9 PM Daily UPSC Current Affairs Brief – January 18th, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Challenges faced by WEF – Davos is a talk show

Source: This post is created based on the article ‘Davos is a talk show: It’s voluble but not weighty’ published in “Live Mint” on 18^th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations

News: World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 54th Annual Meeting at Davos began this Monday.

What are the highlights of the 45^th annual WEF meeting?

1) Key attendees include France’s President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

2) The US is represented by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and India by a 100-member delegation led by Smriti Irani.

3) WEF President Børge Brende emphasizes the need for public-private collaboration to address global challenges.

4) The theme for this year is ‘Rebuilding Trust,’ focusing on transparency, consistency, and accountability among leaders.

What is the significance of WEF?

Davos 2024 focuses on four key areas: security and cooperation, economic growth and jobs, AI as a driving force, and strategies for climate, nature, and energy. These aims align with the objectives of various multilateral entities like the UN, Bretton Woods institutions, UNESCO, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

Despite criticisms, Davos is recognized for its role in fostering a better understanding of global challenges. Although its contribution seems minor, it is still valued in the context of international cooperation and dialogue.

What are the challenges faced by WEF?

First, there’s a growing number of notable absentees, especially among important politicians, making it ineffective.

Second, the present theme of WEF does not represent the current fractured global scenario, with conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza, and security threats in the Red Sea.

Third, despite its high-profile nature, Davos is increasingly seen as a global talk show with limited tangible outcomes. It struggles to make significant news headlines or achieve substantial progress on its agenda.

Smartphone Impact on Education in India- How smartphones can make education inclusive

Source: The post Smartphone Impact on Education in India has been created, based on the article “How smartphones can make education inclusive” published in “Indian express” on 18th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

News: This article talks about how the availability of smartphones is making ‘education anytime, anywhere’ possible in India. It shows that many young people use phones for both study and fun, and emphasizes the need for flexible, tech-based learning, especially for subjects like agriculture.

What opportunities does smartphones bring to Education?

Widespread Smartphone Access: The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 shows that 89% of Indian youth aged 14-18 have a smartphone at home, and 92% can use one. About two-thirds of those who know how to use smartphones have used them for their studies, indicating a significant shift in learning methods.

Opportunity for Flexible Learning: Smartphones offer a chance for flexible, anytime-anywhere education, especially beneficial for working students or those requiring non-traditional education paths.

What challenges does smartphones bring to Education?

Overemphasis on Entertainment: Despite high smartphone availability, they are used more for entertainment than education, possibly distracting students.

Exam-Centric Focus: Current technology solutions in education are mainly geared towards exam preparation, not comprehensive learning or skill development.

Challenge in Knowledge Transfer and Certification: Despite the easy access to information, the process of knowledge transfer and certification remains a restricted and challenging area.

Misinformation Risks: The widespread availability of smartphones and cheap data presents challenges in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of educational content.

What should be done?

Develop Flexible Learning Models: Adapt open schooling and digital technology to support students who work, as noted in the need for underprivileged students to study while earning.

Focus on Practical and Environmental Education: Incorporate subjects like agriculture and environmental studies, reflecting the real-life applications and workforce needs, as highlighted by the low study rates in agriculture (0.7%) despite its workforce importance.

Enhance Open Schooling Systems: Leverage digital technology to strengthen open schooling, providing flexible learning opportunities for working students.

Question for practice:

Discuss the opportunities and challenges that smartphones bring to education in India.

Limiting Academic Freedom in Universities – The fading role of universities in society

Source: The post limiting academic freedom in universities has been created, based on the article “The fading role of universities in society” published in “The Hindu” on 18th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education

News: The article discusses how the Indian government is limiting academic freedom in universities. It talks about universities being told to promote government programs and how this affects free thought.

About status of India’s academic freedom.

India’s academic freedom is low, with a score of 0.38 out of 1, as reported by the V-Dem Institute.

India’s score (0.38) is lower than Pakistan’s (0.43) score.

