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 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 article highlights how the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC), managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, empowered Ms. Sujatha Seelam to establish Palnadu Solar Power Pvt. Ltd. in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. With ₹15 crore in financial assistance, the company set up a 5.5 MW grid-connected solar power plant, contributing to India's renewable energy goals, generating employment, and fostering sustainable rural development by providing clean energy and strengthening local economies.
The article highlights how the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, enabled Harshamitra Oncology Pvt. Ltd. in Tamil Nadu to expand its affordable cancer treatment services, particularly radiation therapy, to rural and underserved communities. This initiative demonstrates how targeted financial support can foster entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes, generate employment, and improve access to quality healthcare infrastructure, contributing to social welfare and inclusive development.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is observing World Breastfeeding Week 2026 from August 1st to 7th under the theme "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works." This initiative, part of POSHAN Abhiyaan, emphasizes the critical importance of breastfeeding, especially colostrum and the 'Golden Hour,' for a child's holistic development during the first 1000 days. The campaign promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding with age-appropriate complementary foods up to two years and beyond, highlighting the support provided by Anganwadi Centres, healthcare institutions, and community workers.
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme, run by the Department of Science & Technology, aims to nurture scientific talent across various academic and research stages. It comprises four main components: INSPIRE MANAK (for school students aged 10-17), INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) (for UG/PG students in natural/basic sciences), INSPIRE Fellowship (for PhD research), and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship (for postdoctoral researchers). The article details the financial support and target groups for each component, provides data on beneficiaries over the last five years, and highlights government efforts to expand the program's outreach and inclusivity, particularly in rural and remote areas, through awareness campaigns, competitions, and mentorship programs with premier institutions.
The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the implementation status of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. State Governments and UT Administrations are responsible for implementing the Act, while the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) compiles progress reports. The article provides statistics on individual and community claims filed, approved, and rejected between FY 2023-24 and FY 2025-26. It highlights that the FRA does not prescribe a time-limit for claim disposal and lists major reasons for claim rejections, such as non-occupation before December 13, 2005, duplicate claims, claims on non-forest land, and lack of evidence.
The article details the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs through TRIFED. These schemes aim to foster entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for tribal communities, including women, by promoting efficient use of natural resources, Minor Forest Produce (MFP), and farm/non-farm products. The core mechanism involves Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), which are clusters of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The article provides statistics on sanctioned and operational VDVKs, beneficiaries trained in value addition and marketing, and the total sales generated through platforms like Bharat Tribes Fest, highlighting enhanced income generation and sustainable livelihoods.
