National Current Affairs - 2026-10-07

Background: The PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme was initially designed to support students pursuing higher education. Current Context: On October 7, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the scheme to offer collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans to students in top-tier institutions. This initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder academic excellence. Impact: By removing the requirement for collateral, the government expects a significant increase in enrollment rates for professional courses, empowering students from economically weaker sections to access quality higher education without the burden of traditional banking security requirements.

Background: Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has been India's flagship program for sanitation since 2014. Current Context: The Ministry of Jal Shakti officially launched SBM 3.0 on October 7, 2026. This phase shifts focus from basic sanitation to sustainable waste management, circular economy in waste processing, and advanced urban sanitation infrastructure. It emphasizes the integration of technology in waste segregation and treatment. Impact: SBM 3.0 is expected to transform urban landscapes by reducing landfill dependency and promoting waste-to-energy projects, thereby contributing to India's climate goals and improving public health standards across major cities.