Wednesday's Briefing

Ujjwala Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana: Modi govt's flagship economic schemes as it completes 12 years in power

This article compiles major flagship economic schemes of the Modi government as it marks 12 years in power. Prelims may test facts like launch dates, financial outlays, and objectives of schemes like PMJDY, MUDRA, PMUY, PLI, and Make in India. Mains could ask about their impact on financial inclusion, women empowerment, manufacturing, and AI ecosystem development. UPSC aspirants must track these flagship schemes for GS Paper 2 (governance, schemes) and Paper 3 (economy, inclusive growth). State PSC exams, especially UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh) and BPSC (Bihar), should prioritize these as national schemes with high state-level relevance.

• PM Modi became the longest-continuously serving elected PM of India, completing 4,399 consecutive days, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record of 4,398 days.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched on 28 August 2014, aiming for financial inclusion by providing banking services (savings account, credit, insurance, pension) to all households.
• Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), launched on 8 April 2015, provides collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh to support small-scale non-corporate, non-farm income-generating activities.

No dedicated framework to prevent student suicides, says Supreme Court-appointed panel

This report is a direct intervention by the judiciary into a pressing social and governance issue — student mental health and suicides in higher education institutions. Prelims can test the composition and mandate of the NTF, while mains can explore the gaps in statutory frameworks, institutional accountability, and the intersection of caste, social equity, and mental health. This is highly relevant for UPSC (polity, social justice) and state PSC exams (governance, education policy).

• A Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force (NTF) submitted an interim report finding a 'complete absence' of any dedicated statutory, regulatory or institutional framework to prevent student suicides in India's higher education institutions.
• The NTF surveyed 2,119 higher education institutions and found that 65% did not provide access to mental health service providers, while 73% lacked a full-time mental health professional.
• The report noted that in institutions that had seen student suicides, 'institutional empathy towards students was missing, and harsh, callous backlash followed,' with denial of culpability and suppression of protests.

Rail connectivity in Kashmir: Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train to stop at Anantnag soon

This article is relevant for UPSC and JKPSC exams as it highlights infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, a Union Territory with special constitutional status. Prelims may test facts about Vande Bharat services and railway connectivity in the region; mains could explore the role of infrastructure in regional integration and economic growth. The meeting between the Railway Minister and the CM also touches on Centre-State coordination in Union Territories.

• The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will get a new commercial stoppage at Anantnag station in Kashmir.
• The decision was taken after Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review railway projects.
• Two Vande Bharat trains (four services) currently operate in the Kashmir Valley, flagged off on June 6, 2025, between Srinagar and Katra.

Himachal receives nearly 2,790 tonnes of urea ahead of kharif

This general update is exam-relevant because it changes how aspirants should frame "Himachal receives nearly 2,790 tonnes of urea ahead of kharif" in notes and mocks. Prelims may test definitions, institutions, and timelines; mains may ask implications for governance, federalism, and implementation. Most relevant for UPSC.