Current Affairs for 21 July 2026

Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY): Objectives, Features, Components and Benefits.

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister for Culture informed the Lok Sabha about the implementation of the Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY), highlighting its role in promoting India's cultural heritage, supporting artists, preserving traditional art forms, and strengthening the country's cultural and creative economy.

Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY)

The Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Culture for the promotion, preservation, and development of India's rich cultural heritage.

Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to eligible:

• Individual artists 
• Cultural organizations 
• NGOs 
• Trusts 
• Universities 
• Performing arts groups 
• Tribal and folk artists 
• Cultural institutions 

The scheme covers all States and Union Territories, including remote, tribal, and rural regions.

Objectives of KSVY

The scheme aims to:

• Preserve India's tangible and intangible cultural heritage. 
• Promote performing, visual, literary, folk, and tribal arts. 
• Strengthen the Guru-Shishya tradition. 
• Provide financial support to artists and cultural institutions. 
• Develop cultural infrastructure. 
• Encourage research and documentation of cultural heritage. 
• Improve access to cultural opportunities across India. 
• Generate sustainable livelihoods for artists. 
• Promote India's cultural diversity nationally and internationally. 

Funding Pattern

• Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture 
• Funding Source: Consolidated Fund of India 
• Financial assistance is released through annual budgetary allocations. 

Major Components of Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana

1. Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)

Objective

To preserve traditional knowledge by supporting continuous training in performing arts under the Guru-Shishya tradition.

Coverage

Supports:

• Theatre groups 
• Dance academies 
• Music ensembles 
• Children's theatre 
• Performing arts institutions 

Financial Assistance

• Guru: ₹15,000 per month 
• Up to 18 Shishyas 
• Shishyas: ₹2,000–₹10,000 per month (depending on age) 

2. Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture

This component has six major sub-schemes.

(a) Financial Assistance to Cultural Organizations with National Presence

Supports organizations that:

• Have pan-India operations 
• Are registered in India 
• Have spent ₹1 crore or more on cultural activities in at least three of the previous five years 

Grant Amount :-Up to ₹1 crore  ,Exceptional cases: ₹5 crore 

(b) Cultural Function and Production Grant (CFPG)

Supports:

• Seminars 
• Conferences 
• Workshops 
• Festivals 
• Exhibitions 
• Dance productions 
• Theatre 
• Music programmes 
• Research projects 

Eligible Institutions

• NGOs 
• Societies 
• Trusts 
• Universities 

Grant :-Up to ₹5 lakh  ,Exceptional cases: ₹20 lakh 

(c) Financial Assistance for Preservation & Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas

Supports research, training and dissemination of Himalayan culture.

Applicable States

• Jammu & Kashmir 
• Himachal Pradesh 
• Uttarakhand 
• Sikkim 
• Arunachal Pradesh 

Grant

• ₹10 lakh annually 
• Exceptional cases: ₹30 lakh 

(d) Financial Assistance for Buddhist/Tibetan Organizations

Supports:

• Buddhist monasteries 
• Tibetan cultural organizations 
• Research institutions 

Purpose:

• Preservation of Buddhist and Tibetan traditions 
• Research 
• Cultural propagation 

Grant :-₹30 lakh annually  ,Exceptional cases: ₹1 crore 

(e) Financial Assistance for Building Grants (Including Studio Theatres)

Supports development of:

• Auditoriums 
• Studio theatres 
• Rehearsal halls 
• Classrooms 
• Sound and lighting systems 
• Air-conditioning 
• Acoustics 

Grant

• Metro cities: Up to ₹50 lakh 
• Non-metro cities: Up to ₹25 lakh 

(f) Domestic Festivals and Fairs

Supports organization of:

• Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM) 

Implemented through:

• Seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) 

Purpose:

• Showcase India's diverse cultural traditions. 
• Provide platforms to artists nationwide. 

