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KABIL Secures 5 Critical Mineral Blocks in Argentina | UPSC Notes

KABIL Secures 5 Critical Mineral Blocks in Argentina

Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint venture of three CPSEs under the Ministry of Mines, has secured five critical mineral blocks in Argentina’s Catamarca province — in the heart of the Lithium Triangle. This acquisition marks a major step in reducing India’s import dependence, as currently ~93% of critical mineral requirements are met through imports.

Key Facts for Prelims

KABIL secured 5 lithium blocks in Catamarca province, Argentina covering ~15,703 hectares.
The 5 blocks: Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VI, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, and Cateo-2022-01810132.
Agreement signed (January 2024) with CAMYEN SE — state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province.
Environmental clearance for deep exploration received in April 2026.
India imports ~93% of its critical mineral requirements.
Key target minerals: Lithium and Cobalt — essential for EVs and clean energy batteries.

JV Partner Structure

Company	Full Form	Equity Share
NALCO	National Aluminium Company Ltd.	40%
HCL	Hindustan Copper Ltd.	30%
MECL	Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd.	30%

Lithium Triangle — Static Linkage for Prelims

The Lithium Triangle holds roughly 54% of the world’s proven lithium reserves.
Three countries: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia.
India’s Critical Minerals List: 30 minerals declared critical (Ministry of Mines, 2023).
India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM): Launched for domestic and overseas mineral security.
KABIL also explores in Australia and Chile.

Quick Revision Table

Topic	Key Fact
KABIL full form	Khanij Bidesh India Limited
Nodal Ministry	Ministry of Mines
Partner companies	NALCO (40%), HCL (30%), MECL (30%)
Blocks acquired	5 lithium blocks, Catamarca province, Argentina
Area covered	~15,703 hectares
Argentina partner	CAMYEN SE (state-owned, Catamarca province)
India’s import dependence	~93% of critical minerals imported
Lithium Triangle countries	Chile, Argentina, Bolivia
Lithium Triangle share	~54% of world’s proven lithium reserves
Key target minerals	Lithium, Cobalt

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Misconception	Correct Fact
KABIL is under Ministry of External Affairs	It is under the Ministry of Mines
NALCO has 50% stake	NALCO holds 40%; HCL and MECL hold 30% each
Lithium Triangle includes Brazil	Only Chile, Argentina, Bolivia — not Brazil
Minerals acquired are for export	Goal is to secure India’s domestic supply chain
HCL here is the IT company	HCL = Hindustan Copper Ltd. (CPSE), not HCL Technologies
India has no critical mineral reserves	India has limited domestic reserves; 30 minerals declared critical in 2023

Practice MCQs

1. KABIL is a joint venture under which Ministry?

a. Ministry of External Affairs
b. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
c. Ministry of Mines
d. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Ans: C

Khanij Bidesh India Limited is established under the Ministry of Mines to acquire critical minerals overseas for India’s supply chain security.

2. What is the correct equity distribution in KABIL?

a. NALCO 50%, HCL 25%, MECL 25%
b. NALCO 40%, HCL 30%, MECL 30%
c. NALCO 33%, HCL 33%, MECL 34%
d. NALCO 40%, HCL 40%, MECL 20%

Ans: B

Equity: NALCO 40%, Hindustan Copper Ltd. 30%, Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd. 30%.

3. The “Lithium Triangle” comprises which three countries?

a. Brazil, Argentina, Peru
b. Chile, Argentina, Bolivia
c. Colombia, Chile, Brazil
d. Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile

Ans: B

The Lithium Triangle — Chile, Argentina, Bolivia — holds ~54% of proven lithium reserves. KABIL’s blocks are in Argentina’s Catamarca province.

4. What percentage of India’s critical minerals are imported?

a. 60%
b. 75%
c. 85%
d. 93%

Ans: D

India imports ~93% of critical minerals, making overseas acquisitions by KABIL strategically vital.

5. CAMYEN SE, KABIL’s partner in Argentina, belongs to which province?

a. Buenos Aires
b. Mendoza
c. Catamarca
d. Jujuy

Ans: C

CAMYEN SE (Catamarca Minera y Energética SE) is the state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province. The exploration agreement was signed in January 2024.

As India accelerates its clean energy transition, KABIL’s lithium acquisitions in Argentina reduce import dependence and support domestic battery manufacturing goals.

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New IIP Series 2022-23: Key Changes in Index of Industrial Production – UPSC Prelims

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has revised the base year of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) from 2011–12 to 2022–23, marking the 10th revision in the index’s history. The new series also adds a brand-new sector and updates weights to better reflect India’s current industrial structure.

