General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - January 2019

Jan 2019

Jun 12, 2026

Centre, Assam and Nagaland ink MoU to restart oil and gas exploration in the Northeast

In a development reported in mid-June 2026, the Centre, along with the states of Assam and Nagaland, signed a historic MoU to facilitate oil and gas exploration and production along the inter-state border. The agreement, signed in New Delhi on 11 June 2026, aims to unlock hydrocarbon resources in the border region, attract investment, and boost jobs and regional growth. It outlines revenue-sharing and implementation guidelines, signaling strong political will for northeast energy development. Attendees included Union Home Minister Amit Shah and state leaders, underscoring the significance of reviving exploration after decades.

Historic MoU signed among Centre, Assam and Nagaland
Aims to restart oil and gas exploration along the inter-state border
Signed in New Delhi on 11 June 2026
Plans include revenue-sharing and implementation guidelines
Signatories included Union Home Minister and state leaders

Centre, Assam and Nagaland sign MoU to boost oil and gas exploration along border

In June 2026, the Centre, along with the governments of Assam and Nagaland, signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding to facilitate exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas along their inter-state border. The agreement focuses on mineral oil operations in boundary areas and is expected to resolve long-pending issues between the states. Officials say the MoU could attract energy investment, create jobs and support economic development in the Northeast. It is framed as a step toward greater energy security for India and a coordinated approach to resource development in the region. Revenue-sharing and implementation guidelines were noted as part of the framework.

Tripartite MoU signed among Centre, Assam and Nagaland
Aims to resume oil and gas exploration along the border areas
Intended to resolve long-pending inter-state issues
Seeks to boost energy investment and Northeast development
Includes revenue-sharing and implementation guidelines

Jun 11, 2026

Madhya Pradesh Withdraws Two-Child Norm for Government Jobs and Service Eligibility

In June 2026, Madhya Pradesh withdrew the two-child norm as a criterion for government job eligibility and continuing service in state rules. The decision eliminates the two-child restriction from the proposed civil services rules, affecting future recruitment and employment criteria for state employees. Officials stated that the change aims to streamline recruitment and reduce administrative constraints. The move aligns with evolving population policy debates in India and may influence similar policy discussions in other states. Critics and supporters alike will monitor how the removal impacts long-term workforce planning and gender dynamics.

Policy change: Removal of two-child norm for government jobs.
Jurisdiction: Madhya Pradesh, June 2026.
Implication: Affects eligibility and recruitment criteria.
Context: Part of broader population policy debates in India.
Outlook: Potential influence on other states.

Jayant Chaudhary Flags Off 14 Indian Workers to Mauritius Under G2G Labour Mobility Framework

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary flagged off 14 Indian skilled workers to Mauritius under the India–Mauritius G2G Labour Mobility Framework in June 2026. The initiative promotes safe and ethical overseas employment, with structured job pathways and worker protections. The program aims to expand employment opportunities for skilled Indian workers abroad while reinforcing regulatory oversight and standards. Officials emphasized that the framework provides a streamlined process for deployment, pre-departure training, and ongoing support to ensure workers’ safety and rights in destination markets. The move reflects broader efforts to facilitate legal, skilled migration.

Initiative: 14 Indian workers sent to Mauritius under G2G framework.
Policy: India–Mauritius Labour Mobility Framework.
Objective: Safe, ethical overseas employment with protections.
Features: Structured job pathways and pre-departure training.
Context: Part of broader skilled migration programs.

Goa Expands Atal Asra Yojana to Boost ST Housing Support

Goa announced an expansion of the Atal Asra Yojana in June 2026 to provide enhanced housing support to Scheduled Tribe (ST) families. Under the revised scheme, assistance for house construction or reconstruction is raised to Rs. 5 lakhs, and repair assistance increases to Rs. 3 lakhs. The state aims to strengthen housing security and uplift living standards for ST households. Officials highlighted that the updated caps will accelerate housing projects and reduce financial barriers for eligible families. The expansion aligns with broader SE development goals and targeted welfare measures for vulnerable communities in the state.

