Context

Today's updates from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and PRS Legislative Research cover various key schemes, policies, economic updates, and significant conferences. These updates are crucial for understanding the current affairs landscape in India, especially for UPSC aspirants.

Highlights

• PM Gati Shakti Master Plan: The government has announced the expansion of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan to enhance infrastructure development and logistics in the country.
• Skill India Mission: A new initiative under the Skill India Mission aims to provide skill training to 1 million youth in rural areas by 2025.
• Economic Growth Forecast: The Reserve Bank of India has projected a GDP growth of 6.5% for the current fiscal year, citing strong recovery in various sectors.
• International Solar Alliance Conference: The conference focused on enhancing cooperation among member countries to promote solar energy usage and technology sharing.
• Digital India Initiative: The government has launched a new phase of the Digital India Initiative, emphasizing cybersecurity and digital literacy.

Relevance

These updates are significant for UPSC aspirants as they reflect the government's priorities and strategies in various sectors, including infrastructure, skill development, economic growth, and renewable energy. Understanding these policies and their implications is essential for both the Prelims and Mains examinations.

UPSC Prelims MCQs

1. What is the primary objective of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan?
• A) Enhance agricultural productivity
• B) Improve infrastructure and logistics
• C) Promote digital literacy
• D) Increase foreign direct investment
2. Under the Skill India Mission, how many youth is the government aiming to train by 2025?
• A) 5 million
• B) 1 million
• C) 10 million
• D) 2 million
3. What GDP growth rate has the RBI projected for the current fiscal year?
• A) 5.5%
• B) 6.0%
• C) 6.5%
• D) 7.0%
4. Which conference focused on promoting solar energy technology among member countries?
• A) G20 Summit
• B) International Solar Alliance Conference
• C) COP26
• D) BRICS Summit
5. What is a key focus area of the new phase of the Digital India Initiative?
• A) E-governance
• B) Cybersecurity
• C) Rural connectivity
• D) Smart cities

UPSC Mains Question

Discuss the significance of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and the Skill India Mission in the context of India's economic recovery and growth. How do these initiatives align with the government's long-term vision for sustainable development?