Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs
1. Which state government has recently launched the New Cottage Policy 2024 to support artisans and entrepreneurs?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Gujarat
[D] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Gujarat
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
Gujarat has introduced the New Cottage Policy 2024, effective for five years, aiming to develop self-sustaining cottage industries. The policy focuses on credit access, market support, infrastructure, skill development, technology upgrades, and innovation for artisans and entrepreneurs. Maximum loan amounts under the scheme have increased from ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh, and subsidies have risen from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹3.75 lakh. The policy aims to create 12 lakh jobs over five years, including 3.3 lakh direct and indirect opportunities through enhanced financial support. It seeks to expand access to local and international markets for artisans.
Gujarat has introduced the New Cottage Policy 2024, effective for five years, aiming to develop self-sustaining cottage industries. The policy focuses on credit access, market support, infrastructure, skill development, technology upgrades, and innovation for artisans and entrepreneurs. Maximum loan amounts under the scheme have increased from ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh, and subsidies have risen from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹3.75 lakh. The policy aims to create 12 lakh jobs over five years, including 3.3 lakh direct and indirect opportunities through enhanced financial support. It seeks to expand access to local and international markets for artisans.
2. Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP) is primarily related to which sector?
[A] Animal husbandry
[B] Aquaculture
[C] Horticulture
[D] Forestry
[B] Aquaculture
[C] Horticulture
[D] Forestry
Correct Answer: C [Horticulture]
Notes:
India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan to boost access to disease-free planting materials for horticulture farmers under the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme. The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP) is related to horticulture and aims to provide farmers with access to high-quality, virus-free planting material. It includes nine advanced Clean Plant Centers with diagnostic and tissue culture labs and a robust certification system for accountability and traceability. It ensures affordable access, engages women farmers, and develops region-specific plant varieties. It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture through National Horticulture Board (NHB) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, it aims to strengthen India’s global fruit market position.
India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan to boost access to disease-free planting materials for horticulture farmers under the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme. The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP) is related to horticulture and aims to provide farmers with access to high-quality, virus-free planting material. It includes nine advanced Clean Plant Centers with diagnostic and tissue culture labs and a robust certification system for accountability and traceability. It ensures affordable access, engages women farmers, and develops region-specific plant varieties. It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture through National Horticulture Board (NHB) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, it aims to strengthen India’s global fruit market position.
3. What is the primary objective of Global One-Stop Centres (OSCs) established by Ministry of External Affairs?
[A] Promote cultural exchanges among Indian communities abroad
[B] Provide comprehensive assistance to women in vulnerable situations
[C] Support Indian students studying overseas
[D] Facilitate trade and economic cooperation
[B] Provide comprehensive assistance to women in vulnerable situations
[C] Support Indian students studying overseas
[D] Facilitate trade and economic cooperation
Correct Answer: B [Provide comprehensive assistance to women in vulnerable situations]
Notes:
The Ministry of External Affairs received approval to establish nine One-Stop Centres (OSCs) for supporting women in vulnerable situations. Seven OSCs with shelter homes will be set up in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Jeddah, and Riyadh, while Toronto and Singapore will have OSCs without shelters. A dedicated budget line has been introduced to facilitate these initiatives, with support from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). ICWF provides emergency aid like boarding, travel, medical care, legal assistance, and repatriation. Legal panels assist abandoned women and resolve minor legal issues for overseas Indian nationals.
The Ministry of External Affairs received approval to establish nine One-Stop Centres (OSCs) for supporting women in vulnerable situations. Seven OSCs with shelter homes will be set up in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Jeddah, and Riyadh, while Toronto and Singapore will have OSCs without shelters. A dedicated budget line has been introduced to facilitate these initiatives, with support from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). ICWF provides emergency aid like boarding, travel, medical care, legal assistance, and repatriation. Legal panels assist abandoned women and resolve minor legal issues for overseas Indian nationals.
4. Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme is an initiative of which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[B] Ministry of Education
[C] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Education
[C] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
The Central Government has revised food item prices under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana, earlier called the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Renamed in September 2021, it serves hot meals to students in Balvatika and classes I-VIII in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme aims to combat hunger, improve nutrition, boost school attendance, and enhance focus in classroom activities. It also supports children during summer vacations in drought or disaster-affected areas. Recently, the Ministry of Education raised the ‘Material Cost’ by 13.70% based on the inflation index from the Labour Bureau. The scheme is centrally sponsored and managed by the Ministry of Education.
The Central Government has revised food item prices under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana, earlier called the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Renamed in September 2021, it serves hot meals to students in Balvatika and classes I-VIII in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme aims to combat hunger, improve nutrition, boost school attendance, and enhance focus in classroom activities. It also supports children during summer vacations in drought or disaster-affected areas. Recently, the Ministry of Education raised the ‘Material Cost’ by 13.70% based on the inflation index from the Labour Bureau. The scheme is centrally sponsored and managed by the Ministry of Education.
5. Bima Sakhi Yojana is an initiative of which institution?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[C] Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)
[D] Ministry of Finance
[B] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[C] Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)
[D] Ministry of Finance
Correct Answer: C [Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)]
Notes:
The Prime Minister launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana. The scheme is an initiative by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to empower women aged 18-70 with Class 10 education. Women will receive specialized training, financial literacy, and insurance awareness. They will get a stipend of Rs. 7,000 in the first year, Rs. 6,000 in the second, and Rs. 5,000 in the third year. Female agents will also earn commissions, starting with Rs. 48,000 in the first year. The goal is to appoint 2 lakh Bima Sakhis in three years, with the possibility of future development officer roles.