3. Financial Assistance for Construction of Tagore Cultural Complexes (TCC)

Objective

Development of major cultural infrastructure such as:

• Auditoriums 
• Exhibition halls 
• Seminar halls 
• Green rooms 
• Cultural centres 
• Rabindra Bhawans 
• Rangshalas 

Eligible Institutions

• State Governments 
• UT Administrations 
• Universities 
• Municipal Corporations 
• NGOs 
• Trusts 
• Government bodies 

Financial Assistance

• Maximum project support: ₹15 crore 

Funding Pattern

• North Eastern Region (NER): 90:10 (Centre : State/Institution) 
• Other States: 60:40 (Centre : State/Institution) 

4. Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture

(a) Fellowship to Outstanding Persons

Supports cultural research.

Eligibility

• Junior Fellowship: 25–40 years 
• Senior Fellowship: Above 40 years 

Fellowships

• 400 fellowships 
  • 200 Junior 
  • 200 Senior 

Financial Assistance

• Junior: ₹10,000/month 
• Senior: ₹20,000/month 

Duration: 2 years

(b) Scholarships to Young Artists

Supports advanced training in:

• Classical Music 
• Classical Dance 
• Theatre 
• Mime 
• Folk Arts 
• Indigenous Arts 
• Visual Arts 
• Light Classical Music 

Eligibility

• Age: 18–25 years 

Scholarships

• Up to 400 annually 

Financial Assistance

• ₹5,000/month for 2 years 

(c) Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research

Purpose:-Promote research in museums, archives, libraries and cultural institutions. 

Financial Assistance

Duration: -Up to 2 years 

5. Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists

Objective

Provide financial support to senior artists who have made significant contributions to art and culture.

Eligibility

• Age: 60 years or above 
• Annual income: Not exceeding ₹72,000 

Assistance

• Up to ₹6,000 per month 

In case of the artist's death, assistance may be transferred to the spouse.

Other Components under KSVY

• Seva Bhoj Yojana 
• National Gandhi Heritage Site Mission 
• National Award Scheme 

Key Features of KSVY

• Financial assistance to artists and institutions. 
• Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara. 
• Preservation of tribal and folk culture. 
• Promotion of performing and visual arts. 
• Cultural infrastructure development. 
• Scholarships and fellowships. 
• Protection of intangible cultural heritage. 
• Pan-India implementation. 
• Inclusive support for women, tribal and rural artists. 
• Promotion of cultural research and documentation. 

Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs)

To preserve folk and tribal culture, the Government has established seven Zonal Cultural Centres.

Functions

• Organize festivals 
• Workshops 
• Exhibitions 
• Cultural exchange programmes 
• Folk performances 
• Artist promotion 

Rachnatmak Bharat Initiative

The Ministry of Culture has also formulated Rachnatmak Bharat, a cultural and creative economy initiative.

Objectives

• Capacity building 
• Digital enablement 
• Market access 
• Innovation 
• Institutional strengthening 
• Support for emerging artists 
• Sustainable creative economy 

Significance of KSVY

• Preserves India's cultural heritage. 
• Strengthens traditional knowledge systems. 
• Promotes tribal and folk art forms. 
• Generates employment for artists. 
• Encourages cultural tourism. 
• Supports research and innovation in culture. 
• Develops world-class cultural infrastructure. 
• Promotes cultural diplomacy and India's soft power. 
• Enhances the creative economy. 
• Ensures inclusive cultural development across the country. 

Challenges

• Limited awareness among grassroots artists. 
• Delays in fund disbursement. 
• Uneven regional participation. 
• Difficulty in monitoring outcomes. 
• Need for greater digital outreach. 
• Inadequate documentation of traditional art forms. 

Way Forward

• Increase awareness through digital campaigns. 
• Simplify application and grant procedures. 
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation. 
• Expand support for tribal and rural artists. 
• Promote public-private partnerships. 
• Digitally archive endangered art forms. 
• Integrate KSVY with tourism, education, and the creative economy. 
• Encourage international cultural collaborations. 

FAQs: Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY)

e-Shram Portal: India’s Largest Digital Database of Unorganised Workers - Features, Benefits & Eligibility

Why in News?

• The e-Shram Portal has crossed 31.78 crore registrations, reinforcing its position as India’s largest digital database of unorganised workers. 
• The platform plays a crucial role in extending social security, welfare benefits, and employment opportunities to workers in the informal sector.

