PM Modi flags off four new trains in Kerala, launches SVANidhi Credit Card

Why in news

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new trains in Kerala and launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card to enhance financial inclusion for street vendors.

Background

The PM flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains (Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram, Nagercoil-Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram-Charlappalli) and a Thrissur-Guruvayur Passenger Train. He also launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card and laid foundation stones for a CSIR-NIIST Innovation Hub and a radiosurgery center in Thiruvananthapuram.

Facts for Prelims

• FactAmrit Bharat Express trains launched: Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram, Nagercoil-Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram-Charlappalli
• FactThrissur-Guruvayur Passenger Train service flagged off in Kerala
• SchemePM SVANidhi Credit Card: A financial inclusion initiative specifically for street vendors
• BodyCSIR-NIIST: Innovation Hub foundation stone laid in Thiruvananthapuram

For Mains

Q. Discuss the role of credit access and infrastructure development in fostering the livelihoods of the informal economy and street vendors in India.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Credit accessibility: Addressing the lack of collateral for street vendors to access formal banking
• Infrastructure synergy: Linking regional connectivity with local economic hubs to boost informal trade

Keywords: Financial Inclusion · Informal Economy · Regional Connectivity · Livelihood Security · Infrastructure Development

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