What is the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?

IIP is a composite index that measures the change in volume of production in Indian industries over a reference period. It compares monthly production values against the same month in the base year to track industrial health.

Released by: National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI
Frequency: Monthly (with a 6-week lag)
Old three core sectors: Mining, Manufacturing, Electricity

Key Changes in the New IIP Series (Base Year 2022–23)

1. Revised Base Year

New base year: 2022–23 (revised from 2011–12)
This is the 10th revision of the IIP base year

2. Expanded Sectoral Coverage — New Sector Added

Old series: 3 sectors — Mining, Manufacturing, Electricity
New series: 4 sectors — Mining, Manufacturing, Electricity + Gas Supply and Water Supply, Sewerage & Waste Management (entirely new sector added)

3. Updated Weights

Weights updated based on Gross Value Added (GVA) from National Accounts Statistics (base 2022–23) at sectoral level
Also based on Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) at NIC-2/3/4-digit for 2022–23

Historical Base Year Revisions of IIP

The IIP has been revised 10 times since its first preparation with base year 1937:

1937 → 1946 → 1951 → 1956 → 1960 → 1970 → 1980–81 → 1993–94 → 2004–05 → 2011–12 → 2022–23

Interconnected Static Concepts for Prelims

NSO and MoSPI

National Statistical Office (NSO): Formed in 2019 by merger of Central Statistical Office (CSO) and National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)
MoSPI: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation — apex body for official statistics in India

Key Economic Indices released by NSO/MoSPI

IIP — industrial production volume
GDP/GVA — national accounts
CPI — Consumer Price Index
Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) — census of registered factories

GVA vs. GDP

GDP = GVA + Net Taxes on products
GVA measures value created by industries; GDP includes net taxes

National Industrial Classification (NIC)

Used to classify industrial/economic activities in India
Latest: NIC 2008 — aligned with ISIC Rev. 4 (International Standard Industrial Classification)

Quick Revision Table

Parameter	Key Fact
Index	Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
Released by	NSO under MoSPI
Old Base Year	2011–12
New Base Year	2022–23
Revision Number	10th revision
First IIP Base Year	1937
Old Sectors Covered	Mining, Manufacturing, Electricity (3 sectors)
New Sector Added	Gas Supply and Water Supply, Sewerage & Waste Management
Total Sectors (New Series)	4 sectors
Weight Basis	GVA from National Accounts + ASI data (2022–23)
NSO Formed	2019 (merger of CSO and NSSO)

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Confusion	Correct Fact
IIP is released by RBI	❌ Released by NSO under MoSPI (not RBI)
IIP base year revision is the 9th	❌ The 2022–23 revision is the 10th revision
First IIP was in 1946	❌ First IIP was prepared with base year 1937
IIP now covers only 3 sectors	❌ New series covers 4 sectors (Gas Supply & Water Supply added)
GVA = GDP	❌ GDP = GVA + Net Taxes on products; GVA excludes net taxes
NSO is the old CSO	❌ NSO = Merger of CSO + NSSO (formed 2019)

Practice MCQs

1. The new base year of IIP revised by MoSPI is:
a. 2011–12
b. 2017–18
c. 2020–21
d. 2022–23

Ans: D
MoSPI revised the IIP base year from 2011–12 to 2022–23. This is the 10th revision in IIP’s history since its first base year of 1937.

2. Which new sector has been incorporated into IIP under the new 2022–23 base year series?
a. Agriculture and Allied Activities
b. Construction
c. Gas Supply and Water Supply, Sewerage & Waste Management
d. Financial Services

Ans: C
The new IIP adds “Gas Supply and Water Supply, Sewerage & Waste Management” as a 4th sector, alongside existing Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity sectors.

3. IIP is released by which organisation?
a. Reserve Bank of India
b. NITI Aayog
c. National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI
d. Ministry of Finance

Ans: C
IIP is released by NSO under MoSPI on a monthly basis, not by RBI or Finance Ministry.

4. How many times has the base year of IIP been revised, including the 2022-23 revision?
a. 8
b. 9
c. 10
d. 11

Ans: C
The 2022–23 revision is the 10th revision. Base years revised: 1937 → 1946 → 1951 → 1956 → 1960 → 1970 → 1980–81 → 1993–94 → 2004–05 → 2011–12 → 2022–23.

