General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2019

Jul 2019

Aug 02, 2026

Maldives Favara Linked with India’s UPI for Cross-Border Payments

Maldives’ instant payment system Favara was integrated with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for cross-border transfers, enabling real-time person-to-person payments between residents of India and the Maldives. The linkage initially covers customers of Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank, with transfers possible in Maldivian Rufiyaa or US dollars and settled in Indian rupees. Banks and payment service providers will facilitate these transactions, offering faster remittance options for families, tourism-related payments, and business settlements. Officials anticipate increased financial inclusion and smoother trade as digital payments gain traction in the region. Regulators in both nations support interoperable payment rails to boost regional connectivity.

Cross-border UPI linkage with Favara launched.
Initial beneficiaries: Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank.
Transfers in MVR or USD; settled in INR.
Aims to boost remittances, tourism payments, and trade.
Regulators advocate interoperable regional payment rails.

Cabinet Approves Samudra Manthan Scheme to Boost Offshore Exploration

The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme, with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore. The programme aims to accelerate oil and gas exploration in India’s deepwater and ultra-deepwater offshore basins. It will fund seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, and the development of offshore infrastructure such as platforms, pipelines, and storage facilities. The scheme seeks to strengthen domestic energy security by expanding the mapping of underexplored offshore blocks and improving recovery from existing fields. By supporting new discoveries and faster monetisation, officials say the plan could help reduce dependence on imports and boost energy-related industries. The initiative aligns with national energy policies and long-term strategic goals.

Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme.
Outlay fixed at ₹84,084 crore.
Aims to accelerate deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration.
Funds seismic surveys, drilling, and offshore infrastructure development.
Intends to reduce energy imports and strengthen domestic energy security.

Jul 31, 2026

Maharashtra restricts HFSS foods near schools

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration announced restrictions on high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods near schools. The order prohibits sale, advertisement and free distribution of HFSS items within 50 metres of educational institutions and requires school canteens to hold valid food registrations or licences. The move aims to limit children’s exposure to unhealthy foods and promote healthier eating habits. Officials emphasise the need to balance health goals with local commerce, and say monitoring and enforcement will continue. The policy aligns with national efforts to curb childhood obesity and improve nutrition among students.

HFSS foods banned within 50 metres of schools in Maharashtra.
Sale, advertising, and free distribution restricted.
School canteens must have valid registrations/licences.
Aims to promote healthier eating among students.
Part of broader health/nutrition policy framework.
Ongoing monitoring and enforcement planned.

Panchayati Raj Ministry launches DAANVEER initiative

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the DAANVEER initiative in July 2026. It enables individuals and organisations to donate verified and standardised computer bundles to Gram Panchayats, supporting digital governance at the village level. The programme aims to benefit nearly 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats countrywide and operates through the Meri Panchayat application under the tagline Give Back to Your Village. Officials say donations will enhance access to e-governance services, improve transparency, and encourage citizen participation in local development. Private sector partners and NGOs have shown interest, with potential cascading benefits for rural administration and education.

DAANVEER enables donation of standardised computer bundles.
Scope: about 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats nationwide.
Delivery channel: Meri Panchayat app.
Goal: strengthen village-level digital governance.
Potential private sector and NGO participation.
Impact on transparency and local development.

Ladakh declares 23 heritage sites as protected monuments

Administrative authorities in Ladakh announced in July 2026 that twenty-three heritage sites across the union territory will be protected monuments under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. The sites include Saspol Caves, Tingmosgang Fort, ancient petroglyphs, monasteries, and other historical structures that illustrate Ladakh's Buddhist and medieval history. The move aims to safeguard these locations from encroachment, unapproved construction, and alteration, ensuring preservation for education and tourism. The protection status provides legal backing for conservation and monitoring. Local authorities and communities welcome the decision, which aligns with broader efforts to safeguard India's cultural and archaeological heritage in border regions.

