Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) launched the Prime Minister Professorship scheme to boost research in emerging state universities. It targets institutions with underdeveloped research ecosystems under ANRF’s PAIR (Partnerships for Advancing Interdisciplinary Research) program. The scheme enables eminent and superannuated scientists, faculty, and industry experts to mentor faculty and students, promote interdisciplinary research, and set up R&D labs. Each Professor receives ₹30 lakh/year fellowship, ₹24 lakh/year research grant, and ₹1 lakh/year overhead for the host university.

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Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) launched the ‘Dhwanispandana Yojana’ in Mysuru to help visually impaired passengers travel independently. Nearly 200 buses in Mysuru are now equipped with audio device systems under this initiative. Visually impaired users can activate the devices with a remote, which announces bus route numbers and details. Around 400 visually impaired persons have been trained to use these devices. A similar system is already running in Bengaluru with 125 buses fitted with such devices.

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The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) recently launched the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana during the North Zone Regional Conference in Srinagar. The conference was themed “Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals.” The scheme aims to strengthen legal aid services for defence personnel and their families. It will build a dedicated legal support network across Sainik Boards at Zilla, Rajya, and Kendra levels. These Sainik Boards will now also help families of soldiers with legal issues like land disputes, service entitlements, and civil matters.

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Recently, the Government approved ‘Namo Drone Didi’ as a Central Sector Scheme to provide 15,000 drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) from 2023-24 to 2025-26 with a total outlay of ₹1261 crore. The scheme aims to promote advanced agricultural technology, enhance crop yield, reduce operational costs, and empower SHGs as drone service providers for income and livelihood. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of 80% of the drone package cost, up to ₹8 lakh, is provided to selected SHGs. One SHG member receives 15-day drone pilot training and another member gets 5-day assistant training under the scheme.

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Recently, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) launched two key schemes—Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna and Nandini Sahakar—to empower women-led cooperatives. Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna aims to provide low-cost credit to women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives for sustainable livelihood activities. It targets Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), State Cooperative Banks (StCBs), and federated SHG cooperatives. The scheme boosts financial inclusion and promotes self-reliance among rural women. Nandini Sahakar provides holistic support including financial aid, capacity building, and business model development.

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Ministry of Women and Child Development extended the special registration drive for Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). is a centrally sponsored scheme under Mission Shakti’s sub-scheme ‘Samarthya’. It aims to give financial help through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM). The goal is to support nutritious diets, improve health-seeking behaviour, and compensate for wage loss. It aligns with Section 4 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.

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The Indian government has deactivated over 4 crore fake or inactive LPG connections under the PAHAL scheme, as informed recently in Parliament. PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) is a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for LPG subsidies launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Under the scheme, consumers pay the full market price for LPG, and the subsidy is directly transferred to their registered bank account. It is the world’s largest cash transfer program, covering over 17 crore LPG users. The scheme ensures transparency, removes middlemen, and prevents diversion of LPG.

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On 14 August 2025, Madhya Pradesh witnessed a historic event for farmers as Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav released the second installment of the Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Yojana (CMKKY) 2025-26 in Mandla. More than 83 lakh farmers will benefit, receiving ₹6,000 per year under CMKKY, in addition to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana benefits. The scheme was launched by Madhya Pradesh government in September 2020. The scheme has already transferred over ₹17,500 crore directly to farmers’ bank accounts till March 2025. The installment aims to boost financial stability for Kharif and Rabi seasons, support input purchases, and encourage investments in allied activities.

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On August 12, 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the ‘Thayumanavar Thittam’ scheme to deliver ration products at the doorsteps of over 21.7 lakh elderly and disabled citizens. The scheme will operate through 34,809 fair price shops under the Public Distribution System (PDS), benefiting 20,42,657 citizens above 70 years and 1,27,797 disabled persons. Deliveries will be made on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month in Chennai and nine districts on a pilot basis. The Cooperation Department will bear an additional cost of ₹30.16 crore for the service.

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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.