- Small Savings Instruments (SSIs): These are a set of savings instruments managed by the central government with the aim of encouraging citizens to save regularly, irrespective of their age. They provide returns that are generally higher than bank fixed deposits. It also gives a sovereign guarantee and tax benefits. The interest rates on small savings schemes change on a quarterly basis. All deposits received under various small savings schemes are pooled in the National Small Savings Fund. These instruments can be classified under three headings: Postal deposits (comprising savings account, recurring deposits, time deposits of varying maturities, and monthly income scheme (MIS).
Savings certificates (National Small Savings Certificate VIII (NSC) and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP).Social security schemes (public provident fund (PPF) and Senior Citizens‘ Savings Scheme (SCSS).The money in the fund is used by the central government to finance its fiscal deficit.
- Aadi Mahotsav: The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs will inaugurate the Aadi Mahotsav – the National Tribal Festival at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The mega event is being organised by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED).
It serves as a unique, symbiotic bridge to embark on a journey through the tapestry of India’s indigenous heritage. In this event, a total of over 100 stalls would showcase the kaleidoscope of India’s tribal culture, craftsmanship, culinary artistry, and economic endeavours. This Aadi Mahotsav, besides other attractions of handicrafts, handloom, pottery, jewellery, will be showcasing ‘Millets grown by Tribals’.
- Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana: It is a merged scheme of three Centrally Sponsored Schemes, namely Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).The aim is to reduce poverty of the SC communities by generation of additional employment opportunities through Skill development, income generating schemes and other initiatives. The Scheme has three components:
- Development of SC dominated villages into an “Adarsh Gram”‘.
- Grants-in-aid’ for District/State-level Projects for socio-economic betterment of SCs
- Comprehensive Livelihood Projects which may include components such as Skill development, related infrastructure development, financial assistance towards loans taken by beneficiaries for acquisition/creation of assets required for livelihood generation etc.
- Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023: It is a joint bilateral training exercise between Indian & Malaysian Armed Forces. The Malaysian Army contingent comprises troops from the 5th Royal Battalion of the Malaysian Army. The Indian contingent is being represented by a battalion of the Rajput Regiment. Aim: To enhance military capability for conducting of Multi Domain Operations in a sub conventional scenario. During the exercise, both contingents will establish a Joint Command Post & establish an integrated surveillance grid along with a Joint Surveillance Centre.
