Government Schemes

 

Government Schemes and latest Development, Important for Competitive Exams. 

‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ Campaign on October 1, 2023 to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti

‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ Campaign: This is a mega cleanliness drive organized to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti. The cleanliness drive is scheduled for October 1st, Sunday, at 10 am.

  1. Objective: The campaign is a precursor to the ‘Swachhata Pakhwada- Swachhata Hi Seva’ 2023 initiative.
  2. PM’s Appeal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for 1 hour of shramdaan (voluntary labor) for cleanliness at 10 am on October 1st, encouraging all citizens to participate.
  3. National Address: PM Modi addressed the nation, urging people to contribute to the cleanliness campaign in their streets, neighborhoods, parks, rivers, lakes, or any other public place.
  4. Date and Time: The cleanliness drive is scheduled for October 1st, Sunday, at 10 am.
  5. Duration of Swachhata Pakhwada: The Swachhata Pakhwada – Swachhata Hi Seva 2023 campaign spans from September 15th to October 2nd.

Q.: What is the objective of the ‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ Campaign”, a mega cleanliness drive ?

a) To celebrate Diwali
b) To commemorate Gandhi Jayanti
c) To promote cricket
d) To encourage shopping

Answer: b) To commemorate Gandhi Jayanti

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

Approval for 5 crore hospital admissions under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

  • Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-J) has achieved the milestone of 5 crore hospital admissions with an amount of Rs 61,501 crore under the scheme.
  • The flagship scheme being implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) provides a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for hospitalization under secondary and tertiary care to 12 crore beneficiary families.
  • AB PM-JAY is being implemented in 33 states and union territories except Delhi, Odisha and West Bengal.
  • Under the PM-JAY scheme, the verified 23.39 crore beneficiaries can avail free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh in any of the 28,351 empaneled hospitals across the country.
  • AB PM-JAY beneficiaries can avail treatment tailored to a total of 1,949 procedures under 27 different specialties.
  • Medical oncology (cancer treatment), emergency care, orthopedic and urology (kidney related diseases) are the top tertiary care specialties under which treatment has been availed by the beneficiaries so far.

Qns : How much health cover is provided per family per year under AB PM-JAY?

(A) Rs 2 lakh
(B) Rs 3 lakh
(C) Rs 4 lakh
(D) Rs 5 lakh

Ans : (D) Rs 5 lakh

Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS)

Scheme Name : STARS

The Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project was approved by the cabinet in October 2020, to be implemented as a centrally sponsored scheme.

Date of Launch

After signing the loan agreement, the STARS project became effective on 23 February 2021 for a period of five years i.e. till FY 2024-25.

Objective

The STARS program is designed around holistic education, with a focus on elements of the plan that will directly support increased school learning.

The STARS project has been implemented in the six identified states of Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.

Agniveer Scheme :

Date of launch :

The Agnipath scheme was announced by the defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 14th June 2022. 

Objective :

  • The Scheme is a recruitment process launched by the Central Government in which selected candidates will be enrolled as Agniveer in the Indian Armed Forces for a period of four years.
  • Those people who will be recruited under this scheme will be called Agniveer.
  • The recruitment of Agni Veers will not be for ever but they will get a chance to serve in the Indian Army only for 4 years.

PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY completed 8 years.

  • Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) celebrated their 8th anniversary on 9th May 2023.
  • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY on 9th May, 2015 from Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • All these three schemes are dedicated for the welfare of the citizens to meet the need of securing human life from unforeseen event and financial uncertainties.
  • The government launched two insurance schemes – PMJJBY and PMSBY to ensure that the unorganized sector of the country remains financially secure. Along with this, the government also launched the Atal Pension Yojana- APY to help meet the needs of old age.

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) :

PMJJBY is a one-year life insurance scheme that covers death due to any reason. It is renewed from year to year.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) :

PMSBY is a one year accident insurance scheme which provides coverage for death or disability due to accident and is renewable from year to year.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY) :

Atal Pension Yojana (APY) was launched to create a universal social security system for all Indians, especially the poor, the underprivileged and workers in the unorganized sector. It is an initiative of the government to provide financial security to the people working in the unorganized sector and to meet their future needs. The APY is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under the overall administrative and institutional framework of the National Pension System (NPS).

Qns : Who launched PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY on 9th May, 2015?

(A) President of India
(B) Prime Minister of India
(C) Chief Minister of West Bengal
(D) Governor of West Bengal

Answer : (B) Prime Minister of India

Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela to be organised in more than 200 districts across the country.

