WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

1. Revamped Khelo India Scheme Announced – August 2026

The Government of India announced a revamped version of the Khelo India Scheme to strengthen sports development across the country.

The updated scheme focuses on improving sports infrastructure, supporting athletes, strengthening grassroots talent identification and providing better training facilities.

The initiative aims to create a stronger sports ecosystem by encouraging participation from young athletes and improving India’s performance in international competitions.

The revamped scheme also focuses on expanding support for academies, coaches and emerging sporting talent.

Important Facts: Khelo India was launched in 2018 to promote sports culture and identify sporting talent in India.

2. Government Considered PLI Scheme 2.0 for Manufacturing Growth – August 2026

The Government of India continued discussions on the second phase of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to improve manufacturing competitiveness.

PLI 2.0 aims to provide stronger support to high-performing sectors while improving the effectiveness of government incentives.

The scheme focuses on boosting domestic manufacturing, attracting investment, increasing exports and creating employment opportunities.

The next phase is expected to focus on sectors showing strong growth potential and technological importance.

Important Facts: The PLI Scheme was introduced to encourage domestic manufacturing and make Indian industries globally competitive.

3. Government Expanded Support for Private Space Sector Through New Schemes – August 2026

The Department of Space introduced initiatives to increase private sector participation in India's space industry.

Under the new support framework, private space companies and non-government entities can receive subsidies for activities including launch services, technology transfer, satellite data access and use of ISRO facilities.

The initiative aims to encourage innovation, strengthen India's space economy and increase private participation in space missions.

Important Facts: ISRO plays a key role in India's space programme and the Department of Space manages India's space activities.

4. PM-KISAN Scheme Continued to Support Farmers – August 2026

The Government continued implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme to provide financial assistance to eligible farmers.

The scheme provides direct income support to farmers through direct benefit transfer.

The continuation of the scheme remained important for supporting agricultural households and improving farmer income security.

Important Facts: PM-KISAN was launched in 2019 to provide income support to eligible farmer families.

5. Government Continued Focus on Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing Schemes – August 2026

Government initiatives supporting semiconductor and electronics manufacturing continued receiving attention during the first week of August 2026.

The programmes aim to develop India's semiconductor ecosystem, encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported electronic components.

The initiatives support sectors such as electronics, automobiles, artificial intelligence, telecommunications and defence technology.

Important Facts: Semiconductor manufacturing is a strategic sector because chips are essential components in modern technology.

6. BHAVYA Scheme Continued Promoting Industrial Infrastructure Development – August 2026

The BHAVYA Scheme continued supporting the development of industrial parks with modern infrastructure facilities.

The scheme aims to create plug-and-play industrial infrastructure to attract investment and promote manufacturing activities.

It supports industries by providing ready facilities, better connectivity and improved business environments.

Important Facts: Industrial infrastructure development helps increase investment, production capacity and employment opportunities.

7. Digital India Programme Continued Expansion of Digital Services – August 2026

The Digital India initiative continued supporting digital transformation through improved internet connectivity, digital services and technology-based governance.

Government departments continued expanding digital platforms to improve service delivery, transparency and citizen access.

The programme remains one of India's major digital transformation initiatives.

Important Facts: Digital India was launched in 2015 to create a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

8. PM-KISAN Scheme Extended for Five Years – August 2026

The Union Government approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme for another five years from the financial year 2026–27 to 2030–31.

The government allocated around ₹3.15 lakh crore for continuing income support to eligible farmer families. Under the scheme, farmers continue receiving direct financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The extension aims to support farmers’ income stability, improve agricultural investment capacity and reduce dependence on informal credit sources.

Important Facts: PM-KISAN was launched in 2019. Eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 annually in three equal instalments through DBT.

9. PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Continued Promoting Rooftop Solar Energy – August 2026

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana continued supporting households in adopting rooftop solar systems.

The scheme aims to provide clean energy access, reduce electricity costs for households and promote renewable energy generation.

The programme contributes to India's renewable energy expansion by encouraging citizens to generate solar power at the household level.

Important Facts: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana promotes rooftop solar adoption and clean energy transition.

10. PM KUSUM Scheme Supported Solar Energy in Agriculture – August 2026

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) continued supporting farmers through solar energy solutions.

The scheme promotes installation of solar pumps, solar power plants and renewable energy systems for agricultural activities.

It helps farmers reduce electricity costs and provides opportunities for additional income through renewable energy generation.

Important Facts: PM-KUSUM focuses on solar energy adoption in the agricultural sector.

11. Ayushman Bharat Scheme Continued Expanding Healthcare Access – August 2026

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) continued providing healthcare support to eligible families.

The scheme aims to provide financial protection against medical expenses and improve access to quality healthcare services.

The government continued focusing on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, digital health services and beneficiary coverage.

Important Facts: Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is one of the world's largest government-funded health insurance schemes.

12. PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme Supported Higher Education Financing – August 2026

The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme continued supporting students seeking financial assistance for higher education.

The scheme provides education loan support and aims to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent deserving students from pursuing higher studies.

The initiative supports access to quality education and strengthens India's human capital development.

Important Facts: PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is associated with the Ministry of Education and focuses on education financing support.

13. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana Continued Skill Development Activities – August 2026

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) continued supporting skill training and employment-oriented learning programmes.

The scheme focuses on providing industry-relevant skills, certification and training opportunities for young people.

It supports workforce development in sectors including technology, healthcare, manufacturing and services.

Important Facts: PMKVY was launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

14. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Supported Traditional Artisans – August 2026

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme continued supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople.

