Government Schemes Current Affairs

Government Schemes and latest Development, Important for Competitive Exams. 

PM Vishwakarma Scheme for Empowering Traditional Artisans and Craftspeople

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme on September 17, 2023, in New Delhi. The scheme aims to support and promote traditional crafts and artisans. It will be fully funded by the Union Government with an allocation of Rs 13,000 crore.

  1. Artisans, referred to as Vishwakarmas, will be registered for free through Common Services Centres using a biometric-based portal.
  2. Vishwakarmas will receive recognition through a certificate and ID card, skill training, a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, and collateral-free credit support at concessional interest rates.
  3. The scheme focuses on preserving the Guru-Shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition) and improving the quality and reach of artisanal products and services.
  4. It covers 18 traditional crafts, including carpentry, blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, and more.
  5. The scheme targets both rural and urban artisans across India.
  6. It aims to integrate artisans into domestic and global value chains.
  7. PM Vishwakarma will incentivize digital transactions and provide marketing support to artisans and craftspeople.

Q.: What is the primary objective of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

a) Promoting modern industries
b) Preserving traditional crafts and supporting artisans
c) Enhancing agricultural productivity
d) Boosting the tourism sector

Ans : b) Preserving traditional crafts and supporting artisans

Cabinet Approves extension of PM Ujjwala Yojana for three years

The Government has approved expansion of PM Ujjwala Yojana, a scheme to provide support for LPG connections to women on 13th September 2023 during a cabinet meeting.

  1. The scheme aims to release a total of 75 lakh LPG connections over a period of three years, from the Financial Year 2023-24 to 2025-26.
  2. The scheme’s total financial implication is one thousand 650 crore rupees.
  3. Under the scheme, 75 lakh free LPG connections will be provided to women from poor and needy families to enable them to benefit from the Ujjwala scheme.
  4. As per the existing modalities of Ujjawala 2.0, the first refill and stove will also be provided free of cost to Ujjwala beneficiaries.
  5. To date, 9.60 crore LPG cylinders have been distributed under the Ujjwala scheme, indicating its widespread impact and reach.

Q.: What is the purpose of the PM Ujjwala Yojana?

a) Supporting LPG suppliers
b) Providing free LPG connections to women
c) Reducing LPG prices
d) Enhancing LPG cylinder safety

Ans : b) Providing free LPG connections to women

Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar : Invoice incentive scheme

The invoice incentive scheme – Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar begins on 1 September 2023. The objective of the scheme is to bring a cultural and behavioural change in the general public to ask for a Bill as their right and entitlement. 

  • Scheme Name: The invoice incentive scheme – Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar
  • Objective: To bring a cultural and behavioral change in the public by encouraging them to ask for a bill as their right and entitlement.
  • Initial Pilot: Launched as a pilot in the States of Assam, Gujarat, and Haryana, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu.
  • Consumer Reward: Consumers have the chance to win an attractive reward of one crore rupees.
  • Eligibility: All Business to Customer invoices issued by GST registered suppliers to consumers will be eligible for the scheme.
  • Minimum Invoice Value: Invoices with a minimum value of two hundred rupees will be considered for the lucky draw.
  • Invoice Submission: Invoices can be uploaded using the Mobile Application “Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar” or the web portal “merabill.gst.gov.in”.
  • Participant Eligibility: All residents of India can participate, regardless of their state or UT.
  • Monthly Upload Limit: An individual can upload a maximum of 25 invoices in a month to be eligible for the lucky draw.
  • Monthly Reward: The government will select 800 individuals every month, and each will receive a reward of ten thousand rupees.
  • Bumper Draw: A quarterly bumper draw will be held, with two people winning a reward of one crore rupees each.
  • Scheme Duration: The pilot scheme will run for a period of 12 months.

Q.: What is the name of the government-initiated invoice incentive scheme to bring a cultural and behavioural change in the general public to ask for a Bill as their right and entitlement ?

A) Bill Rewards Initiative
B) Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar
C) Fiscal Behavior Incentive
D) Invoice Culture Drive

Ans : B) Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar

Government reduces prices of domestic LPG Cylinder for all consumers

The government has announced a reduction in the price of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders by 200 rupees for all consumers on 29 August 2023.