  • The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is organizing the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) in over 200 districts across India.
  • The purpose of the apprenticeship mela is to provide relevant apprenticeship training opportunities to local youth and strengthen their livelihood opportunities.
  • Several local businesses and organizations have been invited to participate in the event and offer apprenticeship opportunities to the youth.
  • The participating companies represent various sectors, providing apprenticeships in different fields.
  • The event will enable participating organizations to connect with potential apprentices, choose from their qualifications on the spot, and offer them apprenticeship training.
  • The apprenticeship mela is open to individuals who have passed Class 5 to Class 12, have skill training certificates, ITI certificates, Diploma certificates, or are graduates.

Qns : What is the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM)?

(A) An event organized by MSDE to provide skill training opportunities to local youth
(B) A platform for individuals to find job opportunities in various sectors
(C) An exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in apprenticeship training
(D) A conference for industry experts to discuss apprenticeship policies

Answer : (A) An event organized by MSDE to provide skill training opportunities to local youth

Enrollment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed the 5.20 crore mark.

  • The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed the 5.20 crore mark in total enrolment as of 31 March 2023.
  • The scheme has seen a growth of over 20%, enrolling more than 1.19 crore new subscribers in the financial year 2022-23.
  • The total assets under management (AUM) in APY is over Rs. 27,200 crore, and the scheme has generated an investment return of 8.69% since its inception.
  • In the public sector banks (PSBs) category, nine banks achieved the annual target, while Bank of India, State Bank of India and Indian Bank opened more than hundred APY accounts per branch.
  • Under the category of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), 32 banks achieved the annual target, while Jharkhand State Gramin Bank, Vidarbha Konkan Gramin Bank, Tripura Gramin Bank and Baroda Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank opened more than 160 APY accounts per branch.
  • 12 states have achieved their annual targets with the help of their respective State Level Banker’s Committee (SLBCs).

Atal Pension Yojana (APY) :

  • Under the APY, subscribers receive a guaranteed pension ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 per month from the age of 60 years, depending on their contributions.
  • After the death of the subscriber, his/her spouse gets the same pension, and on the death of both the subscriber spouse, the accumulated pension amount till the age of 60 years will be given to the nominee.

Qns : What is the Atal Pension Yojana (APY)?
अटल पेंशन योजना (APY) क्या है?

(A) A scheme for providing home loans
(B) A health insurance scheme
(C) A pension scheme
(D) A scheme for providing education loans

Answer : (C) A pension scheme

Minister Giriraj Singh Launches ‘Sangathan Se Samriddhi’ Campaign to Empower Rural Women through Self Help Groups

  1. Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh launched ‘Sangathan Se Samriddhi’ campaign.
  2. The campaign aims to bring all eligible rural women into the fold of Self Help Groups (SHGs).
  3. The government targets to bring 10 crore women under the purview of SHGs from the existing nine crore.
  4. The number of SHG members, which was just 2.35 crore in May 2014, has now crossed nine crore.
  5. The government has set a target that every woman associated with SHGs should be able to earn one lakh rupees per annum.
  6. The Minister urged women to produce millets.

Question: What is the name of the campaign launched by Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh?
a) Samriddhi Se Sangathan
b) Sangathan Se Samriddhi
c) Sahyog Se Samarthan
d) Samman Se Samadhan
Answer: b) Sangathan Se Samriddhi

Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER) scheme

On April 18th, 2023, the Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda, launched the Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER) scheme in Manipur. The scheme aims to benefit the Scheduled Tribes of the North-Eastern Region by improving the efficiency of procurement, logistics, and marketing of their products, ultimately strengthening the livelihood opportunities of tribal artisans.

The PTP-NER scheme will be applicable to the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. As part of the initiative, 68 Tribal Artisan Melas will be organized in various districts of the region to facilitate the empanelment of tribal artisans from the North Eastern Region. These melas were initiated on April 18th and will continue onwards.

Q.: What is the objective of the Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER) scheme launched by the Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda?

A) To increase the profit margin of middlemen involved in the trade of tribal products
B) To improve the efficiency of procurement, logistics and marketing of tribal products from North Eastern States
C) To restrict the production of tribal products to a certain region of India
D) To promote industrialization in the North Eastern Region of India

Answer : B) To improve the efficiency of procurement, logistics and marketing of tribal products from North Eastern States.