Scheme: Atal Asra Yojana expansion in Goa.
Beneficiaries: Scheduled Tribe families.
Financial uplift: Construction/reconstruction assistance up to Rs 5 lakhs.
Repair assistance: Up to Rs 3 lakhs.
Policy aim: Improve housing security and living standards.

Ahmedabad Rolls Out QR-Based Street Food Hygiene Rating System

Ahmedabad has launched a QR code-based rating system to assess hygiene and food safety at street food vendors. Implemented by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, the scheme enables residents to scan a code and view compliance ratings posted at vendor outlets. The initiative aims to elevate cleanliness standards, standardize safety practices, and empower citizens to make informed choices when consuming street food. City officials expect the scheme to incentivize hygienic preparation and handling, contributing to public health and overall quality of urban street food experiences.

System: QR code-based hygiene rating for street food vendors.
Implementing body: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.
Aim: Improve cleanliness and ensure safer food for residents.
Public access via QR codes at vendor outlets.
Expected impact: elevated hygiene standards in street food.

Jun 10, 2026

NZP Saathi App launched at Delhi Zoo

At the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh launched the NZP Saathi App to improve visitor experiences. The app offers interactive maps, guided navigation, and customised tour options to help visitors plan their day. Self-ticketing kiosks with UPI payments and free Wi-Fi were introduced to promote seamless digital services at zoos. The initiative aims to modernise animal parks, reduce queuing, and encourage more families to visit. Officials said the app would be rolled out to other zoological parks nationwide in phases. The launch signals the government's push for technology-enabled tourism and better access to conservation education.

NZP Saathi App launched at National Zoological Park, New Delhi.
Features include interactive maps, navigation, and customised tours.
Self-ticketing kiosks with UPI payments and free Wi-Fi introduced.
Goal: modernise zoo services and promote digital tourism.
Plan to roll out to other zoos in phases.

SAPLING Dialogue 2026 held in Ahmedabad

The SAPLING Dialogue 2026 was inaugurated in Ahmedabad by Union Minister Chirag Paswan. Organised under the SAPLING initiative with support from the World Bank Group, the event focused on nutrition, food processing, and sustainable economic growth across South Asia. Policymakers and experts discussed strengthening regional cooperation and employment generation through food-processing industries. The dialogue brought together regional leaders to explore policy options, investment ideas, and partnerships. Participants emphasized improving supply chains, nutrition security, and sustainable practices to boost regional development and reduce poverty through agro-based industries.

Inauguration by Union Minister Chirag Paswan in Ahmedabad.
Event organized under SAPLING with World Bank support.
Focus on nutrition, food processing, and sustainable growth.
Dialogues aimed at stronger regional cooperation and employment.
Discussed policy options and investment in food-processing sectors.

Jun 09, 2026

Telangana Launches 'Stree Ride' for Women Safety and Employment

The Telangana Women's Safety Wing launched 'Stree Ride', a transport initiative featuring an all-women fleet of cabs, auto rickshaws, and electric bikes. The project aims to improve safety for women during travel and create employment opportunities. Female commuters can book rides on platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido. In the first phase, the program includes 50 bike riders, four auto rickshaw drivers, and one cab driver. Recipients received professional driving training and financial assistance for electric-vehicle purchases. Officials say the scheme will operate in urban and peri-urban areas, with oversight to ensure safety standards and fair pricing, and will be evaluated after six months.

All-women fleet includes cabs, autos, and EV bikes.
First phase comprises 50 bikes, four autos, and one cab driver.
Rides bookable via Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
Training provided and financial assistance for EV purchases.
Aims to improve safety and create women’s employment.

Amit Shah Launches Land Port Management System (LPMS)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Land Port Management System (LPMS) in New Delhi. LPMS is a modern digital platform to manage operations at India's land border checkpoints. It integrates cargo and passenger movement systems to improve coordination and transparency. The platform aims to bring land ports to the same technological standards as airports and seaports, strengthening border security while facilitating smoother trade and travel. Officials expect improved customs processing, real-time tracking, and better governance of cross-border flows. The launch aligns with broader goals of digital governance and efficiency in border infrastructure.

