General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - November 2019

Nov 2019

Jun 16, 2026

Department of Posts launches drone-based mail service in Himachal Pradesh

The Department of Posts launched a drone-based mail transmission service on the Mandi–Rehtadhar route in Himachal Pradesh. The initiative aims to improve postal connectivity in difficult and remote terrain by delivering mail and parcels via unmanned aerial systems. Officials report a significant reduction in delivery time, from around two hours by road to approximately seven minutes by drone. The project involves regulatory clearance, risk assessment, and maintenance protocols, with scalability plans to other hill districts based on performance. If successful, the program could transform last-mile delivery in mountainous regions and strengthen the national postal network.

Drone-based mail service launched in Himachal Pradesh
Route: Mandi–Rehtadhar (spelling as input)
Aims to speed delivery in difficult terrain
Delivery time reduced from ~2 hours to ~7 minutes
Plans for scale-up based on results

Digital India BHASHINI Division and GeM sign MoU to expand multilingual access in public procurement

On 16 June 2026, the Digital India BHASHINI Division and Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand multilingual access in India's public procurement ecosystem. The MoU aims to integrate BHASHINI language technologies with GeM, enabling voice-first and text-based navigation in 22 officially recognised Indian languages. The initiative is designed to help buyers and sellers understand platform features, complete onboarding, and communicate in their regional languages, thereby reducing linguistic barriers. Officials expect higher participation from small and rural suppliers and improvements in transparency and efficiency within procurement processes. A phased rollout with training and feedback will accompany the integration, aligning with Digital India goals.

MoU between Digital India BHASHINI Division and GeM established
BHASHINI tech integrated with GeM in 22 languages
Aim to improve onboarding, navigation, and communication
Targets increased participation of small, rural suppliers
Phased rollout with training and user feedback

Jun 15, 2026

ONDC Promotes DigiDukaan for Kirana Stores

DPIIT and ONDC organized a CPG Roundtable in June 2026 to discuss DigiDukaan, an ONDC-led initiative to digitise B2B procurement for kirana stores. The platform aims to improve ordering, inventory visibility and access to government schemes for retailers. DigiDukaan intends to help distributors and brands streamline operations and enhance efficiency in India’s general trade ecosystem. The roundtable highlighted collaboration among regulators, industry and startups to accelerate digital commerce adoption nationwide. Officials expect DigiDukaan to empower millions of small retailers, reduce manual processes and improve competitiveness against larger players in the market.

DPIIT and ONDC hosted a CPG Roundtable on DigiDukaan (June 2026).
DigiDukaan digitises B2B procurement for kirana stores.
Goals include better ordering, inventory visibility and access to schemes.
Aims to improve efficiency in India’s general trade ecosystem.
Emphasizes collaboration across regulators, industry and startups.

Odisha Restores Original Odia Names of 64 Places

The Odisha government approved restoring the original Odia spellings of 64 places across 26 districts in June 2026. The decision aims to correct colonial-era English spellings that distorted local pronunciation. Officials say the updated names reflect Odia phonetics and historical context, aligning public records with linguistic heritage. The move supports broader efforts to promote Odia language and culture and improve signage and identity at the local level. Communities welcomed the revision as a step toward preserving linguistic identity and cultural continuity in governance, education and tourism.

64 places across 26 districts renamed to original Odia spellings.
Change intended to correct colonial-era English spellings.
Aims to preserve linguistic heritage and Odia identity.
Expected impact on signage, maps and administrative records.
Part of broader efforts to promote Odia language and culture.

Noida International Airport Begins Commercial Flights

Noida International Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, began commercial flight operations in June 2026. Located in the National Capital Region, the new facility aims to ease congestion at Delhi’s existing airport and improve regional connectivity. The airport’s initial phase focuses on domestic services, with international operations planned later in 2026. Officials expect the airport to boost economic activity in western Uttar Pradesh and nearby states, reduce travel times, and create new jobs in aviation and allied sectors. The project forms part of India’s broader infrastructure push to enhance multimodal connectivity and regional development.

Noida International Airport (Jewar) begins commercial flights in June 2026.
Aims to relieve pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Initial operations are domestic; international services planned later in 2026.
Expected to boost NCR connectivity and regional economic activity.
Part of broader national infrastructure and aviation expansion.

Jun 14, 2026

ICAR launches Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra via WhatsApp AI advisor

Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra, developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, marks India's first nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory platform for oilseed farmers. The tool offers 24x7 multilingual agricultural guidance directly through WhatsApp, eliminating the need to download separate apps. Farmers can access research-backed advice on crop selection, sowing, irrigation, pest management, and post-harvest practices. The service aims to improve uptake of scientific recommendations and increase productivity across districts with oilseed cultivation. It leverages AI chat capabilities to answer farmer queries in local languages and formats, integrating government agricultural research with field-level advice. The platform will be scaled through extension services and district-level demonstration farms.

First nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory for oilseed farmers.
Offers 24x7 multilingual guidance directly via WhatsApp; no app download required.
Covers crop selection, sowing, irrigation, pest management, post-harvest practices.
Aims to boost adoption of research-based farming guidance; scalable through extension services.

Jun 13, 2026

REC Limited to merge with Power Finance Corporation, approved by President

The President of India has approved the proposed merger of REC Limited into Power Finance Corporation (PFC). The Ministry of Power conveyed the approval through a letter dated 10 June 2026. Under the plan, REC will be amalgamated with PFC, and upon effectiveness, REC will be dissolved. All assets and liabilities of REC will be transferred to PFC, creating a larger lender dedicated to funding power sector projects. The merger is expected to enhance scale, efficiency, and reach of public-sector financial institutions in the power sector, reducing duplication and improving credit delivery for generation, transmission, and distribution initiatives.

The President of India approved the REC-PFC merger.
Ministry of Power conveyed approval on 10 June 2026.
REC will be amalgamated into Power Finance Corporation; REC to be dissolved.
All assets and liabilities of REC to transfer to PFC.
Aims to improve scale, efficiency, and reach of public-sector power financiers.
Intended to reduce duplication among PSUs in the power finance space.

OSOP initiative for Divyangjan Vishwakarma artisans at major railway stations

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is implementing the One Station One Product (OSOP) initiative for Divyangjan Vishwakarma artisans. Under this program, dedicated retail outlets are provided at selected high-footfall railway stations, enabling artisans to showcase and sell products directly to customers. The outlets aim to improve visibility, market access, and income opportunities, fostering financial independence and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative reflects the government’s focus on inclusive growth and socio-economic empowerment, leveraging transport hubs to connect skilled craftspeople with a broad customer base while supporting entrepreneurial activity among Divyangjan Vishwakarma communities.

OSOP implemented for Divyangjan Vishwakarma artisans.
Dedicated retail outlets at selected high-footfall railway stations.
Aims to showcase and sell products directly to customers.
Improves visibility, market access, and income opportunities.
Supports inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods.

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

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