5. NSO was formed in 2019 by merging which two organisations?
a. NSSO and NCA
b. Central Statistical Office (CSO) and National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)
c. MoSPI and Finance Ministry Statistics Division
d. Planning Commission and CSO

Ans: B
NSO was formed in May 2019 by merging CSO (Central Statistical Office) and NSSO (National Sample Survey Office) under MoSPI.

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VB-G RAM G Scheme 2026: Replaces MGNREGA – UPSC & State PSC Prelims Notes

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet officially approved the implementation of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) – VB-G RAM G in the state, effective July 1, 2026. This scheme replaces the two-decade-old MGNREGA program and is critical for UPSC, APPSC, and TGPSC Prelims from the perspectives of rural employment, social security, and cooperative federalism.

Why in News

Andhra Pradesh became one of the early states to officially approve the nationwide rollout of VB-G RAM G, which repeals and replaces MGNREGA effective July 1, 2026. The scheme enhances employment guarantees and restructures funding between the Centre and States.

What is VB-G RAM G?

Full Form: Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin)

A Centrally Sponsored Scheme that replaces MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005)
Effective date in AP: July 1, 2026
Objective: Enhance rural employment, create durable public assets, and ensure livelihood security

Key Features of VB-G RAM G

Enhanced Employment Guarantee: Increased from 100 days (MGNREGA) → 125 days per financial year per rural household
Work Provision Timeline: Local administration must provide employment within 15 days of application
Four Infrastructure Verticals: Employment strictly integrated with creating durable public assets in — (1) Water security, (2) Core rural infrastructure, (3) Livelihood infrastructure, (4) Extreme weather mitigation
Agricultural Safeguard Pause: State governments can notify a collective 60-day no-work period during peak sowing and harvesting seasons to avoid farm labour shortages
Unemployment Allowance: If work is not provided within 15 days — minimum 1/4th of wage rate for the first 30 days, and 1/2 of wage rate for the remaining period, paid from the state’s own budget
Delay Compensation: Wages must be credited weekly or within 15 days of closing muster roll. Delay beyond 16th day = compensation at 0.05% of unpaid wages per day

Funding Pattern

Category	Centre : State Ratio
General States	60 : 40
North-Eastern & Himalayan States	90 : 10
Union Territories (without legislature)	100% Central funding

MGNREGA vs VB-G RAM G

Parameter	MGNREGA	VB-G RAM G
Employment Guarantee	100 days/year	125 days/year
Work within	15 days	15 days
Agricultural Pause	Not specified	60-day collective pause
Unemployment Allowance	Available	1/4th (1-30 days), 1/2 (beyond)
Delay Compensation	0.5% per day	0.05% per day (from Day 16)
Funding (General States)	Varies by component	60:40 (Centre:State)
Enacted	2005 (over 20 years old)	2026 (replaces MGNREGA)

Static/Exam Connections

Article 41 (DPSP): The State shall make effective provision for securing the right to work — legal basis for employment guarantee schemes
Article 43 (DPSP): State shall endeavour to secure a living wage and decent standard of life for workers
Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS): Funded jointly by Centre and States; implemented by states as per national guidelines
MGNREGA (2005): Was renamed from NREG Act to MGNREGA in 2009 in honour of Mahatma Gandhi; now repealed by VB-G RAM G
Finance Commission: Determines Centre-State fiscal transfers; CSS funding follows separate norms
Cooperative Federalism: The 60:40 funding ratio reflects greater financial responsibility on states vs MGNREGA’s earlier norms

Quick Revision Table

Feature	Key Fact
Scheme replaces	MGNREGA (2005)
Employment guarantee	125 days/year
Work provision deadline	15 days from application
Agricultural no-work pause	60 days (state notified)
Unemployment allowance (first 30 days)	Minimum 1/4th of wage
Unemployment allowance (beyond 30 days)	Minimum 1/2 of wage
Delay compensation	0.05% per day from Day 16
Funding – General States	60:40 (Centre:State)
Funding – NE/Himalayan States	90:10
Funding – UTs (no legislature)	100% Central
AP effective date	July 1, 2026

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Confusion	Correct Fact
VB-G RAM G supplements MGNREGA	It REPLACES (repeals) MGNREGA entirely
Employment guarantee = 100 days	VB-G RAM G guarantees 125 days (MGNREGA was 100 days)
Unemployment allowance from state = Centre-funded	Unemployment allowance is paid from the STATE’s own budget
Delay compensation = 0.5% per day	It is 0.05% per day (not 0.5%); kicks in from the 16th day
General States funding = 90:10	90:10 is for NE and Himalayan States only; General States = 60:40

Practice MCQs

1. VB-G RAM G replaces which existing rural employment scheme?

a. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
b. PMEGP
c. MGNREGA
d. PMAY-G

Ans: C
VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission Gramin) replaces MGNREGA (2005). PMAY-G is a housing scheme; PM Kisan is an income support scheme; PMEGP is an employment generation scheme.