LPMS launched in New Delhi as a digital border management platform.
Integrates cargo and passenger movement for better coordination.
Aims to standardize land ports with airport/seaport technologies.
Anticipates improved security, trade, and travel efficiency.

Jun 08, 2026

PM Modi Inaugurates NAMO Airport Terminal at Daman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the modern terminal building at Daman's NAMO Airport in June 2026, inaugurating a key project to strengthen air connectivity in the Union Territory. The terminal upgrade is part of a broader development push that includes improved passenger facilities, infrastructure, and connectivity. Officials described the facility as a catalyst for regional tourism, trade, and economic development, noting improved access to major cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. The project aligns with national plans to expand domestic aviation and integrate hinterland regions into the national transport network, contributing to a faster, more connected Bharat. The ceremony marked another milestone in Modi government's push for regional accessibility.

Inauguration of NAMO Airport terminal in Daman
Part of broader infrastructure and connectivity push
Improves access to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi
Aligns with expansion of domestic aviation
Aims to boost regional tourism and trade
Symbolic milestone in regional accessibility drive

India–Nepal Link UPI with NPI for Cross-Border Remittances

India and Nepal announced the linkage of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Nepal's National Payments Interface (NPI) to facilitate cross-border personal remittances. The announcement was made during Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal's visit to New Delhi. The two sides also discussed strengthening economic cooperation and digital connectivity, including efforts to broaden financial inclusion. In addition, India handed over several post-earthquake reconstruction projects to Nepal, reflecting ongoing development assistance. The UPI–NPI linkage is expected to simplify remittance transfers, reduce costs, and accelerate digital financial inclusion for citizens and businesses on both sides, enabling faster, safer cross-border payments. Officials said the arrangement would support small exporters and migrant workers.

UPI linked with Nepal's NPI for cross-border remittances
Announced during Nepal's FM Shisir Khanal's visit to New Delhi
Aims to enhance financial inclusion and digital connectivity
India handed over post-earthquake reconstruction projects to Nepal
Expected to reduce remittance costs and processing time
Supports small exporters and migrant workers

Centre Signs ISRO-Water Initiative Agreement for Resource Management

Centre signs an agreement with ISRO to roll out new water research initiatives. The collaboration aims to leverage ISRO's satellite data, remote sensing, and geospatial tools to monitor river systems, groundwater, and climate-related water risks across states. The program, announced by the Jal Shakti Ministry in partnership with ISRO, includes capacity-building, data sharing, and open-access dashboards for policymakers, farmers, and urban planners. Officials said the initiative will support water conservation campaigns, efficient irrigation, and urban water security while fostering innovation in space-tech applications for resource management. The program aligns with national objectives to improve water efficiency, drought resilience, and climate adaptation strategies.

ISRO–Jal Shakti collaboration on water research
Uses satellite data and geospatial tools
Focus on river systems, groundwater, climate risks
Includes capacity-building and open dashboards
Aims to boost water conservation and irrigation efficiency
Supports climate adaptation and space-tech innovation

Tamil Nadu Releases Cool Roof SOP on World Environment Day

Tamil Nadu released India's first state-level Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Cool Roof Coating Applications on World Environment Day. The SOP, developed by the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company and the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, was prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It standardises cool-roof implementation across homes, schools, and public buildings, with specifications on materials, application methods, and performance criteria. The framework supports climate resilience and sustainable urban development by reducing indoor temperatures, cutting energy use, and improving thermal comfort. Officials say the SOP could serve as a model for other states seeking heat-mitigation strategies.

First state-level SOP for Cool Roof Coating in India
Launched on World Environment Day by Tamil Nadu
Collaboration with UNEP and TN climate bodies
Standardises materials, methods, and performance
Aims to reduce indoor heat and energy use
Could serve as model for other states

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