Explanation:

• PM GatiShakti (launched in 2021) is a national master plan for multi-modal connectivity designed to integrate 16 Ministries for coordinated infrastructure planning and execution.
• It brings together several ongoing programs under one digital platform to ensure efficient logistics and seamless connectivity.

Components under GatiShakti include:

1. Bharatmala → Road network development across India.
2. Sagarmala → Port modernization and coastal infrastructure development.
3. Inland Waterways → Cargo transport through navigable rivers and canals.
4. UDAN → Regional air connectivity and airport infrastructure in smaller cities.
5. Dry Ports → Inland terminals linked to seaports for cargo handling and trade facilitation.

👉 Hence, all five listed schemes are components integrated under PM GatiShakti.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: PRAGATI is a digital multi-purpose governance platform that integrates data management, video-conferencing, and geo-spatial mapping to facilitate pro-active governance, project monitoring, and grievance redressal.
  • It connects the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Union Ministries, and State Governments, allowing direct interaction to review and resolve bottlenecks in key projects and schemes.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: PRAGATI was launched in March 2015, not in 2016. Since then, it has reviewed over 340 projects worth around ₹17 lakh crore ($205 billion), as highlighted by the Oxford Saïd Business School case study (2025).

Why in News:

• A case study by Oxford’s Saïd Business School, supported by the Gates Foundation, titled “From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India’s PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress” (2025), recognized PRAGATI as a global model for digital governance, highlighting its success in accelerating infrastructure projects and fostering cooperative federalism

Explanation:

1. Maitri Setu – Tripura ✅
   • A 1.9 km bridge over the Feni River, connecting Sabroom (Tripura) with Ramgarh (Bangladesh).
   • Strengthens India–Bangladesh connectivity and promotes Northeast trade routes.
2. Atal Tunnel – Himachal Pradesh ✅
   • World’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft, located under the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
   • Connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley, enabling all-weather access.
3. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel – Jammu & Kashmir ✅
   • Also known as the Chenani–Nashri Tunnel, it is India’s longest road tunnel (9.28 km).
   • Located on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
4. Rapuru Tunnel – Andhra Pradesh ✅
   • A railway tunnel located between Rapuru and Venkatachalam on the Obulavaripalli–Krishnapatnam line.
   • One of the longest railway tunnels in South India (approx. 6.7 km).

👉 Hence, all four pairs are correctly matched.

Why in News:

• These key infrastructure projects are part of India’s connectivity and logistics enhancement drive, with Maitri Setu improving regional trade with Bangladesh, Atal Tunnel ensuring all-weather Himalayan connectivity, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel reducing travel time on NH-44, and Rapuru Tunnel strengthening freight movement in Andhra Pradesh.

Explanation:

1. Nodal Ministry – Incorrect
   • The Nodal Ministry is the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs), not the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
2. Established in 2015 – Correct
   • Announced in the Union Budget 2015–16, the NIIF was formally set up in 2015 to attract long-term capital for infrastructure projects.
3. Public–Private Fund Structure – Correct
   • The Government of India holds 49% of the equity, while 51% is contributed by global investors such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Temasek (Singapore), and CPPIB (Canada).
4. India’s first Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) – Correct
   • NIIF is India’s first-ever Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), created to manage capital for infrastructure and strategic investments.

👉 Hence, statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct.

Why in News:

• The Union Finance Minister chaired the 6th Governing Council Meeting of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) in New Delhi, reviewing fund performance, strategic partnerships, and new fund launches.
• NIIF currently manages ₹30,000 crore in AUM, leveraging over ₹1.17 lakh crore in capital for India’s infrastructure growth.

Explanation:

• The PM-JANMAN Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to bring PVTGs into the mainstream by addressing their multi-dimensional developmental needs. It focuses on 11 key interventions across housing, healthcare, education, nutrition, connectivity, and sustainable livelihoods, implemented in collaboration with 9 line ministries and State governments. It also includes initiatives like Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, solar power systems, and clean drinking water access to enhance the living conditions of PVTG communities.

Explanation:

All the given pairs are correctly matched.