The scheme provides skill training, financial assistance, modern tools, credit support and market opportunities to artisans engaged in traditional occupations.

The initiative aims to preserve traditional skills while improving income opportunities for artisans.

Important Facts: PM Vishwakarma focuses on supporting traditional craftspeople and artisans.

15. Jal Jeevan Mission Continued Rural Drinking Water Expansion – August 2026

The Jal Jeevan Mission continued working towards providing safe drinking water through household tap connections in rural areas.

The programme focuses on improving water accessibility, reducing water-related health problems and strengthening village-level water management.

Community participation remains an important part of the mission.

Important Facts: Jal Jeevan Mission was launched in 2019 to provide functional household tap connections in rural India.

16. PM Awas Yojana Continued Housing Support – August 2026

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) continued supporting the goal of providing affordable housing to eligible beneficiaries.

The scheme focuses on improving housing conditions for economically weaker sections through financial assistance and housing development programmes.

The initiative supports the objective of “Housing for All”.

Important Facts: PMAY includes both rural and urban housing support programmes.

17. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Continued Supporting Traditional Artisans – August 2026

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme continued supporting artisans and craftspeople involved in traditional occupations.

The scheme provides skill training, modern tools, financial assistance, concessional credit support and market linkages to improve the income and productivity of artisans.

The initiative aims to preserve traditional skills while integrating artisans into modern economic opportunities.

Important Facts: PM Vishwakarma was launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME).

18. Mission LiFE Promoted Sustainable Lifestyle Practices – August 2026

The Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative continued promoting environmentally responsible behaviour among citizens.

The programme encourages sustainable practices such as reducing waste, saving energy, conserving water and adopting eco-friendly lifestyles.

The initiative aims to create a mass movement for environmental protection.

Important Facts: Mission LiFE was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 to promote sustainable lifestyles.

19. National Education Policy Implementation Programmes Continued – August 2026

Government initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 continued focusing on improving education quality, skill development and technology-based learning.

Programmes under NEP aimed to promote multidisciplinary education, vocational skills, digital learning and research opportunities.

The policy focuses on creating a flexible and future-ready education system.

Important Facts: NEP 2020 replaced the previous National Education Policy of 1986.

20. Samagra Shiksha Scheme Continued Strengthening School Education – August 2026

The Samagra Shiksha Scheme continued supporting school education from pre-school to Class 12.

The scheme focuses on improving school infrastructure, teacher training, digital learning facilities, inclusive education and learning outcomes.

It aims to provide equitable and quality education for all students.

Important Facts: Samagra Shiksha is implemented by the Ministry of Education and covers school education from pre-primary to senior secondary levels.

21. PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Expanded Affordable Healthcare Access – August 2026

The Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) continued promoting affordable generic medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

The scheme aims to provide quality medicines at lower prices and improve healthcare accessibility for citizens.

It supports the government's objective of reducing healthcare expenses.

Important Facts: PMBJP is implemented by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

22. National Mission for Clean Ganga Continued River Conservation Efforts – August 2026

The Namami Gange Programme continued supporting activities related to river cleaning, wastewater treatment, biodiversity conservation and public participation.

The mission focuses on restoring the ecological health of the River Ganga and improving water quality.

Important Facts: Namami Gange was launched in 2014 as an integrated conservation mission for the River Ganga.

23. Startup India Continued Supporting Entrepreneurship – August 2026

The Startup India initiative continued supporting entrepreneurs through funding assistance, incubation support, innovation programmes and easier business regulations.

The scheme encourages startups working in technology, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors.

India’s startup ecosystem continued contributing to innovation and employment generation.

Important Facts: Startup India was launched on 16 January 2016.

24. Atal Innovation Mission Continued Promoting Innovation – August 2026

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) continued encouraging innovation among students, entrepreneurs and researchers.

The mission supports Atal Tinkering Labs, innovation centres and startup development programmes.

It aims to build a culture of creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurship.

Important Facts: Atal Innovation Mission is implemented by NITI Aayog.

25. Digital India Mission Continued Expansion of E-Governance Services – August 2026

The Digital India Programme continued expanding digital governance services, online platforms and technology-based citizen services.

The initiative supports digital payments, online government services, connectivity and digital empowerment.

The programme remains a major pillar of India's digital transformation strategy.

Important Facts: Digital India was launched in 2015 with the vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society.

26. Private Space Sector Support Scheme Introduced – August 2026

The Department of Space introduced support schemes to encourage private companies and non-government entities in India's space sector.

The schemes provide financial support and subsidies for activities including launch services, technology transfer, satellite data access and utilisation of ISRO facilities.

The initiative aims to strengthen India's space economy and encourage private innovation.

Important Facts: ISRO is India's national space agency and functions under the Department of Space.

 

QUICK REVISION – GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

PM-KISAN → Extended for five years till 2030–31 with continued income support for farmers.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana → Promotes rooftop solar energy adoption among households.

PM-KUSUM → Supports solar energy solutions for farmers.

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY → Provides healthcare financial protection to eligible families.

PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme → Supports higher education financing.

PMKVY → Provides skill development and employment-oriented training.

PM Vishwakarma → Supports traditional artisans and craftspeople.

Jal Jeevan Mission → Provides rural household tap water connections.

PM Awas Yojana → Promotes affordable housing for eligible beneficiaries.

PLI Scheme → Promotes domestic manufacturing and investment.

Digital India → Promotes digital governance and technology-based services.

Startup India → Supports entrepreneurship and innovation.

Atal Innovation Mission → Promotes innovation and startup culture.

PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana → Provides affordable generic medicines.

Private Space Support Schemes → Encourage private sector participation in India's space economy.