Cabinet Approves Floating Solar, PM-Kisan Extension, Sports Infra
The Union Cabinet recently approved key initiatives to boost farmer welfare, expand sports facilities, and accelerate India's clean energy transition.
Source: HT India NewsThe Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several important measures on Friday. These decisions aim to strengthen farmer welfare, expand sports infrastructure, and speed up India's clean energy transition. One major approval was for a scheme to develop 1 GW (gigawatt) of floating solar power projects. This initiative will be implemented by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and aims to promote renewable energy. Additionally, the Cabinet extended the PM-Kisan scheme for another five years, ensuring continued financial support for eligible farmers. The PM-Kisan scheme provides income support to farmer families across the country. The Cabinet also gave its nod to a new scheme for expanding sports infrastructure, focusing on creating better facilities for athletes.
This news is important for competitive exams as it covers key government initiatives relevant to Economy, Government Schemes, and Science & Technology. Aspirants should note the specific schemes like PM-Kisan and the focus on renewable energy (floating solar). These topics frequently appear in UPSC GS Paper II (Government Policies & Interventions) and SSC General Awareness sections, testing knowledge of current affairs and policy implementation.
- Union Cabinet approved 1 GW of floating solar power projects.
- National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) will implement the floating solar projects.
- PM-Kisan scheme has been extended for another five years.
- The PM-Kisan scheme provides income support to farmer families.
- A new scheme for expanding sports infrastructure was also approved.
- The decisions were made at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Floating solar power refers to solar panel installations on water bodies like lakes, reservoirs, or ponds. This technology helps save land space, reduces water evaporation, and can improve panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water. It is a key part of India's renewable energy strategy.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) is a central sector scheme launched in 2019. It provides income support to all landholding farmer families in India. Eligible farmers receive Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 directly into their bank accounts.
NHPC Limited (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Founded in 1975, its primary objective is to plan, promote, and organize an integrated and efficient development of hydroelectric power in India.
Exams often ask about the objectives and beneficiaries of government schemes like PM-Kisan. For renewable energy, focus on targets, implementing agencies, and types of projects (e.g., floating solar).
Remember 'PM-Kisan' for 'Kisan Samman Nidhi' and 'Floating Solar' for 'Water Power' to link the two key approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the floating solar power projects approved by the Cabinet?
The main purpose of the approved 1 GW floating solar power projects is to boost India's renewable energy capacity. These projects will help in achieving clean energy targets, conserving land, and reducing water evaporation from reservoirs, contributing to sustainable development.
How does the extension of the PM-Kisan scheme benefit farmers?
The extension of the PM-Kisan scheme ensures continued financial support for eligible farmer families. It provides a direct income transfer of Rs 6,000 annually, helping farmers meet their agricultural and household expenses, thereby improving their economic stability and welfare.
Which organization is responsible for implementing the new floating solar projects?
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is responsible for implementing the newly approved 1 GW floating solar power projects. NHPC, a PSU under the Ministry of Power, specializes in developing hydroelectric power and is now expanding into solar energy.