Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Odisha government launches the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme to promote education among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. The scheme aims to reduce dropout rates by providing a one-time incentive of ₹5,000 to ST students enrolling in Class IX and Class XI. It is implemented for the 2024-2025 academic year and targets students with annual family incomes below ₹2,50,000. The incentive is available only for ST students in government and government-aided schools within the state. Eligible students receive ₹5,000 directly in their bank accounts, with applications processed through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.

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Madhya Pradesh launched the PARTH Yojana (Police Army Recruitment Training & Hunar) to train youth for careers in the Army, police, and paramilitary forces. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav unveiled the scheme at the State-Level Youth Festival. The initiative fosters patriotism, skill development, and employability among energetic youth. Training includes physical fitness, written exam coaching (general knowledge, math, English), and personality development. Divisional-level training centers will be set up, managed by district sports and youth welfare officers. Rural youth coordinators and departmental employees will support the program. The scheme aims to channel youth enthusiasm into meaningful employment opportunities.

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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 Commerce Ministry introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme to boost India’s diamond industry’s global competitiveness. Effective from April 1, 2025, it allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds under ¼ carat for export purposes. The scheme mandates a 10% value addition export obligation. It supports MSME exporters by creating a level playing field with larger players. Inspired by diamond beneficiation policies in countries like Botswana, it aims to maintain India’s global leadership in the diamond value chain.

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The Ministry of Tribal Affairs held a National Conference of District Magistrates in New Delhi to accelerate the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). Launched on November 15, 2023, PM JANMAN aims to improve socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). With a ₹24,000 crore budget for 2023-2026, the program focuses on housing, healthcare, education, clean water, roads, and livelihoods. District Magistrates from 88 districts in 18 states discussed key areas, including Anganwadi Centres, school hostels, and Multi-Purpose Centres. The conference emphasized tribal participation, shared best practices, and action plans to strengthen grassroots development.

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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 Union government has expanded PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to cover crop damage by animals, addressing a long-standing farmer demand. The scheme was launched on 18th February 2016. PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. It offers financial protection against crop loss due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases. The scheme provides affordable premiums for farmers and is implemented through insurance companies and banks. Its goals include income stabilization, modern agricultural practices, and crop diversification.

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The central government approved the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS-MSMEs) for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The scheme guarantees loans up to ₹100 crore with 60% coverage by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC). Eligible MSMEs must have a valid Udyam Registration Number. At least 75% of the loan must be used for equipment or machinery. Loans up to ₹50 crore have an 8-year repayment period with 2 years moratorium. Higher loan amounts get extended repayment and moratorium periods. 5% upfront contribution is required at the time of application. No annual guarantee fee in the first year; 1.5% for three years, then 1% annually. The scheme is valid for four years or till ₹7 lakh crore in guarantees are issued.

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The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to provide digital textbooks in Indian languages. It aims to make learning more accessible for students in schools and universities. The scheme will offer study materials in multiple regional languages to support diverse linguistic backgrounds. It seeks to bridge the gap in educational resources for students across India. This initiative complements the ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) program, which focuses on translating and developing academic content in Indian languages.

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The Finance Minister announced the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana in her 8th Union Budget presentation. It aims to support farmers in 100 districts struggling with low crop yields and financial issues. The scheme will benefit around 1.7 crore farmers through collaboration with state governments. It seeks to create rural opportunities so migration becomes optional, not necessary. The focus areas include boosting agricultural productivity, improving irrigation, increasing credit access, promoting crop diversification, and enhancing post-harvest storage at Panchayat and block levels.