In independent India, this level of restriction was previously seen only during the Emergency period in the 1970s.

How is the Indian government limiting academic freedom in universities?

Government Directives: Universities are being instructed to support government campaigns like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and to install selfie points featuring the Prime Minister.

Restricting Academic Discussions: Instances like the cancellation of a discussion on the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) illustrate the curtailing of academic freedom.

Penalties for Protests: Jawaharlal Nehru University’s decision, although later withdrawn, to fine students for protesting shows an attempt to suppress campus dissent.

Academic Resignations: Two scholars at Ashoka University resigned after a politically sensitive publication, highlighting the impact on academic freedom.

Erosion of Institutional Autonomy: The gradual erosion of institutional autonomy is evident in the political influence over the appointment of university leaders and the increased control by bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Use of Laws to Limit Freedom: Academic freedom is further restricted by the application of laws like sedition and defamation against scholars and academics.

How does academic freedom legally protect in India?

Right to Free Speech: In India, academic freedom is indirectly protected as part of the broader right to free speech under the constitution.

Restrictive Laws: The freedom of expression in academia is often challenged by laws such as sedition (Section 124A) and laws against hurting religious sentiments (Section 295A).

Misuse of Legal Tools: Defamation lawsuits are increasingly used as a tool to suppress academic freedom and intimidate scholars.

Absence of Explicit Protection: Unlike countries like New Zealand, which have specific legal provisions for academic freedom, India does not have explicit mention of academic freedom in its constitution.

What should be done?

Include Academic Freedom Clauses: Contracts with faculty should incorporate clauses protecting academic freedom, ensuring they aren’t penalized for their views or research.

Global Support: International institutions could aid by considering ‘Academic Freedom’ as a criterion in university rankings.

Follow Successful Models: Adopting models like New Zealand’s Education Act, which explicitly defines and protects academic freedom, can be beneficial.

Consultative Approach: Political parties, faculty bodies, and student associations should collaborate to enhance academic autonomy and freedom.

System-Wide Protections: Universities need to establish broad protections against restrictions on academic freedom and expression.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors and methods through which the Indian government is limiting academic freedom in universities and suggest potential solutions or measures to address this issue.

ASER 2023 report

Source: The post ASER 2023 report has been created, based on the article “Over half of youth struggling with basic maths: ASER study” published in “The Hindu” and “CUES FOR REFORM” published in “Indian express” on 18th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

News: The article discusses the ‘Beyond Basics’ Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) released by Pratham. It focuses on a survey of rural students aged 14 to 18 years, addressing their educational progress and challenges in India.

What were the major findings in the ASER 2023 report?

Enrolment Rates: Overall, 86.8% of 14-18-year-olds are enrolled in an educational institution. The percentage of youth not enrolled is 3.9% for 14-year-old youth and 32.6% for 18-year-olds. Most of the people in this age group were enrolled in the Arts/Humanities streams.

Foundational skill gaps: About 25% cannot read Grade 2 text, and over 50% face difficulties with arithmetic skills expected by Grade 5, highlighting a deficit in foundational learning.

Digital technology underutilized: Despite the high availability of smartphones in rural households (95%), their use for educational purposes is limited.

Gender disparities:

Fewer females (28.1%) are in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics stream (STEM) stream compared to males (36.3%).

Females are better at reading in their regional language, while males excel in arithmetic and English.

Males are more likely to own and use smartphones.

vocational training: The survey shows a low enrollment in vocational training, with only 5.6% of young people participating. Among these, college students are more engaged, with 16.2% enrolled in courses, usually lasting no more than six months.

What were the suggestions provided in the ASER 2023 report?

Pedagogic Reforms for Rural Students: The report suggests reforming teaching methods to help students who balance academic and farm work, addressing the educational challenges faced in rural areas.

Leverage Smartphones for Education and Address Digital Gender Gaps: ASER advocates using the widespread access to smartphones (95% of households) for educational purposes and emphasizes closing the gender gap in digital skills, as females lag behind males in smartphone proficiency.

