Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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Delhi University has launched a new scheme called Janajati Immersive Holistic Intervention for Novel Development (JAIHIND) to help Scheduled Tribes (ST) students from Classes 9 to 12. The scheme gives training in basic computer skills and helps with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) application process. The first batch has 25 students, including 12 girls and 13 boys from Ukhrul district in Manipur, selected based on merit. This initiative aims to reduce digital barriers and promote inclusive higher education.

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Recently, the Government of Andhra Pradesh launched the Thalliki Vandanam Scheme 2025 to support education for underprivileged students by providing ₹15,000 per year per child to eligible mothers or guardians. The scheme applies to students from Class 1 to 12 enrolled in recognised schools in Andhra Pradesh. Orphans and street children enrolled through verified voluntary organisations can also benefit with government confirmation. Financial aid is given via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the Aadhaar-linked, NPCI-enabled bank account of the mother.

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Recently, the New Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) ruled that revenue proceedings cannot continue once a discharge certificate is issued under the Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019 (SVLDRS). SVLDRS was a one-time amnesty scheme introduced in the Union Budget 2019 to resolve pending disputes related to Service Tax, Central Excise, and 26 other Indirect Tax laws that are now merged under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). It encouraged taxpayers to voluntarily declare and pay unpaid dues.

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Recently, a new Akashvani Kendra (All India Radio station) will be set up in Ujjain with support from the BIND Scheme. BIND stands for Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development Scheme. It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2023. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Its objective is to provide financial assistance to Prasar Bharati.

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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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Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed 8 crore enrolments in 2025, marking its 10th anniversary. 39 lakh new subscribers were added in the current financial year. APY is a government-backed pension scheme launched in 2015. It provides social security to workers in the unorganised sector. It is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). The scheme guarantees fixed monthly pension after the age of 60. It promotes retirement planning for people without formal pension coverage. It supports inclusive financial security and long-term welfare for low-income workers.

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The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) recently launched the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana during the North Zone Regional Conference in Srinagar. The conference was themed “Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals.” The scheme aims to strengthen legal aid services for defence personnel and their families. It will build a dedicated legal support network across Sainik Boards at Zilla, Rajya, and Kendra levels. These Sainik Boards will now also help families of soldiers with legal issues like land disputes, service entitlements, and civil matters.

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The Bihar Government launched the Bihar Patrakar Samman Yojana (BPSY) for retired journalists. Bihar Chief Minister announced a pension hike for retired journalists under this scheme. The monthly pension has been increased from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000. In case of the journalist’s death, the dependents or spouse will now receive ₹10,000 per month, up from ₹3,000. The scheme highlights the important role of journalists as the fourth pillar of democracy. The state reaffirmed its commitment to ensure dignity and support for journalists after retirement.

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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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Himachal Pradesh launched the ‘Him Bus Plus’ scheme to promote cashless travel and identity-linked ticketing in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses. Passengers will get 5% discount on fares and monthly loyalty cashback benefits. Digital bus inspection scheduling introduced with SMS alerts for timely checks and staff monitoring. GPS-based tracking system launched in 82 Shimla buses, to cover full fleet soon. ‘Him Access HRTC’ portal launched for 9000+ employees to view salary and personal details.