Let’s see all 19 Railway Zones of India with their headquarters for full coverage:

Quick Memory Tip for Prelims:

• Mumbai – Central & Western
• Kolkata – Eastern, South Eastern & Metro
• Bhubaneswar – East Coast
• Gorakhpur – North Eastern
• Hubballi – South Western
• Secunderabad – South Central
• Chennai – Southern

Hence, all the five given pairs are correctly matched.

✅ Final Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation:

• On May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated 103 Amrit Bharat railway stations across 18 states from Bikaner, Rajasthan.
• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is a long-term station redevelopment plan launched by the Ministry of Railways.
• It aims to modernize and upgrade 1,275 stations in phases across India.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Objective: Transform railway stations into modern, clean, passenger-friendly spaces with local cultural touch.
• Infrastructure upgrades: Improved entry/exit, waiting halls, toilets, platforms, roofs, lifts, escalators, and Wi-Fi.
• Passenger amenities: Executive lounges, business meeting spaces, food courts, kids’ play areas.
• ‘One Station One Product’: Promotes local crafts, handlooms, tribal products, and regional food items.
• Eco-friendly initiatives: Green landscaping, noise-free tracks, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting.
• Cultural themes:
  • Ahmedabad – Inspired by Modhera Sun Temple
  • Dwarka – Inspired by Dwarkadheesh Temple
  • Baleshwar (Odisha) – Based on Jagannath Temple
  • Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu) – Chola architecture theme

Additional Facts for Prelims Revision:

Explanation:

• The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project, conceived by NITI Aayog and launched in 2021, aims to establish a world-class International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), along with:
  • a Greenfield International Airport,
  • a Township, and
  • a Gas–Solar Power Plant.
• It is implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
• The project aligns with India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to make Great Nicobar a global maritime and logistics hub.

Strategic Importance:

• Geostrategic Location: Great Nicobar lies near the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits — crucial sea lanes for global trade and energy supply.
• Regional Connectivity: The island is almost equidistant from Colombo, Port Klang, and Singapore, strengthening India’s trade and security position in the Indo-Pacific.
• Maritime Security: Enhances India’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), aiding in countering piracy, trafficking, and foreign naval expansion.
• Policy Synergy: Supports Act East Policy (2014) and QUAD’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
• Tribal Safeguards: Development must follow consultation with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Directorate of Tribal Welfare, and Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) under Jarawa Policy (2004) and Shompen Policy (2015).

Additional Fact for Prelims:

✅ Final Answer: (c) Great Nicobar Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Explanation:

As per the Ministry of Power (June 2025) data:

Therefore, the correct decreasing order is:

Thermal Power > Solar Power > Hydro Power > Bio Power > Nuclear Power

✅ Final Answer: (c) 1 – 4 – 3 – 5 – 2

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) is a Public Limited Government Company established in 1987 under the Companies Act, 1956.
  • It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.
  • The agency’s primary objective is to promote, develop, and extend financial assistance for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across India.
• Statement 2 – Correct: IREDA is also registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • It acts as a specialized financial institution for the promotion and financing of renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy, and energy conservation initiatives.
  • The agency mobilizes funds from both domestic and international markets, and lends to public and private sector renewable projects.

Additional Information:

• Motto: “Energy for Ever”
• Nature of Work: Provides term loans, refinancing, and other forms of financial support to renewable and clean energy projects.
• Significance: IREDA has played a key role in advancing India’s goals of achieving energy security and sustainable development by funding projects that reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Incorrect: The PM Surya Ghar–Muft Bijli Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme, not a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
  • This means it is fully funded by the Central Government, though implemented through state-level agencies (DISCOMs).
• Statement 2 – Correct: At the national level, the scheme is managed by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA).
  At the state level, it is implemented by State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) — primarily DISCOMs or State Energy Departments.
• Statement 3 – Correct: It is a subsidy-based scheme, offering financial assistance to households for installing rooftop solar systems —
  • 60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW capacity.
  • 40% subsidy for systems between 2–3 kW capacity.
• Statement 4 – Correct: The main objective of the scheme is to promote adoption of rooftop solar systems, enabling 1 crore households to receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month.

