BPSC Mains PYQs

Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana: Key Features and Provisions

The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) was launched by the Government of India in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support job creation and economic recovery, especially for businesses and workers in the formal sector.

1. Objectives of the Scheme

• Employment Boost: Aims to incentivize companies to create new jobs and rehire workers who lost jobs due to the pandemic.
• Social Security for Employees: Ensures that new employees in the formal sector benefit from social security contributions by the government.

2. Key Provisions

• EPFO Contribution Support: For eligible employees, the government pays the full Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contribution (24% of wages) for two years.
• Eligible Employees and Employers: Targets organizations that register new employees or bring back workers who left due to COVID-19, mainly those with a salary up to ₹15,000 per month.

3. Eligibility Criteria

• Employee Eligibility: Employees who were not enrolled in EPFO from March 1, 2020, to September 30, 2020, or lost their job during the pandemic and rejoined after October 1, 2020.
• Employer Eligibility: Organizations with fewer than 1,000 employees and those that recruit new or rehired employees meeting the criteria.

Impact and Importance

The ABRY scheme is part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Initiative), designed to boost economic resilience by increasing job opportunities and formal sector employment. By alleviating some of the financial burdens on employers and enhancing job security for workers, the scheme plays a crucial role in India’s post-pandemic recovery.

India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)

The India-European Union (EU) Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) is a proposed trade deal aimed at boosting economic ties between India and the EU. Negotiations began in 2007 but have faced challenges over issues like market access, labor rights, and data protection. Below are the main components and sticking points of the agreement.

Key Objectives

• Trade Liberalization: Aims to reduce tariffs and facilitate smoother trade between India and the EU, covering sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture.
• Investment Flow: Encourages cross-border investments by reducing barriers, enhancing mutual access for businesses, and providing safeguards for investors.

Major Issues in Negotiations

• Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers: The EU seeks lower tariffs on cars, alcohol, and dairy products, while India wants more flexible access for its pharmaceuticals and textiles.
• Intellectual Property Rights: The EU requests stronger IP protections, while India is concerned about access to affordable medicines.
• Data Privacy and Digital Trade: Differences exist over data localization requirements and privacy standards, with the EU advocating for strict data protection laws.

Current Status

As of recent discussions, India and the EU have agreed to resume negotiations, with hopes of bridging gaps to finalize the agreement, which could significantly strengthen economic and strategic ties.

Harit Bharat Sankalp: A Mobile App for Environmental Sustainability

The Harit Bharat Sankalp, also known as the Harit Path app, is a mobile application launched to support environmental protection and sustainability in India, particularly in the development and maintenance of national highways.

Key Objectives

• Sustainable Development of Highways: Aims to promote green practices in highway construction and maintenance, ensuring that roads are eco-friendly.
• Efficient Monitoring: Allows real-time tracking of trees planted along highways, enhancing transparency and accountability in environmental conservation efforts.

Key Features

• GPS-Enabled Monitoring: Tracks the growth of plants, survival rates, and general maintenance along highways.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Provides data on plantation progress, allowing authorities to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Environmental Impact

This app supports the Green Highways Policy, which promotes highway-side greenery to offset carbon emissions, improve air quality, and protect biodiversity.