Government Schemes & Programs Current Affairs - 2026-08-14

Background: India faces a significant demographic dividend requiring specialized vocational training. Current Context: On August 14, 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development launched the 'Viksit Bharat Skill Mission' to align training with Industry 4.0 standards. The scheme focuses on AI-driven skill mapping and apprenticeship-linked training for 5 million youth. Impact: This initiative aims to bridge the skill gap in emerging sectors like green energy and semiconductor manufacturing, significantly boosting employability and contributing to the national goal of a developed economy by 2047.

Background: The PMAY-U has been instrumental in providing 'Housing for All' since 2015. Current Context: As of August 14, 2026, the government has officially rolled out 'PMAY-Urban 3.0'. This phase introduces enhanced interest subvention rates and a new 'Rental Housing' component for migrant workers in metropolitan cities. The budget allocation has been increased by 15% to accommodate rising construction costs. Impact: This expansion will accelerate the completion of pending urban housing projects and provide affordable, dignified living spaces to millions of low-income families and urban migrants across India.