23 heritage sites in Ladakh named protected monuments under AMPA.
Sites include Saspol Caves, Tingmosgang Fort, monasteries, petroglyphs.
Protection aims to prevent encroachment, illegal construction, alterations.
Legal backing enables formal conservation and monitoring.
Part of broader national heritage protection efforts in border areas.
Date referenced: July 2026.

Jul 30, 2026

Gujarat introduces Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy 2026

Gujarat unveiled the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy 2026 to strengthen the state’s maritime manufacturing sector. The policy targets investments exceeding ₹27,000 crore and aims to generate significant employment. It promotes the construction, maintenance, and repair of ships within the state, and seeks to increase shipbuilding capacity to more than five million deadweight tonnes by 2047. The policy forms part of Gujarat’s broader strategy to develop global-scale shipyards, integrate supply chains, and boost domestic capabilities in maritime infrastructure. Officials expect the policy to position Gujarat as a leading hub for shipbuilding and related industries in India.

Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy 2026 launched.
Targeting ₹27,000 crore in investments.
Aims to exceed 5 million DWT capacity by 2047.
Focus on domestic shipbuilding and repair ecosystems.
Part of Gujarat’s maritime industrial growth plan.

Telecom Manufacturing Zone to be set up in Gwalior

India will establish its first dedicated Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. A memorandum of understanding between the Department of Telecommunications and the Madhya Pradesh government marks the project’s first phase. The Central Government has approved ₹493 crore, and the State Government will provide the required land. The zone will adopt a plug‑and‑play model, delivering ready-to-use infrastructure to manufacturing companies. Officials expect this to bolster India's telecom supply chain, attract investment, and create employment, aligning with the national push for domestic manufacturing and a more self-reliant technology ecosystem.

First dedicated Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior.
MoU between DoT and Madhya Pradesh government signed.
Central approvals include ₹493 crore for Phase I.
State to provide land; plug‑and‑play infrastructure.
Aims to boost domestic telecom manufacturing capacity.

India expands DigiLocker to Kenya and Cuba

India is broadening its Digital Public Infrastructure diplomacy by promoting DigiLocker in Kenya and Cuba. In Kenya, India signed an Implementation Framework Agreement to pilot DigiLocker, with co-development by India’s National e-Governance Division and Kenya’s government. The framework aims to provide secure digital storage, real-time verification of official documents, and reduced paperwork for citizens, students, and businesses, strengthening public service delivery. In Cuba, a foundational DigiLocker platform is being developed under capacity-building efforts associated with the ITEC initiative. These steps reflect India’s growing leadership in digital governance and public service delivery on the global stage.

DigiLocker expansion to Kenya and Cuba.
Kenya pilot involves Implementation Framework Agreement.
Cuba link focuses on foundational platform via ITEC.
India’s DPI diplomacy extends governance tech abroad.
Public service efficiency and digital identity tools emphasized.

Gujarat Ship Policy 2026 details and launch date (web update)

A web update confirms that Gujarat launched its Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy 2026 on 27 July 2026. The plan includes two Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks, substantial incentives, and aims to raise capacity to over 50 lakh DWT by 2047, with investments near ₹27,000 crore. This update adds specificity to the policy’s rollout, reinforcing Gujarat’s status as a maritime manufacturing hub and aligning with national goals to expand domestic shipbuilding capabilities and create employment across coastal districts. The policy is expected to accelerate industrial growth and strengthen supply chains in the Indian shipbuilding sector.

Launch date confirmed as 27 July 2026.
Two Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks planned.
Investment target around ₹27,000 crore.
Capacity goal: over 50 lakh DWT by 2047.
Aims to boost domestic shipbuilding and jobs.

