Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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Rajasthan received an additional 5,000 MW allocation under the PM-KUSUM (Component A) scheme. The scheme targets commissioning projects by December 31, 2025, before sunsetting in March 2026. The scheme was launched in 2019. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme aims to reduce diesel usage in farming and boost farmers’ income. It supports India’s goal of achieving 40% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy oversees implementation, requiring progress updates via the PM-KUSUM portal.

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The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) launched the Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme. The program aims to create awareness and develop expertise in internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens. The initiative will build a pool of Indian talent to address emerging IG issues. The program offers bi-annual internships: six-month and three-month tracks. Interns receive mentorship from global experts and a stipend of ₹20,000/month, along with support for mandatory outreach programs.

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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) marks 10 years of encouraging investments in daughters’ futures. It was launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. It allows guardians to open a savings account for a girl child at banks or India Post. NRIs are not eligible. SSY promotes financial inclusion and aims to secure the future of girl children by fostering savings.

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The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare held a workshop on the National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025, on January 23, 2025, chaired by the Secretary (Pension). The workshop included Anubhav Nodal Officers from Ministries, Departments, 12 Public Sector Banks, and Central Public Sector Enterprises. The ANUBHAV Awards Scheme, initiated in 2016 by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare for retiring Central Government employees, acknowledges their experiences.

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The budget allocation for PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) in 2025-26 increased by 37% compared to last year. PM-SYM provides old-age protection and social security for unorganized workers in India. It is a Central Sector Scheme administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, with LIC managing pensions. The scheme is implemented through Life Insurance Corporation and CSC eGovernance Services.

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The Gyan Bharatam Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 to preserve and protect manuscripts across India. The mission aims to survey, document, and conserve more than one crore manuscripts in academic institutions, museums, and libraries. Its significance includes preserving historical value, unveiling ancient Indian knowledge, ensuring longevity, and providing 24/7 access to manuscripts. The budget allocation for the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM) has been increased from Rs. 3.5 crore to Rs. 60 crore to support the new mission.

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Budget 2025-26 expanded the Tonnage Tax Scheme to include inland vessels under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021. Previously, the scheme was only for sea-going ships. The Indian Vessels Act, 2021 promotes safe, economical inland water transport and ensures legal uniformity. The scheme falls under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. It was introduced in 2004 under the Indian Finance Act. The expansion encourages cargo movement and incentivizes shipping companies to invest in inland waterways vessels.

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Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’ (BGBO) scheme to bridge the rural-urban development gap. The scheme has a budget of ₹5,000 crore over five years and aims to develop 60,000 villages. It focuses on improving basic infrastructure for better living conditions in rural areas, covering 80% of the state’s population. Villagers will plan and implement projects, with 40% of funds reserved for tribal areas. Transparent governance ensured through district collectors and social audits.

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The Union Minister for Education launched 41 new books under the PM YUVA 2.0 scheme. PM YUVA 2.0 (Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors) was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Education as part of the India@75 Project (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav). It is an Author Mentorship Programme to train young writers below 30 years of age. The scheme aims to promote reading, writing, and book culture while projecting India’s literature globally. It helps develop writers focusing on Indian heritage, culture, and knowledge systems.

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The Soil Health Card Scheme has completed 10 years since its launch in 2015. It helps State Governments issue soil health cards to farmers. The card provides nutrient status of soil with recommendations for better soil health and fertility. It helps farmers choose suitable crops based on soil condition. Soil is monitored regularly, and a report is given every 3 years. This ensures farmers have updated soil data even if conditions change. Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is the nodal agency for the scheme.