What is the e-Shram Portal?

• The e-Shram Portal is a national digital platform launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 26 August 2021 to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
• It is India's first comprehensive database of unorganised workers, including:
  • Migrant workers
  • Construction workers
  • Gig workers
  • Platform workers
  • Domestic workers
  • Street vendors
  • Agricultural workers
  • Other informal sector workers

Objectives of the e-Shram Portal

• The portal aims to:
  • Create a centralised database of unorganised workers.
  • Improve the implementation of social security and welfare schemes.
  • Facilitate employment matching and skill development.
  • Integrate informal workers into the formal economy.
  • Promote financial inclusion through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and digital payments.
  • Enable evidence-based policymaking using reliable worker data.

Eligibility for Registration

• A person can register on the e-Shram Portal if he/she:
  • Is an unorganised worker.
  • Is between 16 and 59 years of age.
  • Is not a member of EPFO, ESIC, or the government-funded National Pension System (NPS)
• Possesses:
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Aadhaar-linked mobile number
  • Bank account

Key Features of the e-Shram Portal

1. Universal Account Number (UAN)

• Every registered worker receives a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) linked with Aadhaar. 
• The UAN enables seamless access to various government welfare schemes. 

2. Easy Registration

• Self-registration is available with minimal documentation. 
• Registration requires only Aadhaar, mobile number, and bank account details. 

3. Multilingual Support

• The portal is available in multiple Indian languages, making it accessible across the country. 

4. Grievance Redressal

• A dedicated helpline and grievance redressal mechanism help resolve workers' issues promptly.

5. Employment and Skill Linkages

Registered workers can access:

• Employment opportunities 
• Skill development programmes 
• Apprenticeships 
• Pension schemes 
• Digital skilling initiatives 
• State-specific welfare schemes 

6. Support for Migrant Workers

• Family details of migrant workers are captured. 
• This facilitates access to child education and women-centric welfare schemes. 

7. Integration with BOCW Welfare Boards

• Data of registered construction workers is shared with Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Boards. 
• This enables eligible workers to receive benefits under BOCW welfare schemes. 

8. Data Sharing Portal (DSP)

• Enables secure sharing of beneficiary data with State Governments and Union Territories. 
• Supports better implementation of welfare programmes. 

Significance of the e-Shram Portal

• Strengthens India's social security architecture for the informal workforce.
• Improves targeting and delivery of welfare schemes.
• Promotes financial inclusion and digital governance.
• Generates reliable labour market data for evidence-based policymaking.
• Enhances employment opportunities through skill and job matching.

FAQs: e-Shram Portal

Mount Olympus: Greece’s Sacred Mountain Seeks UNESCO World Heritage Status

Why in News?

Mount Olympus, the legendary home of Zeus and the Twelve Olympian Gods, is under consideration for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a Mixed Heritage Site (Cultural + Natural). The proposal is being discussed by the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.

Key Highlights

Why is Mount Olympus Important?

1. Birthplace of Greek Mythology

• Ancient Greeks believed Mount Olympus was the home of Zeus and the Twelve Olympian Gods.
• According to mythology, Zeus established his divine court here after defeating the Titans led by Cronus.
• The mountain became the symbolic center of Greek civilization and mythology.

2. A Sacred Religious Landscape

• Archaeologists discovered an open-air sanctuary dating to the Hellenistic Period (323–30 BC).
• Ancient worshippers climbed the mountain to offer sacrifices to Zeus.
• Later, Christianity added another spiritual layer:
  • Prophet Elias Chapel (2,803 m)—believed to be the world's highest Greek Orthodox chapel.
  • Monastery of St. Dionysios (1542).
  • Holy Cave of St. Dionysios, an important pilgrimage site.

3. Extraordinary Biodiversity

• Olympus rises almost directly from the Aegean Sea, creating unique ecosystems.
• Home to:
  • Endemic plant species.
  • Rare wildlife.
  • Alpine forests.
  • Rocky peaks and diverse habitats.
• The mountain is already protected as Greece's first National Park (1938).

Why is Greece Seeking UNESCO Status?

