Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health released a report on Global Water Bankruptcy. It warns that the planet has entered a Global Water Bankruptcy era. Water Bankruptcy means long-term water use has exceeded renewable supply and safe limits, causing irreversible damage. Rivers, lakes, aquifers, wetlands, soils, and glaciers are degraded beyond full recovery. This differs from water stress, which is high demand but largely reversible. It also differs from water crisis, which is temporary and manageable with restoration. Key causes include chronic overuse of water resources, dam-driven overexpansion, ecological degradation, and climate change intensifying existing water stress.

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The Gujarat government announced that under the Namo Laxmi Scheme, it will provide Rs 1,250 crore in the 2025-26 academic year to over 12 lakh girls in secondary and higher secondary education. The scheme aims to ensure financial constraints do not prevent girls from continuing education after primary school. It was launched by Gujarat government. The initiative is inspired by earlier Gujarat programs promoting girl education, including Shala Praveshotsav, and aims to empower girls through education and health support.

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The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) implements the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), a Central Sector Umbrella scheme. As of 31 December 2025, 1,607 projects have been approved under PMKSY, with 1,196 completed/operational and 411 under implementation. Delays in implementation are mainly due to non-receipt of statutory clearances from authorities like Revenue, Town Planning, Electricity, Water, Pollution Control Board, and Licensing Authorities. Funds are released only after submission of required documents and fulfillment of all criteria under the scheme guidelines.

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22 states and Union Territories have requested the Centre to increase honorarium for cooks and helpers under the PM-POSHAN scheme. PM-POSHAN, formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme run by the Ministry of Education. It provides one hot cooked meal per school day to children in Balvatikas (pre-primary) and Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools.

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Gyan Bharatam is a flagship Ministry of Culture initiative announced in Union Budget 2025–26 to preserve India’s manuscript heritage. It aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by linking cultural preservation with human capital development. The Standing Finance Committee approved ₹491.66 crore for 2025–2031. The programme works on survey, conservation, digitisation, translation, research, and outreach. More than 7.5 lakh manuscripts have been digitised, with 1.29 lakh available on the Gyan Bharatam portal.

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The Union Minister of Minority Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme. PM VIKAS is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2025. It focuses on the socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities. The scheme aims to ensure inclusive growth for minority and artisan communities, especially youth and women. The Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal ministry for implementation. It promotes skill development through need-based training and employment support. The scheme preserves cultural heritage by promoting traditional arts, crafts, literature, and manuscripts.

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The Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, informed the Rajya Sabha about the North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect (NE-RACE) portal. NE-RACE is fully operational and connects farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and cooperatives of the North Eastern Region (NER) with buyers across India. As of 23 January 2026, 6,807 sellers and 735 buyers are onboarded, with 1,797 agri-commodities listed. The portal has facilitated sales worth ₹895.56 lakh nationwide.

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Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Bharat VISTAAR scheme in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The scheme is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based initiative by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Farmers can dial 155261 to get instant solutions, scheme details, and mandi prices. A Farmer Identity Card (ID) will store complete farmer data. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Soil Health Card are integrated. The goal is to enhance production, provide one-platform information, and promote Viksit Kisan for Viksit Bharat 2047.

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Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 25 new Atal Canteens. With this, total 71 Atal Canteens are now operational in the city. On 25 December 2025, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Atal Canteen Scheme. The canteens provide clean and nutritious meals at affordable prices. Government plans to expand the number to 100 soon. The scheme supports labourers, street vendors, construction workers and rickshaw pullers by ensuring food security, dignity and social inclusion.

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In February 2026, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the implementation of the “Rah-Veer” scheme in Delhi to promote timely help for road accident victims. The Rah-Veer scheme is a Central Government initiative launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to encourage citizens to assist seriously injured accident victims. The scheme focuses on saving lives during the “golden hour,” which is the first critical hour after a serious road accident. The helper will receive a cash incentive of ₹25,000 along with a certificate of appreciation. A maximum reward of ₹25,000 will be given per accident incident, even if multiple victims are rescued.