The PRESS Pad

2025 MGNREGA Reforms Explained: New Amendments Mandate Higher Water-Related Spending in Groundwater-Stressed Rural Blocks. The Central Government has amended Schedule-I of the MGNREGA Act  to prioritise water conservation and groundwater-related works  in rural areas. The amendment mandates higher spending on water-related assets in blocks suffering from groundwater stress. What Are the Core Objectives of MGNREGA? MGNREGA was designed as a rights-based employment guarantee sc

Why India Launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission) , Key Features, Data Trends, Challenges, Government Initiatives, and NITI Aayog Recommendations. Why Was the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses Launched? The Prime Minister of India launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission)  to reduce import dependence and boost domestic production. The mission aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by Dece

Empowering Street Vendors through Financial Inclusion, Digital Access, and Sustainable Livelihoods. The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)  Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)  on June 1, 2020 , as a Central Sector Scheme  (i.e., fully funded by the Central Government). Its primary aim was to provide affordable working capital loans  to street vendors  — individuals engaged in vending articles, goods, food items