Kailasanatha Temple and Dashavatar Cave architecture of Rashtrakutas The Rashtrakuta dynasty (around 753–982 CE) is remembered as one of the greatest patrons of art in the Deccan. Their biggest contribution is seen in the Ellora caves of Maharashtra, especially the Kailasanatha Temple (Cave 16) and the Dashavatar Cave (Cave 15). These works show how rock-cut caves gradually evolved into temples that look like free-standing structures, even though they were carved out of a single mountain.   Kailasanatha Temple (Cave 16) The Kailasanatha Temple, built by King Krishna I (c. 756–773 CE), is the most stunning creation of the Rashtrakutas. It is the largest monolithic structure in the world—a whole temple carved out of one single rock.   Architectural Features: Carved from a single rock: Unlike earlier caves that were dug into a hillside, this one was created by cutting vertically from the top of the mountain downwards. This method helped in proper alignment and water drainage.                                                                                                              Dravidian style: Its design was inspired by South Indian temples of the Pallavas and Chalukyas, complete with a tower (Vimana), a grand entrance gateway (Gopuram), a Nandi Mandapa, and flag pillars (Dhwajastambhas). Complex Layout: The main shrine is dedicated to Shiva, with a Nandi Mandapa connected by a rock bridge, giving the impression of a free-standing temple.   Sculptural Features: The base (plinth) is decorated with elephant and lion carvings, making it look as though the whole temple rests on their backs. Walls show huge panels from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The most famous carving is Ravana trying to shake Mount Kailasa, a scene full of dramatic energy.     Dashavatar Cave (Cave 15)   The Dashavatar Cave is very different from Kailasanatha. It shows a transitional stage-part cave, part structural temple.       Architectural Features: Originally a Buddhist monastery (Vihara), it was later turned into a Hindu temple, probably during Dantidurga or Krishna I’s reign. It has two levels: the lower one is plain, while the upper one has a large pillared hall (Mandapa) and shrine. The hall has 26 square pillars and deep relief carvings, designed to look like structural panels of real temples.   Sculptural Features: The cave is called Dashavatar because of its panels of Vishnu’s ten incarnations (like Varaha and Narasimha). The Narasimha panel, showing Vishnu tearing Hiranyakashipu, is a masterpiece of movement and power. Shiva panels are equally striking, especially Shiva killing Andhaka and Shiva emerging from the Linga (Lingodbhava). These show the Rashtrakutas’ bold sculptural style.     Conclusion The Dashavatar Cave reflects the transition from Buddhist to Hindu patronage, and the growing importance of Vishnu and Shiva themes. Kailasanatha Temple is the grandest achievement, where an entire mountain was turned into a replica of a Dravidian temple something unmatched anywhere else in ancient India.               Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001

DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD 2023 Why in News? Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced that the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 will be awarded to the Malayalam actor Mohanlal.   About Dadasaheb Phalke Award: It is the country’s highest film honour introduced in 1969, conferred for “Outstanding contribution for the growth and development of Indian cinema” This award includes a ‘Swarna Kamal,’ a cash prize of INR 10 lakh, a certificate, a silk roll, and a shawl. It is presented by the President of India. It is commemorated in the name of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke About Dhundiraj Govind Phalke:– He was an Indian producer, director, and screenwriter, who directed India’s first feature film Raja Harischandra (1913)– He is known as the “Father of Indian Cinema”   Dadasaheb Phalke Award Winners List from 1969 to 2025: Year (Edition) Awardee Language 2023 (71st NFA) Mohanlal Malayalam 2022 (70th NFA) Mithun Chakraborty Bengali, Hindi 2021 (69th NFA) Waheeda Rehman Hindi 2020 (68th NFA) Asha Parekh Hindi 2019 (67th NFA) Rajinikanth Tamil 2018 (66th NFA) Amitabh Bachchan Hindi 2017 (65th NFA) Vinod Khanna Hindi 2016 (64th NFA) K. Viswanath Telugu 2015 (63rd NFA) Manoj Kumar Hindi 2014 (62nd NFA) Shashi Kapoor Hindi 2013 (61st NFA) Gulzar Hindi 2012 (60th NFA) Pran Hindi 2011 (59th NFA) Soumitra Chatterjee Bengali 2010 (58th NFA) K. Balachander Tamil 2009 (57th NFA) D. Ramanaidu Telugu 2008 (56th NFA) V. K. Murthy Hindi 2007 (55th NFA) Manna Dey Bengali, Hindi 2006 (54th NFA) Tapan Sinha Bengali, Hindi 2005 (53rd NFA) Shyam Benegal Hindi 2004 (52nd NFA) Adoor Gopalakrishnan Malayalam 2003 (51st NFA) Mrinal Sen Bengali, Hindi 2002 (50th NFA) Dev Anand Hindi 2001 (49th NFA) Yash Chopra Hindi 2000 (48th NFA) Asha Bhosle Hindi, Marathi 1999 (47th NFA) Hrishikesh Mukherjee Hindi 1998 (46th NFA) B. R. Chopra Hindi 1997 (45th NFA) Kavi Pradeep Hindi 1996 (44th NFA) Sivaji Ganesan Tamil 1995 (43rd NFA) Rajkumar Kannada 1994 (42nd NFA) Dilip Kumar Hindi 1993 (41st NFA) Majrooh Sultanpuri Hindi 1992 (40th NFA) Bhupen Hazarika Assamese 1991 (39th NFA) Bhalji Pendharkar Marathi 1990 (38th NFA) Akkineni Nageswara Rao Telugu 1989 (37th NFA) Lata Mangeshkar Hindi, Marathi 1988 (36th NFA) Ashok Kumar Hindi 1987 (35th NFA) Raj Kapoor Hindi 1986 (34th NFA) B. Nagi Reddy Telugu 1985 (33rd NFA) V. Shantaram Hindi, Marathi 1984 (32nd NFA) Satyajit Ray Bengali 1983 (31st NFA) Durga Khote Hindi, Marathi 1982 (30th NFA) L. V. Prasad Telugu, Tamil, Hindi 1981 (29th NFA) Naushad Hindi 1980 (28th NFA) Paidi Jairaj Hindi 1979 (27th NFA) Sohrab Modi Hindi 1978 (26th NFA) Raichand Boral Bengali, Hindi 1977 (25th NFA) Nitin Bose Bengali, Hindi 1976 (24th NFA) Kanan Devi Bengali 1975 (23rd NFA) Dhirendra Nath Ganguly Bengali 1974 (22nd NFA) B. N. Reddy Telugu 1973 (21st NFA) Ruby Myers (Sulochana) Hindi 1972 (20th NFA) Pankaj Mullick Bengali, Hindi 1971 (19th NFA) Prithviraj Kapoor Hindi 1970 (18th NFA) Birendranath Sircar Bengali 1969 (17th NFA) Devika Rani Hindi   Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001

SWACHH VAYU SURVEKSHAN AWARD 2025 Why in News? Union Minister Bhupender Yadav confers awards to cities under Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards 2025.   About Swachh Vayu Survekshan Awards: SVS is an annual survey conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan is structured as a rigorous, multi-tiered evaluation mechanism, founded on comprehensive due diligence under the National Clean Air Programme. Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan is conducted for 130 cities under NCAP annually to promote healthy competition among cities to take expeditious actions to improve air quality. Highlights of the 2025 Awards: Category-1 (population of over 10 lakh population):1st Rank – Indore2nd Rank – Jabalpur3rd Rank – Agra and Surat Category – 2 (population between 3 and 10 lakh):1st Rank – Amaravati1st Rank – Jhansi and Moradabad3rd Rank – Alwar Category- 3 (population under 3 lakh):1st Rank – Dewas2nd Rank – Parwanoo3rd Rank – Angul These awards were received by Mayors, District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners of respective cities. Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001

