The article details the Government of India's Skill India Mission (SIM), implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), to provide skill, re-skill, and up-skill training across various sections of society. It highlights key schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). A significant focus is placed on equipping youth with 'future-ready' skills in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Cyber Security, Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Green Technologies. The article provides state-wise data on candidates trained under these schemes over a five-year period (2021-22 to 2025-26) and specific data for training in emerging technology job roles.
The article details the One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme, a component of Mission Shakti, which provides integrated support to women affected by violence and distress across India. Operational since April 2015, OSCs offer medical aid, legal aid, temporary shelter, police assistance, and psycho-social counselling. Mission Shakti is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with the Central Government providing 100% financial assistance to States/UTs under its Sambal sub-scheme for OSCs. The Ministry of Women and Child Development monitors the scheme's progress through a Programme Approval Board, field visits, and a Mission Shakti Dashboard. OSCs are integrated with the Women Helpline (WHL), which is further linked with ERSS-112 and Child Helpline (1098) to ensure seamless access to services and inter-agency coordination. Capacity building for OSC functionaries involves expert organizations like NIMHANS, UNFPA, NALSA, and C-DAC.
The article details the Central Skill Development Programmes under the Government of India’s Skill India Mission (SIM), implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It highlights key schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through ITIs. The mission aims to equip youth with industry-relevant skills, including those for emerging sectors like AI, green energy, and semiconductors. The article provides financial data, candidate training/certification numbers, and positive impact assessments from third-party evaluations (by AJNIFM) on employment and income generation. It also outlines various initiatives undertaken by MSDE, including partnerships with tech companies, the launch of Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), and the SOAR program, to promote future skills and enhance employability.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, hosted the Second BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting and the Second BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery in Hyderabad under India's BRICS Presidency 2026. The meetings focused on strengthening international cooperation against corruption, including tracing fugitive offenders, asset recovery, and leveraging technology for ethical governance. Key outcomes included an in-principle agreement on a BRICS Network of Law-Enforcement Practitioners, a BRICS Repository on Informal Cooperation, and a Directory of Focal Points and Experts. Discussions also covered the use of AI, ML, and big data for preventive vigilance, and addressing the misuse of FinTech and Virtual Digital Assets in concealing illicit proceeds, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks and cross-border cooperation.
The article details the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), launched in 2016 and continuing as NAPS-2 since 2022-23, aimed at boosting apprenticeship training and engagement across India. It highlights various government initiatives by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to strengthen industry collaboration for skill development, including the establishment of NCVET and Sector Skill Councils, DGT's Flexi MoU and Dual System of Training, PMKVY's focus on Industry 4.0 skills, and the integration of vocational education through NEP 2020 and AEDP. The scheme provides stipend support via DBT, encourages women's participation, and ensures apprentice safety and welfare under the Apprentices Act, 1961, which was amended in 2014 to introduce Optional Trades.
The article details the Government of India's Skill India Mission (SIM) and its various schemes like PMKVY, JSS, NAPS, and CTS, delivered through MSDE and ITIs. It highlights efforts to align skill development programs with industry requirements through Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), Skill Gap Studies, and updated Qualification Packs. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is emphasized for providing industry-relevant, on-the-job training, though it notes no statutory obligation for employers to offer regular employment post-apprenticeship. An evaluation by AJNIFM reported positive outcomes for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) candidates, with 48.9% reporting income increase, and 72% of apprentices offered full-time employment.
The article details the comprehensive and coordinated institutional framework established by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, MeitY, and MHA to prevent, detect, and combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. It highlights key legislations such as the POCSO Act, 2012, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, IT Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, including recent amendments addressing deepfakes and AI-generated content. The framework also includes awareness initiatives like ISEA, advisories from CERT-In, and institutional mechanisms such as the Sahyog Portal, National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, I4C, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), under the Skill India Mission (SIM), provides skill, re-skill, and up-skill training to all sections of society, including women, through schemes like PMKVY, JSS, NAPS, and CTS/ITIs. The mission aims to equip youth, including women, with industry-relevant skills in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductor design, and Renewable Energy. Special provisions are made to encourage women's participation, including support for conveyance, boarding, lodging, and enhanced post-placement assistance. PMKVY 4.0 prioritizes projects with women as primary beneficiaries, especially from vulnerable sections, and focuses on On-the-Job Training (OJT). The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme specifically targets women, who constitute over 80% of its beneficiaries. While gender budgeting is applied, there is no specific gender budgeting exclusively for emerging technologies. Funding mechanisms vary across schemes, with PMKVY 4.0 being demand-driven and NAPS providing stipends via DBT. The article provides extensive data on women trained and funds released across various schemes, years, and states.
The Union Cabinet has approved the development of a 46.039 km six-lane Greenfield Ganga Elevated Corridor in Varanasi, proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), at a cost of ₹14,447.64 crore. This project aims to significantly decongest Varanasi's urban transport network, improve connectivity to major spiritual and cultural landmarks, enhance the pilgrimage experience, boost the local economy through tourism and allied sectors, and strengthen multimodal connectivity in alignment with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken stringent action against the concessionaire (M/s PNC Infratech Ltd.), Independent Engineer (M/s Theme Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd.), and its own officials for identified quality issues and a 300-meter slippage on the Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway. Actions include issuing a non-performer notice to the concessionaire (making them ineligible for future bids), directing rectification at their cost, debarring the Independent Engineer, and initiating disciplinary actions against NHAI project officials for negligence. NHAI has also deployed Laser Profilometer technology and engaged an expert team from IIT Kharagpur for a comprehensive technical assessment, and suspended toll collection until rectification, with recovery of toll loss from the concessionaire.
The article highlights the significant growth and development in India's Chemicals & Petrochemicals sector over the last twelve years, driven by policy reforms, infrastructure development, capacity building, skill development, quality enhancement, and investment promotion initiatives by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC). Key initiatives include the Chemical Promotion and Development Scheme (CPDS), establishment of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPIRs), Plastic Parks, and Centres of Excellence. The sector has seen substantial FDI inflow and job creation. Emphasis has been placed on safe and judicious use of pesticides, training for hazardous chemical handling, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), and plastic waste management through bodies like HIL (India) Limited, Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), and Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET). The recently approved BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme aims to establish three Chemical Parks based on a cluster-based plug-and-play model, promoting domestic manufacturing and circular economy principles.
The article discusses the implementation challenges of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) across various State/UT Legislatures. These challenges include diverse procedural rules, varying ICT infrastructure, and differing digital capacities. To overcome these, measures such as application configurations, financial assistance for infrastructure and technical manpower, capacity building, and continuous coordination are being employed. This information was provided in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Law and Justice and Minister of State of Parliamentary Affairs.
