Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, the Assam government launched the Gaja Mitra Scheme to reduce human-elephant conflict. The scheme is launched in 8 high-risk districts of Assam. It includes community-based rapid response teams with 8 local members in 80 conflict-prone villages. These teams will work during peak conflict months, especially paddy season, to guide elephant movement and protect crops.

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Recently, the government launched the first-ever incentive scheme for electric trucks (e-trucks) under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme to promote clean freight mobility. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to support India’s net-zero emissions goal by 2070. It aims to deploy around 5,600 e-trucks across India, encouraging indigenous manufacturing and reducing logistics costs and carbon emissions.

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The United Kingdom (UK) has opened its final 2025 visa ballot under the India Young Professionals Scheme for Indians aged 18–30 to live, work, or study in the UK for two years. The scheme was part of the India-UK Migration and Mobility Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2021 and announced during the G20 summit in Bali. It was officially launched in February 2023. It allows Indian citizens aged 18–30 with a bachelor’s degree or higher to live and work in the UK for up to two years.

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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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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 Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the ‘Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education’ (MERITE) Scheme. The scheme will be implemented in 275 technical institutions, including 175 engineering institutions and 100 polytechnics, across all States and Union Territories. It is a Central Sector Scheme with a budget of ₹4,200 crore from 2025-26 to 2029-30, including ₹2,100 crore loan assistance from the World Bank. The aim is to improve quality, equity, and governance in technical education, aligned with the National Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020).

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Recently, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Lok Sabha that under Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Scheme, 1,87,305 people have received skill training. Out of these, 73,102 beneficiaries (39%) have gained employment or self-employment. PM-DAKSH scheme was launched by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme is monitored by three corporations – National Scheduled Castes Finance & Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC).

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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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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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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).