  1. Enhanced Benefit for Ujjwala Beneficiaries: The reduction amounts to 400 rupees per LPG cylinder for Ujjwala beneficiaries, a government initiative.
  2. Expansion of Ujjwala Scheme: The government plans to provide 75 lakh new free LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme.
  3. Ujjwala Scheme’s Purpose: The Ujjwala scheme is aimed at reducing indoor air pollution and promoting the use of clean fuels among impoverished households, ultimately curbing carbon emissions.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 01.05.2016. The main objective of the scheme is to provide deposit free LPG connections to women from poor households. The Government had set a target of 5 Crore LPG connections to be distributed to the poor households under the scheme.

Q.: What is the main objective of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana?

a) Providing free education to poor households
b) Offering interest-free loans to women entrepreneurs
c) Provide deposit free LPG connections to women from poor households
d) Distributing free smartphones to rural communities

Ans : c) Provide deposit free LPG connections to women from poor households

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completed 9 years on August 28, 2023

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completed nine years on August 28, 2023. Over 50 crore people have been brought into the formal banking system through Jan Dhan Accounts. Over 50 crore new bank accounts have been opened since the scheme’s launch. Approximately 56% of Jan-Dhan account holders are women, and about 67% of the accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas. The total deposit balances in Jan Dhan accounts exceed two lakh three thousand crore rupees. More than 33 crore RuPay cards have been issued to Jan Dhan account holders. Around six crore 26 lakh account holders received direct benefit transfers from the Government under various schemes.

What is Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a financial inclusion program launched by the Government of India. It was initiated on August 28, 2014, with the aim of providing access to financial services to all households in the country, particularly those that were excluded from the formal banking system. The key objectives of the Jan Dhan Yojana include:

  1. Universal Financial Inclusion: The scheme seeks to ensure that every household in India has access to a bank account, making financial services accessible to even the most marginalized sections of society.
  2. Access to Banking Services: Under the scheme, account holders are provided with a basic savings account, a RuPay debit card, and access to banking facilities such as deposit and withdrawal services.
  3. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The Jan Dhan accounts are often used for direct benefit transfers of various government subsidies and welfare schemes. This helps in reducing leakages and ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries directly.
  4. Credit Facilities: The scheme also promotes financial literacy and credit availability to the underserved population. It encourages banks to provide overdraft facilities to account holders after a certain period, helping them meet emergency financial needs.
  5. Insurance and Pension Schemes: Jan Dhan account holders are also eligible for government-backed insurance and pension schemes, providing them with financial security in case of unforeseen events.
  6. Encouraging Saving Habits: The scheme aims to encourage a culture of saving and financial discipline among the masses.

Q.: What is the primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?

a) Providing free education to rural children
b) Enhancing agricultural productivity
c) Promoting digital entertainment services
d) Ensuring financial inclusion for all households

Answer: d) Ensuring financial inclusion for all households

PM Vishwakarma scheme : A Boost for Traditional Workers

The PM Vishwakarma scheme is a new initiative by the Indian government to support and empower the workers with traditional skills, such as pottery, blacksmithing, construction, tailoring, and boat-building. The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day 2023 and approved by the Cabinet with a budget of ₹13,000 crore. The main benefits of the scheme are:

  • The workers will receive formal recognition for their skills through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, which will help them access social security schemes, credit facilities, and market linkages.
  • The workers will also get training and upskilling opportunities to enhance their productivity and quality of their products and services .
  • The scheme will also promote the preservation and promotion of the traditional crafts and culture of India, which are facing challenges due to modernization and competition .

The PM Vishwakarma scheme is expected to benefit around 7 crore workers across the country who are engaged in various traditional occupations

Q.: What is the main objective of the PM Vishwakarma scheme?

a) Providing financial aid to farmers
b) Supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople
c) Promoting digital literacy in rural areas
d) Enhancing urban infrastructure

Ans : b) Supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople

PM-eBus Sewa: Plan to Deploy 10,000 Electric Buses across 169 cities in India

PM-eBus Sewa is a scheme approved by the Cabinet of India on 16 August 2023 to deploy 10,000 electric buses across 169 cities in India . The scheme aims to enhance city bus operations, reduce air pollution, and promote electric mobility in the country .

The scheme will follow a public-private partnership (PPP) model, where the private sector will invest in procuring and operating the e-buses, while the central and state governments will provide financial support and incentives .

