General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - February 2023

Feb 2023

Aug 26, 2026

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana launched to support women in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana in August 2026. The welfare scheme provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women beneficiaries to improve their economic security. The programme aims to empower women in Delhi by delivering direct support that complements existing social schemes. Officials said funds would be disbursed monthly and that beneficiaries would be identified through approved criteria. The government also issued approval letters to selected beneficiaries during the launch event. The scheme forms part of broader efforts to promote women empowerment and financial inclusion in the capital, with monitoring mechanisms to track progress and impact.

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana launched by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
Monthly financial assistance for eligible women
Funds disbursed monthly; beneficiaries identified by criteria
Part of broader women empowerment and financial inclusion efforts
Approval letters issued to beneficiaries at launch

West Asia crisis prompts four-month extensions for renewable energy projects

Amid tensions in West Asia, the government issued guidance allowing extensions of up to four months for renewable energy projects that were to be commissioned on or after February 28, 2026. The extension is meant to safeguard India’s energy transition during global disruptions. It applies to projects carried out by the Solar Energy Corporation of India and other agencies, and is intended to provide relief from delays while keeping climate targets in sight. Officials stressed that extensions will include clear milestones and ongoing monitoring for policy alignment and project delivery.

Government allows up to four-month extensions for renewables
Applies to projects commissioned on or after February 28, 2026
Aims to protect energy transition amidst West Asia tensions
Relief to developers from supply and security delays
Monitoring ensures policy alignment with targets

Sprite Tejas Express becomes India's first branded train

Sprite Tejas Express has become India's first branded train, following a collaboration between Sprite and IRCTC. The branded train runs on the Lucknow to New Delhi route and back for a period of six months. Five coaches are decorated with Sprite branding, and passengers on board will receive Sprite beverages as part of their meal packages. The partnership marks a new model for branding on Indian Railways, combining a consumer product with public transport services. Officials say the initiative will test marketing potential, passenger experience, and brand visibility. Security and safety measures on board remain standard, with meals prepared under IRCTC guidelines. End of period is scheduled for February 2027.

Sprite brands five Tejas Express coaches on Lucknow–New Delhi route
Train runs on Lucknow–New Delhi–Lucknow for six months (Aug 2026–Feb 2027)
Passengers receive Sprite beverages with meals
Partnership marks new branding model between Indian Railways and a consumer brand
Safety and standard railway meal guidelines maintained

Aug 25, 2026

PMFME Conclave 2026 strengthens micro food processing in India

PMFME Conclave 2026 was organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries on 24-25 August 2026 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The two‑day event brought together more than 500 stakeholders from micro food processing units, finance, technology and markets to discuss strengthening the sector. The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, who also launched the PMFME Bazaar, showcasing traditional and ethnic products from 25 States and Union Territories, highlighting India's diverse culinary heritage. Discussions focused on expanding access to finance, improving technology adoption, and creating better market linkages for small units. Participants emphasized policy support, credit lines, and targeted skill development.

Dates and venue: 24-25 August 2026, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Inauguration by Union Minister Chirag Paswan and PMFME Bazaar launch.
Over 500 stakeholders from micro units, finance, tech and markets.
Bazaar featured products from 25 States/UTs to showcase heritage.
Policy support, credit lines and skill development highlighted.

Aug 24, 2026

National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums Held in Mysuru

The National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums took place in Mysuru, Karnataka, from 24 to 26 August 2026. Organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the three-day event focused on documenting, preserving, and reviving tribal languages, and on strengthening Tribal Museums and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums (TFFMs) across India. Participants discussed challenges in language endangerment, education, and cultural exchange, and highlighted plans under the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The conclave also showcased local heritage projects and urged collaboration among government agencies, universities, and tribal communities to promote inclusive development and cultural preservation. Delegates emphasized the use of digital documentation and community-led initiatives.

Dates: 24–26 August 2026, Mysuru
Focus on tribal languages and museums
Plans under Viksit Bharat @2047
Emphasis on digital documentation and collaboration
Involvement of government, academia, and communities

NSDC and AWS Launch Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative

The National Skill Development Corporation, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, launched a nationwide Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services and Cultus Education. The programme aims to provide foundational cloud and artificial intelligence skills to 1.5 lakh learners through AWS digital training content. In addition, 10,000 participants will receive job-oriented training under the AWS re/Start programme, helping them build careers in cloud computing. The initiative seeks to expand digital skills across sectors, support employability, and align with India's skilling goals. Training will be delivered through online modules and partner-based centres across the country.

Launch by NSDC in collaboration with AWS and Cultus Education
Targets 1.5 lakh learners for foundational cloud and AI skills
AWS re/Start program to train 10,000 participants
Delivery via online content and partner centres
Aligned with national skilling objectives

Aug 23, 2026

Himachal Pradesh signs MoU with ISB-BIPP for forest economy development

In August 2026, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (ISB-BIPP) to unlock the state’s untapped forest and pastoral economy. The partnership focuses on science- and technology-based governance, research, policy support, and sustainable economic development. Officials estimate potential value around ₹22,600 crore from forest resources such as minor forest produce. The MoU aims to strengthen forest governance, support rural livelihoods, and promote data‑driven decision making, with an emphasis on CAMPA funds and local community engagement. The collaboration seeks to translate academic insights into practical policy and market opportunities.

MoU duration: five years with ISB-BIPP
Aim: develop forest and pastoral economy in HP
Estimated potential value: ₹22,600 crore
Focus areas: science/tech governance, research, policy support
Expected impact: improved livelihoods and governance

Aug 22, 2026

PhonePe to integrate PulsePro with PM GatiShakti portal via MoU with MeitY

PhonePe signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to integrate its PulsePro platform with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan portal. The collaboration aims to improve data driven planning, digital infrastructure mapping and project analytics. PulsePro will provide geospatial insights and advanced analytics to government planners for better decision making across transport, logistics and urban development. Officials say the integration will help in prioritizing corridors, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating project completion timelines. The agreement reflects ongoing efforts to enhance digital government tools under the Make in India framework. The MoU was signed in Bengaluru on 20 August 2026.

MoU between PhonePe and MeitY signed on 20 August 2026
PulsePro to be integrated with PM GatiShakti portal
Improves data driven planning and geospatial analytics
Aims to aid infrastructure planning and development
Illustrates Make in India digital-government collaboration

Border security and infrastructure focus highlighted in national briefing

Border security and infrastructure focus highlighted in national briefing. On 20 August 2026, India’s border security and infrastructure were the focus of a high‑level government briefing. Officials reported progress on cross-border connectivity projects and ongoing border management measures with neighboring countries. The discussions covered deployment of additional fencing, surveillance, and socio‑economic development in border areas. The government emphasized improved coordination among security agencies and state administrations to enhance border resilience. The briefing highlighted investments in infrastructure in border districts. Analysts say such measures could boost border security and cross-border trade flows across multiple sectors. It also announced new training programs for border guards and enhanced funding for border infrastructure across multiple sectors.

Briefing held on 20 August 2026 on border security and infrastructure
Progress on cross-border connectivity projects
Deployment of fencing, surveillance and socio‑economic development
Improved coordination among security agencies and states
Investments in border district infrastructure
New training programs and funding announced

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