Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Union Cabinet approved the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) Scheme.
It aims to leverage bio-innovation to address challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
The scheme is managed by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology. It seeks to make India a global leader in biomanufacturing and achieve a US$300 billion Bioeconomy by 2030. Bio-RIDE has three components: Biotechnology R&D, Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development, and a new Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry component for promoting a Circular Bioeconomy. The scheme has a funding of Rs. 9,197 crore for 2021-26.

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The 11th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) was recently held in New Delhi to felicitate INSPIRE–MANAK winners. INSPIRE–MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) is a flagship scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It supports innovative ideas from school students and encourages them to pursue science and research careers. The program is implemented jointly by DST and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India. It targets students aged 10-15 in classes 6 to 10, aiming to nurture future innovators and critical thinkers. The scheme promotes creativity and innovation, helping students address societal needs and become responsible citizens and leaders.

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The Nagar Van Yojana aimed to approve 100 urban forests (Nagar Vans) in the first 100 days of the government but exceeded expectations by sanctioning 111. These Nagar Vans are located across six states and one union territory. It was launched in 2020. The scheme enhances urban greenery to improve life quality and social cohesion. Each Nagar Van receives ₹4 lakh per hectare for creation and maintenance, involving citizens and stakeholders in green space management. The initiative focuses on biodiversity, planting native species, and fostering community engagement through various programs. The goal is to develop 1,000 Nagar Vans by 2027 to combat environmental issues like pollution and habitat loss.

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Mizoram launched the Bana Kaih initiative to support small entrepreneurs and farmers. The scheme offers financial assistance to farmers growing ginger, turmeric, Mizo chilli, and broomsticks. Farmer societies in villages will purchase these crops, with minimum prices set by the government. Farmers will receive support prices if they sell below these rates; no government intervention if prices are higher.

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In May 2021, the Madhya Pradesh government promised Rs. 5,000 per month and free education for children who lost their family’s sole earner to Covid-19. Two schemes, Sponsorship Scheme and Mukhyamantri Bal Ashirwad Yojana, were introduced for this purpose. Despite these promises, many children have not received financial aid since January 2023. Ayushman Bharat cards for healthcare support were also promised but remain inactive for many. These unfulfilled commitments have left many children in distress, without the promised financial and medical support.

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The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes into two main umbrella schemes: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY). PM-RKVY aims to promote sustainable agriculture, while Krishonnati Yojana focuses on food security and agricultural self-sufficiency. This restructuring allows state governments to create comprehensive strategic plans tailored to their agricultural needs, addressing challenges like climate resilience and value chain development. The total proposed expenditure for these schemes is Rs. 1,01,321.61 crore, enhancing the efficiency of agricultural programs across India.

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The Union Health Ministry has increased monthly nutrition support for TB patients under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) was launched in April 2018 under the National Health Mission. It is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). The scheme aims to provide nutritional support to TB patients. All notified TB patients are eligible beneficiaries of the scheme.

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The Anna Bhagya Scheme (ABS) is a cash transfer initiative launched in Karnataka, aimed at enhancing food security by providing unconditional cash transfers to beneficiaries, enabling them to purchase food grains. This innovative approach has shown to improve household welfare, increase financial inclusion, and facilitate savings among marginalized communities. The scheme was introduced as a response to the unavailability of additional rice for distribution, marking a significant shift from traditional food rationing methods. Recent studies indicate that ABS has positively impacted consumption patterns and financial behavior among its beneficiaries.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the expanded Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme. The scheme will cover all individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. Each eligible senior citizen will receive a benefit cover of ₹5 lakh per year in empanelled hospitals across India. This expansion is part of a ₹12,850 crore health initiative aimed at benefiting 60 million senior citizens. Senior citizens from families already under AB-PMJAY can access an additional ₹5 lakh cover. Those not covered by the scheme will also receive up to ₹5 lakh annually on a family basis. The expansion will be supported by an outlay of ₹3,437 crore.

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The Subhadra Yojana, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to provide financial assistance to eligible women aged 21 to 60 years in Odisha. Each beneficiary will receive Rs 50,000 over five years, with annual installments credited directly to their bank accounts. The scheme is designed to empower women and improve their economic status, with over 80 lakh women expected to benefit in the current phase alone. Launched in Bhubaneswar, it reflects the Odisha government’s commitment to women’s welfare and financial inclusion.