Rethink vocational education: To increase the 6% enrollment in vocational courses, ASER suggests reimagining vocational training to make it more aspirational and aligned with students’ interests.

Question for practice:

Discuss the major findings and suggestions provided in the ASER 2023 report regarding the educational progress and challenges of rural students aged 14 to 18 years in India.

GS PAPER - 3

Improving Competitiveness in Electronic Sector

Source: The post on improving competitiveness has been created based on the article ‘’ Improving competitiveness: The electronics sector would benefit from global integration’ published in ‘’ Business Standard’’ on 18th January 2024. 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian economy-changes in industrial policy 

News: The article discusses issues associated with the electronic sector and the need to benefit from global integration. 

Current Status of electronics Industry

There has been an increase in production and export of electronics, particularly mobile phones which indicates the fact that the current government policies are working. For example, Electronics production for export grew from 15% in 2021-22 to 25% the next year, with expectation to exceed 30% in 2023-24. The government has set a target of $52-58 billion worth of exports by 2025-26.  

However, ICEA (Indian Cellular and Electronics Association) does not seem to be too optimistic as it predicts that there would be decline in demand for domestic mobile phones from 21% to under 4%. 

Government Policy For The Electronic Industry

The government imposes high tariff barriers for imported and final goods to boost domestic manufacturing. Further, the government tries to capitalize on high domestic demand to attract multinational companies. Additionally, the PLI scheme (production-linked incentive) offers incentives to companies based on incremental sales in domestic facilities to boost domestic manufacturing. 

Issues Associated with The Current Policy

1) There is bureaucratic control and wide discretionary power to authorities which hamper the functioning of businesses. 

2) As per ICEA (the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association), the high import tariffs on components and sub-assemblies for production of mobile phone leads to additional 5-7% to cost of a locally manufactured device. This renders PLI unremunerative. 

What are the Steps that can be taken to make policies more effective? 

1) policies should be designed to encourage India’s entry into global value chains.  

2) A stable and low-tariff regime should be adopted. 

3)There is a need to focus on business-friendly environment as opposed to giving production subsidies. 

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Employs Advanced AI Technologies Supporting farmers

Source-This post is based on the article “Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is leveraging cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for the benefit of farmers and to increase overall productivity” published in “PIB” on 17th January 2024.

Why in The News?

AI technologies supporting farmers, Recently a MoU was signed between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI (Digital India Corporation), and Wadhwani Foundation to make India a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture. Wadhwani Foundation will provide critical support in formulating and executing an AI strategy.

What AI-driven cutting-edge technologies has the ministry is adopting for the benefit of farmers?

1) The Ministry is advocating for the network-centric approach of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (InDEA) 2.0, designed by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India.

2) India Digital Ecosystem Architecture 2.0 or InDEA 2.0 is a framework that facilitates the design of large IT architectures for governments and private enterprises. It allows the seamless delivery of integrated services beyond organizational boundaries.

3) Under the InDEA 2.0 Framework, the following cutting-edge AI-based technologies have been adopted for the benefit of farmers:

AI Technology	Details
Kisan e-Mitra	1. A chatbot powered by AI that addresses farmers’ inquiries regarding the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. 2. It is accessible in Hindi, Tamil, Odia, Bangla, and English.
National Pest Surveillance System	1. The Ministry is developing it in collaboration with the private sector. 2. Under it, AI and Machine Learning (ML) models detect crop issues by offering timely information to farmers for swift action. 3. This initiative aims to enhance crop health, potentially increasing yields and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

What is Wadhwani Foundation?

1) It a non-profit organization dedicated to expediting economic development by fostering job creation through extensive initiatives in entrepreneurship, small business expansion, innovation, and skill development.

2) It was founded in the year 2000.

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy(Agriculture)

Punganur cows

Source-This post is based on the article “Meet the Punganur, dwarf cows that PM Modi fed on Makar Sankranti” published in “The Indian Express” on 16th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Prime Minister was observed personally providing fodder to several Punganur cows at his residence in New Delhi.