Why in News:

• The PM Surya Ghar–Muft Bijli Yojana was recently launched to promote solar rooftop adoption under India’s renewable energy transition, aiming to empower households with free electricity, lower bills, and greener energy solutions.

Explanation:

• Statement-I: Correct. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to achieve a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education (pre-primary to secondary) by 2030, ensuring universal access and retention.
• Statement-II: Correct. As per UDISE+ 2023–24 data, India’s GER is 93% at the primary level, 77.4% at the secondary level, and 56.2% at the higher secondary level — showing steady improvement but still short of full enrolment.
• Both statements are factually correct, but Statement-II merely provides supporting data and does not explain the policy vision in Statement-I.
• Hence, the correct answer is (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: The PM POSHAN scheme (earlier known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, meaning it is implemented with shared funding between the Central and State Governments.
  • It operates under the provisions of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
  • The scheme ensures food security and addresses classroom hunger while promoting better school attendance and learning outcomes.
• Statement 2 – Correct: The scheme covers children from Balvatika (pre-class I) up to Class VIII studying in government and government-aided schools across India.
  • Nutritional support is also provided during summer vacations in drought-affected regions.

Why in News:

• The PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme, benefiting over 12 crore children across 10.84 lakh schools in 2022–23, has enhanced transparency through an Automated Monitoring System, enabling real-time data collection and ensuring better accountability and timely meal delivery.

Explanation:

• The Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) programme, launched in 2023, focuses on adult education for individuals aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling. It aligns with NEP 2020 and promotes foundational literacy, critical life skills, vocational education, and continuing learning. Implemented through volunteer-based hybrid learning at Samajik Chetna Kendras, it carries the vision of “Jan Jan Saakshar” (Everyone Literate) with a total outlay of ₹1,037.90 crore (2022–27).

Explanation:

• Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is a key component of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), launched in 2005.
• She acts as a link between the community and the public health system, particularly for maternal and child health services.

Roles and Responsibilities of ASHA:

• Accompanies women to health facilities for antenatal, natal, and postnatal care.
• Uses pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy and ensures registration of pregnant women.
• Provides information on nutrition, sanitation, immunization, and family planning.
• Promotes institutional deliveries by mobilizing women to visit healthcare centers.

Not included:

• ASHA does not conduct deliveries herself. That task is handled by Skilled Birth Attendants (ANMs) or trained health professionals.
• Hence, statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct, while 4 is incorrect.

Explanation:

• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) was launched in September 2021 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to create a digital health ecosystem for India.
• It is a part of the larger Ayushman Bharat programme, which aims to achieve the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as envisioned in the National Health Policy, 2017.

Statement 1: Private and public hospitals must adopt it — Correct

• The mission seeks to integrate both public and private hospitals into a common digital health infrastructure.
• It encourages all healthcare facilities to adopt digital health records and Health IDs, ensuring interoperability and standardization.

Statement 2: Every citizen should be part of it ultimately — Correct

• The ABDM aims to provide a unique Health ID (ABHA number) to every Indian citizen, enabling them to link and access their digital health records.
• This aligns with the broader goal of universal participation to ensure equitable access to healthcare services across the country.

Statement 3: It has seamless portability across the country — Correct

• The digital health ID ensures nationwide portability.
• A citizen can access their health records and receive healthcare services anywhere in India, regardless of their location or the hospital’s state jurisdiction.

Additional Facts:

• The Health ID (ABHA number) is free and voluntary.
• It helps link doctors, hospitals, insurance firms, and patients on one interoperable digital platform.
• The system also helps in health data analytics, policy planning, and better governance.

Explanation:

• eSanjeevani is India’s National Telemedicine Service, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• It aims to provide remote medical consultations and bridge the rural–urban health gap through digital technology.

