Government Schemes & Programs Current Affairs - 2026-04-14

Background: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019, providing income support to all eligible landholding farmer families across the country. Under the scheme, ₹6,000 per year is transferred in three equal installments of ₹2,000 directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. Current Context: On April 12, 2026, the Union Government released the 18th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. This disbursement provided financial assistance to millions of eligible farmer families, reinforcing the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing farmers' income. Impact: The timely release of this installment will significantly aid farmers in meeting their agricultural and household expenses, especially during the pre-sowing or harvesting seasons. It helps alleviate financial distress, promotes rural economic stability, and contributes to the overall welfare of the farming community, fostering greater self-reliance.

Background: India has been consistently working towards women's empowerment and fostering entrepreneurship. Various initiatives have been launched to provide financial assistance and skill development to women, recognizing their crucial role in economic growth and job creation. Current Context: On April 10, 2026, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME, launched the 'Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana'. This new scheme aims to provide comprehensive support to women entrepreneurs, including financial assistance, mentorship, skill development, and market linkages, to help them establish and scale their businesses. Impact: This scheme is expected to significantly boost women's participation in the economy, reduce gender disparity in entrepreneurship, and create a more inclusive business ecosystem. By providing targeted support, it will empower women to become self-reliant, generate employment opportunities, and contribute substantially to India's GDP, fostering overall socio-economic development.