About Punganur Cow

Aspect	Details
About	It is an indigenous breed of cattle, native to Punganur village in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
Features	1. Size-They’re a distinctive dwarf breed, recognized as the world’s shortest humped cattle (Standing at just around 70-90 cm tall and weighing less than 200 kg). 2. Coat Color- Ranging from white, grey, and light brown to dark brown or red, some individuals may exhibit a combination of white with patches of red, brown, or black. 3. Harsh Climate Adaptability– This breed is well-suited to hot and arid climates. 4. Milk Yield- They are valued for their high-fat A2 type milk, perfect for ghee production, yielding 1 to 3 liters per day with 8% milk fat, surpassing other native breeds with 3 to 4% fat.
Population Distribution	Punganur cows are currently present not just in Andhra Pradesh but also in Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
Conservation efforts	1. The Andhra Pradesh government has launched “Mission Punganur” to boost the cattle population using IVF technology. 2. Centre has also sanctioned funds for the promotion of Punganur and other indigenous breeds of cattle in Telangana.

What are the other indigenous breeds of cattle in India ?

1) In 2019, India had 192.49 million cattle population, out of which 50.42 million belonged to exotic breeds and crossbreeds.

2) The remaining larger chunk of 142.11 million belongs to the Indigenous breeds.

3) Gir, Sahiwal, Bargur, Onglore, and Kaangayam represent some other well-known indigenous cow breeds in India.

Significance of Punganur breed:

1) Beyond their economic and indigenous importance, these cows are revered as a ‘goldmine‘ in the region, playing a crucial role in local temple ceremonies.

2) The Vijayanagar Emperors supported this breed, and it has a historical connection to wealth and prosperity.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

Vulture restaurant in Jharkhand

Source-This post is based on the article “A ‘Vulture restaurant’ in Jharkhand to conserve the ‘critically endangered’ species” published in “Financial Express” on 14th January 2024.

Why in the News?

In Jharkhand, a ‘Vulture Restaurant’ has been established in Koderma district as part of conservation efforts to conserve the diminishing vulture population.

Why has this initiative been taken?

1) Aim- The initiative aims to mitigate the negative effects of veterinary drugs, especially diclofenac, on vultures.
Note- Exposure to diclofenac-contaminated tissues leads to kidney failure in vultures.

2) It serves as a designated feeding site for the Vultures. To prevent interference from other animals, bamboo fencing has been erected around the feeding site.

3) The Jharkhand Forest Department also plans to establish a center for vulture interpretation and rescue, incorporating geo-tagging for enhanced monitoring.

About Vulture

Specifications	Details
About	1. It belongs to the category of 22 large scavenging birds, primarily inhabiting tropical and subtropical regions. 2. They are known for their role in cleaning up carrion (the flesh of dead animals).
Vultures in India	India is home to 9 species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the Eurasian Griffon.
Conservation Status	1. CITES: Appendix II 2. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: a. Schedule I- Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, and Oriental white-backed vultures b. Schedule IV- Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Cinereous, Eurasian Griffon.
Distribution	Vultures are widely distributed, but they are absent from Australia and most oceanic islands.

For more information on Vultures in India Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

Paramyrothecium indicum – Scientists discover new species of fungus in Kerala

Source-This post is based on the article “Scientists from KFRI, BHU and BSI discover new species of fungus in Kerala” published in “Newscareers360” on 15th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Scientists have recently discovered a new species of fungus in Kerala, named ‘Paramyrothecium indicum’.

What is ‘Paramyrothecium indicum’?

1. It is a new species of phytopathogenic fungus.
Note– phytopathogenic fungus is associated with emerging leaf spots on the wild hibiscus plans near Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district of Kerala.

2. Phytopathogens are parasites that thrive on a host plant.

3. The majority of Paramyrothecium species are considered phytopathogens.

4. Phytopathogen fungi are responsible for serious plant diseases which might negatively affect crop productivity.

5. Leaf spots caused by Paramyrothecium represent a fungal disease capable of affecting various plant species.

6. Certain Paramyrothecium species generate secondary metabolites with bio-herbicidal potential, suggesting their potential use in weed control.

