy value chain—bovine development, processing, QA, branding, export; allied services (R&D, packaging, equipment, veterinary care). Status: 16 societies, ₹162.28 crore sanctioned, ₹177.72 crore released. 4) Digital Sahakar (2021–22) Purpose: Digitisation of cooperatives; better credit access; linkage with government incentives and platforms. Coverage: Cooperatives, FPOs/FFPOs, SHG federations (direct or via States/UTs). 5) Deerghavadhi Krishak Punji Sahakar Yojana (2022–23) Purpose: Long-term capital to agricultural credit cooperatives; strengthen farm and allied activities and non-farm diversification. Eligible: PACS, DCCBs, StCBs, PCARDS, SCARDS. Status: 5 societies, ₹5,400.76 crore sanctioned, ₹2,137.00 crore released. 6) Women-Focused Schemes Swayam Shakti Sahakar (2022–23): Credit to women SHGs via PACS/DCCBs/StCBs/federations. Nandini Sahakar (2020–21): Capacity building, enterprise planning and finance for women-led cooperatives. Output (FY 2021–22 to FY 2024–25): 34 cooperatives, ₹6,283.71 crore sanctioned, ₹4,823.68 crore released. Sugar Mills Support (Central Grant-in-Aid) Government grant ₹1,000 crore (2022–23, 2024–25). Credit up to ₹10,000 crore to mills for ethanol/cogeneration and working capital. Funding pattern eased to 90:10; term-loan interest 8.5%. Output: ₹10,005 crore to 56 mills. Recent Policy Push Grant-in-Aid Scheme (2025–26 to 2028–29): Outlay ₹2,000 crore (₹500 crore annually) to mobilise ~₹20,000 crore from markets. Expected beneficiaries: ~2.9 crore members across 13,288 societies (dairy, fisheries, sugar, textiles, processing, storage, labour, women-led). National Cooperation Policy, 2025 (Essentials) Vision aligned to “Sahkar-se-Samriddhi”. Focus: legal reform, professional management, technology adoption, transparency, cooperation among cooperatives. Institutional partners include major federations and financial institutions to scale and modernise the sector. Significance Expands rural infrastructure, strengthens value chains, raises farm and non-farm incomes, promotes financial inclusion, and deepens women and SC/ST participation through targeted finance and modernisation.   1. The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) functions under which Ministry? (a) Ministry of Finance (b) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (c) Ministry of Cooperation (d) Ministry of Rural Development 2. NCDC was established in the year: (a) 1952 (b) 1963 (c) 1975 (d) 1986 3. Which of the following best describes the nature of NCDC? (a) Private funding agency (b) Public sector bank (c) Statutory development corporation (d) Joint venture company 4. Which sector is NOT directly supported by NCDC? (a) Dairy (b) Fisheries (c) Handloom (d) Aerospace manufacturing 5. The scheme ‘Yuva Sahakar’ is primarily related to: (a) Healthcare expansion (b) Cooperative start-ups and innovation (c) Fertilizer subsidy (d) Export promotion 6. Ayushman Sahakar scheme mainly focuses on: (a) Agricultural mechanisation (b) Rural housing (c) Healthcare services through cooperatives (d) Crop insurance 7. Dairy Sahakar scheme supports: (a) Export of dairy animals (b) Only milk marketing (c) End-to-end dairy sector development (d) Cooperative training institutes 8. Which scheme promotes digital empowerment of cooperatives? (a) Dairy Sahakar (b) Digital Sahakar (c) Yuva Sahakar (d) Ayushman Sahakar 9. Deerghavadhi Krishak Punji Sahakar Yojana is aimed at: (a) Short-term farm loans (b) Long-term capital to agricultural credit cooperatives (c) Fertilizer subsidy (d) Food processing promotion 10. Under NCDC schemes, which institutions are eligible agricultural credit cooperatives? (a) PACS (b) DCCBs (c) State Cooperative Banks (d) All of the above 11. Which scheme exclusively targets women cooperatives? (a) Yuva Sahakar (b) Nandini Sahakar (c) Digital Sahakar (d) Dairy Sahakar 12. NCDC provides highest cumulative financial assistance to which sector? (a) Fisheries (b) Textile (c) Cooperative sugar mills (d) Poultry 13. The Grant-in-Aid to NCDC (2025–2029) is intended to: (a) Provide subsidies to farmers (b) Mobilise market funds for cooperative lending (c) Waive loans (d) Replace cooperative banks 14. NCDC funding pattern for sugar mill projects was revised to: (a) 70:30 (b) 80:20 (c) 90:10 (d) 60:40 15. National Cooperation Policy 2025 mainly focuses on: (a) Privatisation of cooperatives (b) Market monopolies (c) Strengthening cooperation among cooperatives (d) Reducing rural institutions

Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman Campaign   India’s Constitution, adopted on 26 November 1949 and enforced from 26 January 1950, has completed 75 years as the foundation of Indian democracy. To commemorate this milestone and strengthen mass awareness about constitutional values, the Government of India launched the nationwide campaign titled “Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Samman”, which later evolved into “Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman”.   The campaign is implemented by the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice and is integrated with the DISHA scheme which stands for Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India (2021–2026). This scheme aims to provide accessible, affordable and citizen-friendly legal services through Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro bono legal assistance) and legal awareness programmes.   The initiative was formally launched by the Vice-President on 24 January 2024 at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The focus of the campaign was not limited to spreading information but also to making constitutional rights usable at the ground level by connecting people with legal services and awareness platforms.   In January 2025, the campaign entered its second phase titled “Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman”, shifting the focus from honouring the Constitution to developing pride and ownership among citizens regarding their rights and duties. The purpose of this phase is to promote a deeper sense of constitutional consciousness across society.   The campaign organized more than 13,700 events across India and engaged over one crore citizens. It reached remote villages, aspirational districts and urban centres through outreach programmes, workshops, digital platforms and awareness drives.   Three major components guided the campaign: Sabko Nyay Har Ghar Nyaya focusing on grassroots justice delivery, Nav Bharat Nav Sankalp encouraging citizen pledges and youth participation, and Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan promoting legal awareness among rural and marginalized communities.   Key activities included Panch Pran pledge campaigns through MyGov, legal service fairs called Nyaya Seva Melas in States and Union Territories, door-to-door legal awareness through Nyaya Sahayaks, and village-level Vidhi Baithak sessions involving Panchayats, schools and self-help groups.   The campaign has transformed constitutional celebrations into a participatory movement of empowerment, where citizens are encouraged to understand, assert and take pride in their constitutional rights.   Overall, the Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman campaign is a landmark initiative that strengthens India’s democratic culture by turning legal awareness into a people’s movement, aligning citizens with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. MCQ: 1. The campaign “Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman” was launched primarily to: (a) Reform the judiciary system (b) Spread awareness of constitutional values among citizens (c) Implement new constitutional amendments (d) Establish new courts in rural areas 2. The Constitution of India was adopted on: (a) 15 August 1947 (b) 26 January 1950 (c) 26 November 1949 (d) 2 October 1950 3. The Constitution of India came into force on: (a) 26 November 1949 (b) 15 August 1947 (c) 26 January 1950 (d) 2 October 1951 4. The campaign was implemented by: (a) Ministry of Home Affairs (b) Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice (c) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (d) NITI Aayog 5. DISHA stands for: (a) Development Initiative for Social Harmony in Administration (b) Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India (c) Digital Interface for Supporting Human Rights (d) Department of Institutional Services for Legal Help 6. The DISHA scheme covers which period? (a) 2019–2024 (b) 2020–2025 (c) 2021–2026 (d) 2022–2027 7. Which of the following is NOT a component of the DISHA scheme? (a) Tele-Law (b) Nyaya Bandhu (c) Lok Adalat Services (d) Legal awareness programmes 8. The campaign was formally launched on: (a) 26 January 2024 (b) 24 January 2024 (c) 26 November 2024 (d) 15 August 2024 9. The campaign was launched at: (a) Rashtrapati Bhawan (b) Parliament House (c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi (d) Supreme Court premises 10. The second phase of the campaign emphasized: (a) Constitutional amendments (b) Pride and ownership among citizens regarding the Constitution (c) Court modernization (d) Law enforcement reforms 11. The campaign conducted more than: (a) 5,000 events (b) 8,000 events (c) 10,000 events (d) 13,700 events 12. Approximately how many citizens were engaged during the campaign? (a) 10 lakh (b) 50 lakh (c) One crore (d) Five crore 13. Which of the following was NOT a component of the campaign? (a) Sabko Nyay Har Ghar Nyaya (b) Nav Bharat Nav Sankalp (c) Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan (d) Swachh Vidhan Abhiyaan 14. Nyaya Seva Melas were organized mainly to: (a) Recruit judicial officers (b) Conduct constitutional debates (c) Deliver legal services at the grassroots (d) Introduce new laws 15. The campaign aims to align citizens with the vision of: (a) Digital India 2030 (b) Nyaya Bharat 2040 (c) Viksit Bharat 2047 (d) Samvidhan Mahotsav 2050