What is the PM SVANidhi Scheme and why was it launched?

PM SVANidhi (Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2020 as part of the Government of India’s economic relief package during the Covid-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown. The scheme provides collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors to help them resume their livelihoods. It has been extended till March 31, 2030, with enhanced loan limits and expanded coverage to benefit over 1.15 crore beneficiaries, including approximately 50 lakh new vendors.

What are the key features of the restructured PM SVANidhi Scheme?

The restructured PM SVANidhi scheme includes enhanced loan amounts across first and second tranches, provision of a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card for beneficiaries who have repaid the second loan, and digital cashback incentives for retail and wholesale transactions. The scheme coverage has also been expanded beyond statutory towns to census towns and peri-urban areas in a phased manner.

Which ministry implements the PM SVANidhi Scheme?

The PM SVANidhi Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in coordination with the Department of Financial Services. The Union Cabinet recently approved its restructuring and extension until March 31, 2030.

What is the repo rate and how does it affect the economy?

The repo rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities. When the RBI lowers the repo rate, borrowing becomes cheaper, encouraging banks to reduce loan interest rates, which stimulates economic activity. Conversely, when the RBI raises the repo rate, borrowing becomes more expensive, helping control inflation by reducing money supply and demand.

Which financial institutions cannot levy pre-payment charges on loans up to Rs 50 lakh?

Small finance banks, regional rural banks, tier 3 primary (urban) co-operative banks, state cooperative banks, central cooperative banks, and NBFC-ML (medium layer) are not allowed to levy pre-payment charges on loans with sanctioned amounts up to Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, RBI has directed commercial banks, tier 4 primary (urban) co-operative banks, NBFC-UL (upper layer), and All India Financial Institutions to not levy pre-payment charges on business loans granted to individuals and small businesses.

What does Repatriation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) mean?

Repatriation of FDI refers to foreign investors taking back funds they had previously invested in India. This can occur through profit transfers, dividend payments, or sale of assets. Net FDI is calculated after adjusting gross FDI inflows for repatriated investments and overseas investments made by Indian companies.

Is India the largest producer of Arabica coffee?

No, India is not the largest producer or exporter of Arabica coffee. Brazil and Vietnam are the world’s largest producers of Arabica and Robusta varieties respectively. India primarily exports Robusta beans and coffee powder used in instant coffee and espresso blends.

Which is the largest coffee-producing state in India?

Karnataka is the largest coffee-producing state in India, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Indian coffee exports have benefited from declining global ending stocks in 2024-25, which fell to their lowest level since 1999-2000 due to weaker crops in Brazil and Vietnam.

What were India’s export figures for 2024-25?

India exported goods valued at $437.4 billion during 2024-25, which was 0.1% higher than the $437.1 billion recorded in the previous financial year ended March 31, 2025. During April-June 2025, total exports stood at $112 billion, marking a 1.7% increase compared to $110.1 billion during April-June 2024.

Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs - Economy - 27th April 2026

Aditya
Apr 27
1 min read

Updated: Apr 27

Test your UPSC CSE 2026 preparation with today’s Economy (Every Monday) Quiz — covering PM SVANidhi scheme, repo rate, pre-payment charges on loans, Repatriation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and more.

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Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs - Economy - 27th April 2026

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