Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Union Government launched the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme to promote cargo movement via inland waterways. The scheme aims to reduce logistics costs, ease road and rail congestion, and unlock trade potential. Cargo owners transporting goods over 300 km via waterways can receive up to 35% reimbursement on operating costs. The scheme will last for three years and targets major shipping companies and trade bodies. It promotes transportation on National Waterways 1, 2, and 16. The scheme is implemented by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd (ICSL).

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The Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) for electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs) based Pledge Financing was launched to help small farmers avoid distress selling. It aims to provide credit to small farmers to prevent distress selling of crops. A corpus of Rs 1,000 crore is allocated for post-harvest finance. Farmers can avail loans against electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs) after storing commodities in WDRA-accredited warehouses. Loan coverage includes up to Rs 75 lakh for agricultural purposes and up to Rs 200 lakh for non-agricultural purposes. The scheme improves access to credit and supports farmers financially post-harvest.

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Over 63.17 lakh teachers were trained under various NISHTHA programs by NCERT between 2019 and 2022. The NISHTHA Scheme (National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement) is a teacher training program launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Education. It aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of teachers and principals across India. The program focuses on improving elementary education quality through training in child development, pedagogy, and ICT. The initiative aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) to create a vibrant and inclusive education system.

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AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal announced the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship for Dalit students. The scholarship offers full financial support for Dalit students to pursue higher education abroad. It covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses for studying at top universities worldwide. The initiative ensures deserving Dalit students can access world-class education without financial barriers. This step by the Delhi government aims to empower the Dalit community through higher education opportunities.

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Cargo-handling capacity at Indian ports rose by 87% in nine years, with Tamil Nadu’s Kamarajar Port showing a 154% increase. Kamarajar Port, formerly Ennore Port, is located 24 km north of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is India’s 12th major port and the first corporatized port, operating as a public company. It was declared a major port under the Indian Ports Act, 1908, in March 1999, it is owned by Chennai Port Trust. It operates under the landlord port model, where the port authority regulates while private companies manage operations.

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The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extended the deadline for the Vivad Se Vishwas scheme to January 31, 2025, from December 31, 2024. The scheme was announced in Union Budget 2023-24. The Vivad Se Vishwas scheme is modeled on the 2019 Sabka Vishwas Scheme for indirect taxes. It facilitates the settlement of disputed tax, interest, and penalties. The scheme also grants immunity from prosecution under the Income-tax Act for matters included in the declaration.

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India is promoting compressed biogas (CBG) as a future fuel to reduce fossil fuel usage and transition to renewable energy. CBG is produced from agricultural waste, animal waste, municipal solid waste, press mud, and sewage sludge. However, adoption of CBG plants has been slow, with only 115 plants operational as of December 2024, far from the 5,000 plant target by 2030. The GOBARdhan scheme, launched in 2018 under Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen-Phase II, focuses on converting cattle dung, agricultural waste, and organic materials into Biogas, CBG, and bio-fertilizers. It promotes a circular economy by turning waste into wealth. The scheme is managed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

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The industry has urged the government to extend the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for Export-Oriented Units (EOUs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) until September-end amid global economic uncertainties. RoDTEP was introduced under the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20, effective from January 1, 2021. The scheme offsets taxes and duties on exported goods that are not otherwise refunded. It aims to boost exports by reducing taxes on exported products. RoDTEP replaced the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme (MEIS) to ensure WTO compliance. The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance administers RoDTEP, which follows global trade principles.

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The Startup India mission’s success owes much to funding mechanisms like the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS). FFS was launched in 2016 with a Rs 10,000 crore corpus, aligned with the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions. Its goal is to boost the Indian startup ecosystem and provide access to domestic capital. FFS does not invest directly in startups but funds SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which invest in startups via equity and equity-linked instruments. The scheme is operated by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

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The Commerce Ministry introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme to boost India’s diamond industry’s global competitiveness. Effective from April 1, 2025, it allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds under ¼ carat for export purposes. The scheme mandates a 10% value addition export obligation. It supports MSME exporters by creating a level playing field with larger players. Inspired by diamond beneficiation policies in countries like Botswana, it aims to maintain India’s global leadership in the diamond value chain.