Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Karnataka’s Shakti scheme, launched on June 11, 2023, aims to enhance women’s mobility through free bus travel on State-run buses. Since its inception, daily ridership increased from 93.46 lakh to 116.63 lakh passengers. The scheme is part of five flagship initiatives by the Congress government, though reimbursement for transport corporations is pending. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have expanded their fleets, introducing luxury and electric buses to meet rising demand.

Notes:
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions issued guidelines for the 28th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025. The NAeG is one of the most prestigious awards for digital governance in India. The National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) scheme aims to promote excellence in e-Governance initiatives. The awards include a Trophy, Certificate, and cash incentives—Rs 10 lakh for Gold Awardees and Rs 5 lakh for Silver Awardees. 16 awards will be given this year, with 10 Gold and 6 Silver. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions is the nodal ministry.

Notes:
Registrations for Yuva Nidhi Scheme has started in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka. Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah launched the Yuva Nidhi scheme in January 2024. The scheme provides financial aid to unemployed graduates and diploma holders for two years. The scheme is managed by the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Livelihood. Applications can be submitted on the Seva Sindhu portal, Karnataka One, Grama One, and Bapuji Seva Kendra.

Notes:
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren transferred ₹1,415.44 crore to 56.61 lakh women under the Maiya Samman Yojana on January 6, 2024. Jharkhand’s government launched the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana in August 2024. The scheme aims to empower women by improving access to education, health, and daily necessities. CM encouraged women to use the funds for nutritious food to combat anaemia and for gas cylinders, festival clothes, and school supplies for children.

Notes:
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended capping Internet tariffs for Wi-Fi service providers under the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme at twice the rate of retail broadband. The PM-WANI scheme was launched in December 2020 by the Department of Telecommunication. The scheme aims to expand public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in rural areas. It seeks to enhance digital infrastructure, increase employment for small entrepreneurs, and provide low-cost internet to underserved urban and rural households. The scheme encourages local shops to offer Wi-Fi for last-mile delivery without requiring a license or registration fee.

Notes:
The Commerce Ministry introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme to boost India’s diamond industry’s global competitiveness. Effective from April 1, 2025, it allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds under ¼ carat for export purposes. The scheme mandates a 10% value addition export obligation. It supports MSME exporters by creating a level playing field with larger players. Inspired by diamond beneficiation policies in countries like Botswana, it aims to maintain India’s global leadership in the diamond value chain.

Notes:
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs held a National Conference of District Magistrates in New Delhi to accelerate the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). Launched on November 15, 2023, PM JANMAN aims to improve socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). With a ₹24,000 crore budget for 2023-2026, the program focuses on housing, healthcare, education, clean water, roads, and livelihoods. District Magistrates from 88 districts in 18 states discussed key areas, including Anganwadi Centres, school hostels, and Multi-Purpose Centres. The conference emphasized tribal participation, shared best practices, and action plans to strengthen grassroots development.

Notes:
The central government approved the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS-MSMEs) for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The scheme guarantees loans up to ₹100 crore with 60% coverage by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC). Eligible MSMEs must have a valid Udyam Registration Number. At least 75% of the loan must be used for equipment or machinery. Loans up to ₹50 crore have an 8-year repayment period with 2 years moratorium. Higher loan amounts get extended repayment and moratorium periods. 5% upfront contribution is required at the time of application. No annual guarantee fee in the first year; 1.5% for three years, then 1% annually. The scheme is valid for four years or till ₹7 lakh crore in guarantees are issued.

Notes:
IIM Sambalpur will research the impact of Subhadra Yojana in Odisha. An MoU was signed with the Women and Child Development (W&CD) Department at Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave-2025. The institute will conduct real-time assessments, provide policy recommendations, and develop monitoring frameworks. The scheme provides ₹10,000 annually to eligible women for five years (₹50,000 total). It aims to foster women’s entrepreneurship and support child development. The scheme is expected to benefit over 1 crore women in Odisha.

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.