Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) developed the Rangeen Machhli app with support from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to boost the ornamental fish industry. The app provides multilingual, reliable guidance on ornamental fish care, breeding, and maintenance in eight Indian languages. It supports hobbyists, farmers, and professionals, promoting informed fish-keeping practices and fostering community engagement. Key features include detailed fish care information, a “Find Aquarium Shops” tool for locating businesses, and educational modules on aquarium basics and ornamental aquaculture. The app promotes local businesses, empowers farmers, ensures reliable products, and fosters sustainability in the ornamental fish trade.

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The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will implement the SMILE scheme in Puri, Jajpur, and Bhubaneswar. SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) is a central scheme launched by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in February 2022. The scheme aims to ensure the proper rehabilitation of beggars. The first phase of the scheme has been rolled out in select cities, and Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Jajpur are part of the second phase involving 50 cities.

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The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Rashi Yojna (MMMSY) is a financial assistance program launched by the Delhi government, offering monthly payouts of Rs 1,000 to women. This initiative was first announced in the 2024-25 budget by Finance Minister Atishi. However, concerns about fiscal responsibility and the potential long-term financial liabilities associated with the scheme have been raised by the Finance Department, particularly regarding its impact on future budgets and the state’s borrowing capacity.

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The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam scheme was recently launched in Tamil Nadu. The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam aims to assist artisans and craftspersons aged 35 and above with relevant experience by providing loan assistance of up to ₹3 lakh, along with a 25% subsidy capped at ₹50,000. Subsidy is granted after completing skill and entrepreneurship training and is proportional to loan tranches. Loans have a 90% credit guarantee cover and 5% interest subvention reimbursement. The scheme targets new or diversified activities, not business expansions, and has no income ceiling. Applicants must not have received a subsidy exceeding ₹1.5 lakh from Tamil Nadu schemes in the past five years.

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The ‘Sanjeevani Yojana’, announced by Delhi government, promises free medical care for all Delhi citizens aged 60 and above, regardless of income. The scheme will cover treatments in both government and private hospitals, reflecting an extension of existing health policies. The Delhi government allocates significant funds for healthcare, exceeding the budget for the national Ayushman Bharat scheme, aiming to ensure comprehensive medical support for its senior citizens.

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The Minister of State for Home Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme. The Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme was launched on 15th August 1972 by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It provides pensions to living freedom fighters, their families, and families of martyrs. Eligible individuals include those imprisoned or underground for over six months, interned or externed for six months or more, or those whose property was confiscated during the freedom struggle. Benefits include free lifetime railway passes, PSU hospital treatments, and free transit stays with meals at State Bhawan, New Delhi. Collectors/SDMs are directed to ensure the well-being of freedom fighters and address pension issues.

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The Parliamentary Committee highlighted the poor response to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SMY). The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SMY) is a contributory pension scheme aimed at providing financial security to unorganised sector workers aged 18 to 40. The scheme requires monthly contributions from workers, matched by the government, to ensure a pension of Rs 3,000 per month upon reaching 60 years. It is administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

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Operation Green Scheme was launched in 2018 to enhance the production, supply, and marketing of horticulture produce in India. It focuses on the value chain of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) for both short-term and long-term interventions. The scheme also aims to support other perishable agricultural commodities. It is implemented under two parts: Atmanirbhar Bharat Package and Operation Flood. The scheme is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and funded by National Agrcicultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).

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IIM Bangalore conducted two studies under the SAAR-Sameeksha Series of the Smart Cities Mission, focusing on education and women’s safety improvements. 50 impact assessment research studies are part of the Sameeksha Series. “Smart Cities and Academia Towards Action & Research (SAAR)” program is a joint initiative of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and and leading Indian academic institutions. The initiative aims to document key projects and improve urban development by involving academia in assessing and providing feedback on smart city projects.

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The Union Cabinet extended a one-time special package for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme. DAP is the second most-used fertilizer in India after urea and is rich in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Phosphorus in DAP promotes root development and accelerates plant growth. It dissolves quickly in soil, releasing essential nutrients for plants. The NBS scheme provides subsidies based on nutrient content to ensure affordable fertilizers for farmers. The scheme promotes balanced fertilization, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers oversees the NBS scheme.