Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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India recently signed agreements to supply 4.12 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen derivatives to Japan and Singapore. The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) was launched simultaneously to ensure credible and transparent green hydrogen production. GHCI is India’s first certification framework to verify that hydrogen is produced exclusively using renewable energy. This certification ensures hydrogen is recognized as “green.” GHCI was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal agency for GHCI. It is supported by the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

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The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are now working together under the wastepickers component of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme. UNDP is providing financial support to State Project Management Units (PMUs) to strengthen the scheme’s implementation. The NAMASTE Scheme was jointly launched by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2023 to protect the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. Its wastepicker component was launched in 2024 with the goal to digitally profile and register 2.5 lakh wastepickers across India. It also provides health insurance under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), and offers skill development training.

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The Kerala government has launched a new initiative called ‘Jyothi’ to support the education of children of migrant workers. This scheme was started to address the problem of educational marginalisation faced by migrant children due to frequent relocation and lack of access to schools. Kerala has over 35 lakh migrant workers who play a key role in its economy, and many of them stay with their families. Through ‘Jyothi’, the state aims to extend its strong tradition of free and universal education to all, including children of migrants. This initiative was recently launched as a step toward inclusive development.

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The government has recently revised the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to support innovation and entrepreneurship. The scheme is managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and benefits startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It helps startups get collateral-free loans by offering credit guarantees through eligible lenders like Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) registered Venture Debt Funds (VDFs). The guarantee cover has been increased to ₹20 crore, with loan coverage up to 85% for loans up to ₹10 crore. The annual guarantee fee has been reduced to 1% for key sectors, making borrowing easier for startups.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has recently given in-principle approval for development projects worth ₹2,204.85 crore. These projects will be implemented under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana (SJMMSVY). The Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana (SJMMSVY) was launched by Gujarat government. The scheme was introduced in 2009-10 to commemorate Gujarat’s 50th anniversary and aims to upgrade urban infrastructure, particularly focusing on water supply and drainage. It is a flagship program of the state government designed to strengthen and upgrade city infrastructure.

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The Government of India recently expanded the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to improve credit access for startups. CGSS was launched in 2022 to offer credit guarantees for loans given by Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). It helps reduce the credit risk of lending institutions by offering a guarantee on loans given to eligible startups. Eligible startups are those recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under its official guidelines. The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) implements the scheme by providing the guarantee to the lending Member Institutions (MIs), not directly to the startups.

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The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Abhiyan Yojana to boost self-employment among youth. Under this scheme, young entrepreneurs can get interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh. No collateral or personal guarantee is required to avail the loan. The aim is to support youth in starting their own businesses and becoming self-reliant. This initiative encourages entrepreneurship and job creation in the state. It is a step toward empowering youth and reducing unemployment through financial assistance. The scheme reflects the state’s commitment to inclusive economic development.

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Recently, exporters got relief as they may now avail duty-free import benefits under the Advance Authorisation Scheme (AAS) even if goods were shipped before the licence was issued. The Advance Authorisation Scheme (AAS) allows duty-free import of inputs that are physically used in the manufacture of export products. It exempts import duties like Basic Customs Duty, Additional Customs Duty, Anti-dumping Duty, and others under certain conditions. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) sets product-wise norms under the Standard Input-Output Norms (SION).

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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 11 years in office, the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) has completed 9 years, improving maternal health across India. It was launched in June 2016 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. PMSMA provides free and quality antenatal care (ANC) to pregnant women every month. India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has reduced from 130 in 2014–16 to 80 in 2021–23, showing strong impact.

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India recently marked the ninth anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launched in 2016. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a welfare scheme by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to provide clean cooking fuel. It offers deposit-free LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections to adult women from poor households. The scheme has become the world’s largest clean energy program for households. As of March 1, 2025, it has benefited 10.33 crore families, especially women in rural and poor areas. The International Energy Agency (IEA) called it a major achievement with broad economic and social impact.