Government Schemes & Programs Current Affairs - 2026-04-28

Background: Launched in 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) aims to provide energy security to farmers and de-dieselize the farm sector. Current Context: On April 28, 2026, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that Component-B of the scheme has successfully installed 5 million standalone solar pumps, exceeding the revised 2026 targets. Impact: This milestone significantly reduces carbon emissions by approximately 10 million tonnes annually and saves substantial foreign exchange on diesel imports. It ensures reliable daytime power for irrigation, enhancing agricultural productivity and doubling farmers' income through surplus power sales.

Background: Mission Shakti is an integrated women empowerment program launched as an umbrella scheme for the safety, security, and empowerment of women during the 15th Finance Commission period. Current Context: As of April 26, 2026, the Ministry of Women and Child Development reported a 40% increase in the utilization of 'Sambal' sub-scheme funds, specifically for One Stop Centres (OSC) and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiatives. Impact: The expansion has strengthened institutional support for women in distress across rural areas. Digital integration of 'Sakhi' helplines has reduced emergency response times to under 15 minutes, while improved monitoring has led to a better sex ratio at birth in the newly targeted districts.