Vibrant Villages Programme to develop villages on the Northern border

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah launched the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ in Kibithoo, a border village in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh on 10 April 2023. 

What is Vibrant Villages Programme ?

  • The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) was announced in the 2022 Budget Speech by the Finance Minister.
  • The programme aims to develop villages on the Northern border that are often left out from development gains due to sparse population, limited connectivity, and infrastructure.
  • The Government has approved the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ with central components of 4800 crore rupees, including 2500 crore rupees exclusively for road connectivity, for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26.
  • Under the VVP, 2967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territories of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development.
  • In the first phase, 662 villages have been identified for priority coverage, which includes 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The Government of India is already implementing the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) in habitations located within 0-10 kms of the international border in 460 border blocks of 117 border districts in 16 states and 2 Union Territories.
  • The BADP approves works related to village infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, sports, drinking water, and sanitation, as per its guidelines.

Question : What is the main aim of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)?

A) To develop cities on the Northern border areas.
B) To replace existing schemes with new ones.
C) To provide financial support to all villages in India.
D) To develop villages on the Northern border

Answer: D) To develop villages on the Northern border

8th Anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana : 8 April 2023

The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana was launched on 8 April 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate easy collateral-free micro-credit of up to ten lakh rupees to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities.

  • Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana has sanctioned more than 40 crore 82 lakh loans amounting to over 23 lakh crore rupees.
  • 21% of the total loans have been sanctioned to new entrepreneurs.
  • About 68% of accounts under the scheme belong to women entrepreneurs and 51% of accounts belong to entrepreneurs of SC, ST, and OBC categories.
  • The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the scheme has enabled easy and hassle-free access to credit for micro-enterprises and has helped a large number of young entrepreneurs establish their businesses.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has helped in the generation of large-scale employment opportunities at the grassroots level and has proved to be a game changer while boosting the Indian economy.
  • Today marks the 8th Anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana.

Questions : What is Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana?
A. A scheme to facilitate easy collateral-free micro-credit to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs
B. A scheme to provide free healthcare to people living in rural areas
C. A scheme to provide free education to children of farmers
D. A scheme to provide free housing to urban poor

Answer: A

Indian Govt Launches Special Scheme to Provide Financial Support for Poor Prisoners

  1. The Indian Government has announced a special scheme called Support for Prisoners to provide financial support to poor prisoners who cannot afford the penalty or bail amount.
  2. The majority of prisoners who will benefit from this scheme belong to socially disadvantaged or marginalized groups with lower education and income levels.
  3. The Centre will provide financial support to the states to extend relief to poor prisoners who cannot get released from prison due to non-payment of fine.
  4. The Home Ministry has been taking various steps to address the issue of undertrials in prisons and sharing important guidelines with State Governments.
  5. The Centre has been providing financial support to State Governments for enhancing and modernizing the security infrastructure in prisons.

Question: Who will benefit the most from the Support for Prisoners scheme?
A) Wealthy prisoners
B) Socially advantaged groups
C) Marginalized and disadvantaged prisoners with lower education and income levels
D) Prisoners with high penalties or bail amounts

Answer: C) Marginalized and disadvantaged prisoners with lower education and income levels

Stand Up India Scheme completed 7 years

The Stand Up India Scheme was launched on 5th April 2016 to promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level and create jobs. The scheme has been extended up to the year 2025.

  • The scheme focuses on promoting entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
  • The scheme provides loans for greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, trading sectors and agriculture-related activities.
  • Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that more than 1.8 lakh women and SC/ST entrepreneurs have been sanctioned loans for over Rs. 40,600 crore.
  • The scheme has created an ecosystem that facilitates access to loans from bank branches of all Scheduled Commercial Banks.
  • The scheme has touched numerous lives by providing affordable credit to the unserved/underserved segment of entrepreneurs.
  • The scheme has provided wings to aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their entrepreneurial acumen and drive economic growth.
  • The scheme aims to encourage all bank branches in extending loans to borrowers from SC, ST and women in setting up their own greenfield enterprise.
  • Loans under the scheme are available for only greenfield projects.
  • The online portal www.standupmitra.in provides guidance to prospective entrepreneurs in their endeavor to set up business enterprises.

Question : On which date was the Stand-Up India Scheme launched?
a) April 5, 2015
b) April 6, 2016
c) April 5, 2016
d) April 6, 2015

Answer: c) April 5, 2016

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