Main Point :-
(i) The Diamond Imprest Licence (DIL) will have an import validity of 1 year and an export validity of 18 months. The DIL value will be set at 5% of the average export value from the past three years, with a maximum annual cap of USD 15 million per exporter.
(ii) Diamonds under the scheme must meet the Actual User Condition, with imports and exports restricted to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, aiming to support MSME exporters and ensure fair competition.
(iii) According to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s gross gem and jewelry exports in December 2024 stood at USD 1,967.98 million (Rs. 16,719.46 crores), marking a 10.29% decline compared to the same period in 2023.
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- Under the RESCO model, third-party entities will invest in rooftop solar installations, enabling consumers to pay only for the electricity consumed without any additional costs, while under the ULA model, Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) or state-designated entities will install rooftop solar projects on behalf of individual households.
- A ₹100 crore corpus fund has been allocated under the scheme for the Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) to reduce investment risks in RESCO-based grid-connected rooftop solar models for the residential sector, with the possibility of supplementation through additional grants and other sources, subject to MNRE approval.
Main Point :-
(i) The guidelines issued by MNRE are designed to complement the existing capex-based implementation mode available through the national portal (https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and aim to boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems while addressing key investment and implementation challenges.
(ii) The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) on 29th February 2024, with the Government of India allocating ₹75,021 crore for the scheme, which will be implemented until the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27).
(iii) The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) is considered the world's largest domestic rooftop solar programme, aiming to provide free electricity of 300 units per month to 1 crore households in India by March 2027, with implementation led by a National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.
About MNRE
Union Minister: Pralhad Joshi
Headquarters : New Delhi
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Odisha Becomes 34th State to Implement Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Scheme.
In January 2025, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority (NHA), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in Odisha.
- This move made Odisha the 34th state in the country to implement Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Scheme.
- The MoU was signed by LS Changsan, Additional Secretary, MoHFW and CEO of NHA, and Aswasthy S, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (Delhi).
Main Point :-
(i) AB PM-JAY will be implemented in convergence with the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) in Odisha.
(ii) The scheme will provide health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women members.
About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
Union Minister : Jagat Prakash Nadda
Headquarters : New Delhi
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Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Launches Maiyyaan Sampan Yojana.
In January 2025, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched the improved 'Maiyan Samman Yojana' in Namkum, Jharkhand. He transferred a total of Rs 5,000 (for two months) to the accounts of over 56.61 lakh women beneficiaries.
- The scheme was first introduced in August 2024, providing Rs 1,000 per month to women aged 18 to 50.
Main Point :-
(i) Starting from December 2024, the Jharkhand government increased the financial assistance to Rs 2,500 per month, providing stronger support to women beneficiaries.
(ii) To be eligible for the scheme, the applicant must be a woman and a resident of Jharkhand.
(iii) The applicant must not have a spouse or be employed herself in any Central or State Government job, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), local bodies, government-aided institutions, or be receiving a pension.
About Jharkhand
Chief minister: Hemant Soren
Governor: Santosh Gangwar
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Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has launched the PARTH Yojana.
On January 10, 2025, Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister (CM) of Madhya Pradesh (MP), launched the PARTH (Police Army Recruitment Training & Hunar) Yojana during the State Level Youth Festival. This scheme is designed to train the youth of MP for recruitment in the Indian Army, police, paramilitary forces, and other related services.
- The main goal of this initiative is to promote patriotism, develop skills, and improve employment opportunities for the state's energetic and patriotic youth.
Main Point :-
(i) Under this scheme, candidates will receive full pre-recruitment training, including physical fitness, coaching for written exams (covering general knowledge, mathematics, and English), and personality development.
(ii) A key part of the PARTH Yojana is the MPYP (Madhya Pradesh Youth Platform) Portal. This digital platform aims to connect all young people in the state for skill development, career guidance, and job opportunities.
(iii) The MPYP Portal, along with the Yuva Prerak Abhiyan, provides a comprehensive approach to youth development, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support needed to achieve their full potential.
About Madhya Pradesh
Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
CM : Mohan Yadav
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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the KSRTC Arogya Scheme, offering cashless medical services.
In January 2025, Karnataka's Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, launched the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Arogya health insurance scheme at the Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore. The scheme aims to provide cashless medical treatment to KSRTC employees and their families.
- The scheme will cover around 1.5 lakh people, including 34,000 KSRTC employees and their dependents, across more than 275 hospitals.
- Each beneficiary will have Rs 650 deducted monthly from their salary. This amount will increase by Rs 50 every year.
- The scheme offers unlimited inpatient treatment costs and covers eye care, dental care, Ayurvedic, Unani, Prakriti, and Homoeopathic treatments, with eligibility restricted to permanent residents of Karnataka who are KSRTC employees, providing selected employees with medical coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.
