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GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - April 2020

Apr 2020

Sep 10, 2026

Global Dryland Congress 2026 opens in New Delhi

India hosted the Global Dryland Congress 2026 from 10 to 12 September 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi. The three-day event was jointly organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). Scientists, policymakers, farmer representatives, and development experts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas gathered to discuss sustainable solutions for dryland agriculture and climate challenges. Officials outlined research priorities, policy recommendations, and capacity-building measures to improve water use, soil health, and crop resilience in arid regions. The congress highlighted India’s role as a regional hub for agricultural innovation and climate adaptation.

Event dates: 10–12 September 2026, New Delhi.
Organisers: ICAR and ICRISAT. Participants from multiple continents.
Focus: sustainable dryland farming, water use, soil health, climate resilience.
Outcomes expected in policy guidance and research priorities.
India positioned as a regional centre for agri-innovation and adaptation.

PM Modi–Putin bilateral talks ahead of BRICS summit

Ahead of the BRICS summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin were reported to hold bilateral discussions in New Delhi around 9–10 September 2026. Officials indicated talks would cover strategic ties, energy cooperation, and regional security issues. The engagement occurred as BRICS leaders prepared for multilateral meetings and potential announcements on trade, defence collaboration, and technology partnerships. The meeting was framed within India’s broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships and advance common goals on global governance and economic development.

Bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Putin in New Delhi (Sept 9–10, 2026).
Expected topics: strategic ties, energy, regional security.
Part of broader BRICS summit preparations.
Reflects India’s push for diversified international partnerships.
Possible multi‑lateral announcements linked to BRICS agenda.

Uttarakhand launches Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana

Uttarakhand launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana, announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in September 2026. The scheme provides free online coaching facilities to students preparing for competitive examinations, leveraging digital learning platforms to broaden educational access and support youth career development across the state. Officials highlighted scalable delivery, monitoring, and partnerships with educational providers to ensure quality coaching. The program complements existing skill development initiatives and aims to empower youth through expanded opportunities in higher education and public‑sector exams.

Scheme announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Sept 2026.
Provides free online coaching for competitive exams via digital platforms.
Aims to increase educational access and youth career opportunities.
Includes monitoring and partnerships for quality coaching.
Part of Uttarakhand’s broader focus on skill development.

Sep 09, 2026

ADB Signs TAS Mandate with Madhya Pradesh

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed its first Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) mandate in India with the Government of Madhya Pradesh on 7 September 2026. The agreement aims to support renewable energy Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects and attract private investment of up to USD 1 billion in the state. ADB will assist in project preparation, structuring, procurement frameworks, and the development of bankable renewable energy projects. The collaboration aligns with MP’s clean energy goals and broader efforts to mobilise private capital for infrastructure, with potential ripple effects for regional supply chains and job creation.

ADB signed its first TAS mandate in Madhya Pradesh on 7 September 2026.
Goal: develop renewable energy PPP projects and attract up to USD 1 billion in private investment.
ADB to assist in project prep, structuring, and procurement frameworks.
Focus on bankable renewable energy projects to spur private capital.
Supports MP’s clean energy ambitions and infrastructure growth.

Sep 08, 2026

Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 launched in Varanasi

The 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 was launched in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on 9 September 2026. The month-long campaign carries the theme Hamari Anganwadi Hamari Jimmedari and aims to strengthen community participation in Anganwadi services, nutrition, healthcare, caregiving, and early childhood development across India. Activities focus on dietary diversity, protein-rich foods, fresh cooked meals, and Anganwadi Management Committees. The campaign aligns with revised SNP guidelines and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana’s ten-year milestone. Officials emphasized accountability, monitoring, and stakeholder involvement to improve nutrition outcomes during Rashtriya Poshan Maah, reinforcing the Suposhit Bharat objective.

9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah launched in Varanasi on 9 September 2026.
Theme: Hamari Anganwadi Hamari Jimmedari; community focus.
Focus on nutrition, healthcare, and early childhood development.
Alignment with SNP guidelines and PMMVY milestones.
Emphasis on accountability and monitoring for better outcomes.

Coastal Local Area Bank gains scheduled bank status

Coastal Local Area Bank Limited, headquartered in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has been declared a scheduled bank after inclusion in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. RBI notified the change through a Gazette notification, enabling the bank to access facilities available to scheduled banks. The status enhances credibility and confidence among customers and provides potential access to refinance facilities, priority sector lending, and payments infrastructure. The move is part of ongoing regulatory alignment in the Indian banking sector and supports financial inclusion and regional development. Officials say the change will enable greater participation in government schemes and payments ecosystems.

Bank included in RBI Second Schedule; declared scheduled bank.
Gazette notification issued by RBI.
Access to refinance facilities and priority sector lending.
Enhances credibility and customer confidence.
Supports financial inclusion and regional development.

Sep 07, 2026

Punjab Launches Pehchaan Portal for Unidentified Deceased Persons

Punjab launched the Pehchaan portal in September 2026 to identify unidentified and unclaimed deceased persons. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh inaugurated the portal, which is based on Punjab’s Medico-Legal Examination and Post-Mortem Reporting System, or MedLEaPR. The portal is publicly accessible and free of cost, enabling families to trace identities of bodies kept in government mortuaries. It aims to provide closure for families and improve forensic data management by linking mortuary records with medico-legal reports, contributing to faster identification and better record-keeping across the state.

Pehchaan portal launched in Punjab
Identifies unidentified or unclaimed bodies
Based on MedLEaPR system
Public, free access for families
Improves forensic data management

Sep 03, 2026

Prime Minister to Attend Valedictory of Water Security Summit (2 Sept 2026)

The Prime Minister is set to participate in the valedictory session of the Departmental Summit on Water Security on 2 September 2026. The two-day event (1–2 September 2026) brings together Centre and States to discuss governance, irrigation and drought resilience. Officials say the PM’s participation signals the government’s focus on water security and intergovernmental cooperation. The summit will feature sectoral ministers, senior officials and stakeholder presentations to review policy implementation, funding channels and cross-border collaboration for water resources. A final set of action-oriented recommendations is expected to guide next year’s planning.

Event dates: 1–2 September 2026; valedictory on 2 September
Attendee: Prime Minister
Focus: water governance, irrigation, drought resilience
Participants include ministers and officials
Intent: guide policy implementation and funding
Outcome: action-oriented recommendations

Jyotiraditya Scindia Launches Postal Projects in Shivpuri

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched two major postal infrastructure projects in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, in September 2026. He inaugurated the modernised Shivpuri Head Post Office, extending Speed Post, Aadhaar enrollment, savings bank, postal insurance, parcel and other services. He also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for India’s seventh Postal Training Centre at Kakrwaya, signaling expansion of training facilities for postal staff. The events underscore the ongoing Post Office Modernisation Scheme to enhance public services, digital access and rural connectivity. Scindia emphasised the role of mail networks in governance, commerce and rural development.

Modernised Shivpuri Head Post Office inaugurated
Services expanded: Speed Post, Aadhaar, savings, insurance, parcels
Bhoomi Pujan for seventh Postal Training Centre at Kakrwaya
Part of Post Office Modernisation Scheme
Aims to boost rural connectivity and digital access
Highlights role of mail networks in governance and commerce

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