General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - February 2019

Feb 2019

Jul 16, 2026

Bihar launches Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Scheme 2026

Patna hosts the Mukhyamantri Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026, launched by the Bihar government. The scheme is a joint effort of the Tourism Department and the Civil Aviation Department to provide subsidised helicopter and air tourism services to selected destinations across Bihar. Officials say the plan will improve connectivity between major religious and tourist sites and promote local economic activity. The programme targets popular circuits in the state and aligns with state plans to develop air mobility infrastructure. Services will be facilitated through public-private partnerships and a subsidy mechanism designed to make trips affordable for visitors and pilgrims.

Scheme announced in Patna by the Bihar government.
Subsidised helicopter and air tourism across Bihar.
Joint implementation by Tourism and Civil Aviation Depts.
Aims to improve connectivity to religious and tourist sites.
PPP model and subsidies to make trips affordable.

GI tags awarded to Unjha cumin and fennel from Gujarat

Geographical Indication registrations were granted in July 2026 for Unjha cumin and Unjha fennel from Gujarat by the Geographical Indications Registry. The GI tag provides legal protection and helps position these products in national and international markets. The Unjha region's climate and farming practices have shaped the distinctive aromas and quality of the cumin and fennel. The recognition is expected to boost branding, export prospects, and livelihoods for local farmers by ensuring product authenticity and preventing mislabeling. Industry analysts say it could support quality control, price premiums, and regional marketing campaigns. The move aligns with government efforts to safeguard traditional products and boost rural incomes.

GI registrations granted in July 2026 for Unjha cumin and fennel.
GI tag provides legal protection and branding advantages.
Unjha climate and farming practices shape quality.
Aims to boost livelihoods and prevent mislabeling.
Potential for quality control, price premiums, and regional marketing.

Seafarer-First initiative launched to protect Indian seafarers amid West Asia security concerns

Seafarer-First is a new initiative launched by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, to protect Indian seafarers working in conflict-affected regions. The programme aims to strengthen safety, coordination, and support mechanisms for Indian maritime personnel during overseas operations. Officials say the scheme will improve emergency response, repatriation, legal assistance, and welfare services for sailors at sea and ashore. It comes as maritime security concerns rise in West Asia after attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The approach involves closer coordination with coast guards, shipping companies, and Indian missions, enabling timely information and assistance during crises.

Seafarer-First initiative launched by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Aims to strengthen safety, coordination and support for Indian maritime personnel overseas.
Focus on emergency response, repatriation, legal aid and welfare services.
Motive is rising West Asia security concerns after Strait of Hormuz incidents.
Emphasises closer coordination with coast guards, shipping firms and Indian missions for timely assistance.

Jul 15, 2026

India–UK Free Trade Agreement Takes Effect

India and the United Kingdom have activated the India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement with effect from 15 July 2026. The pact aims to broaden market access, lower tariffs, and strengthen investment ties across a wide range of goods and services. Officials expect the agreement to boost bilateral trade, support job creation, and diversify supply chains. It covers sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and information technology, with progressive tariff reduction and simplified customs rules. The deal also emphasizes better regulatory cooperation, greater cooperation on services trade, and protection of intellectual property. Both governments intend to reach higher volumes of commerce, with a goal of US$100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

Implementation date: 15 July 2026
Bilateral trade target: US$100 billion by 2030
Covers goods and services with tariff reductions
Sectors highlighted: electronics, pharma, textiles, IT
Emphasis on regulatory cooperation and IP protection

Jul 14, 2026

NABARD launches Gramodyam for rural youth entrepreneurship

July 2026 — NABARD launched Gramodyam, an entrepreneurship development programme for rural youth, on its 45th Foundation Day. The initiative aims to help young people in rural areas start sustainable enterprises, build business skills, and create livelihood opportunities. Training and mentorship will guide new entrepreneurs in farming, crafts, and services. The program seeks to strengthen rural entrepreneurship, promote inclusive growth, and support micro, small, and medium enterprises in rural districts. It complements NABARD’s existing schemes for credit, marketing, and capacity building, with a focus on long-term livelihood and community resilience.