What is Fungi?

1) They are a diverse group of organisms that belong to the biological kingdom Fungi.

2) They include a wide range of organisms, such as mushrooms, molds, yeasts, rusts, smuts, mildews.

3) Fungi are distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria, forming their own kingdom.

4) They are eukaryotic organisms, meaning their cells possess membrane-bound organelles and well-defined nuclei.

5) Reproduction: Fungi usually reproduce both sexually and asexually.

For more information on Fungi Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Environment/Science & Technology

Zanskar River

Source-This post is based on the article “Chief of the Naval Staff Flags off CHADAR trek expedition to Zanskar river, Ladakh” published in “PIB” on 17th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Chief of the Naval Staff recently inaugurated the Indian Navy’s Chadar Trek expedition at INS Shivaji. It takes place on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh.

What is the Significance of this Expedition?

1) The expedition embodies the adventurous spirit of the Indian Navy and aims to cultivate a robust and resilient workforce capable of facing challenges and adverse weather conditions.

2) The team comprising 14 members would scale the summit at a height of 11,000 ft and unfurl the National flag and Naval Ensign.

About Zanskar River

Specifications	Details
About	1. The Zanskar River is the Left-bank tributary of the Indus River, either surpassing or equaling the main river in volume. 2. It flows entirely within Ladakh, India.
Origin	1. Originating northeast of the Great Himalayan range, it drains both the Himalayas and the Zanskar Range in the Zanskar region. 2. It flows northeast to join the Indus River near Nimo.
Tributaries	The Doda and TsrapLingti Chu( Lungnak river) are the two significant tributaries that join together at Padam village in the upper valley, forming the Zanskar River.

What is INS Shivaji?

1) I​​NS Shivaji is an Indian naval station located in Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is located close to the Bhushi Dam.

2) It houses the Naval College of Engineering, which trains officers of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.

3) It was commissioned in 1945 as HMIS Shivaji

For more information on INS Shivaji Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Geography & Places in News

Greenland has lost more ice than previously thought

Source: This post is based on the article “Greenland has lost more ice than previously thought: study” published in “The Hindu” on 18th January 2024.

Why in News?

According to recent research based on satellite imagery climate change has caused Greenland’s ice sheet to lose 20% more ice than previously imagined.

How was the study conducted?

Researchers in the United States gathered almost 240,000 satellite images depicting glacier terminus positions from 1985 to 2022.

What are the findings?

Note: Glacier terminus position is a position where glaciers meet the ocean.

1) Nearly every glacier in Greenland has thinned or retreated over the past few decades.

2) As per findings, over 1,000 gigatons (1 gigaton is equivalent to 1 billion tons), or 20%, of ice around the edges of Greenland had been lost over the past four decades and not been accounted for.

3) Although the direct impact on sea level rise is minimal, it could herald further overall ice melt, allowing glaciers to more easily slip towards the sea.

4) Greenland glaciers are most susceptible to seasonal changes. It is expanding in winter and retreating in summer.

5) They are also the most sensitive to the impact of global warming and experienced the most significant retreat since 1985.

6) The melting of Greenland’s enormous ice sheet is believed to have contributed over 20% to the observed rise in sea levels since 2002.

Note: Greenland’s ice sheet is the second-largest body of ice in the world after Antarctica.

What is Greenland Glacier?

1)  The Greenland Ice Sheet covers about 80 percent of the world’s largest island, stretching across 1.7 million square kilometers (656,000 square miles).

2) It stands as the largest ice mass in the Northern Hemisphere and is second in size to the ice mass that covers Antarctica.

2) The ice sheet is made up of layers of snow that have compressed over thousands of years.

3) At its thickest point, the ice sheet is over 1.9 miles thick and contains about 696,000 cubic miles of ice.

