Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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Public Wi-Fi hotspots under the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme are nearing 200,000 in India. Launched in December 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications, PM-WANI aims to provide affordable, high-speed internet in rural and remote areas. The scheme establishes a public Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi Access Points set up by Public Data Offices (PDOs), which operate on an open-architecture system, enabling multiple service providers to offer internet services.

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The Ministry of Renewable Energy warns farmers against fake websites and apps soliciting registration fees for solar water pump installation under PM-KUSUM Scheme. Launched in 2019, PM-KUSUM aims to de-dieselise farming, boost farmer income, and ensure energy security. It targets adding 34,800 MW of solar capacity by March 2026 with Rs 34,422 crore funding. Farmers receive subsidies up to 30-50% for solar pumps and grid-connected plants. Implemented by state governments under MNRE.

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The Assam government launched the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) scheme in June, 2024, to promote girl education and end child marriage. Approved by the state cabinet, the scheme offers financial support to around 10 lakh girl students. Girls in higher secondary education will receive Rs 1000 monthly, those in degree courses Rs 1200, and those in Post Graduation or B.Ed programs Rs 2500.

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The Empowered Programme Committee of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has approved 7 startup proposals under the GREAT scheme. GREAT (Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles) is part of NTTM’s Research, Development, and Innovation Component, led by the Ministry of Textiles. It offers grants-in-aid of up to INR 50 lakhs over 18 months to harness India’s technical textiles sector expertise for innovative product and technology development. The GREAT Scheme supports innovators in technical textiles to develop prototypes into market-ready technologies and products, facilitating commercialization. Aimed at enhancing India’s startup ecosystem in sectors like sustainable textiles, speciality fibres, and smart textiles, it offers crucial support for innovation.

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The Indian government approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) to strengthen forensic infrastructure, aiding the criminal justice system. Approved on June 19, 2024, by the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, the NFIES will be implemented by the Home Ministry. It supports new criminal laws effective July 1, 2024, requiring mandatory forensic investigation for severe crimes. NFIES includes new campuses for the National Forensic Sciences University and additional Central Forensic Science Laboratories.

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Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched the Mukhya Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, an income support scheme, at Krishi Upaj Mandi in Tonk. The first installment of Rs 650 crore was released to 65 lakh farmers. Eligible farmers will receive Rs 2000 annually in three installments, alongside the Rs 6000 from the central PM-KISAN scheme. The Cooperative Department is the nodal agency for implementation.

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The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, led by the Ministry of Defence and executed by DRDO under ‘Make in India’, promotes self-reliance in defence. It provides grants to Indian industries, MSMEs, start-ups, and academic institutions to develop defence and dual-use technologies not currently available domestically. The scheme fosters a culture of military technology design and development among private sectors, focusing on pioneering niche technologies and fostering collaboration among Armed Forces, research bodies, academia, and private entities.

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai recently requested special central grants due to the state’s large tribal population, challenging geographical conditions, and Naxal activities. During a meeting with the 16th Finance Commission, he highlighted rapid development efforts in Naxal-affected areas through the ‘Niyad Nellanar Yojana,’ which aims to provide basic amenities like education and health. The CM noted that mining activities are causing additional environmental and health costs, with GST benefiting other states more than Chhattisgarh.

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The National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM), overseen by the Ministry of Culture, aims to catalog the cultural heritage of 6.5 lakh villages across India. This initiative includes creating a comprehensive database of artists, art forms, and resources on an IT-enabled platform. Objectives include raising cultural heritage awareness, mapping villages’ cultural profiles, creating national artist registers, and developing a web portal and mobile app for cultural engagement.

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The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) was launched in March 2024 by the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries to accelerate EV adoption and will end on July 31, 2024. With a total outlay of Rs. 500 crore, the scheme targets two-wheelers (private, corporate, and commercial) and three-wheelers (including e-rickshaws and carts). Eligible EVs must be manufactured and registered within the scheme’s validity period.