Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Ministry of Tourism focused on infrastructure, sustainable tourism, global promotion, and skill development through initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, and SASCI. In 2024, India recorded 20.57 million International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs), ₹2,93,033 crore Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) and 2948.19 million Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs). Swadesh Darshan Scheme sanctioned 76 projects worth ₹5290.33 crore, with 75 completed. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) focuses on sustainable tourism with 53 projects worth ₹2208.27 crore. PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Scheme approved 54 pilgrimage projects worth ₹1726.74 crore, with 31 completed. Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) –Iconic Tourist Centres sanctioned 40 projects in 23 States worth ₹3295.76 crore.

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The Union Ministry of Agriculture has proposed merging three ongoing schemes with the Pradhan Mantri–Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. Pradhan Mantri–Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme operating under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It aims to speed up agricultural growth and improve farmers’ income. It encourages states to increase public investment, boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote crop diversification.

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National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) completed one year of the Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme (IGICBS) and marked it with a national event in New Delhi. Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme (IGICBS) was launched in 2025 and completed one year in January 2026. It is implemented by National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The scheme trains Indian youth in internet governance for participation in national and global policy forums. The programme builds skilled digital leadership and strengthens India’s global internet governance role.

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Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) scheme was launched in 2018 under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). It focuses on solid waste management in villages by converting bio-waste like cattle dung, kitchen waste, crop residue, and market waste into biogas and bio-slurry. The scheme incentivizes Gram Panchayats to recover biodegradable waste and supports rural cleanliness. State/UT-wise details of functional Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and community/cluster biogas projects are available on the GOBARdhan portal as of 27 January 2026. Information provided by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna in Rajya Sabha.

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The Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology informed the Lok Sabha about the Startup Accelerator of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for Product Innovation, Development, and Growth (SAMRIDH) Programme. SAMRIDH is a flagship programme of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to support existing and new accelerators for scaling Information Technology (IT) based startups. It focuses on customer connect, investor connect, and access to international markets. The programme supports 300 technology startups over three years with a cohort size of 5 to 10 startups.

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The Jiyo Parsi Scheme has supported the birth of over 490 Parsi children across India. It has provided financial assistance of ₹35.05 crore to Parsi couples. Jiyo Parsi is a unique Central Sector Scheme launched in 2013–14. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. It aims to arrest the declining population of the Parsi community. The scheme uses scientific protocols and structured interventions. Its goal is to stabilise and gradually increase the Parsi population in India.

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National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a statutory body under Ministry of Cooperation, implements Ayushman Sahakar Scheme to promote cooperative healthcare. The scheme aligns with National Health Policy 2017 to provide affordable and holistic healthcare through cooperatives. Financial assistance is given as term loan or investment loan after technical and financial appraisal. The scheme supports hospitals, AYUSH, medical colleges, telemedicine, digital health and insurance services. Loan period is up to 8 years with moratorium, and women-majority cooperatives get 1% interest rebate. The initiative promotes community participation and sustainable cooperative healthcare delivery.

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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta approved the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme to support artisans of khadi, handloom, cottage industries and unorganised sector. The scheme will be implemented through Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB). In 2025–26, 3,728 beneficiaries will be trained with Rs 8.95 crore allocation, and Rs 57.50 crore is proposed for 2026–27 expansion. The first phase will focus on 18,000 tailors registered on the e-Shram portal. Beneficiaries must be 18 years or above, only one per family, with mandatory Aadhaar verification. Training will be for 12 days including Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), with stipend, meals and toolkits.

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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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Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has issued guidelines for the Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMI) scheme. The Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMI) Scheme has been launched by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). It is a trust-based facilitation measure for compliant manufacturers. EMI allows importers to clear goods without paying Customs duty at clearance. Duty can be paid monthly under Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016. Scheme is valid from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028. It ensures faster clearance, priority treatment, ease of doing business, and promotes domestic manufacturing.