Government Schemes & Programs Current Affairs - 2026-05-18

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 expanded the subsidy framework to include low-income housing societies, increasing the financial assistance per household. Impact: This expansion is expected to accelerate India's transition to renewable energy, reduce the burden of electricity bills on the poor, and create thousands of green jobs in the installation and maintenance sector across the country.

Background: Under the Skill India Mission, the government has consistently focused on bridging the digital divide. Current Context: On May 18, 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development launched the 'Nari Shakti Digital Literacy' initiative, specifically targeting rural women to provide training in e-commerce, digital payments, and online government services. Impact: This initiative aims to empower rural women by integrating them into the digital economy, enabling them to run small businesses independently, and ensuring they have access to essential digital tools for financial inclusion and social development.