Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Centre aims to modernize the nine-year-old National Career Service (NCS) portal to connect millions of youths with potential employers, fostering a future-ready workforce. Launched in 2015 as part of the E-Governance Plan, NCS offers online career counseling, vocational guidance, and job matching services nationwide. It bridges the gap between job seekers, employers, and training providers, facilitating informed career decisions based on qualifications, skills, and interests.

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There are many gaps in the Scheme for Care and Support to Victims. The Scheme for Care and Support to Victims by the Ministry of Women and Child Development aids minor pregnant girl child victims under the POCSO Act. Funded by the Nirbhaya Fund, it offers integrated support from case reporting until age 18, with possible aftercare until 23. Features include health insurance, legal aid, and financial assistance of ₹6,000 initially and ₹4,000 monthly under Mission Vatsalya.

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Public Wi-Fi hotspots under the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme are nearing 200,000 in India. Launched in December 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications, PM-WANI aims to provide affordable, high-speed internet in rural and remote areas. The scheme establishes a public Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi Access Points set up by Public Data Offices (PDOs), which operate on an open-architecture system, enabling multiple service providers to offer internet services.

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Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister urged Naxalites to integrate into mainstream society, seeking their input for a new surrender rehabilitation policy. Emphasizing dialogue, the government offers development initiatives like the Niyad Nellanar scheme, providing essential amenities to villages near security camps in the Naxal-affected Bastar region. This effort aims to ensure holistic development beyond anti-Naxal operations, fostering equality and progress in tribal areas.

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The Prime Minister released the 17th installment of the PM Kisan Nidhi scheme. This Central Sector Scheme, managed by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, aims to support land-holding farmers’ financial needs. It provides income support of Rs. 6,000 annually, distributed in three Rs. 2,000 installments every four months. Beneficiaries include all eligible landholding farmer families, excluding those of higher economic status.

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The Assam government launched the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) scheme in June, 2024, to promote girl education and end child marriage. Approved by the state cabinet, the scheme offers financial support to around 10 lakh girl students. Girls in higher secondary education will receive Rs 1000 monthly, those in degree courses Rs 1200, and those in Post Graduation or B.Ed programs Rs 2500.

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Jharkhand’s Chief Minister has directed officials to expedite the construction of 2 lakh houses under the ‘Abua Awas’ scheme’s first phase, launched in November 2023 to aid those excluded from PM Awas Yojana benefits. The state plans to allocate over Rs 15,000 crore over two years from its funds to provide three-room houses to the needy, including laborers, farmers, tribals, and Dalits. Stringent measures against irregularities and negligence by officials have been emphasized.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the “Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom” plan to promote sustainable farming in state with a ₹206 crore budget. A key focus is improving soil health using green manure methods. A ₹20 crore start-up fund will support the distribution of green manure seeds across 200,000 acres from 2024–25, benefiting over 200,000 farmers directly.

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The Indian government approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) to strengthen forensic infrastructure, aiding the criminal justice system. Approved on June 19, 2024, by the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, the NFIES will be implemented by the Home Ministry. It supports new criminal laws effective July 1, 2024, requiring mandatory forensic investigation for severe crimes. NFIES includes new campuses for the National Forensic Sciences University and additional Central Forensic Science Laboratories.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently allowed resident individuals to open Foreign Currency Accounts (FCA) in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) at GIFT City, Gujarat, under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Introduced in 2004, LRS simplifies remitting funds outside India, allowing residents, including minors, to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year. This excludes corporates and trusts, and covers any permissible current or capital account transactions.