Main Point :-
(i) The scheme will be extended to employees of *Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) within three months.
(ii) KSRTC has signed agreements (MOUs) with 275 hospitals and four diagnostic centers to provide cashless Inpatient (IP) and Outpatient (OPD) services, and SR Srinivasa launched the internal magazine 'Saarige Sampada' along with the KSRTC Arogya Manual.
(iii) Samparka Sarige is a non-AC bus service with a white and pink color scheme. It operates as a shuttle between Kempegowda Bus Station and Mysuru Road Bus Station in Bangalore.
About Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
Chairman: S.R. Srinivasa
Headquarters: Bengaluru
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Government Launches PLI Scheme 1.1 for Specialty Steel to Enhance Domestic Production.
On January 6, 2025, Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, H. D. Kumaraswamy, launched the second round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Specialty Steel, termed as PLI Scheme 1.1, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
- The scheme will operate within the already allocated funds of Rs. 6,322 crore and will be implemented from Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 to FY 2029-30.
- The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme was introduced in March 2020 with the goal of enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities, decreasing dependency on imports, and promoting exports. The scheme provides financial incentives based on measurable outcomes, including increased production and higher incremental sales.
Main Point :-
(i) The PLI Scheme 1.1 targets 5 product categories, building upon the existing PLI Scheme: Coated/Plated Steel Products, High Strength/Wear-Resistant Steel, Specialty Rails, Alloy Steel Products & Steel Wires, and Electrical Steel.
(ii) In the second round of the PLI Scheme, investment and capacity creation thresholds for Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented (CRGO) steel have been reduced to Rs. 3,000 crore and 50,000 tonnes to encourage participation in this category.
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Key Cabinet Approvals Announced on January 1, 2025.
On January 1, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several important schemes and projects:
- The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) till 2025-26, with a total outlay of Rs. 69,515.71 crore for the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
- The Cabinet approved the creation of a Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT), with an outlay of Rs. 824.77 crore, aimed at integrating advanced technologies in insurance schemes.
Main Point :-
(i) The Union Cabinet approved the extension of the One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) subsidy at Rs. 3,500 per metric ton (MT) for the period from January 1, 2025, until further orders, to provide affordable DAP to farmers. The tentative budget for this initiative is approximately Rs. 3,850 crore.
(ii) The Union Cabinet approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), Government of India (GoI), and the Ministry of Trade, Indonesia, to facilitate the trade of one million metric tons (MT) of Non-Basmati White Rice (NBWR) annually, based on production and international prices.
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MoE Launches ONOS Scheme to Improve Access to Scholarly Resources for Government Institutions.
On January 1, 2025, the Ministry of Education (MoE) launched the first phase of the One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS) scheme, a Central Sector Scheme (CSS), aimed at providing access to world-class scholarly articles and journals for government-run higher education institutions (HEIs) and central government (CG) research and development (R&D) centers across India.
- The scheme was approved by the Government of India (GOI) on November 25, 2024, with a budget allocation of Rs 6,000 crore for its implementation from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.
Main Point :-
(i) The scheme is coordinated by INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network), an Inter-University Centre based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, under the University Grants Commission (UGC), operating under the MoE. Access to journals will be provided through a dedicated web portal managed by the INFLIBNET Centre.
(ii) The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will periodically review the usage of the ONOS initiative and assess publications by Indian authors from participating institutions.
About MoE
Union Minister : Dharmendra Pradhan
Headquarters : New Delhi
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Govt Approves Rs. 4388 Crore for Solarization of Agriculture Under PM-KUSUM Scheme.
In December 2024, the Government of India (GOI) approved Rs. 4388 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme to solarize agriculture across states in India.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for the scheme.
- The GOI launched PM-KUSUM in March 2019 to enhance farmers' income, improve irrigation methods, and reduce diesel consumption in agriculture.
- The scheme aims to provide energy security to farmers in India while helping the nation achieve its target of sourcing 40% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, as part of the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), and to add around 34,800 Mega Watt (MW) of solar power by March 2026, with a total central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore.
Main Point :-
(i) Scheme Establishes 10,000 MW of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants on barren land, with a capacity of 500 kW to 2 MW. Power will be purchased by local DISCOMs at a fixed tariff.
(ii) PM-KUSUM Scheme Provides 17.50 lakh standalone solar agricultural pumps (up to 7.5 HP) to farmers in off-grid areas, with Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of 30% (or 50% for specific regions).
(iii) Supports the solarization of 14 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps, allowing farmers to use solar power for irrigation and sell surplus to DISCOMs at a pre-fixed tariff. The scheme aims to solarize agriculture, enhance energy security, and reduce reliance on diesel for irrigation.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched the 'Banglar Bari' housing scheme.
