Government Schemes & Programs Current Affairs - 2026-05-13

Background: Launched in early 2024, the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide free electricity to households through rooftop solar installations. Current Context: As of May 2026, the government has announced an expansion of the scheme to cover an additional 2 million households, focusing on semi-urban and rural clusters. Impact: This expansion is expected to reduce the financial burden of electricity bills on low-income families while significantly boosting India's renewable energy capacity and contributing to the national net-zero emission targets by 2070.

Background: Under the broader Digital India umbrella, the government has prioritized bridging the gender digital divide. Current Context: On May 12, 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and IT launched the 'Nari Shakti Digital Literacy' initiative. This program targets 5 million rural women to provide training in digital financial services, e-governance, and online safety. Impact: By equipping women with digital skills, the initiative aims to enhance their participation in the formal economy, improve access to government welfare benefits, and foster greater financial independence among rural households across India.