13th October 2025 – Current Affairs

1. Siddi Tribal Community: A Journey of Resilience and Progress – Indian Society

Why in News?

The President of India recently applauded the Siddi tribal community for achieving a literacy rate exceeding 72%, marking a significant milestone in their educational upliftment and social development.
This achievement is notable as the Siddi community is listed as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) and has historically faced socio-economic marginalisation.

Who are the Siddis?

Geographical Distribution

• Primarily found in:

  • Gujarat

  • Maharashtra

  • Karnataka

  • Telangana

Socio-Cultural Features

Challenges Faced by the Siddi Community

• Social exclusion due to their distinct African features

• Limited access to quality education and healthcare

• Poor economic integration and dependence on informal sectors

• Loss of cultural identity due to marginalisation and assimilation pressures

Significance of Literacy Milestone

• Literacy rate of 72% shows significant progress in education and awareness

• Reflects the impact of government schemes, NGO efforts, and community mobilization

• Lays the groundwork for:

  • Greater economic opportunities

  • Improved political participation

  • Social integration into mainstream society

Government Interventions

• ST and PVTG Welfare Schemes – Targeted educational and economic programs

• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) – Access to quality education

• Skill development programs – For alternative livelihood options

• Special Cultural Grants – To preserve and promote unique cultural heritage

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims 

1. The Siddi tribal community in India is primarily descended from:
A. Mongolian tribes
B. Bantu-speaking people of Africa
C. Dravidian tribes of South India
D. Central Asian nomadic groups
Answer: B. Bantu-speaking people of Africa

2. Consider the following statements regarding the Siddi community:
1.They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in some Indian states.
2.Their traditional dance forms include Dhamal and Rasda.
3.They migrated to India during the Mughal period only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Mains

1. Discuss the historical origin and cultural identity of the Siddi tribal community in India. How has their socio-economic condition evolved in recent decades? (150 words)

2.The inclusion and development of marginalized communities like the Siddis are essential for inclusive growth in India. Analyze the challenges faced by the Siddi community and suggest measures to promote their integration into the mainstream. (250 words)

2. Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) – Economy

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India recently launched two major agricultural initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), with a combined budget of ₹35,440 crore.
The scheme aims to revitalize the agricultural sector, with a focus on supporting small and marginal farmers.

Overview of PMDDKY

Core Objectives

1. Increase Crop Yields by 20–30%

   • High-yielding seeds

   • Mechanization and access to modern tools

2. Reduce Monsoon Dependence

   • Advanced and affordable irrigation technologies

3. Build Storage Infrastructure

   • Reduce post-harvest losses to under 5%

   • Cold chains and warehousing solutions

4. Double Farmer Incomes by 2030

   • Direct market access

   • Financial incentives and diversification

5. Promote Sustainable Agriculture

   • Environment-friendly practices

   • Soil and water conservation

Key Benefits to Farmers

Strategic Focus Areas

• Small & Marginal Farmers: Tailored schemes to ensure inclusion and access

• Backward Districts: Bridging regional imbalances in agricultural development

• Technology Infusion: Drones, precision agriculture, remote sensing

• Market Linkages: Integration with e-NAM and FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations)

Expected Outcomes

• Sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture

• Reduced farmer distress and rural unemployment

• Strengthened agriculture value chains

• Contribution to achieving Doubling of Farmers’ Income by 2030

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The recently launched Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) aims to:
A. Promote organic farming across India
B. Provide direct income support to all farmers
C. Consolidate agricultural support schemes for targeted districts
D. Replace MSP-based procurement with direct market access
Answer: C. Consolidate agricultural support schemes for targeted districts

2. Which of the following is not a feature of PMDDKY?
A. Promotion of monoculture in dryland regions
B. Irrigation system upgrades to reduce monsoon dependency
C. Infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses
D. Training and skill development for farmers
Answer: A. Promotion of monoculture in dryland regions
(PMDDKY encourages diversification, not monoculture.)

Mains 

1. Discuss the objectives and key features of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). How does this scheme aim to address the structural challenges in Indian agriculture? (150 words)

2.”Agricultural transformation in India requires more than financial support; it demands systemic change.” Critically evaluate this statement in the context of PMDDKY and its approach to sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven agricultural growth. (250 words)

3. Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme – Economy

Why in News?

The Executive Council of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) has approved the creation of a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) to support the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, a major initiative to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and promote high-tech, research-driven growth.

Objective of the RDI Scheme

To boost investment in research, innovation, and deep-tech startups by:

• Providing long-term financing/refinancing at low or nil interest rates

• Stimulating private sector investment in sunrise sectors

• Supporting high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) projects

• Reducing India’s reliance on imported technology through indigenous R&D

Key Features

Special Purpose Fund (SPF)

• Custodian: Housed within the Anusandhan NRF

• Function: Will not invest directly but channel funds via:

  • Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

  • Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)

  • Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs)

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)

• TRL is a measure of how close a technology is to being market-ready.

• Higher TRL projects involve prototype validation, testing, and commercialization, which require high-capital investment — a major focus of the RDI Scheme.