The Prime Minister launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana. The scheme is an initiative by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to empower women aged 18-70 with Class 10 education. Women will receive specialized training, financial literacy, and insurance awareness. They will get a stipend of Rs. 7,000 in the first year, Rs. 6,000 in the second, and Rs. 5,000 in the third year. Female agents will also earn commissions, starting with Rs. 48,000 in the first year. The goal is to appoint 2 lakh Bima Sakhis in three years, with the possibility of future development officer roles.
6. Which state government has launched Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam scheme?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: D [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam scheme was recently launched in Tamil Nadu. The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam aims to assist artisans and craftspersons aged 35 and above with relevant experience by providing loan assistance of up to ₹3 lakh, along with a 25% subsidy capped at ₹50,000. Subsidy is granted after completing skill and entrepreneurship training and is proportional to loan tranches. Loans have a 90% credit guarantee cover and 5% interest subvention reimbursement. The scheme targets new or diversified activities, not business expansions, and has no income ceiling. Applicants must not have received a subsidy exceeding ₹1.5 lakh from Tamil Nadu schemes in the past five years.
The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam scheme was recently launched in Tamil Nadu. The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam aims to assist artisans and craftspersons aged 35 and above with relevant experience by providing loan assistance of up to ₹3 lakh, along with a 25% subsidy capped at ₹50,000. Subsidy is granted after completing skill and entrepreneurship training and is proportional to loan tranches. Loans have a 90% credit guarantee cover and 5% interest subvention reimbursement. The scheme targets new or diversified activities, not business expansions, and has no income ceiling. Applicants must not have received a subsidy exceeding ₹1.5 lakh from Tamil Nadu schemes in the past five years.
7. What is the primary objective of PM-ABHIM scheme?
[A] To strengthen healthcare infrastructure
[B] To strengthen financial systems
[C] To improve education systems across India
[D] To build new railway networks
[B] To strengthen financial systems
[C] To improve education systems across India
[D] To build new railway networks
Correct Answer: A [To strengthen healthcare infrastructure ]
Notes:
The Delhi High Court directed an MoU between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Delhi Government for implementing PM-ABHIM. PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with Central Sector Components, having a budget of ₹64,180 crore (2021-22 to 2025-26). It is the largest pan-India scheme to strengthen healthcare infrastructure at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The scheme addresses critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research in urban and rural areas.
The Delhi High Court directed an MoU between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Delhi Government for implementing PM-ABHIM. PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with Central Sector Components, having a budget of ₹64,180 crore (2021-22 to 2025-26). It is the largest pan-India scheme to strengthen healthcare infrastructure at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The scheme addresses critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research in urban and rural areas.
8. “SAAR initiative” is associated with which mission?
[A] Smart Cities Mission (SCM)
[B] UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme)
[C] Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
[D] PM Gati Shakti
[B] UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme)
[C] Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
[D] PM Gati Shakti
Correct Answer: A [Smart Cities Mission (SCM)]
Notes:
IIM Bangalore conducted two studies under the SAAR-Sameeksha Series of the Smart Cities Mission, focusing on education and women’s safety improvements. 50 impact assessment research studies are part of the Sameeksha Series. “Smart Cities and Academia Towards Action & Research (SAAR)” program is a joint initiative of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and and leading Indian academic institutions. The initiative aims to document key projects and improve urban development by involving academia in assessing and providing feedback on smart city projects.
IIM Bangalore conducted two studies under the SAAR-Sameeksha Series of the Smart Cities Mission, focusing on education and women’s safety improvements. 50 impact assessment research studies are part of the Sameeksha Series. “Smart Cities and Academia Towards Action & Research (SAAR)” program is a joint initiative of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and and leading Indian academic institutions. The initiative aims to document key projects and improve urban development by involving academia in assessing and providing feedback on smart city projects.
9. Rythu Bharosa scheme is associated with which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Telangana
[C] Odisha
[D] Haryana
[B] Telangana
[C] Odisha
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
Telangana will implement the Rythu Bharosa scheme, replacing the Rythu Bandhu scheme, starting from Sankranti. The scheme, launched in 2018-19, provides investment support to farmers for agriculture and horticulture crops. It offers Rs. 5,000 per acre per season for the purchase of inputs, with no cap on the number of acres. Eligible farmers must be residents of Telangana, own agricultural land, and have a Record of Forest Rights (ROFR) document if cultivating forest land. Small, marginal, and Scheduled Tribe farmers are eligible, but commercial and tenant farmers are not.
Telangana will implement the Rythu Bharosa scheme, replacing the Rythu Bandhu scheme, starting from Sankranti. The scheme, launched in 2018-19, provides investment support to farmers for agriculture and horticulture crops. It offers Rs. 5,000 per acre per season for the purchase of inputs, with no cap on the number of acres. Eligible farmers must be residents of Telangana, own agricultural land, and have a Record of Forest Rights (ROFR) document if cultivating forest land. Small, marginal, and Scheduled Tribe farmers are eligible, but commercial and tenant farmers are not.
10. Which state launched the Ladki Bahin scheme?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
[B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Maharashtra is reviewing beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Scheme, launched in June 2024. Scheme supports women from economically weaker sections with ₹1,500 per month. Only women with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh are eligible. Budget also included free LPG cylinders for BPL families and free electricity for farmers. Scheme’s annual cost is ₹46,000 crore, raising concerns over financial sustainability. Finance department warned the expenses could affect payment of government salaries. Government aims to reduce beneficiaries to ease the financial burden.
Maharashtra is reviewing beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Scheme, launched in June 2024. Scheme supports women from economically weaker sections with ₹1,500 per month. Only women with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh are eligible. Budget also included free LPG cylinders for BPL families and free electricity for farmers. Scheme’s annual cost is ₹46,000 crore, raising concerns over financial sustainability. Finance department warned the expenses could affect payment of government salaries. Government aims to reduce beneficiaries to ease the financial burden.