2. Under VB-G RAM G, how many days of employment are guaranteed per rural household per year?

a. 100 days
b. 150 days
c. 125 days
d. 200 days

Ans: C
VB-G RAM G enhances the employment guarantee from MGNREGA’s 100 days to 125 days per financial year per rural household.

3. Under VB-G RAM G, what is the maximum number of days within which employment must be provided after a worker’s application?

a. 7 days
b. 10 days
c. 15 days
d. 30 days

Ans: C
Local administration must provide employment within 15 days. Failure triggers mandatory unemployment allowance paid from the state’s own budget.

4. Under VB-G RAM G, what is the Centre-State cost-sharing ratio for General States?

a. 75:25
b. 80:20
c. 60:40
d. 90:10

Ans: C
General States follow a 60:40 ratio (Centre:State). NE and Himalayan states get enhanced support at 90:10. UTs without legislature receive 100% central funding.

5. Under VB-G RAM G, delay compensation for late wage payment is charged at:

a. 0.5% per day from the 11th day
b. 0.05% per day after the 16th day
c. 0.1% per day from the 15th day
d. 1% per week after the 7th day

Ans: B
If wages are not credited within 15 days, states must pay compensation at 0.05% of unpaid wages per day from the 16th day onward. Note: 0.05%, NOT 0.5%.

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Producer Price Index 2026 Explained

Leave a Comment / Indian Polity and Constitution MCQs, Daily Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

The government has decided to gradually phase out the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) over the next five years and replace it with the Producer Price Index (PPI).

The Producer Price Index 2026 aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment of inflation by covering goods, inputs and services.

What is Producer Price Index (PPI)?

The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures changes in prices received by producers for goods and services at different stages of production. Unlike WPI, it captures price movements across manufacturing inputs, outputs and services, making it a more comprehensive indicator of producer inflation

Components of PPI

The new PPI framework consists of three indices:

Output PPI – Measures prices received by producers for finished goods.
Input PPI – Measures prices paid by producers for raw materials and intermediate goods.
Services PPI – Tracks producer prices in service sectors such as banking, insurance, telecom, railways and aviation.

WPI vs PPI

Feature	WPI	PPI
Coverage	Goods only	Goods and Services
Stage Measured	Wholesale level	Multiple stages of production
Services Included	No	Yes
Input Prices	No	Yes
Inflation Measurement	Limited	More comprehensive
International Practice	Less common	Widely used globally

Significance

The Producer Price Index 2026 aligns India’s inflation measurement system with international standards. By covering services and production inputs, it provides a more realistic picture of cost pressures in the economy. The transition will also help policymakers, businesses and researchers better assess inflation trends and formulate economic policies

Quick Revision points

Topic	Fact
New Inflation Indicator	Producer Price Index (PPI)
Existing Index	Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
Transition Period	5 years
Revised WPI Base Year	2022-23
Previous WPI Base Year	2011-12
PPI Components	Output PPI, Input PPI, Services PPI
Services Covered Initially	Banking, Insurance, Telecom, Railways, Aviation
Key Advantage	Covers both goods and services
WPI Coverage	Goods only
Nodal Department	DPIIT

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which index is proposed to replace the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India?

a) CPI
b) GDP Deflator
c) Producer Price Index
d) Industrial Production Index

Answer: (c) Producer Price Index — PPI will gradually replace WPI over five years.

Q2. The revised WPI series released by DPIIT uses which base year?

a) 2011-12
b) 2017-18
c) 2020-21
d) 2022-23

Answer: (d) 2022-23 — The revised WPI adopts 2022-23 as the new base year.

Q3. Which of the following is NOT a component of the new PPI framework?

a) Output PPI
b) Input PPI
c) Services PPI
d) Consumer PPI

Answer: (d) Consumer PPI — The new framework includes Output, Input and Services PPI.

Q4. A major advantage of PPI over WPI is that it includes:

a) Retail prices only
b) International trade data
c) Goods and services prices
d) Consumer expenditure data

Answer: (c) Goods and services prices — PPI provides broader coverage than WPI.

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Union cabinet approves Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool 2026

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In response to disruptions in global shipping due to the West Asia conflict, the Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool). This initiative ensures uninterrupted insurance coverage for maritime operations involving India.

