Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The government has revised the PM E-DRIVE scheme to introduce new deadlines and unit caps for electric vehicles, especially e-scooters and e-rickshaws. Subsidies for electric two-wheelers have been extended till 31 July 2026, while support for electric three-wheelers (e-rickshaws and e-carts) will continue till 31 March 2028. The scheme sets a maximum ex-factory price cap of ₹1.5 lakh for e-2W and ₹2.5 lakh for e-3W to avail incentives. The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme was launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and its duration has now been extended to March 2028.

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The government is considering adding a battery energy storage component under the revamped PM-KUSUM 2.0 scheme, making it relevant in recent developments. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, launched in 2019, aims to promote solar energy use in agriculture and is set to expire in March 2026, after which it may be upgraded to PM-KUSUM 2.0. The scheme aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on diesel and grid electricity, thereby lowering costs and improving energy access. It also supports India’s renewable energy transition by promoting clean energy usage in the agriculture sector. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

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The Ministry of Textiles has extended the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme for exports of apparel, garments, and made-ups up to 30th September 2026 to promote textile exports. The RoSCTL Scheme has been operational since 2019 and aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian textile exports in the global market. The scheme provides reimbursement of all embedded State and Central taxes and levies that are not otherwise refunded under any other mechanism. The RoSCTL Scheme was introduced as a successor to the Rebate of State Levies (RoSL) Scheme, which covered only State taxes and levies.

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Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises launched the Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance Programme. The initiative aims to enhance market access, branding, digital marketing, e-commerce integration, and exports for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). It facilitates onboarding of MSMEs onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce to promote digital trade participation. It supports creation of digital catalogues, better packaging, and branding along with training in e-commerce, logistics, and online payments.

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Government approved RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) under Export Promotion Mission with ₹497 crore outlay to support exporters amid West Asia disruptions. RELIEF provides enhanced risk coverage through Export Credit Guarantee Corporation, offering up to 100% cover for existing shipments (Feb 14–Mar 15, 2026). For upcoming consignments (Mar 16–Jun 15, 2026), exporters get government-supported coverage up to 95% risk. MSME exporters without ECGC cover receive up to 50% reimbursement of freight and insurance costs (max ₹50 lakh). The scheme is part of the Export Promotion Mission (2025–31) to boost export competitiveness.

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The Universal Parsi Registration Drive facilitation camp, organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, led to around 300 new registrations on the Jiyo Parsi Scheme portal. The Jiyo Parsi Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2013–14 to address the declining population of the Parsi community in India. The scheme aims to stabilize and increase the Parsi population through scientific, medical, and social interventions. The Ministry of Minority Affairs serves as the nodal ministry for the scheme.

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The River Basin Management (RBM) Scheme is a central sector initiative under the Ministry of Jal Shakti aimed at integrated planning and sustainable use of river basin water resources. It covers rivers, groundwater, and ecosystems, focusing on challenges like floods, erosion, and uneven water distribution through basin-level planning. The scheme is implemented by the Brahmaputra Board, Central Water Commission, and National Water Development Agency. The scheme will continue from 2026–27 to 2030–31 with an outlay of ₹2183 crore, higher than the previous ₹1276 crore allocation.

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The Market Intervention Scheme is a component of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), under which the government recently approved procurement of 20 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes. The scheme is implemented at the request of State or Union Territory governments to procure perishable crops like tomato, onion, and potato that do not have a Minimum Support Price. Its objective is to protect farmers from distress sales during bumper production when market prices fall below the cost of production. It is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

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The SMILE Scheme (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) has been allocated ₹390 crore by the Government of India for the period 2021–2026 to support marginalized groups. It was launched in 2022 by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It focuses on addressing beggary mainly in religious, tourist, and historical cities. The scheme also includes a sub-scheme for the empowerment of transgender persons.

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The Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched revised guidelines for the Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme. The Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme has been launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to boost global telecom standardization. It has an outlay of ₹203 crore for 2026–2031. It supports India’s participation in global bodies like International Telecommunication Union, 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project). It funds global meetings, technical contributions, and leadership roles.