General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - August 2019

Aug 2019

Jul 09, 2026

Guru Dakshina Cashless Medical Scheme launched for UP teachers

The Uttar Pradesh government launched the Guru Dakshina Cashless Medical Scheme for teachers, Shiksha Mitras, instructors and eligible family members. Also known as the Chief Minister Teacher Cashless Medical Scheme, the initiative provides cashless medical treatment to beneficiaries, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving access to healthcare. The scheme reflects state-level policy focus on education sector welfare and supporting staff who contribute to classrooms and training programs. Officials described the program as part of broader educator welfare measures and health coverage expansion in the state.

Launch: Uttar Pradesh government
Scheme name: Guru Dakshina Cashless Medical Scheme (Chief Minister Teacher Cashless Medical Scheme)
Beneficiaries: teachers, Shiksha Mitras, instructors, eligible family members
Purpose: cashless medical treatment
Policy area: education sector welfare and health coverage
Impact: aims to reduce out-of-pocket health spending

Navi Mumbai Airport notified as authorised port for drug imports

On 8 July 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified Navi Mumbai Airport as an authorised port for the import of drugs, amending Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945. With this addition, the total number of notified ports of entry for drug imports in India rises to 42. The change aims to streamline import procedures and enhance timely access to medicines for public health. Shipments will continue to be subject to standard checks under the Drugs Rules framework. The measure aligns with ongoing regulatory reforms to improve supply chains and ensure medicines reach hospitals and patients efficiently.

Date of notification: 8 July 2026
Port added: Navi Mumbai Airport
Legal change: Amendment to Rule 43A, Drugs Rules, 1945
Total ports of entry for drug imports: 42
Purpose: streamline imports and improve medicine access
Oversight: regulatory compliance under MoHFW

TribeX digital learning platform launched to promote tribal languages and knowledge

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram launched the TribeX digital learning platform during a national workshop in Bhubaneswar. The platform aims to promote tribal languages, art forms, crafts and traditional knowledge. It offers digital learning resources, free certificate courses and other structured learning opportunities for tribal communities. TribeX is part of a broader effort to preserve indigenous heritage while expanding access to education through digital means. The launch underscores government focus on inclusive education, cultural preservation and upskilling in tribal regions, with potential partnerships with educational institutions and cultural organisations.

Launch: TribeX digital learning platform
Minister: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram
Location: Bhubaneswar
Aims: promote tribal languages, arts, crafts, knowledge
Offerings: digital resources, certificate courses
Policy goal: inclusive education and cultural preservation

Jul 08, 2026

Tanakpur–Hazur Sahib Nanded train service inaugurated to improve rail connectivity

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually inaugurated a new train service between Tanakpur in Uttarakhand and Hazur Sahib, Nanded in Maharashtra. The Tanakpur–Hazur Sahib Nanded Express aims to improve rail connectivity between the two important pilgrimage and tourism corridors, benefitting both pilgrims and general passengers. Officials highlighted enhanced facility standards, increased frequency, and better cross-state integration to support regional travel. The service aligns with the government’s rail infrastructure push and rural-urban linkages, potentially boosting local economies along the route. A timetable and fare structure for the new route are expected to be announced soon.

Virtual inauguration by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
New Tanakpur–Hazur Sahib Nanded Express connects Uttarakhand and Maharashtra.
Aims to improve connectivity for pilgrims and general travelers.
Emphasizes better facilities, higher frequency, and cross-state integration.
Part of ongoing rail infrastructure expansion; timetable and fares forthcoming.

National workshop launches to strengthen Tribal Research Institutes in Bhubaneswar

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram inaugurated a national workshop focused on strengthening Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) in Bhubaneswar. The event aims to develop these institutes into robust centers of knowledge, evidence-based policymaking, and capacity-building for tribal welfare. Participants discussed strategies to expand research infrastructure, diversify curricula, and improve data collection and dissemination on tribal communities. Officials emphasized the need for inter-ministerial collaboration, enhanced funding, and stronger linkages between TRIs and state-level agencies to translate research into policy actions. The workshop aligns with national commitments to safeguard indigenous rights, preserve cultural heritage, and promote inclusive development.

Inauguration by Union Minister Jual Oram at Bhubaneswar workshop on TRIs.
Goal to develop TRIs into knowledge hubs for policy and welfare.
Focus on infrastructure, curricula diversification, and data improvements.
Calls for inter-ministerial collaboration and increased funding.
Supports indigenous rights and inclusive development.

Jul 07, 2026

West Bengal approves Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana for tea workers

The West Bengal government approved the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSY) with an allocation of ₹313.3 crore to improve the living conditions of tea garden workers in North Bengal. The scheme targets education, healthcare, welfare facilities, and the construction of 321 resting sheds for laborers. Officials said the program aligns with central schemes to support vulnerable informal workers, particularly in the tea sector. State departments will coordinate with tea garden unions and civic bodies to monitor progress and ensure transparent disbursement of funds. The move is part of a broader push to uplift labour communities in rural West Bengal.

Allocation of ₹313.3 crore for PMCSY in West Bengal
Focus on education, healthcare, welfare facilities
Construction of 321 resting sheds for tea workers
Aims to improve living conditions in North Bengal tea gardens
Coordination with plantation associations for monitoring

Jul 06, 2026

GI Tags awarded to three West Bengal products from Hooghly district

The Government of India granted Geographical Indication tags to three traditional West Bengal products from Hooghly district: Chandannagar’s Jalbhara Sandesh, Janai’s Manohara, and Balagarh’s Traditional Wooden Dingi Boats. The GI recognition protects regional identity, supports local artisans, and improves market value by safeguarding authenticity. The awards recognize Bengal’s cultural heritage and could boost export prospects by assuring consumers of product origin and quality. Supportive policies and branding under GI protection are intended to sustain livelihoods in rural ecosystems and encourage traditional crafts and regional food specialties.

Products: Jalbhara Sandesh, Manohara, Balagarh Dingi boats
Region: Hooghly district, West Bengal
Significance: GI tag protects regional identity and market value
Impact: supports artisans and potential exports
Policy: GI protection as rural development driver

Jul 05, 2026

Mizoram signs MoU with Toyota Kirloskar Motor to assist visually impaired students

On 2 July 2026, the Mizoram government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Toyota Kirloskar Motor to improve educational opportunities for visually impaired persons in the state. The signing took place at the SAD Conference Hall, MINECO, in the presence of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Lalrinpuii. Lalzarmawii, Commissioner and Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, signed on behalf of the state, while Ramesh Rao, Vice President External Affairs and CSR, signed for Toyota Kirloskar Motor. The minister called the partnership an important step toward inclusive education and greater independence. The agreement followed discussions from the CSR and Sustainability Conclave 2025 held in Bhubaneswar with BCKIC.

Date and place: 2 July 2026, SAD Conference Hall, Mizoram
Parties: Mizoram government and Toyota Kirloskar Motor
Signatories: Lalrinpuii; Lalzarmawii; Ramesh Rao
Purpose: enhance education for visually impaired through assistive tech and resources
Context: linked to CSR Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

July GK, June GK, May GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26