4) If the entire ice sheet melted, sea levels would rise by about 24 feet.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

E-SAKSHI Mobile Application launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

Source: This post is based on the article “Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh launches the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application for the Revised Fund Flow Procedure under MPLAD Scheme” published in “PIB” on 16th January 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application was launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

What is E-SAKSHI mobile app?

1) Launched by: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

2)Objective:to capture the entire MPLADS fund allocation cycle and provide greater convenience and accessibility in monitoring the scheme.

3) Features of the application:  Budget management to monitor expenditures by MPs.

4) Mode of Operation: Both web portal and mobile application.

4) Benefits: 

It will bring forth a myriad of benefits, revolutionizing the way MPs engage with and manage development projects in their constituencies.

It would offer convenience and accessibility, allowing MPs to propose, track, and oversee the projects at their fingertips.

This real-time access enhances decision-making processes, enabling swift responses to emerging needs or issues.

The application will streamline the communication between MPs and relevant authorities, facilitating a more efficient exchange of information.

It will also promote transparency by providing MPs with instant updates on the status and progress of their proposed projects.

What is MPLAD Scheme?

Specification	Description
Launched Year	1993
Scheme type	Central sector scheme.
Implementing agency	Nodal District concerned.
Objective	To enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community asset, primarily in their constituencies.
Eligible Projects	11 eligible sectors: (i) drinking water facilities; (ii) education; (iii) electricity facilities; (iv) health and family welfare; (v) irrigation facilities; (vi) non-conventional energy sources; (vii) other public facilities such as community centres, bus-sheds, public parks, buildings for cultural activities, etc.; (viii) roads, pathways and bridges; (ix) sanitation and public health; (x) sports; and (xi) animal care
Allocation	Rs. 5 crore per year, non-lapsable
Existing Schemes	1) MPLADS may be combined with other existing government schemes, provided it is for eligible projects. 2) Other funds should be used first and the MPLADS funds are used only to achieve completion of the project.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programmes

Kerala Rehabilitation Project benefits 7,000 Gulf returnees

Source: This post is based on the article “Kerala Rehabilitation project benefits 7,000 Gulf returnees” published in “The Hindu” on 16th January 2024.

Why in News?

The first-ever rehabilitation project launched by the Kerala government for individuals returning from Gulf countries has assisted nearly 7,000 returnees in the state.

What is this project?

Specification	Description
Scheme	NoRKA Department Project for Return Emigrants (NDPREM) project
Launched by	Department of Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NoRKA)
Aim	To help Gulf returnees set up self-employment ventures with the support of leading financial institutions.
Why this scheme?	The initiative began in response to Saudi Arabia’s implemented “Nitaqat” (naturalization) law in 2013, causing concerns among expats about potential job losses.
Factual information relation to scheme	Total beneficiaries of NDPREM scheme – 6,661 Volume of loan disbursed through NDPREM so far: 411.23 crore Capital subsidy: 60.83 crore, Interest subsidy: 13.55 crore

What is Pravasi Bhadratha scheme?

Specification	Description
Scheme	Pravasi Bhadratha scheme
Launched by	Department of Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NoRKA)
Aim	To provides financial support and income-generating opportunities for returnees.
Factual information relation to scheme	Number of beneficiaries: 12,371 Amount disbursed under the scheme:  ₹77 crore

What are the impacts of these schemes?

1)The schemes have benefitted almost 7000 gulf emigrants thus helped in transforming the profile of returning emigrants.

2) Recent significant changes in the industrial landscape and environment of Kerala have played a crucial role in involving distressed returnees in the retail sector.

3) These schemes have also guaranteed the economic integration of returnees into society, with the local economy benefiting from their engagement.

4) The introduction of the NoRKA business facilitation center, aimed at assisting non-resident Keralites and returnees in starting businesses in the state, has shown promising results.

5) The state is considering expanding the loan scheme to encompass additional sectors and enhance the value addition of products, aiming to extend support to more returnees.

UPSC Syllabus: schemes and programmes