Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Bihar government has doubled the pension for ‘JP Senanis’, political activists jailed during the Emergency for supporting Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement. The decision was approved in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Nitish Kumar. Pension for those jailed over six months is increased from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per month. Pension for those jailed less than six months is raised from ₹7,500 to ₹15,000 per month. This adjustment falls under JP Senani Samman Pension Scheme. The scheme was launched by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in 2009. Currently, 3,354 people receive this pension.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched the Shramashree scheme for migrant workers. It will support around 22 lakh registered Bengali-speaking migrant workers returning after harassment in other States. Migrants will get a one-time ₹5,000 travel grant and ₹5,000 monthly aid for one year or till employment. Beneficiaries will receive Khadya Sathi ration cards for food security and Swasthya Sathi health insurance cards. Migrants’ children will be enrolled in state schools to continue education.

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Karnataka’s flagship Shakti Scheme offers free bus travel to women across state-run transport corporations. The scheme has earned a place in the Golden Book of World Records. It recognized 5,049,476,416 women passenger journeys, equal to over 500 crore ticketed rides. These rides were recorded between 11 June 2023 and 20 July 2024.

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Ministry of Tourism issued operational guidelines and project report template under Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in India, to develop and promote iconic tourist centers at a global scale. State Governments submitted project proposals online, and 40 projects were sanctioned for Rs. 3295.76 crore with 100% central funding. Government of India funds development; State Governments handle operation and maintenance. Projects are expected to boost local economy and create opportunities for local artisans and communities. Information provided by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Rajya Sabha.

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The Government of India is considering support measures worth about ₹25,000 crore for exporters under the Export Promotion Mission for six years (FY 2025-31). Export Promotion Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 as a flagship initiative. It aims to promote inclusive and sustainable export growth, especially supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It is jointly driven by the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, MSME, and Finance, with the Department of Commerce as lead. The mission has two sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan (₹10,000+ crore) and Niryat Disha (₹14,500+ crore).

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Recently, the Gujarat government disbursed over Rs 1,000 crore to more than 10.49 lakh girl students under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana. Under the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, more than 1.50 lakh students received over Rs 161 crore in financial assistance. Namo Lakshmi Yojana was launched by Gujarat government in 2024. The scheme supports girls in Classes 9 to 12 under Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Each girl receives Rs 50,000 over four years, even if already receiving other scholarships. Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana targets science students in Classes 11 and 12, offering Rs 25,000 over two years.

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The Union Government sanctioned 25 lakh additional LPG connections under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) on 22 September 2025 for financial year 2025-26. Total connections under PMUY since inception will reach 10.58 crore. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). It provides LPG connections to women from poor households without charging for installation, first refill, hose, regulator, and stove. As of July 2025, over 10.33 crore connections have been provided. In August 2025, the government approved ₹300 subsidy per 14.2 kg cylinder and 9 eligible refills per year. ₹676 crore will be spent on the latest round, including ₹512.5 crore for deposit-free connections, ₹160 crore for subsidy, and ₹3.5 crore for administration.

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The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) launched the Development of Industry Associations (DIA) scheme in 2025. The scheme aims to build stronger and financially sustainable industry associations for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It was inaugurated during the National Conclave on DIA in New Delhi. Around 125 representatives from 90 industry associations participated in the event. The participating sectors included engineering, textiles, plastics, electronics, food processing, and furniture. Eight associations from four north-eastern states also took part. The initiative focuses on strengthening collective capacity and support for MSMEs.

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The Government of India has invited applications for research and innovation projects under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme. The scheme was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. It was notified in 2023 with a total financial outlay of ₹5000 crore. The objective is to make India a globally competitive and innovation-driven hub in the Pharma-MedTech sector. The scheme focuses on industry-academia linkage to strengthen Research and Development (R&D) in priority areas. It also aims to inculcate a culture of quality research and nurture India’s scientific talent pool.

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The Minister of Electronics and Information Technology announced that the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme received strong interest from global and Indian industries. It is the first dedicated Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme launched by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for passive electronic components like resistors, capacitors, relays, switches, and connectors. The aim is to build a strong component manufacturing ecosystem and integrate India with Global Value Chains (GVCs). It offers three incentive models — turnover-linked, capex-linked, and hybrid.