PRADHAN MANTRI MATSYA SAMPADA YOJANA (PMMSY) Why in News? Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has completed 5 years since its launch   About PMMSY: Launched: on September 10, 2020 by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Aims and Objectives:Harnessing of fisheries potential2. Enhancing of fish production and productivity3. Modernizing and strengthening of value chain – post – harvest management and quality improvement 4. Doubling fishers and fish farmers incomes and generation of employment5. Enhancing contribution to Agriculture GVA and exports6. Social, physical and economic security for fishers and fish farmers7. Robust fisheries management and regulatory framework The scheme has now been extended up to 2025–26 PMMSY was introduced as part of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ package with an investment of 20,050 crores, the highest-ever investment in this sector. The PMMSY is an umbrella scheme with two separate components as below: (a) Central Sector Scheme (CS): (Fully funded and implemented by the Central Government.) The project cost will be borne by the Central government.(b) Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): (Partially supported by the federal government and implemented by the states.) All the sub-components/activities will be implemented by the States/UTs, and the cost will be shared between the Centre and State.  The intended beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana are:   Fishers Fish farmers Fish workers and Fish vendors Fisheries Development corporations Self Help Groups (SHGs)/Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) in fisheries sector Fisheries cooperatives Fisheries Federations Entrepreneurs and private firms Fish Farmers Producer Organizations/Companies (FFPOs/Cs) SCs/STs/Women/Differently abled persons State Governments/UTs and their entities State Fisheries Development Boards (SFDB) Central Government and its entities Developments in fisheries sector:– Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF):Scheme has been launched in 2018-19 with a total fund size of Rs. 7522.48 crores. Under this scheme, Government of India provides interest subvention up to 3% per annum for the repayment period of 12 years inclusive of moratorium of 2 years for repayment of principle amount.– Kisan Credit Card: The Government of India with effect from the financial year 2018-19 has extended the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to fishers and fish famers. Challenges in Implementation of the Scheme:– Infrastructural and Technological Gap:The fisheries sector suffers from inadequate infrastructure and outdated technology for production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing of fish. – Human Resource Development Deficit:A shortage of skilled manpower and limited extension services hinder the adoption of modern practices, innovations, and quality standards among fish farmers and fishermen.– Financial Inclusion and Social Security Challenges:Restricted access to timely credit and insurance leaves fish farmers and fishermen vulnerable to risks such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and market volatility.   Regulatory and Legal Compliance Issues:Limited awareness and poor adherence to regulatory frameworks including fishing rights, licenses, quotas, conservation norms, quality control, and traceability undermine both the sustainability and global competitiveness of the fisheries sector.   UPSC CSE Mains 2018:Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.    Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001

KATCHATHEEVU ISLAND Location: Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island located in the Palk Strait, lying between India and Sri LankaKatchatheevu lies 33 km off the Indian coast near Rameswaram and is positioned 62 km to the southwest of Jaffna, close to Sri Lanka’s northern tip.   Strategic Importance:– Serves as a maritime boundary reference point between India and Sri Lanka.– A rich fishing ground, vital to the livelihood of Tamil Nadu’s fishing community.– Home to St. Anthony’s Church, a site of religious and cultural importance for fishermen from both countries. History:– The Island was formed as a result of volcanic eruption in the 14th-century.– In the early medieval period, the region was under the rule of the Jaffna kingdom of Sri Lanka, but by the 17th century, control passed to the Ramnad zamindari under the Nayak dynasty of Madurai. Dispute:– India’s Claim: Katchatheevu, once part of the Madras Presidency under British rule, remained a point of contention until 1974, with India maintaining that the island rightfully belonged to it.– Sri Lanka’s Claim: Sri Lanka asserted sovereignty on the grounds that the Portuguese (1505–1658 CE) had exercised jurisdiction over the islet, strengthening its historical claim.– 1974 Agreement: The Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement formally transferred Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.– 1976 Agreement: A supplementary pact barred both nations’ fishermen from operating in each other’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Since Katchatheevu lies on the maritime boundary, the deal created ambiguities over traditional fishing rights.– Post-2009 Tensions: Following the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war, incidents of Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters increased, resulting in arrests, alleged custodial violence, and a renewed demand within India for the retrieval of Katchatheevu. Recent Developments: – Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has once again unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Union government to retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka. Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001

