PowerTex India, launched in April 2017, is a government scheme aimed at which sector?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to government schemes in India, especially those supporting industry and employment. PowerTex India was launched in April 2017 to promote modernisation, technology upgradation and financial support in a particular segment of the textile sector. Identifying the correct target segment is important for exams on economy and current affairs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The scheme is named PowerTex India.
• It was launched in April 2017.
• The purpose is to support a specific sector through technology and finance.
• The options list several sectors, including the powerloom sector.

Concept / Approach:
Despite the name starting with Power, PowerTex India is not about electricity generation or consumption. It combines Power and Textile to indicate its focus on powerloom units. The scheme is designed to strengthen the powerloom sector by offering subsidies, credit, insurance and support for yarn quality and technology upgradation. Therefore, the correct option is the powerloom sector, not electricity or water related sectors.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Break down the scheme name PowerTex India into Power and Tex, where Tex indicates textiles. Step 2: Recall that the launch announcements described it as a comprehensive scheme for the powerloom segment of the textile industry. Step 3: Recognise that powerlooms are mechanised looms used for weaving fabrics in small and medium units. Step 4: Compare the options and select the one that directly mentions the powerloom sector.

Verification / Alternative check:
Press releases from the Ministry of Textiles and news coverage of the launch clearly describe PowerTex India as a scheme for the powerloom sector, covering initiatives such as in situ upgradation, group work sheds, yarn bank schemes, common facility centres and worker insurance. None of these features relate to income tax, water grids or solar parks, which confirms that the scheme is sector specific to textiles and powerlooms.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Electricity consumption: Although the word power appears in the scheme name, the objective is not to subsidise electricity use in general. Income tax administration: This option is unrelated to textiles and does not match the Tex part of the scheme name. Water grid sector: PowerTex India is not an infrastructure or water management programme. Solar power parks: While India does promote solar energy, this particular scheme is not about solar projects.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to interpret power in the name literally as electricity and to ignore the Tex component, leading to choices related to energy or power grids. Another error is to overlook sector specific knowledge and simply guess based on incomplete memory. To avoid this, remember that PowerTex India is a portmanteau reflecting powerloom textiles.

Final Answer:
PowerTex India is a government scheme targeted at the powerloom sector.