Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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Two million applications have been successfully registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It is a central sector scheme designed to support traditional artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas. The objectives include recognizing artisans as Vishwakarmas and providing skill upgrades. The scheme also aims to promote their brands and create market linkages to access new growth opportunities.

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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers launched the “Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry” to boost India’s medical device sector and promote self-reliance. The scheme has a total budget of Rs. 500 Crores. It focuses on key areas like manufacturing components, skill development, clinical studies, infrastructure development, and industry promotion.

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The Union Cabinet approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) Scheme to promote natural farming across India. This centrally sponsored scheme aims to reduce farmers’ input costs and dependency on external inputs while ensuring safe, nutritious food. NMNF will be implemented in 15,000 clusters across Gram Panchayats, covering 1 crore farmers and 7.5 lakh hectares in two years. 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) will be set up for easy access to natural farming inputs. 2,000 model demonstration farms will be created, and 18.75 lakh farmers will be trained in natural farming practices. 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/CRPs will assist farmers in clusters for awareness and support.

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The Ministry of Culture implements the “Global Engagement Scheme” to promote India’s cultural heritage globally. The Festival of India (FoI) is organized abroad to foster people-to-people connections and cultural ties. Artists showcase diverse fields like folk music, dance, theatre, puppetry, classical and contemporary arts. Indian folk art and music are also promoted through grants to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies. These grants support cultural programs and activities in foreign countries, enhancing India’s global cultural presence.

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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme. The aim is to support retired athletes’ career development through education, internships, and skill enhancement. Eligibility includes retired athletes aged 20-50, with achievements in recognized events. The program offers 16 specialized courses like Strength & Conditioning, Sports Nutrition, Yoga, and Sports Entrepreneurship. It combines academic learning with internships to provide practical exposure. The objective is to fill the human resource gap in the sports sector and offer career paths for retired athletes.

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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 Central Government has revised food item prices under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana, earlier called the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Renamed in September 2021, it serves hot meals to students in Balvatika and classes I-VIII in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme aims to combat hunger, improve nutrition, boost school attendance, and enhance focus in classroom activities. It also supports children during summer vacations in drought or disaster-affected areas. Recently, the Ministry of Education raised the ‘Material Cost’ by 13.70% based on the inflation index from the Labour Bureau. The scheme is centrally sponsored and managed by the Ministry of Education.

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Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel launched the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana under the Suposhit Gujarat Mission to provide nutritious snacks to students. Daily breakfast will include sukhdi, chana chaat, and mixed beans, in addition to mid-day meals. The scheme will benefit 41 lakh students from Balwatika to Class 8 in 32,277 government and grant-in-aid primary schools. It aligns with PM Modi’s Padhai Bhi, Poshan Bhi programme and emphasizes calorie-protein-rich snacks made from Shree Anna (millets). The state government allocated ₹617 crore annually and increased honorariums by 50% for staff involved in preparing meals.

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AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal announced the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship for Dalit students. The scholarship offers full financial support for Dalit students to pursue higher education abroad. It covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses for studying at top universities worldwide. The initiative ensures deserving Dalit students can access world-class education without financial barriers. This step by the Delhi government aims to empower the Dalit community through higher education opportunities.

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Prime Minister Modi will hand over 5.8 million property cards to owners in 50,000 villages across 12 states, four years after the Svamitva scheme’s launch. Svamitva (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) was launched by Ministry of Panchayati Raj in 2020. It was launched to provide rural property owners with official property records. It grants access to loans, reduces disputes, and improves village planning. The scheme has issued 20.19 million property cards and completed 92% of drone mapping in 317,000 villages. It empowers women, strengthens land rights, and promotes community development.