Greece wants Mount Olympus recognized as a Mixed Heritage Site because it possesses both:

Cultural Value

• Greek mythology.
• Ancient sanctuaries.
• Byzantine monasteries.
• Orthodox religious heritage.

Natural Value

• Exceptional biodiversity.
• Unique mountain ecosystems.
• Rare endemic flora and fauna.
• Outstanding scenic beauty.

UNESCO World Heritage Nomination Process

Challenges before Approval

• UNESCO may ask Greece to provide additional information before granting final approval.
• Increased tourism could:
  • Damage fragile ecosystems.
  • Increase pollution.
  • Pressure local infrastructure.
• Authorities are considering:
  • Visitor registration.
  • Entry regulations.
  • Better conservation measures.

Mount Olympus: Tourism Vs Conservation

Benefits

• International recognition.
• Increased tourism revenue.
• Better conservation funding.
• Preservation of cultural heritage.
• Greater global awareness.

Concerns

• Over-tourism.
• Environmental degradation.
• Waste management.
• Pressure on biodiversity.
• Safety risks for hikers.

Interesting Facts about Mount Olympus

• Highest mountain in Greece.
• Highest peak: Mytikas (2,918 m).
• Home of Zeus according to Greek mythology.
• Greece's first National Park.
• Contains one of the world's highest Orthodox chapels.
• Mentioned in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
• Receives thousands of trekkers every year.

About UNESCO World Heritage Sites

What is UNESCO?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) identifies and protects sites of outstanding universal value.

Types of World Heritage Sites

• Cultural Heritage
• Natural Heritage
• Mixed Heritage (both cultural and natural)

Selection Criteria

UNESCO evaluates sites based on 10 criteria:

• First 6 relate to cultural importance.
• Last 4 relate to natural significance.
• A site must satisfy at least one criterion.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Conservation: Implement stricter measures to protect Mount Olympus' fragile ecosystems, endemic species, and archaeological sites. 
• Promote Sustainable Tourism: Introduce visitor management systems such as regulated entry, online permits, designated trekking routes, and carrying-capacity limits to prevent over-tourism. 
• Preserve Cultural Heritage: Conserve ancient sanctuaries, monasteries, chapels, and other historical monuments through scientific restoration and regular monitoring. 
• Enhance Community Participation: Involve local communities, trekking associations, and conservation groups in heritage management and eco-tourism initiatives. 
• Improve Visitor Awareness: Conduct educational campaigns on responsible trekking, waste management, and respect for both natural and cultural heritage. 
• Strengthen UNESCO Compliance: Continue research, documentation, and management planning to address UNESCO's recommendations and improve the chances of inscription as a Mixed World Heritage Site.

FAQs

WTO 8th Trade Policy Review of India: Global Focus on India's Trade Reforms and Export Growth

Why in News?

India's 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) is being held on 21 and 23 July 2026 in Geneva. The review examines India's trade policies and economic reforms undertaken during 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025. The Indian delegation is led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal. The review provides an opportunity for India to present its trade policy achievements, economic reforms, and future vision before WTO members.

What is the WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR)?

The Trade Policy Review (TPR) is a transparency mechanism established by the WTO to periodically assess the trade policies and practices of its members.

Objectives

• Promote transparency in global trade.
• Improve predictability of trade policies.
• Strengthen confidence in the multilateral trading system.
• Encourage adherence to WTO rules through peer review.

Unlike the WTO's dispute settlement system, the TPR is not a legal or punitive mechanism. It is a peer-review process designed to improve transparency and policy understanding.

How is the Review Conducted?

The Trade Policy Review is based on two principal documents:

1. Government Report

Prepared by the Government of India, highlighting:

• Economic performance
• Trade policy reforms
• Digital initiatives
• Future trade priorities

2. WTO Secretariat Report

Prepared independently by the WTO Secretariat based on consultations and policy analysis.

Both reports are discussed by all WTO members during the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) meeting.

Why It Matters ?

1. Strengthening Multilateral Trade Governance

• The WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR) is a transparency mechanism that promotes predictability, accountability and confidence among WTO members through peer review of trade policies. 
• India's participation reinforces its position as a responsible stakeholder in the rules-based multilateral trading system. 
• The review also enables India to clarify its trade policies, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and future trade disputes. 