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹57,613 crores, out of which ₹20,000 crores will be provided by the central government . The scheme is expected to create employment opportunities, boost localisation of e-bus manufacturing, and save fuel and carbon emissions 

Q.: How many electric buses will be deployed under PM-eBus Sewa scheme?

A) 5,000
B) 10,000
C) 15,000
D) 20,000

Answer: B) 10,000

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme extended upto 31 March 2026

The New and Renewable Energy Minister, R. K. Singh, informed on 1 August 2023 that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme has benefitted nearly 2.46 lakh farmers.

  1. The scheme provides various benefits, including installation of solar pumps, solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps, and installation of grid-connected renewable power plants.
  2. The PM-KUSUM Scheme has been extended till 31st March 2026.
  3. The initiative aims to provide clean energy to over 3.5 million farmers by solarizing their agriculture pumps and facilitating the setup of 10 GW distributed solar projects.
  4. The main objective of the PM-KUSUM scheme is to provide financial and water security to farmers.
  5. Farmers will receive a 60% subsidy for setting up tube wells and pump sets, and they will also get 30% of the total cost as a loan from the Government.
  6. The scheme offers farmers the opportunity to earn additional income by selling surplus power to the grid through solar power projects set up on their barren lands.
  7. This scheme was launched on 08 March 2019.

Q.: What is the full form of PM-KUSUM, an initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing clean energy solutions to farmers?

A) Pradhan Mantri Kheti Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan
B) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Upkaran Mahabhiyan
C) Pradhan Mantri Kheti Urja Subsidy evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan
D) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan

Answer: D) PM-KUSUM: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan

UK-India Young Professional Scheme : opportunity to live, work or study in the Britain for up to two years

The British government has launched the second ballot under the UK-India Young Professional Scheme, targeting Indians aged between 18 and 30 years with graduate-level qualifications for UK visas.

  1. Eligible young Indians have the opportunity to live, work, or study in the UK for up to two years through this scheme.
  2. To be eligible, an Indian national between 18 to 30 years of age with a graduate or post-graduate qualification can apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
  3. The Ballot for this scheme closes at 1.30 pm the next day from the time of the announcement.
  4. The joint scheme between the UK and India was launched in February of the current year.
  5. Candidates can enter the UK at any time while their visa is valid and can leave or return anytime during their stay.
  6. As part of the reciprocal arrangement, British nationals will also be offered similar visas to live and work in India.
  7. The scheme has a total of 3,000 places available for the year 2023, with most places already allocated in the first ballot conducted in February.
  8. The remaining places will be randomly selected from the current month’s ballot.
  9. It is free to enter the ballot, but applicants are advised to participate only if they intend to apply for the visa and can meet the financial and other requirements.
  10. Candidates must travel to the UK within six months of applying for their visa.

Question: What is the name of the scheme that offers work visas to young Indians between 18 and 30 years with graduate-level qualifications for the UK?

A) UK-India Graduate Exchange Program
B) UK-India Young Professional Scheme
C) India-UK Study and Work Initiative
D) Youth Mobility Program: India Edition

Answer: B) UK-India Young Professional Scheme

Agriculture Minister launched PM Kisan Mobile App with Face Authentication feature for e-KYC.

  • Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the PM Kisan mobile app with face authentication feature on 22nd June.
  • By using face authentication feature from this app, farmer can complete e-KYC remotely, sitting at home easily by scanning face without OTP or fingerprint and can also help 100 other farmers to do e-KYC at their home.
  • Recognizing the need to make e-KYC mandatory, the Government of India has extended the ability of farmers to perform e-KYC to officers of state governments, so that each officer can complete the e-KYC process for 500 farmers.

PM Kisan :

PM Kisan is one of the world’s largest DBT schemes in which farmers will get Rs 6,000 in Aadhaar card linked bank accounts. The annual amount is transferred directly in three instalments. 2.42 lakh crore has been shifted to the accounts of more than 11 crore farmers, of whom more than 3 crore are women.

Qns : What is the purpose of the PM Kisan scheme in India?
(A) To provide farmers with insurance coverage
(B) To offer financial support to farmers for agricultural equipment
(C) To promote organic farming practices
(D) To transfer a monetary amount to farmers’ bank accounts
Ans : (D) To transfer a monetary amount to farmers’ bank accounts

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