Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The government has revised guidelines for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). MIS is now a part of the PM-AASHA scheme (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanraksan Abhiyan), which ensures fair prices for farmers. PM-AASHA includes the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), and Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS). MIS prevents distress selling of perishable farm produce. It is implemented upon request from State/UT governments. A 10% drop in market prices compared to the previous season is required for activation. The procurement limit for crops has been increased from 20% to 25% of production.

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PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahiis) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is approved for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to provide skill training through Short-Term Training, Upskilling/Re-skilling, and Entrepreneurship Development Programs. Training is conducted by empanelled institutes. It targets SCs, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis, including waste pickers. A Union minister recently emphasized its importance in empowering marginalized communities.

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The Centre has extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme until 2025-26 under the 15th Finance Commission cycle. The scheme ensures fair prices for farmers and stabilizes essential commodity prices. Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), the government procures pulses, oilseeds, and copra at Minimum Support Price (MSP) through Central Nodal Agencies. 100% procurement of Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masur has been approved for 2024-25 to boost domestic production.

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The Government e Marketplace (GeM) celebrated six years of the Startups, Women & Youth Advantage through eTransactions (SWAYATT) initiative in New Delhi. SWAYATT was launched on 19th February 2019 to boost participation of women-led enterprises and youth in public procurement. It is based on GeM’s principle of social inclusion and aims to improve ease of doing business. The initiative connects startups, women entrepreneurs, MSEs, SHGs, and youth to government procurement. It focuses on training last-mile sellers, promoting women entrepreneurship, and supporting small-scale businesses in public procurement.

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Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the NAKSHA initiative (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations). NAKSHA aims to modernize urban land records and increase transparency in property ownership and transactions. It is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) and is implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development. The initiative focuses on mapping towns and cities for better land governance.

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Rajasthan government launched Shiksha Sanjeevani Bima Yojana to provide accidental insurance to schoolchildren. It offers personal accident insurance coverage of Rs 1 lakh to 1.3 lakh for children and parents in state government schools. Initially, the scheme covers schools in the Udaipur Division. State Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar launched the scheme on 26th February 2025 at Residency School, Udaipur. The scheme will be gradually expanded to all schools in Rajasthan, benefiting around 1 crore students.

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The Delhi government approved the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana on International Women’s Day. It provides Rs 2,500 per month to women aged 21-60 from weaker economic sections earning up to Rs 3 lakh annually. The scheme aims to empower women with financial support and self-employment opportunities. It has various forms, including monthly allowances, subsidized loans for micro-enterprises, and vocational training. The scheme is designed to help women achieve stable incomes and contribute to their families’ well-being.

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The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to provide hands-on industry experience. It is a 12-month apprenticeship program with 1,25,000 vacancies across various sectors. The scheme helps participants develop industry-relevant and soft skills like teamwork and communication. Eligible candidates include 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, Diploma, or Graduates aged 21-24 years. Applications are open online from October 12, 2024, to March 12, 2025. Selected interns will receive a ₹5000 monthly stipend and a one-time benefit of ₹6000.

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The Global Engagement Scheme was recently discussed in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. It is initiated by the Ministry of Culture to promote India’s cultural heritage globally. The scheme showcases India’s folk, classical, and contemporary art forms on the international stage. It strengthens bilateral cultural ties by encouraging collaborations with foreign nations. Artists from Maharashtra have participated in international cultural festivals under this scheme.

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Bad loans in Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts have risen by 42% in scheduled commercial banks, excluding RRBs. KCC was introduced in 1998 to provide farmers easy access to credit for buying seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs. Extended in 2004 to cover investment credit for allied and non-farm activities. In 2018-19, KCC was extended to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers for working capital needs. It was implemented by Scheduled Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, and Cooperatives.