In December 2024, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched the 'Banglar Bari' scheme to provide homes for the rural poor across the state. The launch event took place at the state secretariat, Nabanna, in West Bengal. "
- The scheme is fully funded by the state government, with a total budget of Rs. 14,773 crore.
- Under the scheme, each family will receive Rs. 1.20 lakh for building a house, with Rs. 60,000 provided in the first installment.
- Families in specific areas of Jangalmahal and the Darjeeling hills will receive Rs. 1.30 lakh."
Main Point :-
(i) The beneficiaries will receive the money in two phases. Over 28 lakh eligible beneficiaries have been identified through a state-conducted survey for the scheme. The Chief Minister (CM) handed over funds to 42 beneficiaries from 21 districts. More than 12 lakh beneficiaries in the state are eligible for the first installment.
(ii) An additional 16 lakh beneficiaries will receive housing allowances before the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal."
(iii) Mamata Banerjee also announced the construction of a 5-kilometer-long bridge, "Gangasagar Sethu," to connect the mainland to Sagar Island. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 1,500 crore and will be fully funded by the state government, as the Centre has not responded to previous requests.
About West Bengal
CM : Mamata Banerjee
Governor: C.V. Ananda Bose
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Enhancement of ‘Material Cost' under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme.
The Ministry of Education has announced an enhancement of the ‘Material Cost’ under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme by 13.70%, effective from December 1, 2024. This adjustment aims to account for inflation and ensure better nutritional support for students. The scheme provides one hot cooked meal to 11.70 crore students in government and government-aided schools. The increased costs will be borne by the Central Government, amounting to an additional ₹425.62 crore for FY 2024-25.
- Scheme Coverage: 11.70 crore students in Balvatika and classes I to VIII in 10.24 lakh government and government-aided schools.
- Material Cost Enhancement: Increased by 13.70% based on the Consumer Price Index – Rural Labourers (CPI-RL).
- New Rates: From ₹5.45 to ₹6.19 for primary and Bal Vatika classes, and from ₹8.17 to ₹9.29 for upper primary classes.
(i) Effective Date: December 1, 2024.
(ii) Central Government Support: Additional cost of ₹425.62 crore for FY 2024-25.
(iii) Central Government Support: Additional cost of ₹425.62 crore for FY 2024-25.
about PM POSHAN Scheme :
Students Benefited: 11.70 crore
Schools Covered: 10.24 lakh government and government-aided schools
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LIC Launches Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme 2022 to Support Economically Weaker Students Pursuing Higher Education
The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme 2022 aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections in pursuing higher education. Scholarships are available for studies in government or private colleges, including technical and vocational courses. Regular scholars who passed Class XII or its equivalent with at least 60% marks and have an annual family income not exceeding ₹2,50,000 are eligible. Special scholarships are also provided for girl students after Class X. The scholarship offers ₹20,000 per annum for regular scholars and ₹10,000 per annum for special girl scholars. The scheme aims to encourage education and provide better opportunities for employment through financial support.
- The LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme supports economically weaker students.
- Scholarships are for higher education, including technical and vocational courses.
- Regular scholars must have passed Class XII with at least 60% marks and an annual family income below ₹2,50,000.
(i) Regular scholars receive ₹20,000 per annum, and special girl scholars receive ₹10,000 per annum.
(ii) Scholarships are awarded based on merit and family income.
About LIC Golden Jubliee Scholarship scheme :
- Eligibility Income Limit: ₹2,50,000 per annum (₹4,00,000 for women-led households)
-Online Application Deadline: 18th December 2022
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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches 'Amrit Gyan Kosh' and 'Faculty Development' Portals under Mission Karmayogi .
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the 'Amrit Gyan Kosh' and 'Faculty Development' portals under Mission Karmayogi at the Civil Service Training Institutions Convention in New Delhi. He highlighted the integration of the National Capacity Building Commission and Mission Karmayogi Bharat into the governance structure, emphasizing continuous learning and competency-driven capacity building. Dr. Singh announced that 31 lakh government employees are trained under Mission Karmayogi annually. The event also saw the accreditation of 20 ministries and the launch of 13 Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) for training institutions.
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched 'Amrit Gyan Kosh' and 'Faculty Development' portals.
- 31 lakh government employees trained annually under Mission Karmayogi.
- The initiative aims to achieve Minimum Government and Maximum Governance.
(i) Accreditation granted to 20 ministries and 140 training institutes.
(ii) Mission Karmayogi Bharat and National Capacity Building Commission integrated into governance.
(iii) Launch of 13 Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) for continuous enhancement of training institutions.
(iv) Recognition of top-performing Civil Service Training Institutions (CSTIs)
About the Amrit Gyan Kosh portal :
Development: Jointly developed by the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat
SDGs Alignment: Aligns with 15 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering themes such as health, education, agriculture, and digital governance
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Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio launched Economic Empowerment Initiatives.