Gramodyam launched on NABARD’s 45th Foundation Day
Targets rural youth entrepreneurship
Includes training and mentorship
Focus on sustainable enterprises and livelihoods
Supports rural MSMEs and capacity building
Aligns with NABARD credit and marketing schemes

Jul 13, 2026

CAT-II ILS trials completed at Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal

Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal has completed official trials of its CAT-II Instrument Landing System in July 2026. The upgraded system allows aircraft to land safely with reduced visibility, down to around 350 metres. This improvement is expected to reduce flight delays and diversions caused by fog, heavy rain and other adverse weather conditions. Officials say the new system will enhance airport efficiency and reliability during poor weather. The trials form part of broader aviation infrastructure upgrades to support smoother operations in difficult flying conditions.

CAT-II Instrument Landing System trials completed at Raja Bhoj Airport
Visibility requirements reduced to approximately 350 metres
Expected to cut flight delays and diversions due to weather
Aims to improve airport efficiency and reliability
Part of broader aviation infrastructure upgrades
Operational impact expected during fog and heavy rain

MEA withdraws Yemen travel regulation; advisory remains

In July 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs withdrew its 2017 Gazette notification that imposed special conditions on travel to Yemen. The withdrawal ends the mandatory travel restrictions previously introduced due to security concerns. Despite the withdrawal, Indian citizens are advised to avoid non essential travel to Yemen. Those planning to visit are encouraged to register with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and to seek consular guidance as needed. Officials noted that security conditions in Yemen remain fluid and subject to change. The MEA will continue to monitor the situation and assist Indians facing difficulty abroad.

MEA withdrew the 2017 Yemen travel notification in July 2026
Mandatory restrictions associated with the tool of travel to Yemen were removed
Travel advisory advises avoiding non essential travel to Yemen
Citizens should register with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh when visiting Yemen
Security conditions in Yemen remain fluid and subject to change
MEA will continue to monitor and assist Indian nationals abroad

Jul 12, 2026

BRICS Women Ministers Meeting to be hosted in Kochi on 8–9 July 2026

The Government of India will host the BRICS Women Ministers Meeting in Kochi, Kerala, on 8–9 July 2026. The two‑day event will bring together women ministers from BRICS member countries to discuss policy coordination on gender equality, women's entrepreneurship, education, health, and social welfare. Delegates will review best practices, exchange experiences, and explore joint initiatives to advance women’s empowerment across the BRICS framework. The meeting aims to showcase India’s leadership in inclusive development and augment future collaborations among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Officials emphasise that discussions will feed into broader BRICS agendas, including economic resilience, digital inclusion, and sustainable growth.

BRICS Women Ministers Meeting in Kochi on 8–9 July 2026
Participants from BRICS countries discuss gender policy
Focus on empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, health
Event aims to strengthen BRICS collaborations
Highlights India's leadership in inclusive development

Samriddh Gram wins WSIS Prizes 2026 at WSIS Forum in Geneva

The Department of Telecommunications’ flagship initiative, 'Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model Enabled by BharatNet', won the WSIS Prizes 2026 under Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment, announced at the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva. The project integrates digital public infrastructure and BharatNet connectivity to deliver integrated rural services, including governance, healthcare, and education, through a phygital approach that combines physical presence and digital delivery. The win highlights India's progress in leveraging technology for inclusive development and digital inclusion. DoT officials said the prize will motivate further scale-up and replication in other districts to empower rural communities.

Samriddh Gram won WSIS Prizes 2026 under Action Line C6
Award announced at WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva
Project uses digital infrastructure with BharatNet
Provides phygital delivery of rural services
Represents progress in India's digital inclusion efforts

LoA system for sustainable high seas fishing launched in Bhubaneswar

The National Programme for issuing Letters of Authorisation (LoA) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar on 9 July 2026. It enables Indian-flagged vessels to legally undertake sustainable fishing beyond India’s Exclusive Economic Zone under formal LoA credentials. The move is designed to strengthen India’s Blue Economy and expand capable deep‑sea operations while enforcing compliance norms. It aims to improve livelihoods of coastal fishers, widen access to high‑value resources, and reinforce maritime governance in line with national policy on sustainable fisheries. The LoA scheme complements existing guidelines for high‑seas fishing and government‑level maritime development plans.

LoA enables high seas fishing by Indian-flagged vessels beyond the EEZ
Launched in Bhubaneswar on 9 July 2026
Part of National Programme for sustainable harvesting of fisheries
Aims to boost India’s Blue Economy and deep-sea fishing
Seeks to improve livelihoods and governance

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