UPSC Prelims & Mains
28 July 2026
PIB Snippets
PIB Snippets — 28 July 2026
Sowa Rigpa · PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme
Topic 1
Sowa Rigpa
Topic 2
PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme
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Sowa Rigpa
Culture & HeritageLatest News and Context
Sowa Rigpa remains one of the world’s oldest living traditional medical systems. The system continues practising across India and several Asian countries.
Origin, Meaning and Fundamental Principles
Meaning & Origin
- Sowa Rigpa means “Knowledge of Healing” in the Bhoti language.
- Popularly known as the Amchi system of medicine.
- Scholars associate its origin with India, China, or Tibet.
- Its exact place of origin remains uncertain among scholars.
Key Features & Regions of Practice
- A well-documented traditional medical system.
- Continues as a living medical tradition across many regions.
- Practised across Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mongolia.
- In India, thrives across Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Also continues in Darjeeling and Lahoul and Spiti.
Education
- Traditional learning follows the Guru-Shishya system.
- Knowledge also passes through the Gyud Pa family lineage.
- Oral transmission remains an important element of medical education.
Gyud Zi (Four Tantras) and the Literature of Sowa Rigpa
Gyud Zi serves as the principal textbook of Sowa Rigpa. The text forms the foundation of medical knowledge and practice.
Root Tantra
Introduces the basic principles of the system.
Exegetical Tantra
Explains the core concepts in detail.
Instructional Tantra
Provides guidance for medical practice.
Subsequent Tantra
Expands knowledge through advanced teachings.
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Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
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PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme
Governance & EducationLatest News and Context
The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme supports meritorious students pursuing higher education. It provides financial assistance through education loans and related benefits.
Objectives, Eligibility and Key Features
Objective & Eligibility
- Support meritorious students pursuing higher education across recognised institutions.
- Improve access to education loans through a digital platform.
- Students must secure admission into Quality Higher Education Institutions.
- Eligible institutions include top 860 NIRF-ranked public and private institutions.
- Students receiving other government scholarships cannot claim scheme benefits.
- Students leaving courses midway become ineligible for specified scheme benefits.
Key Features
- The scheme operates as a Central Sector Scheme.
- Students apply through the PM Vidyalaxmi Portal.
- The portal connects applicants with multiple banks digitally.
- There is no upper limit on the education loan amount.
Education Loan, Interest Subvention and Credit Guarantee
Education Loan & Interest Subvention
- Loan amount depends on course fees and related educational expenses.
- Eligible expenses include hostel, mess, laptop, and living costs.
- Families earning up to ₹8 lakh annually receive eligible benefits.
- Students receive 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹10 lakh.
- Higher loans receive benefits only up to ₹10 lakh.
Credit Guarantee
- Loans up to ₹7.5 lakh qualify for credit guarantee support.
- The Government covers 75% of outstanding default under the scheme.
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Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
