Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Finance Minister announced the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana in her 8th Union Budget presentation. It aims to support farmers in 100 districts struggling with low crop yields and financial issues. The scheme will benefit around 1.7 crore farmers through collaboration with state governments. It seeks to create rural opportunities so migration becomes optional, not necessary. The focus areas include boosting agricultural productivity, improving irrigation, increasing credit access, promoting crop diversification, and enhancing post-harvest storage at Panchayat and block levels.

Notes:
The Union Government approved four start-ups under the Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) Scheme for Technical Textiles. The scheme falls under the National Technical Textiles Mission’s Research, Development, and Innovation component. It aims to develop new technologies, products, and processes for the growth of technical textiles. It provides financial support to researchers, start-ups, and entrepreneurs working on innovative projects. The Ministry of Textiles offers a grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh for 18 months.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Behna Yojana will increase monthly assistance from ₹1,250 to ₹3,000. The scheme aims to economically empower women in the state. ₹1,553 crore has been transferred to 1.27 crore women beneficiaries so far. With the increased amount, more women will benefit and improve their financial condition. The scheme was launched in May 2023, initially providing ₹1,000 per month. The assistance was later raised to ₹1,250 and will now be further increased to ₹3,000.

Notes:
PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahiis) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is approved for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to provide skill training through Short-Term Training, Upskilling/Re-skilling, and Entrepreneurship Development Programs. Training is conducted by empanelled institutes. It targets SCs, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis, including waste pickers. A Union minister recently emphasized its importance in empowering marginalized communities.

Notes:
Union Minister Dr. Virender Kumar visited Jammu to review the implementation of Social Justice and Empowerment schemes. He distributed PPE kits and Ayushman health cards to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (Safai Mitras). This was done under the NAMASTE scheme, which stands for National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem. NAMASTE aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and sustainable livelihood of sanitation workers in urban India. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The National Safai Karamchari Financial Development Corporation (NSKFDC) is the implementing agency.

Notes:
The Union government launched the ‘Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs’ as announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. The scheme provides collateral-free loans up to ₹100 crore for purchasing plant, machinery, or equipment. The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC) offers 60% guarantee coverage to lending institutions. Borrowers must be MSMEs with a valid Udyam Registration Number. The guaranteed loan amount is capped at ₹100 crore, though the total project cost can be higher. At least 75% of the project cost must be used for equipment or machinery purchase.

Notes:
Karnataka government has introduced ‘Pragati Patha’ scheme. It will develop 7,110 km of rural roads at a cost of Rs 5,190 crore. The scheme aims to improve rural connectivity across the state. The scheme is different from the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

Notes:
The Delhi government approved the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana on International Women’s Day. It provides Rs 2,500 per month to women aged 21-60 from weaker economic sections earning up to Rs 3 lakh annually. The scheme aims to empower women with financial support and self-employment opportunities. It has various forms, including monthly allowances, subsidized loans for micro-enterprises, and vocational training. The scheme is designed to help women achieve stable incomes and contribute to their families’ well-being.

Notes:
On March 9, 2023, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda launched two welfare schemes for girls in Tripura—Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana. Under the Balika Samriddhi Yojana, BPL families will receive a Rs 50,000 bond for newborn girls, expected to grow to Rs 10 lakh by the time they turn 18. The Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana will provide free scooties to 140 meritorious girls in Higher Secondary from all education boards.

Notes:
The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to provide hands-on industry experience. It is a 12-month apprenticeship program with 1,25,000 vacancies across various sectors. The scheme helps participants develop industry-relevant and soft skills like teamwork and communication. Eligible candidates include 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, Diploma, or Graduates aged 21-24 years. Applications are open online from October 12, 2024, to March 12, 2025. Selected interns will receive a ₹5000 monthly stipend and a one-time benefit of ₹6000.