NIRF INDIA RANKINGS 2025 Why in News? The Ministry of Education released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) India Rankings 2025.   About NIRF Ranking: The NIRF is a ranking system introduced by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in 2015. It aims to provide a fair and transparent assessment of higher education institutions across India based on various parameters. Parameters for Ranking: Teaching, Learning and Resources:– Student strength    – Faculty student ratio    – Faculty with Ph. D    – Online Education2. Research and Professional practice:     – Publications      – Citations       – Patents      – Research Projects3. Graduation Outcome:     – Placement & Higher Studies     – University Examinations      – Median Salary      – Ph. D Students4. Outreach and Inclusivity:     – Region Diversity      – Women Diversity     – Economically and Socially Challenged Students      – Physically Challenged Students5. Perception:     – Peer Perception: Academic Peers and Employers   NIRF Ranking 2025: Overall1. Indian Institute of Technology Madras 2. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 3. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay 4. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi 5. Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur   Universities1. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 2. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 3. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 4. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 5. University of Delhi, Delhi   Colleges1. Hindu College, Delhi 2. Miranda House, Delhi3. Hans Raj College, Delhi4. Kirori Mal College, Delhi  5. St. Stephens’s College, Delhi   Research Institutions1. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru2. Indian Institute of Technology Madras3. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi4. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay5. Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur       Management1. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad2. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore3. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode4. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi5. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow   Engineering1. Indian Institute of Technology Madras2. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi3. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay4. Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur5. Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001

COCONUT DEVELOPMENT BOARD Why in News? Coconut Development Board launches revised schemes.   About Coconut Development Board: It is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Established: 12th January 1981 Headquarters: Kochi (Kerala) Regional Offices:– Bengaluru (Karnataka)– Chennai (Tamil Nadu)– Guwahati (assam)– Patna (Bihar) Aim: Integrated development of coconut cultivation and industry with focus on productivity increase and product diversifications. Functions: – Measures for the development of the coconut industry.– Imparting technical advice – Providing financial assistance – Encouraging adoption of modern technologies for processing of coconut and its products.– Adopting measures to get incentive prices for coconut and its products.– Recommending measures for improving marketing of coconut and its products. Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001

25TH SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO) SUMMIT Why in News? The Prime Minister of India attended the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Tianjin, China from 31 August to 1 September 2025.   Key Outcomes of 2025 SCO Summit: Membership & Partnerships: Laos was admitted as a partner country, raising SCO’s strength to 27 (10 members, including India, and 17 partners). Counter-Terrorism: The Tianjin Declaration strongly condemned terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack, urged an end to cross-border movement of terrorists, and rejected the use of extremist groups for mercenary purposes. China’s Initiatives to Expand SCO Influence:SCO members can now use China’s BeiDou satellite system (GPS alternative); China pledged $1.4B in loans over three years and proposed creating an SCO development bank. The SCO Summit 2025 showcased cooperation between China, Russia, and India, with their leaders signaling renewed interest in alternative partnership models on global issues. Global Governance: The proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI) aims to uphold sovereign equality, strengthen multilateralism, and advance a fair global order. It reflects India’s vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. Promotion of Cultural and Social Values: The summit endorsed the UNGA resolution opposing the glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism, racism, and xenophobia.       About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): Established: in 2001, at the Shanghai Summit by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Charter signed: in 2002 and came into force on 19th September 2003 Members: 10 member countries, 2 observer states and 15 dialogue partners (Laos as latest)Members: – 2001 (Founding Members): China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan– 2017 (Expansion): India, Pakistan– 2023: Iran2024: Belarus Official Language: Russian and Chinese Headquarters: Beijing, China Goals:– Strengthen regional peace, stability, and cooperation– Combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism– Foster economic, political, and cultural collaboration Structure:– The Council of Heads of States: apex decision-making body– Council of Heads of Governments: second-highest council– Two permanent bodies: the Secretariat in Beijing (China) and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001

PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJANA (PMJDY) Why in News? Prime Minister marks 11 transformative years of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana About PMJDY: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a financial inclusion initiative in India designed to ensure access to essential financial services for all citizens. It enables people to open Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (BSBDA) with simplified procedures, relaxed KYC requirements, and the option of e-KYC. The PMJDY takes a holistic approach that goes beyond just opening bank accounts. It seeks to ensure universal access to savings accounts along with affordable credit, remittance services, insurance, and pension facilities. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive RuPay debit cards with accidental insurance cover of ₹2 lakh, overdraft up to ₹10,000 for account holders below 65 years, and access to additional products such as micro-insurance, micro-pension, and micro-credit. The scheme also serves as a key platform for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and subsidies, and through its integration with the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile), it ensures transparent and efficient delivery of welfare schemes. Six Pillars of PMJDY:Universal access to Banking services2. Creation of credit guarantee funds3. Basic saving bank account with overdraft facility of Rs. 10,000 to eligible adult4. Pension scheme for unorganized sector5. Micro-insurance 6. Financial literacy program Achievements:– As of August 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has opened over 16 crore bank accounts with total deposits exceeding ₹2.67 lakh crore. The number of accounts have grown from 14.72 crore in March 2015, representing a 3.8-fold increase over the decade.– The scheme has issued 38.68 crore RuPay debit cards, promoting cashless transactions, offering accident insurance, and reducing reliance on foreign payment systems.|– PMJDY built the foundation for India’s UPI ecosystem, creating a user base that helped India emerge as a global leader in digital payments.– Women hold 56% of all PMJDY accounts, representing over 31.31 crore female account holders. Challenges:– The Finance Ministry stated that nearly one-fourth of PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts are inoperative, raising concerns about financial inclusion and account usage. –  Out of 56.04 crore PMJDY accounts, 04 crore (23%) are inoperative. Uttar Pradesh has the highest share (2.75 crore), followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.– Rural areas face issues of unreliable power, internet, and networks affecting digital banking.– Financial and technological literacy deficits contribute to limited account usage.– Multiple Accounts: The lure of getting a large insurance cover, accidental death benefit cover and overdraft facility prompt people to open multiple accounts in different banks using different identification documents like Aadhaar card, PAN card etc.– Economic Burden on Banks: Too many accounts with persistent low balance creates  financial problems for banks in managing them. Way Forward: – Centralised Verification System → Biometric/digital checks to prevent duplicate accounts; incentivise single account use.– NSFI 2025–30 → Prioritise PMJDY for deeper penetration of social security schemes and awareness.– Insurance for All → Expand micro-insurance coverage beyond focus on accounts and balances.– Micro-Credit & Investments → Improve access to small credit and products like flexi-recurring deposits.– Overdraft Accounts → Increase penetration of OD facilities to drive growth and financial inclusion.– New Focus Areas → Cover remaining adults and continue onboarding new ones entering adulthood.     UPSC CSE Prelims 2015:‘Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for (2015) (a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates (b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas (c) promoting financial inclusion in the country (d) providing financial help to the marginalised communities Ans: (c) Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001

PMSVANidhi Scheme Why in News: Cabinet approves restructuring & extension of lending period beyond 31.12.2024 of PM Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme (Extension of lending period: From 31.12.2024 to 31.03.2030)   About PMSVANidhi Scheme: Launched: 1st June 2020, during COVID-19, to support street vendors. Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Nature: Central Sector Scheme (fully funded by Government of India). Objective: – Provide affordable collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors – Promote digital transactions– Ensure their socio-economic upliftment Eligibility: The Scheme is available for beneficiaries belonging to only those States/UTs which have notified Rules and Scheme under Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.– Beneficiaries from Meghalaya, which has its own State Street Vendors Act may, however, participate. The Scheme is available to all street vendors engaged in vending in urban areas (Earlier the Scheme was available to all street vendors engaged in vending on or before March 24, 2020).   Lending Agencies: Microfinance Institutions, Non-Banking Financial Company, Self Help Groups have been allowed due to their ground level presence and proximity to the urban poor including the street vendors.   Enhanced Loan Structure1st tranche loan: Raised to ₹15,000 (earlier ₹10,000).2nd tranche loan: Raised to ₹25,000 (earlier ₹20,000).3rd tranche loan: Unchanged at ₹50,000.   Achievements till July 30, 2025– 96 lakh loans disbursed = ₹13,797 crore.– 68 lakh beneficiaries, 47 lakh digitally active.– 557 crore digital transactions worth ₹6.09 lakh crore.– Cashback earned: ₹241 crore.– 46 lakh beneficiaries profiled under SVANidhi se Samriddhi in 3,564 ULBs → 1.38 crore scheme sanctions. Rashtram Institute Rashtram Institute for Civil Services is destined to provide you the best curated content for civil services examination on both mains and prelims perspective. Follow us for more such content…. To register, call: 9964152111Seats are filling fast — register today and step into the exam hall with full confidence! Address: Jaynagar last, Bus Stop, Saptapur, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001