2. Showcasing India's Economic Resilience

During the review period (2021–2025), India demonstrated remarkable economic resilience.

• Merchandise and services exports reached an all-time high of US$ 863.1 billion in 2025–26. 
• India remained the fastest-growing major economy despite global uncertainties. 
• The review offers India an opportunity to showcase reforms undertaken after the pandemic. 

3. Recognition of Major Trade Reforms

The review highlights several landmark reforms undertaken by India, including:

• Expansion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 
• Rationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). 
• Digital Public Infrastructure such as UPI. 
• Digital customs and trade facilitation measures. 
• Ease of Doing Business initiatives. 

These reforms improve India's competitiveness in global trade.

India's Performance During the Review Period (2021–2025)

India demonstrated strong economic resilience despite global economic uncertainties.

Major Achievements

Strong Economic Recovery

• India rebounded rapidly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Continued as the fastest-growing major economy.

Record Export Performance

• Exports reached an all-time high of US$ 863.1 billion.
• Growth of 6.3% over the review period.

Major Trade Reforms

India highlighted several reforms, including:

• Expansion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
• Rationalisation and simplification of the GST structure.
• Promotion of digital trade facilitation.
• Wider adoption of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and digital customs systems.
• Ease of Doing Business initiatives.

Why Have WTO Members Submitted Over 900 Questions?

As of 20 July 2026, WTO members submitted more than 900 questions, reflecting global interest in India's growing economy.

Major themes include:

• Digital economy reforms
• Trade facilitation
• MSME development
• Women's participation in the economy
• Industrial policy
• Viksit Bharat
• Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Customs procedures
• Investment policies

Why is the Review Important for India?

The review enables India to:

• Showcase its economic reforms and policy initiatives.
• Build confidence among investors and trading partners.
• Explain domestic trade policies to WTO members.
• Strengthen India's role in multilateral trade negotiations.
• Promote transparency in trade governance.
• Enhance India's credibility in global commerce.

About the WTO Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB)

The Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) consists of all WTO member countries.

Functions

• Conduct periodic reviews of members' trade policies.
• Assess tariff and non-tariff measures.
• Examine domestic trade regulations.
• Promote transparency and predictability in the global trading system.

The frequency of review depends on a member's share in world trade. India is reviewed once every five years.

World Trade Organization (WTO): At a Glance

Challenges

1. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)

Many trading partners continue to impose:

• Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures 
• Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) 

These can restrict India's exports in sectors like:

• Agriculture 
• Pharmaceuticals 
• Food products 

UPSC Link: WTO Agreement on SPS & TBT

2. Digital Trade and Data Governance

India's digital economy policies, including data localisation and digital governance frameworks, may attract discussions regarding:

• Cross-border data flows 
• Digital trade rules 
• Future WTO e-commerce negotiations 

UPSC Link: WTO E-Commerce Moratorium

3. Subsidies and Industrial Policy

Schemes such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programme may be examined from the perspective of WTO subsidy disciplines.

Similarly, India's agricultural support policies often remain an important issue in WTO discussions.

UPSC Link:

• Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM) 
• Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) 

4. Climate and Sustainable Trade

Global trade is increasingly linked with:

• Environmental standards 
• Carbon emissions 
• Labour practices 

Mechanisms such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) may influence India's future export competitiveness.

UPSC Link: WTO and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

5. Geopolitical Trade Fragmentation

Ongoing geopolitical tensions and shifting supply chains continue to reshape global trade.

India must balance:

• Strategic autonomy 
• Regional trade partnerships 
• WTO commitments 

While protecting its export interests.

Key Highlights

Way Forward

India's 8th WTO Trade Policy Review reflects the country's growing role in the global trading system and provides an opportunity to showcase its economic resilience, export performance, digital governance, and trade reforms. Going forward, deeper integration with global value chains, expansion of Free Trade Agreements, continued digitalisation of trade processes, and active participation in WTO reforms will strengthen India's position as a leading global trading nation while advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Prelims MCQ 

FAQs