Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR)

Why in News?

• President Droupadi Murmu launched several initiatives under SOAR on 1 January 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Key Points

• Initiative under Skill India Mission (SIM).

• Implemented by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

• Launched #SkillTheNation Challenge.

• AI certificates awarded to students and MPs.

• IGNOU Regional & Skill Centre inaugurated at Rairangpur (Odisha).

• Focus on AI literacy across urban and rural India.

• Partnership with IGNOU for online and offline AI training.

UPSC Facts

• AI readiness

• Digital India

• Skill India Mission

• Inclusive workforce

• Future employment

Prelims Keywords

• SOAR

• Skill India Mission

• MSDE

• IGNOU

• AI Literacy

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