Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Union Ministry of Agriculture plans to launch a Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). The program will use technologies like IoT, AI, drones, and data analytics to boost production while reducing environmental impact. It will cover 15,000 acres over five years, benefiting around 60,000 farmers from 2024-25 to 2028-29. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) provides financing for smart and precision agriculture projects. The government is exploring collaborations with the Netherlands and Israel for modern farming solutions. 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) have been set up for testing and adapting new technologies.

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The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry approved the Sustainability in spice sector through progressive, innovative and collaborative interventions for export development (SPICED) scheme to boost spice exports. It aims to enhance the export of spices and value-added spice products, improve cardamom productivity, and upgrade spice quality for export. The scheme will be implemented until 2025-26, covering the remaining 15th Finance Commission term. It focuses on value addition, innovation, and sustainability in the spice sector.

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Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha recently launched Chief Minister’s Scholarship for Achievers Towards Higher Learning (CM-SATH) scheme for students from low-income families. It aims to provide financial support to deserving students in Tripura. This initiative targets students whose family income is up to Rs 2,50,000 and who do not receive any other government scholarships. The program is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities for children from low-income families, similar to initiatives in other states.

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The Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi’ initiative on September 27th, World Tourism Day. It aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting tourism for social inclusion, employment, and economic growth.
The initiative was piloted at six tourist destinations across India, including Orchha, Gandikota, Bodh Gaya, Aizawl, Jodhpur, and Sri Vijaya Puram. It aims to train individuals, such as drivers, hotel staff, and shopkeepers, to enhance the tourist experience and act as ambassadors. The initiative promotes cleanliness, safety, and hospitality, inspired by ‘Athithi Devo Bhava.’

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The RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme is extended for domestic tariff area (DTA) units until September 30, 2025. Launched in January 2021 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, RoDTEP refunds un-reimbursed taxes, duties, and levies to exporters. It replaced the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), which was challenged at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for non-compliance with global trade rules. RoDTEP ensures that exporters receive compensation for costs incurred during production and distribution.

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The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme was recently launched to improve youth employability in India by giving practical experience in business environments. It aims to offer internships to one crore youth in the top 500 companies over five years. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs will oversee the pilot project via an online portal. Interns will receive a ₹4,500 monthly stipend from the government, plus ₹500 from companies through CSR. A one-time grant of ₹6,000 and insurance under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana will also be provided.

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The Assam government has launched the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme to combat child marriage and support girl students in pursuing higher studies. The scheme provides monthly stipends: Rs 1,000 for Classes 11-12, Rs 1,250 for degree students, and Rs 2,500 for post-graduate students. To qualify, students must attend classes regularly, demonstrate discipline, perform well in exams, and delay marriage until after completing their post-graduation. This initiative aims to empower girls and promote education in Assam.

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The Anna Bhagya Scheme (ABS) is a cash transfer initiative launched in Karnataka, aimed at enhancing food security by providing unconditional cash transfers to beneficiaries, enabling them to purchase food grains. This innovative approach has shown to improve household welfare, increase financial inclusion, and facilitate savings among marginalized communities. The scheme was introduced as a response to the unavailability of additional rice for distribution, marking a significant shift from traditional food rationing methods. Recent studies indicate that ABS has positively impacted consumption patterns and financial behavior among its beneficiaries.

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Prime Minister Modi celebrated a decade of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, honoring India’s veterans and ex-service personnel. OROP ensures uniform pensions for personnel retiring in the same rank and service length, regardless of retirement date. Pensions are re-fixed based on the average pensions of 2013 retirees in the same rank and service length. Arrears are paid in installments, with family pensioners and gallantry awardees receiving it in one go. Pensions are re-fixed every five years, managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.

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CBSE has recently introduced the Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child. The scheme supports meritorious female students who are the only children of their parents, have scored 60%+ in Class X, and continue education in Class XI/XII. It encourages parents’ efforts in promoting girls’ education and provides financial aid. Eligibility: Single girl child, Indian national, 60%+ in CBSE Class 10, studying in CBSE-affiliated schools with tuition fees ≤ Rs 1,500/month. Scholarship: ₹500/month for up to 2 years, renewable with 50% marks in Class XI exams. Family income must be ≤ Rs 8 lakh/year.