Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 17 March 2025 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Prime Minister Internship Scheme: The government has extended the registration deadline for the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS), allowing more students and young professionals to apply for this prestigious programme. If you have not yet applied, now is your opportunity to register, create your profile, and explore internship opportunities across various sectors.
What is the last date to apply for PMIS?
The registration deadline for PMIS has been extended to March 31, 2025. To secure an internship opportunity, you must complete your application before this date. Previously, the deadline for registration was March 12, 2025.
What is the PM Internship Scheme?
The PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) is a government initiative announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024-25. It aims to provide young individuals with practical exposure to professional work environments. Under this scheme, selected interns will be placed in India's top 500 companies, gaining hands-on experience that enhances their career prospects.
How to register for the PM Internship Scheme?
Steps to register for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme:
Step 1: Visit PMIS portal- URL: www.pminternship.mc.gov.in
Step 2: Choose your preferred language from the top-right corner
Step 3: Click on 'Youth Registration' at the top-right corner
Step 4: Enter your 10-digit mobile number (preferably linked to Aadhaar)
Note: Each mobile number can be used for a single registration only
Step 5: Click 'Submit' to proceed.
Step 6: Enter the one-time password (OTP) received on your mobile number and click 'Submit' to continue
Step 7: Set up a password
Note: If you enter an incorrect password three times, your account will be locked for 15 minutes
Step 8: Click 'Submit' to proceed.
Step 9: Access the Candidate Dashboard and click on the 'My Current Status' tab to complete your profile.
Note: Create profile entering details about your academic background, skills, and areas of interest. The profiles will be used to align candidates with suitable internship opportunities. You cannot apply for internships until you complete your profile.
Step 10: Complete eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer). To complete registration, you must complete eKYC using Aadhaar or DigiLocker. 
Here we are showing the eKYC process through Aadhaar:

• Enter your Aadhaar number
• Select the checkbox to provide consent for Aadhaar verification
• Read the terms and conditions before proceeding
• Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
• Click 'Verify OTP' and then 'Verify & Proceed'
• Your Aadhaar eKYC is now complete.

Financial assistance
For the full 12-month internship, each trainee would get a stipend of Rs 5,000 each month. The employer hiring the intern will first make a monthly payment of Rs 500, depending on attendance, performance, and good behaviour. After the firm made the payment, the Government of India will immediately transfer the remaining Rs 4,500 to the intern's Aadhaar-linked bank account. The government would also give interns a one-time award of Rs 6,000 upon enrollment.
Who is eligible to apply for the PM Internship Scheme?
To apply for the PM Internship Scheme, you must meet the following criteria:
You must be an Indian citizen
You must be aged between 21 and 24 years (as of the last date for submission of the application)
You must not be employed full-time or engaged in full-time education (candidates enrolled in online or distance learning programs are eligible).
You must have completed your Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or its equivalent, Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or its equivalent, or hold a certificate from an industrial training institute (ITI), a diploma from a polytechnic institute, or a graduation degree such as BA, BSc, BCom, BCA, BBA, BPharma, etc.
​[Excerpt from TOI "2nd Phase of PM Internship Scheme" Dated 17/03/25]

Q1: What is the purpose of the newly launched app for the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS)?
(a) To provide study materials for government exams
(b) To simplify the registration process and boost participation
(c) To offer financial loans to students
(d) To track the performance of interns

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
Sol: The app is designed to make the registration process easier and increase participation, especially for those with limited computer access.

Q2: How many people does the PM Internship Scheme aim to provide internships for over five years?
(a) 1 million
(b) 5 million
(c) 10 million
(d) 20 million

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: The scheme aims to offer internships to 10 million people over five years.

Q3: What is the monthly stipend offered under the PM Internship Scheme?
(a) ₹3,000
(b) ₹5,000
(c) ₹7,000
(d) ₹10,000

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
Sol: Interns receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000.

Q4: Apart from the monthly stipend, what additional financial support do interns receive?
(a) ₹2,000 for books
(b) ₹4,000 for transport
(c) ₹6,000 as a one-time grant for incidental expenses
(d) ₹8,000 for accommodation

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: Interns receive a one-time grant of ₹6,000 for incidental expenses.

Q5: Where has a facilitation centre for PMIS been established?
(a) New Delhi
(b) Mumbai
(c) Kolkata
(d) Bengaluru

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: A facilitation centre has been set up in Kolkata through a partnership between MCA and CII.