Context: On January 1, 2026, the Droupadi Murmu launched a series of initiatives under Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR)—a key pillar of the Skill India Mission—at an event organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. Key Launches & Announcements 1. #SkillTheNation Challenge 2. IGNOU Centre at Rairangpur, Odisha 3. Conferment of AI Certificates About Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Learning Model & Partnerships Aims & Significance
Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)
Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has approved 22 additional projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), involving a fresh investment of ₹41,863 crore. This marks a major push to deepen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem beyond final assembly. About the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) What it is Nodal Ministry Launch & Outlay Tenure
Cetacean Morbillivirus Detected in Arctic Waters
Source: IE Context: Scientists have, for the first time, detected cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) in Arctic waters, using drones to collect whale breath (blow) samples. This marks a major advance in non-invasive wildlife disease surveillance and signals changing disease dynamics in polar ecosystems. About Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV) What it is Where it is found Origin
Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)
Context: Following the 50th review meeting of PRAGATI, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted that land acquisition has emerged as the single largest cause of infrastructure project delays, accounting for around 35% of stalled or delayed projects. This underscores persistent Centre–State and inter-departmental coordination challenges in India’s infrastructure push. About Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) What it is Launched Objectives
PM Pays Tribute to Savitribai Phule
Source: News on Air Context: On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, the Prime Minister paid homage to her enduring legacy, recalling her lifelong commitment to education, equality, and social transformation—values that continue to shape India’s social justice discourse. About Savitribai Phule (1831–1897) Who She Was Early Life Key Contributions
ASUSE (Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises)
Context: In a significant step towards statistical transparency and data literacy, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released its first-ever reader-friendly guide to help users better understand official surveys conducted in India. About Know Your Survey: A User Guide to ASUSE Objectives
Indian Army Procures Suryastra Long-Range Rocket Launcher
Source: TH Context: Under emergency procurement (EP) powers, the Indian Army has signed a ₹293 crore contract with NIBE Limited, in collaboration with Israel, for the supply of an advanced long-range rocket launcher system, significantly boosting India’s deep-strike artillery capabilities. About the Weapon System – Suryastra
Asteroid Bennu and the Origins of Life
Context: New scientific studies of samples brought back from asteroid Bennu suggest that many of the fundamental chemical ingredients required for life on Earth may have originated in space, lending strong support to theories of extraterrestrial contributions to life’s emergence. Key Discovery About the Mission
U.S. forces capture Maduro after strikes on Venezuela
Source: TOI Context: US President Donald Trump confirmed US carried out large scale military strikes against Venzeula and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Venezuela Basics Neighbouring Countries of Venezuela Leadership & Politics Economy
Government Rolls Out â‚ą7,300 crore Schemes to Ease MSME Financing
Source: BS Context: To improve access to affordable credit for export-oriented MSMEs, the government has rolled out new credit-linked support schemes, aimed at strengthening liquidity, boosting exports, and enhancing bank lending. Key Announcement Scheme 1: Collateral Support for Export Credit Scheme 2: Credit Support under Export Promotion Framework
