Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, led by Yogi Adityanath, launched the “Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Uttar Pradesh State Government Scholarship Scheme.” It will support meritorious students from Uttar Pradesh to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom (UK). Five outstanding students will receive scholarships annually to study a one-year master’s degree at reputed UK universities. The scheme is a joint collaboration between the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The scheme starts in the academic year 2025-26 and runs for three years until 2027-28, with possible extension upon review by March 30, 2028.

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On 15 August 2025, during India’s 79th Independence Day, a High-Power Demography Mission was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Red Fort. The mission aims to counter a premeditated conspiracy to alter India’s demographic composition through illegal infiltration. Concerns were raised that infiltrators are threatening national security, especially in border areas. Infiltrators were accused of snatching jobs from youth, targeting women, and misleading tribal communities to capture forest land. It was stressed that no nation can tolerate intruders, as demographic changes create unity, integrity, and security challenges.

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Recently, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, the world’s largest tribal grassroots leadership programme. It aims to empower tribal communities, strengthen governance, and create local leadership across India. The Abhiyan is based on Sewa (Service), Sankalp (Resolve), and Samarpan (Dedication) under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. It is part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh and will cover 1 lakh tribal villages. The Abhiyan ensures scheme saturation, leadership training for youth and women, and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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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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The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of universal supply of fortified rice under all government schemes till December 2028 with 100% central funding of ₹17,082 crore. The Fortified Rice Scheme is a nutrition intervention programme that supplies rice enriched with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 through government food safety nets. The scheme aims to combat anaemia, malnutrition, and hidden hunger across India. The nodal agency is the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and technical standards are framed by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

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On 23 August 2025, a program under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme was held at Shri Krishna Memorial Hall, Patna, Bihar. It was attended by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. The scheme focuses on dignity, safety, and socio-economic empowerment of sanitation workers. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). So far, 85,819 Sewer & Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) have been profiled, 76,736 provided PPE Kits, and 60,586 given Ayushman Cards.

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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 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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As of September 2025, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) sanctioned over 5.79 lakh loans worth ₹10,907 crore under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY). It aims to provide free electricity to households via solar rooftop installations. It was launched in February, 2024. The scheme offers 60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW and 40% subsidy for 2–3 kW systems, capped at 3 kW. It promotes Model Solar Villages and incentivizes Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs). It is implemented by National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs).

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Chief Minister’s Foreign Languages Initiative for Global Human Talent (CM-FLIGHT). The initiative aims to equip Assam’s youth with foreign language skills for global employment opportunities. The first cohort of 180 youths will receive Japanese language training along with cultural training, job placement support, and financial assistance. The initiative strengthens Indo-Japan collaboration and people-to-people ties. It aims to enhance employability in sectors like construction, nursing care, and food service. CM-FLIGHT will help Assam’s youth become economically strong and globally competitive.