Jul 29, 2026

RAAHI: President Murmu launches fare-free electric bus service

President Droupadi Murmu launched the fare-free electric bus service RAAHI (Rashtrapati Bhavan Access and Heritage Interconnector) in July 2026. The service serves staff and residents of the President’s Estate and is operated entirely by women drivers and conductors. RAAHI underscores government emphasis on women empowerment and sustainable urban mobility, utilizing electric buses to reduce emissions. The initiative also acts as a practical demonstration of inclusive governance within Rashtrapati Bhavan and serves as a model for similar campus or government precincts. Officials say the service will improve safety, accessibility and environmental outcomes while showcasing modern public transport concepts.

RAAHI launched in July 2026 for President’s Estate staff and residents.
Fleet operated entirely by women drivers and conductors.
Aims to promote women empowerment and sustainable transport.
Demonstrates inclusive governance within Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Telangana launches electronic Family Register via MeeSeva

Telangana launched a statewide electronic Family Register in July 2026 via the MeeSeva platform, adding the Family Register Certificate as a new citizen service. The project aggregates data from the Food Security Card database maintained by the State Civil Supplies Department, enabling faster verification of family details, eligibility checks, and service delivery. Officials say the register will streamline welfare and entitlement schemes, improve governance, and reduce duplicate records. The initiative follows Telangana's push toward digital governance and citizen-centric services. Data privacy and security are emphasised, with access controlled under state regulations. The measure aims to enhance efficiency, improve targeting of welfare benefits, and bolster transparency in public service delivery.

Electronic Family Register launched on MeeSeva platform in July 2026.
Family Register Certificate introduced as a new citizen service.
Data sourced from the Food Security Card database managed by the Civil Supplies Department.
Aims to streamline welfare delivery and reduce duplicate records.
Emphasises data privacy and controlled access.

Jul 28, 2026

Air India–Ministry of Tourism sign MoU to promote Incredible India

Air India and the Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding in July 2026 to promote India as a tourism destination under the Incredible India brand. The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The partnership aims to leverage Air India's domestic and international network to boost India's tourism visibility worldwide. It will support destination promotion, marketing campaigns, and partnerships with state governments to attract more international travellers. Officials described the MoU as a step in marketing India as a diverse, safe, and accessible travel destination. In the last 48 hours, India announced the reopening of border trade via Nathu La Pass from 1 August 2026, potentially benefiting cross-border travel.

MoU between Air India and the Ministry of Tourism
Aims to promote Incredible India brand globally
Leverages Air India's network for destination promotion
Includes marketing campaigns and state partnerships
Border trade via Nathu La Pass reopens from 1 August 2026

Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme launched with SAMARTH Portal and OSR Rules

The Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme was launched at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh. The programme aims to strengthen financial sustainability and digital governance of Panchayats. Along with the programme, the SAMARTH Panchayat Portal and the Model Own Source of Revenue (OSR) Rules for Panchayati Raj Institutions were introduced. These initiatives seek to improve revenue generation, transparency, and service delivery at the local level. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj also received the Gold Award under the National Awards for e-Governance 2026. The launch signals continued decentralisation and digital governance across rural India, with nationwide rollout planned.

Launch at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
Introduces SAMARTH Panchayat Portal
Model OSR Rules for Panchayati Raj Institutions
Aims to improve revenue, transparency, and service delivery
Gold Award for e-Governance 2026; nationwide rollout planned

Gujarat launches Cyber Financial Fraud e-Zero FIR service

Gujarat government launched the Cyber Financial Fraud e-Zero FIR service in Gandhinagar in July 2026. The system lets victims register complaints from home through the 1930 National Cybercrime Helpline. An e-Zero FIR is automatically generated and transferred to the relevant police station for prompt action. The initiative aims to speed up investigations into cyber financial fraud and improve response times for citizens. The state emphasised digital governance and online grievance redressal, with officials noting alignment with national cybercrime strategies and a plan to reduce case backlogs. The service will be monitored by state police cybercrime cells.

e-Zero FIR service launched in Gandhinagar
Victims register complaints via 1930 Helpline
Automatically generated FIR sent to police
Aims to speed up cybercrime investigations
Part of broader digital governance push

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