Government Schemes

 

Government Schemes and latest Development, Important for Competitive Exams. 

10 years of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

The Indian government’s flagship financial scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana completed 10 years on 28 August 2024. More than 53 crore beneficiaries have been banked under the scheme so far.

Jan Dhan Yojana Scheme Overview

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 28th August 2014. PMJDY is the largest financial inclusion initiative in the world.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a national mission aimed at providing access to a range of financial services, including remittance, credit, insurance, pension, and savings and deposit accounts, in an affordable manner.

Q.: When was the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) launched?

a) August 28, 2014
b) January 26, 2015
c) October 2, 2016
d) July 1, 2014

Answer: a) August 28, 2014
The Indian government’s flagship financial scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana completed 10 years on 28 August 2024.

PM Modi Distributed Certificates to 11 Lakh New ‘Lakhpati Didis’ at Jalgaon, Maharashtra

On 25 Aug 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed certificates to 11 lakh new “Lakhpati Didis” in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. The 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis achieved this status during the third term of the NDA Government. These women, now over one crore in number across India, earn more than one lakh rupees per year.

A revolving fund called the Community Investment Fund of 2,500 crore rupees was released, benefiting 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs). A bank loan of 5,000 crore rupees was also released, benefiting 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs.

Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadanvis and Ajit Pawar, and others attended the event. The program was connected virtually to about 30,000 locations in 34 states and Union Territories, including state capitals and district headquarters.

Q.: What is the title given to the women earning more than one lakh rupees per year who were felicitated by the Prime Minister?

a) Kisan Didis
b) Lakhpati Didis
c) Udyami Didis
d) Mahila Shakti Didis

Answer: b) Lakhpati Didis
On 25 Aug 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed certificates to 11 lakh new “Lakhpati Didis” in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for central government employees

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 24 August 2024 approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for the central government employees.

The features of UPS are:

  1. Assured Pension: 50% of average basic pay for the last 12 months prior to retirement for a minimum service of 25 years (proportionate for service less than 25 years, minimum 10 years).
  2. Assured Family Pension: 60% of the pension immediately after the employee’s demise.
  3. Assured Minimum Pension: ₹10,000 per month after 10 years of service.
  4. Inflation Indexation: Applied to pension, family pension, and minimum pension.
  5. Dearness Relief: Based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW).
  6. Lump Sum Payment: At retirement, 1/10th of monthly emoluments for every completed six months of service, in addition to gratuity.
  7. Beneficiaries: 23 lakh central government employees.
  8. Effective Date: From 1st April 2025.

Q.: What does UPS stand for in reference to benefits for government employees?

(a) Unified Payment System
(b) Unified Pension Scheme
(c) Universal Pension Service
(d) Union Payment Scheme

Answer: (b) Unified Pension Scheme
The Union Cabinet, on 24 August 2024 approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for the central government employees.

Q.: What is the assured family pension percentage of the employee’s pension after their demise?

(a) 50%
(b) 55%
(c) 60%
(d) 65%

Answer: (c) 60%
Assured Pension under UPS: 50% of average basic pay for the last 12 months prior to retirement for a minimum service of 25 years

NITI Aayog launches ‘Sampoornata Abhiyaan’; a drive to achieve 100% saturation

NITI Aayog launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on 4 July 2024 witnessing significant participation from citizens across the country. The launch events were organised across all the 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks. This comprehensive three-month campaign, running from 4th July to 30th September 2024, aims to achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across all Aspirational Districts and Blocks.

Focus Areas of ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ in:

Aspirational Blocks Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  • 1.      Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester;
  • 2.      Percentage of persons screened for Diabetes against the targeted population in the Block;
  • 3.      Percentage of persons screened for Hypertension against the targeted population in the Block;
  • 4.      Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly;
  • 5.      Percentage of Soil Health Cards generated against the soil sample collection target; and
  • 6.      Percentage of SHGs that have received a Revolving Fund against the total SHGs in the block

Aspirational Districts KPIs:

  • 1.      Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester;
  • 2.      Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly;
  • 3.      Percentage of children fully immunized (9-11 months) (BCG+DPT3+OPV3+Measles 1);
  • 4.      Number of Soil Health Cards distributed;
  • 5.      Percentage of schools with functional electricity at the secondary level; and
  • 6.      Percentage of schools providing textbooks to children within 1 month of the start of the academic session

Q: What is the primary goal of NITI Aayog’s ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ launched in July 2024?

A) To achieve 100% literacy in all Aspirational Districts
B) To achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators
C) To promote digital literacy among rural communities
D) To improve agricultural productivity

Ans : B) To achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators
NITI Aayog launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on 4 July 2024. This comprehensive three-month campaign, running from 4th July to 30th September 2024, aims to achieve 100% saturation of 12 key social sector indicators across all Aspirational Districts and Blocks.

‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ for Farmers’ Fair Prices and Easy Warehousing launched by Piyush Goyal

The ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ initiative was launched on March 4, 2024 by Shri Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Commerce and Industry, and Textiles.

The ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ is initiative of Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).

‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ initiative will ease the farmers’ warehousing logistics with the help of technology and aid the farmers in receiving fair prices for their produce. 

Q: What is the primary objective of the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ initiative?

  • A) To promote organic farming
  • B) To ease farmers’ warehousing logistics
  • C) To provide subsidies for fertilizers
  • D) To enhance irrigation facilities

Ans : Answer: B To ease farmers’ warehousing logistics

Govt approves PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana for installing rooftop solar systems

Government approval for PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households with a total outlay of 75,021 crore rupees.

  1. Each household will receive 300 units of free electricity and have the opportunity to earn 15,000 rupees.
  2. The scheme aims to enable households to save on electricity bills and earn additional income by selling surplus power to DISCOMs.
  3. Anticipated addition of 30 GW of solar capacity through rooftop solar systems in the residential sector.

Q: What is the primary objective of the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

a) To provide free electricity to rural households
b) To install rooftop solar systems in one crore households
c) To provide financial assistance for agricultural activities
d) To provide subsidized fertilizers to farmers

Ans : b) To install rooftop solar systems in one crore households

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

  1. Launch of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the scheme on February 13, 2024.
  2. Investment of over 75 thousand crore rupees: The project will have an investment exceeding 75 thousand crore rupees.
  3. Objective: The scheme aims to provide free electricity by lighting up one crore households, offering up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
  4. Direct Subsidies to People’s Bank Accounts: Substantive subsidies will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
  5. Concessional Bank Loans: Heavily concessional bank loans will be provided to ensure no cost burden on the people.
  6. National Online Portal Integration: All stakeholders will be integrated into a National Online Portal for added convenience.
  7. Incentives for Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats: Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats will be incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions.
  8. Benefits for Citizens: The scheme is expected to lead to increased income, reduced power bills, and employment generation.
  9. Promotion of Solar Power and Sustainable Progress: The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of boosting solar power for sustainable progress.
  10. PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana : apply at pmsuryaghar.gov.in.

Q: What is the objective of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

  • A. Provide free water supply
  • B. Promote rooftop gardening
  • C. Light up one crore households with free electricity
  • D. Enhance public transportation

Ans : C. Light up one crore households with free electricity

Government launched ‘Bharat Rice’ at subsidised rates for consumers

Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched ‘Bharat Rice’ brand in New Delhi to provide subsidized rice directly to consumers.

  • The rice will be available in 5 kg and 10 kg packs at a subsidized rate of 29 rupees per kg.
  • The government is committed to providing ration at affordable prices, with 81 crore people benefiting from free food grains under PMGKAY, extended for the next five years.
  • Vehicles carrying rice were flagged during the event, signifying distribution to consumers through various agencies.
  • FCI will provide 5 Lakh Metric Tonnes of rice to cooperatives (NAFED and NCCF) and Kendriya Bhandar in the first phase.
  • These agencies will pack rice in 5 kg and 10 kg packets under the “Bharat Rice” brand, sold through outlets and e-commerce platforms.

Q: What is the name of the brand launched by government to provide subsidized rice directly to consumers in February 2024?

a) Bharat Grains
b) Bharat Rice
c) Bharat Essentials
d) Bharat Food

Ans : b) Bharat Rice

PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan : First installment to one lakh beneficiaries release

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first installment to one lakh beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin on January 15, 2024, under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).

  • The PM-JANMAN initiative was launched in November of the previous year for the socio-economic welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
  • The initiative, with a budget of around 24,000 crore rupees, focuses on 11 critical interventions through nine Ministries.
  • PM-JANMAN aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs by providing basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water, improved access to education, health and nutrition, electricity, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Q: Who are the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)?

  • A) Urban population
  • B) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
  • C) General category citizens
  • D) Women entrepreneurs

Ans : B) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

Govt launched PRERANA, an experiential learning programme for developing leadership qualities in students

Ministry of Education, Govt of India has introduced PRERANA, an experiential learning program focused on cultivating leadership qualities in students.

  1. PRERANA is aligned with the principles of the Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education, as outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
  2. It is a week-long residential program designed for students in classes 9th to 12th, aiming to provide an immersive learning experience.
  3. Each week, a batch of 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) from different parts of the country will participate in the program.
  4. The program takes place at a Vernacular School established in 1888 in Vadnagar, Gujarat.
  5. The curriculum for PRERANA School was developed by IIT Gandhi Nagar and revolves around nine value-based themes.
  6. These themes include Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, Parishram and Samarpan, Karuna and Sewa, Vividhta and Ekta, Satyanishtha and Shuchita, Navachar and Jigyasa, Shraddha aur Vishwas, and Swatantrata and Kartavya.
  7. The primary goal of the program is to inspire youth, instill respect for India’s unity in diversity, and embody the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
  1. What is PRERANA, recently launched by the Government?
    a. A new sports activity program
    b. An experiential learning program
    c. A scholarship initiative
    d. A government employment scheme
  2. What is the main focus of PRERANA?
    a. Academic research
    b. Developing leadership qualities in students
    c. Sports training for students
    d. Providing financial aid to students
Scroll to Top