Key Features:

1. Two Verticals:

• (i) eSanjeevani (Doctor-to-Doctor):
  • Operates under the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) Programme.
  • Uses a Hub-and-Spoke model, where specialists at district hospitals (hubs) provide support to doctors at HWCs (spokes).
  • Focuses on assisted teleconsultations in rural areas.
• (ii) eSanjeevaniOPD (Doctor-to-Patient):
  • Enables citizens to consult doctors directly from home using smartphones, tablets, or computers.
  • Developed by C-DAC, Mohali under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • Known as “Stay Home OPD” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent Achievements:

• Crossed 8 crore teleconsultations by late 2022.
• Over 45,000 ABHA IDs (Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts) generated through the platform.
• Active in over 1 lakh Health and Wellness Centres and 14,000 hubs.
• Onboarded over 2.2 lakh doctors and health workers.

Significance:

• Reduces healthcare access barriers in remote areas.
• Promotes digital inclusion in healthcare.
• Strengthens the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM) and supports Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.

Explanation:

Hepatitis B ✔️

• • Given at birth or as early as possible within 24 hours.
  • Dose: 0.5 ml, intra-muscular on the antero-lateral side of the mid-thigh.

BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) ✔️

• • Given at birth or as early as possible till one year of age.
  • Protects against tuberculosis (TB).
  • Dose: 0.1 ml (0.05 ml for infants <1 month), intra-dermal, left upper arm.

OPV-0 (Oral Polio Vaccine) ✔️

• • Given at birth or within the first 15 days.
  • Protects against polio.
  • Dose: 2 drops, oral route.

Measles ❌

• • Not given at birth.
  • Administered at 9 completed months to 12 months of age.

👉 Hence, Hepatitis B, BCG, and OPV are given at birth, while Measles is given later.

📰 Why in News:

• Under the National Immunization Schedule (NIS), newborns in India receive Hepatitis B, BCG, and OPV at birth to ensure early protection against preventable diseases like Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, and Polio, forming the first step of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: The U-WIN Portal has been developed under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to maintain an electronic registry of routine immunizations.
  • It captures every vaccination event, ensuring timely administration of vaccine doses, and generates QR-based e-vaccination certificates similar to those used in the CoWIN platform.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect:
  While the portal currently focuses on pregnant women and children (0–5 years) in its pilot phase, it is not limited only to them. 
  • The long-term goal is to make U-WIN the single digital source for all immunization records, integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) for creating comprehensive health records (ABHA IDs).

Why in News:

• The U-WIN Portal, developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is currently in pilot mode across all States and Union Territories (except West Bengal).
• It aims to digitize India’s immunization ecosystem, improve tracking of vaccination coverage, and support frontline health workers in accurate and real-time record maintenance.

Explanation:

• The PRASHAD Scheme stands for “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive.”
• It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014–15 with the aim of holistic development of pilgrimage and heritage destinations across India.

Key Points:

• Original Name: PRASAD – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive
• Renamed in 2017: PRASHAD – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive
  • The term “Heritage” was added after the HRIDAY Scheme (of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) was discontinued.
• The scheme now covers both pilgrimage and heritage destinations.

Implementation & Funding:

• Implementing Agency: Concerned State/UT Governments through identified agencies.
• Funding Pattern:
  • 100% Central Financial Assistance for project components undertaken for public funding.
  • Encourages participation through CSR and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for sustainability.

Examples of Sites Covered:

• Amaravati and Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), Kamakhya (Assam), Parasuram Kund (Arunachal Pradesh), Patna and Gaya (Bihar), among others.

Explanation

A. Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) → 3

• Definition: Private entity builds, finances, and operates a public facility for a fixed time and collects user charges (like tolls or fees).
• After the concession period, ownership returns to the government.
• Example: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) toll roads.
• Risk: Private sector bears construction, financing, and revenue risks.

B. Build–Own–Operate (BOO) → 4

• Definition: Private company builds, owns, operates indefinitely — no transfer back to the government.
• Example: Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the electricity sector.
• Risk: All major risks borne by private player; government may offer incentives or tax breaks.

C. BOT–Annuity → 2

• Definition: Same as BOT, except revenue is assured through fixed annuity payments by the government rather than user charges.
• Example: Rural roads under PMGSY.
• Risk: Construction and operation risks → private partner; revenue risk → government.

D. Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) → 1

• Definition: Hybrid of EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) and BOT–Annuity.
• Funding Split: Government pays 40% during construction, remaining 60% by private developer through equity/debt.
• Example: National Highway projects since 2016.
• Risk: Construction risk → private; traffic/revenue risk → government.

Summary Table

Explanation:

• Statement-I: Correct — a key PPP principle is “risk sharing, not risk shifting.” Risks are assigned to the party most capable of managing them efficiently.
• Statement-II: Incorrect — in practice, construction risk is largely with the private sector, not the government.
  • The government may share some demand/revenue risk, especially when viability is uncertain (via mechanisms like VGF).
• Hence, only Statement-I is correct.

Explanation:

• Statement-I: Correct — Viability Gap Funding (VGF) bridges the financial shortfall in PPP projects that are socially desirable but not commercially profitable.
• Statement-II: Correct — VGF is typically given as a one-time grant (up to 20–40% of project cost) during the construction phase to improve financial viability.
• Hence, Statement-II explains Statement-I, as VGF is the method used to achieve the goal stated in Statement-I.

Explanation:

A. Harrod–Domar Model → 4

• Core Idea: Growth depends on the savings rate (s) and capital-output ratio (v).
  Formula: g = s/v
• Adopted: During the First Five-Year Plan (1951–56).
• Focus: Increasing investment and savings to stimulate growth, especially in agriculture and irrigation.

B. Feldman–Mahalanobis Model → 2

• Core Idea: Prioritise heavy industries and capital goods sector to accelerate long-term industrial growth.
• Adopted: Second Five-Year Plan (1956–61).
• Result: Establishment of major PSUs like BHEL, Bhilai, and Rourkela steel plants.

C. Solow–Swan Model → 3

• Core Idea: Long-term growth comes from technological progress and labour productivity, not just capital accumulation.
• Relevance in India: Influenced Green Revolution and technology missions (IT, telecom, biotechnology).

D. Rao–Manmohan Model → 1

• Core Idea: Shift to a market-oriented economy under 1991 liberalisation reforms.
• Focus: Liberalisation, Privatisation, and Globalisation (LPG).
• Outcome: Higher growth rates, foreign investment inflows, but also rising inequality.

Summary Table

Explanation:

• The Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) was launched by the World Bank Group as a global, open platform to facilitate the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure projects, especially those involving Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Key Features:

• Objective: To mobilize private sector and institutional investor capital for large-scale, sustainable infrastructure projects in developing countries.
• Function: It helps governments prepare, design, and structure infrastructure PPPs by providing technical support, capacity building, and project preparation funding.
• Collaboration Platform: The GIF brings together governments, multilateral development banks (MDBs), and private sector investors to jointly work on complex infrastructure projects that require multi-institutional expertise.
• Areas of Support:
  • Transport (roads, ports, airports)
  • Energy (renewables, transmission)
  • Water and sanitation
  • Urban infrastructure

Significance:

• Addresses the infrastructure investment gap in developing economies.
• Encourages long-term private participation in sustainable infrastructure development.
• Promotes transparent, well-structured PPP projects that attract global investment.

Explanation:

• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a digital security framework that uses cryptographic keys and digital certificates to ensure secure communication and authentication in the digital world.
• It provides the foundation for encryption, identity verification, and digital signatures, protecting data from tampering and unauthorized access.
• In India, PKI underpins systems like digital signatures, SSL/TLS certificates for secure websites, e-Governance platforms, and secure online transactions.

Core Components:

• Certificate Authority (CA): Issues and verifies digital certificates.
• Registration Authority (RA): Validates users before certificates are issued.
• Digital Certificates: Serve as electronic identification to verify authenticity.

Why in Use:

• PKI is used in applications such as smart card logins, secure emails, e-signatures, encrypted communications, and online financial transactions — forming a key pillar of India’s cybersecurity and Digital India framework.

