CURRENT AFFAIRS

Recently, 22 States and Union Territories that responded to the Ministry of Education’s call for feedback on the PM-POSHAN scheme have urged the Centre to increase the honorarium for cooks and helpers, highlighting concerns over low remuneration and workforce sustainability in one of India’s largest school nutrition programmes.

A 2024 government-commissioned survey has revealed that although nearly 98% of rural households now have tap connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), only about three-fourths actually receive a regular, safe, and adequate water supply, exposing a gap between coverage and functionality.

The results of the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0) have been declared, with 43 young authors selected through an All-India contest. The scheme aims to mentor talented youth writers and promote original writing on India’s civilisational, cultural, and contemporary themes.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare recently conducted the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) – FPO Sangam, which saw participation from 72 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) representing 15 states.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee has expressed concern over the slow progress of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to install 1 crore rooftop solar systems by FY27.

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme has completed 50 years since its inception as a pilot in Karnataka. Over time, ICDS has evolved into the world’s largest community-based early childhood development programme, delivering nutrition, health, and pre-school services across India.

The Delhi government has launched an ambitious scheme for rabies control and stray dog ​​management. Under the scheme, about 10 lakh stray dogs will be microchipped in the next two years.

Civil society activists have expressed concern that the continuous reduction in funds released for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) is adversely affecting the income and financial security of rural women.

To strengthen the economic condition of women, the Haryana government has launched the Deendayal Lado Laxmi Yojana.

Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the electric “U-Special” bus service for Delhi University (DU) students.