What is Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool?

The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool is a government-backed insurance mechanism designed to provide coverage for various maritime risks. It aims to reduce dependence on foreign insurers and strengthen India’s shipping resilience.

Key Features of the Scheme

Sovereign Guarantee: Backed by a government guarantee of ₹12,980 crore

Duration
- Initial period: 10 years
- Extendable by 5 more years
Management
- Managed by GIC Re
- Supervised by a Governing Body

Why Was This Scheme Introduced?

Disruptions in global shipping routes due to West Asia geopolitical tensions
Rising war risk premiums in maritime insurance
Need to ensure continuous insurance availability for Indian shipping
Reduce reliance on foreign insurance providers

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PMGSY-III Extended Till 2028:

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase III (PMGSY-III) beyond March 2025 up to March 2028. This extension aims to strengthen rural infrastructure by upgrading existing road networks and improving connectivity to essential services.

Objectives of PMGSY-III

Upgrade 1,25,000 km of rural roads
Improve connectivity to:
- Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs)
- Higher Secondary Schools
- Hospitals
Boost rural economy and accessibility

Background of PMGSY

Launched in 2000
Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development
A centrally sponsored scheme

Funding Pattern

60:40 (Centre : State)
90:10 for North-East & Himalayan States
Core Objective: Provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations to improve socio-economic conditions.

Target Population Criteria (2011 Census)

500+ population in plain areas
250+ population in NE, Himalayan, tribal & desert areas
100+ population in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts

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Borrowers’ Platform Launched by Developing Countries

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

In a major step towards reforming the global financial system, developing countries launched the Borrowers’ Platform during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings 2026. This is the first-ever collective initiative aimed at strengthening the voice of borrowing nations in global debt discussions.

What is the Borrowers’ Platform?

A collaborative forum for developing countries.
Focuses on sovereign debt issues and financial challenges.
Helps countries coordinate strategies and share knowledge.
Aims to rebalance global financial governance, which is currently dominated by lenders.

Secretariat: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) serves as the permanent secretariat, providing technical and administrative support.
Member-Led Structure: It is governed by the finance ministers of participating nations.
Working Group: A seven-country group currently guides implementation, chaired by Egypt with Pakistan as vice-chair. Other founding members include Colombia, Honduras, Maldives, Nepal, and Zambia.

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PM MUDRA Yojana 2026: 11 Years completed

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

India celebrates 11 years of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), launched on 8 April 2015. The scheme aims to provide collateral-free loans to micro and small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.

Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

Launch Date: 8 April 2015
Type: Flagship Central Government Scheme
Objective: “Fund the Unfunded”
Ministry: Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance

Loan Categories under PMMY

Shishu

Loan up to ₹50,000
For new or early-stage entrepreneurs

Kishore

Loan from ₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh
For growing businesses

Tarun

Loan from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
For established enterprises

Tarun Plus (New Category)

Loan from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh
For entrepreneurs who successfully repaid Tarun loan

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Government e-Marketplace (GeM) – Key facts for UPSC and State PSC exams

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

What is Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online procurement platform launched by the Government of India to facilitate transparent and efficient purchasing of goods and services by government departments.

Launched: 2016
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

It acts an online portal to facilitate the end-to-end procurement of common-use goods and services by various Government Departments, Organizations, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
The GeM portal is built on three fundamental pillars: Inclusion, Efficiency, and Transparency

Major Initiatives under GeM

SWAYATT: Promotes Startups, Women and Youth Advantage Through e–Transactions.
Womaniya: A dedicated initiative to enable women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to sell handicrafts and other products.
Start-up Runway: Provides a platform for startups to showcase unique, innovative products to government buyers.

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GeM Womaniya Initiative: 2 Lakh Women Entrepreneurs Registered

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

The GeM Womaniya Initiative has achieved a major milestone, with over 2 lakh women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered on the platform. In FY 2025–26, these entrepreneurs secured 13.7 lakh orders, highlighting the growing role of women in public procurement.

What is GeM Womaniya Initiative?

GeM Womaniya is a flagship initiative under the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
It aims to empower women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Focus: Integrating women-led businesses into government procurement systems.

Key Features:

Direct access to government buyers (ministries, departments, PSUs)
No intermediaries → better profit margins
Fully digital & transparent platform
Promotes inclusive economic growth

About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

Launched by: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Type: National Public Procurement Portal
Main function: Dedicated online portal for the procurement of common-use goods and services required by various government departments, ministries, and public sector undertakings (PSUs).

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