Government Schemes & Programs Current Affairs - 2026-10-10

Background: India has been consistently working to bridge the digital divide through various initiatives. The earlier phases of PM-eSaksharta Abhiyan focused on providing basic digital literacy to rural and underserved populations. Current Context: On October 10, 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and IT announced the launch of Phase III of the PM-eSaksharta Abhiyan. This phase aims to equip an additional 5 crore beneficiaries with advanced digital skills, including AI tools, cybersecurity basics, and online entrepreneurship, by 2028. Impact: This expansion is expected to significantly enhance digital inclusion, improve employability, and foster a digitally empowered society, contributing to India's goal of achieving a trillion-dollar digital economy.

Background: The Indian government has prioritized skilling its vast youth population to meet the evolving demands of the industry and global market. Existing initiatives under the Skill India Mission have laid the groundwork for vocational training. Current Context: On October 9, 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship introduced the 'Yuva Kaushal Setu' scheme. This new initiative will provide specialized training in future-ready sectors such as green technologies, advanced manufacturing, and data analytics to 1.5 million youth over the next three years, in collaboration with industry partners. Impact: The scheme is anticipated to create a highly skilled and adaptable workforce, reduce unemployment in high-growth sectors, and strengthen India's position in global innovation and sustainable development.