Explanation:

• The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) launched the Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative to promote sustainable development through infrastructure-based investments aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The initiative seeks to mobilize private and public capital for projects that create social, economic, and environmental impact, especially in developing countries.

Focus Areas of S3i Initiative:

1. Affordable Housing — Included
   • S3i invests in affordable and sustainable housing solutions aimed at improving living conditions and urban development.
   • Focuses on low-carbon, inclusive, and resilient housing to meet the SDG 11 goal (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
2. Mass Rapid Transport — Included
   • The initiative supports clean and sustainable urban transport systems like metro, bus rapid transit, and electric mobility.
   • This promotes reduced emissions and improved urban connectivity.
3. Health Care — Not Included
   • While healthcare contributes to social development, it is not one of the core investment areas under S3i.
   • UNOPS works in health-related projects separately, but not specifically under the S3i framework.
4. Renewable Energy — Included
   • S3i focuses on renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and hydropower to enable energy access and transition toward low-carbon economies.
   • It aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Explanation:

• The Mega Food Parks Scheme (MFPS) was launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in 2008 to create modern infrastructure for the food processing sector on a cluster-based approach.

Objectives of the Scheme:

1. To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry.
   • The scheme aims to create modern infrastructure facilities such as cold chains, warehousing, logistics, and processing centers.
   • These facilities help farmers and food processors connect through a hub-and-spoke model, enhancing efficiency.
   • Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
2. To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage.
   • India faces significant losses of perishable agricultural produce due to inadequate processing facilities.
   • Mega Food Parks are designed to reduce post-harvest losses, extend shelf life, and add value to farm produce.
   • Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
3. To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies to entrepreneurs.
   • While the scheme indirectly promotes technology adoption, it does not primarily focus on developing or providing emerging technologies.
   • The emphasis is on infrastructure and capacity creation, not R&D.
   • Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Additional Information:

• The Mega Food Park model includes a Central Processing Centre (CPC) and Primary Processing Centres (PPCs) linked to Collection Centres (CCs) near the farm gate.
• Each park is expected to benefit about 25,000–30,000 farmers and generate direct and indirect employment.
• It also helps integrate farm-to-market value chains by encouraging food processing units within the park.

✅ Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• PM-WANI stands for Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface.
• It was launched in 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications.
• The initiative is part of the Digital India Mission and aligns with the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.

Key Features:

Objective:

• To provide affordable and widespread internet access through a network of public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, especially in rural and remote areas.

Implementation Model:

• • It allows local entrepreneurs and shopkeepers to become Public Data Office Providers (PDOs) without requiring a license or paying a fee.
  • These PDOs can set up Wi-Fi hotspots and offer internet services to users.

Ease of Doing Business:

• Simplifies participation by removing license barriers and enabling decentralized internet distribution.
• Current Status (as of November 2024):
  Over 2.46 lakh Wi-Fi hotspots have been installed nationwide.

Significance:

• Promotes digital inclusion and connectivity in underserved regions.
• Supports e-governance, digital payments, online education, and rural entrepreneurship.
• Encourages innovation and local employment through community-based internet services.

Explanation:

• The ‘Kashi-Tamil Sangamam’ is a month-long cultural programme announced by the Government of India to rekindle and celebrate the civilisational connection between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi (Kashi)—two of India’s oldest cultural centers.
• It aims to promote people-to-people exchange, strengthen the cultural, academic, and spiritual ties, and showcase the unity of India through its linguistic and regional diversity.

Associated Initiative:

• The programme is organized as part of the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” (EBSB) initiative.

About Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat:

• Launched: 2015
• Objective: To promote mutual understanding and bonding among people of different States and Union Territories.
• Purpose: To celebrate India’s unity in diversity by fostering cross-cultural learning, tourism, language exchange, and cooperation between paired states.

Significance of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam:

• Reaffirms India’s cultural continuity and shared heritage.
• Encourages interaction between scholars, students, artisans, and spiritual leaders from both regions.
• Highlights the civilisational links between North and South India through art, architecture, literature, and traditions.

✅ Therefore, ‘Kashi-Tamil Sangamam’ is a part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.