In November 2024, Nagaland's Chief Minister (CM) Neiphiu Rio inaugurated a series of important initiatives at the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), located at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima, Nagaland. These initiatives aim to boost the state's tourism, transport, agriculture, and entrepreneurial sectors.
- The CM launched Ura Cabs, a local taxi platform designed to offer easy travel experiences for both tourists and local taxi operators.
- The CM also flagged off new tourism vehicles under the Nagaland Tourism Connect Scheme. This event marks the completion of extensive tourism training programs in preparation for the 25th Hornbill Festival, which will be celebrated from December 1-10, 2024, at Kisama, Nagaland.
- Digital Piggery Insurance, developed with IRDAI and Tata AIG, is an app-based system simplifying registration and claims for piggery farmers, while entrepreneurs benefit from a 12% vehicle purchase discount and up to a 42% subsidy under the CM's Microfinance Initiative (CMMFI).
Main Point :-
(i) The Nagaland Logistics Connect initiative was launched to improve the state's transportation and logistics infrastructure.
(ii) The CM's Universal Life (UL) Insurance Scheme was introduced to provide financial protection to families in case of unexpected events, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social and financial security.
(iii) The Hornbill Festival, known as the "Festival of Festivals," is a 10-day annual event organized by the Nagaland Government since 2000 to celebrate Naga cultural heritage, with the 2024 theme "Cultural Connect."
About Nagaland
CM : Neiphiu Rio
Governor: La Ganesan Iyer
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Finance Ministry Launches PLI Scheme for Top Executives of Public Sector Banks.
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has launched a revised Performance-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme with an aim to reward and motivate employees for significant value creation for various stakeholders.
- The previous PLI scheme was restricted only to Whole-Time Directors (WTDs) - Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Executive Directors.
- The revised scheme also applies to senior executives in the rank of Chief Manager and above.
- This revision will reduce the existing wide compensation disparity between senior executives of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and private sector banks (PvSBs).
Main Points:-
(i) The PLI ceiling for MD & CEO and Executive Directors of nationalised banks and Chairman and Managing Directors (CMD) and Deputy Managing Directors (DMD) of State Bank of India (SBI) has been fixed at 100% of their annual basic pay.
(ii) On the other hand, the PLI ceiling for senior executives in the rank of Chief General Manager (CCM) and General Manager (GM); and Deputy General Manager (DGM) and Assistant General Manager (AGM) has been fixed at 90% and 80%, respectively, of their annual basic pay.
(iii) For Chief Manager, this ceiling has been set at 70%.
About Ministry of Finance(MoF)
Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
Headquarters: New Delhi
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Union Minister JP Nadda unveils Scheme to Strengthen the Medical Device Industry.
Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers (MoC&F), launched the Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry with an allocated budget of Rs.500 crores.
- Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry is a comprehensive initiative targeting critical areas of the medical device industry. It covers manufacturing of key components and accessories, skill development, support for clinical studies, development of common infrastructure, and industry promotion.
- This scheme will benefit the industry and significantly contribute to making India self-reliant.
- The scheme is expected to provide a boost to the entire medical device sector.
Main Points:-
(i) Anupriya Patel, Minister of State(MoS) for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, and Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, along with officials of the department and representatives of the industry, were also present during the event.
(ii) India's medical device market was valued at approximately USD 14 billion in 2024, with projections to reach USD 30 billion by 2030.
(iii) The design was developed in collaboration with the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, Maharashtra, and the Indian Army.
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Cabinet Approves PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme to Offer Financial Assistance to Meritorious Students.
On 6th November 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, a new CSS, aimed at providing financial assistance to meritorious students.
- This initiative ensures that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from pursuing higher education.
- Under the scheme, any meritorious student admitted to QHEIs will be eligible for collateral-free, guarantor-free loans from banks and FIs to cover tuition fees and other course-related expenses.
Main Points:-
(i) The GoI has allocated Rs 3,600 crore for the scheme from FY25 to FY31, benefiting an estimated 7 lakh new students through interest subvention during this period.
(ii) The CCEA, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, also approved an equity infusion of Rs 10,700 crore for FCI to support its working capital requirements for FY25.
About Food Corporation of India (FCI)
CMD : Ashok K. Κ. Meena
Headquarters: New Delhi
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MoF Raised MUDRA Loan Limit under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) from Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 20 Lakh.
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has raised the Mudra loan limit under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh under the new "Tarun Plus" category, effective from October 24, 2024, to encourage entrepreneurship in the country.
- Borrowers who have previously availed and successfully repaid loans under the "Tarun" category will now be eligible for funding between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.
Main Points:-
The Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) will extend guarantee coverage for these enhanced loans, reinforcing the Government of India's (GoI) commitment to fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.
About Ministry of Finance (MoF)
Finance Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman
Headquarters: New Delhi
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