Deep-Tech Fund of Funds

• A dedicated “Deep-Tech Fund of Funds” will be launched under this scheme to:

  • Encourage venture capital investment

  • Promote risk-taking in high-potential but capital-intensive sectors

  • Support scaling of innovative Indian startups in global markets

Expected Outcomes

• Foster a self-reliant innovation ecosystem

• Attract private and institutional investment into R&D

• Promote Make in India in high-tech sectors

• Enhance global competitiveness of Indian research and startups

• Bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application

Challenges

• Ensuring transparency and accountability of fund managers

• Avoiding duplication with existing innovation schemes

• Attracting quality proposals and timely disbursal of funds

• Encouraging risk appetite in conservative financial institutions

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The recently launched Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme is primarily aimed at:
A. Providing subsidies to traditional agriculture sectors
B. Financing higher education loans for STEM students
C. Supporting R&D and deep-tech innovation through long-term finance
D. Promoting renewable energy infrastructure in rural areas
Answer: C. Supporting R&D and deep-tech innovation through long-term finance

2. Under the RDI Scheme, who among the following will act as second-level fund managers?
1.NBFCs
2.Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)
3.Scheduled Commercial Banks
4.Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B. 1, 2 and 4

Mains 

1. Discuss the key objectives and mechanisms of the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. How does it aim to transform India’s innovation and startup ecosystem? (150 words)

2. India’s transition to a knowledge-based economy requires massive investments in R&D and innovation. Evaluate how the RDI Scheme, through institutional finance and private participation, addresses the structural gaps in India’s innovation landscape. (250 words)

4. Sugamya Bharat App: A Step Towards Inclusive Accessibility – Governance

Why in News?

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently launched a revamped version of the Sugamya Bharat App during the Purple Fest in Goa.
This move is part of the broader Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), aiming to enhance accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs or Divyangjan) and the elderly across public infrastructure and services.

Objective of the App

To serve as a citizen-led, tech-enabled platform that:

• Promotes inclusive accessibility

• Enables public participation in reporting and improving infrastructure

• Bridges governance and digital inclusion for marginalized groups

Key Features of the Sugamya Bharat App

Context: Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan)

• Launched in 2015, the campaign seeks to make public spaces, transport, and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) accessible to PwDs

• Covers three pillars:
  Built Environment
  Transportation
  Information & Communication Services

Significance of the Revamped App

Challenges Ahead

• Ensuring timely redressal of grievances

• Raising public awareness and training local authorities

• Expanding accessibility in rural areas

• Continuous data validation to prevent misuse or misinformation

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Sugamya Bharat App is primarily aimed at:
A. Monitoring air quality in urban areas
B. Mapping Smart Cities development
C. Enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities
D. Promoting e-governance in tribal districts
Answer: C. Enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities

2. Which of the following is not a feature of the Sugamya Bharat App?
A. Accessibility mapping of public spaces
B. Grievance redressal mechanism
C. Real-time traffic updates
D. Directory of government schemes for PwDs
Answer: C. Real-time traffic updates

Mains

1. Discuss the role of digital tools like the Sugamya Bharat App in promoting inclusive governance for persons with disabilities. How do such initiatives strengthen the Accessible India Campaign? (150 words)

2. “Accessibility is the foundation of equality.” In the light of the Sugamya Bharat initiative, critically examine the role of government and civil society in making Indian infrastructure and services inclusive for all citizens. (250 words)

5. Bharat Taxi Initiative: A Cooperative-Driven Digital Mobility Model – Governance

Why in News?

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD), in collaboration with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, has announced the launch of the Bharat Taxi Initiative, scheduled for December 2025.
This project is a first-of-its-kind cooperative-based national ride-hailing service, aiming to deliver inclusive, citizen-centric, and technology-enabled public transportation services under the Digital India framework.

What is the Bharat Taxi Initiative?

Key Objectives

• Promote economic empowerment of driver communities through cooperative ownership

• Ensure digital inclusion and ease of access to public transport services

• Reduce dependence on private cab aggregators and promote fairer revenue models

• Deliver secure, citizen-focused services that respect data privacy and local governance

Key Features

Why a Cooperative Model?

• Ensures ownership and profit-sharing among taxi drivers

• Promotes decentralized governance and local accountability

• Reduces exploitation by centralized platforms

• Strengthens the cooperative economy in line with government reforms in cooperative governance (e.g., formation of Ministry of Cooperation)

Expected Benefits

• Improved livelihood security for drivers

• Affordable and accessible transport options for users

• Enhanced trust and transparency in ride-hailing services

• Promotion of self-reliance and community ownership

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Bharat Taxi Initiative, to be launched in 2025, is:
A. A government-owned electric vehicle manufacturing company
B. A ride-hailing service operated by a private aggregator
C. A cooperative-led ride-hailing platform integrating with national digital platforms
D. A platform for rural logistics developed under PMGSY
Answer: C. A cooperative-led ride-hailing platform integrating with national digital platforms

2. Which of the following digital platforms are expected to be integrated with the Bharat Taxi initiative?
1.DigiLocker
2.UMANG
3.API Setu
4.BHIM UPI
Select the correct answer using the code:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 1, 3, and 4 only
D. 2, 3, and 4 only
Answer: B. 1, 2, and 3 only

Mains

1. What is the significance of the Bharat Taxi Initiative in promoting cooperative governance and digital inclusion in India? How does it differ from conventional ride-hailing platforms? (150 words)

2.Discuss the potential of platform cooperatives like the Bharat Taxi Initiative in reforming urban mobility and employment. What challenges may arise in implementing such citizen-centric digital governance models? (250 words)