Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The results of PM-YUVA 3.0 (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors) have been announced, selecting 43 young authors through an All-India contest. The scheme is implemented by the National Book Trust, India, under the Ministry of Education, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Selected authors are under 30 years old, writing in 22 Indian languages and English for wide linguistic representation. Of 43 authors, 19 are women and 24 are men. Authors will develop book proposals into books under six months of mentorship by eminent scholars. Each receives ₹50,000 per month and 10% lifetime royalty on publication.

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India has significant reserves of rare-earth minerals across coastal and inland regions, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. These minerals are found in coastal beach sands, red sands, and inland alluvium. The government approved over ₹7,000 crore for the ‘Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets’ (REPM). The scheme aims to create India’s first integrated domestic manufacturing ecosystem for high-value rare-earth magnets. It targets a production capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum, covering the entire value chain from rare-earth oxides to finished magnets.

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Recently, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH informed about the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH. AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy. The scheme supports Indian AYUSH drug manufacturers and service providers to boost exports. It aims to increase global awareness, acceptance, and recognition of AYUSH systems. It promotes international cooperation, expert exchange, academics, and research. The scheme is implemented by Ministry of AYUSH.

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SPREE 2025 (Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees) extended from 1 January 2026 to 31 January 2026. SPREE 2025 was launched by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The scheme, approved during the 196th meeting of the ESI Corporation chaired by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, aims to enhance social security coverage under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act. SPREE 2025 allows unregistered employers and employees to join the ESI framework without undergoing inspections, providing past contribution demands, or submitting prior records.

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Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) completed nine years on 1 January 2026. It was launched on 1 January 2017. It provides financial support to pregnant women and lactating mothers. It is a centrally sponsored scheme under Mission Shakti’s sub-scheme ‘Samarthya’, offering benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It aims to support women from socially and economically disadvantaged sections, improve health-seeking behaviour, and ensure better maternal and child health outcomes. Beneficiaries receive ₹5,000 for the first child and ₹6,000 for the second girl child in two instalments.

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Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) approved 22 proposals under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). The projects have a projected investment of ₹41,863 crore and expected production of ₹2,58,152 crore. These projects cover 11 target segment products with cross-sectoral applications in mobile manufacturing, telecom, consumer electronics, strategic electronics, automotive, and IT hardware. The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) was launched by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to boost domestic production of electronic components, providing incentives and fostering a robust supply chain

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Financial Assistance Scheme for Udasin Bhakats, providing ₹1,500 monthly to celibate Vaishnavite monks in Satras. Satras are monastic institutions serving as religious and cultural centres; Udasin Satras are where bhakats lead celibate lives. A total of 620 Udasin Bhakats will benefit across districts, including 474 from Majuli, 54 from Jorhat, and others from Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara, Golaghat, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, and Udalguri. Majuli, the world’s largest river island, is the core centre of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism and Satras.

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The PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) initiative aims to modernise 1,000 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. Under this, 200 hub ITIs will receive advanced infrastructure and modern training facilities, while 800 spoke ITIs will extend training access across districts. The nodal ministry implementing PM-SETU is the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the ‘Atal Vichal Agragami Assam’ scheme to support research scholars. The scheme will provide ₹25,000 per month to research scholars and ₹40,000 per month to Divyang research scholars. It will be formally launched on 11 February 2026. The initiative aims to promote high-quality research, innovation, and academic excellence. It seeks to reduce financial constraints related to research materials, fieldwork, and living costs.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the state-wide Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana from Bhadran in Anand district. The scheme aims to provide urban-level facilities in rural areas and reduce the rural–urban development gap. In the first phase, 114 villages that are Taluka headquarters will be upgraded with modern infrastructure. The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for 2,666 Gram Panchayat Ghar-cum-Talati Awas buildings worth ₹663 crore. The Gramotthan Abhiyan will later cover all villages with a population above 10,000. The initiative focuses on inclusive and balanced rural development across Gujarat.