General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - March 2023

Mar 2023

Jul 26, 2026

Rajasthan Launches Mukhyamantri Yuva Suyog Platform to Aid Youth

The Rajasthan government launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Suyog platform in July 2026, announced from the Chief Minister's official residence in Jaipur. The platform aims to promote youth participation in sports, skill development, and employment opportunities, while encouraging community engagement at the panchayat and ward levels. It will provide guidance, mentorship, and connections to local internships and training programs. The state will interface with district authorities to identify local skill gaps and track employment outcomes. Officials expect the platform to empower young people, support entrepreneurship, and advance rural development through targeted programs and local partnerships.

Platform launched in July 2026 from Jaipur residence
Aims: youth participation in sports, skill development, employment
Encourages engagement at panchayat and ward levels
Provides guidance, mentorship, and internship opportunities
Collaboration with district authorities to identify skill gaps
Supports entrepreneurship and rural development

PM Modi Announces High-Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms

On 26 July 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the constitution of a high-powered task force on examination reforms, to be led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. The panel follows weeks of student protests over NEET-UG paper leaks and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The task force will study ways to improve exam security, transparency, and efficiency through technology, data analytics, and policy reforms. It will draft recommendations for Parliament and education authorities. The government signalled fast action, including legislative measures, to reduce leak risks and restore public trust in exams. The move aims to strengthen the credibility of India’s examination system.

26 July 2026: task force on examination reforms announced
Led by Nandan Nilekani of Infosys
Response to NEET-UG paper leaks and Pradhan's resignation
Focus on technology to improve security, transparency, efficiency
Will draft recommendations for Parliament and education bodies
Possible legislative measures to address leaks and trust

Income Tax Day (Aaykar Diwas) Observed on 24 July 2026

Income Tax Day, or Aaykar Diwas, is observed annually in India on 24 July to mark the introduction of income tax in 1860 by Sir James Wilson. The day highlights the development and importance of India's taxation system, its role in funding public services, and the need for voluntary tax compliance. Government agencies, educational institutions, and citizen groups run awareness campaigns about tax obligations, refunds, and e-filing. In 2026, celebrations emphasized digital governance, faster refunds, and clearer guidance for taxpayers through online portals. The event also recognises the contribution of diligent taxpayers and the dedicated staff of tax departments. Citizens are encouraged to file returns on time and verify their tax accounts.

Aaykar Diwas observed on 24 July 2026
India's income tax system originated in 1860 by Sir James Wilson
Celebrations highlight digital tax administration and voluntary compliance
Campaigns explain tax obligations, refunds, and e-filing
Encourages timely filing and verification of tax accounts
Recognises contributions of taxpayers and tax staff

Jul 25, 2026

Mee Bhoomi blockchain pilot launched to secure digital land records in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh launched the Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain pilot project in July 2026 to improve the security and transparency of digital land records. The platform uses blockchain technology to create a tamper-resistant repository for land information, integrating data from revenue, survey and registration departments. This initiative aims to reduce fraud, enhance verification speed and streamline land transactions for citizens. It aligns with broader e-governance goals and the push for transparent public services in the state. The project is part of ongoing reforms to modernize land administration and governance in Andhra Pradesh.

Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain pilot launched in July 2026.
Aims to secure digital land records with blockchain.
Data integrated from revenue, survey and registration departments.
Targets reduced fraud and faster verification.
Part of broader e-governance and land reform efforts.

Jharkhand to establish first Film and Television Institute in Ranchi under SRFTI MoU

The Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited signed an MoU with the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in July 2026 to establish Jharkhand’s first dedicated Film and Television Institute in Ranchi. The institute will offer professional training in filmmaking, television production, script writing and related creative fields. It will commence operations from Suchna Bhawan in Ranchi and progressively expand with improved facilities, equipment and faculty. The partnership highlights government emphasis on skill development, local industry growth and youth employment in the media sector, aligning with national skill initiatives. Must-know: SRFTI operates as a premier national institute shaping media education in India.

MoU signed between Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited and SRFTI in July 2026.
First dedicated Film and Television Institute planned for Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Initial operations from Suchna Bhawan with future expansion.
Focus on filmmaking, TV production, script writing and related fields.
Governance aligns with national skill development schemes.

Jul 23, 2026

Anurag Jain named NITI Aayog CEO; term to August 2028

Anurag Jain, a senior IAS officer from the 1989 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet in July 2026. He is expected to serve until August 31, 2028. The appointment, part of leadership changes at India’s premier public policy think tank, brings a governance expert with experience in development planning to steer policy analysis and strategic planning. Jain’s tenure signals continuity in policy direction while potentially introducing new priorities in economic reforms, governance, and data-driven program evaluation.

Anurag Jain appointed CEO of NITI Aayog (July 2026).
1989-batch IAS officer, Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Term until 31 August 2028.
Applies leadership changes at India’s policy think tank.

Centre approves two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters in Tamil Nadu

The Centre approved two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters in Tamil Nadu with a combined investment exceeding Rs 1,012 crore. The clusters are planned at Manallur and Pillapaikkam and are expected to enhance electronics manufacturing capacity, attract additional investment and support India’s broader push for domestic production. Officials say the projects will strengthen supply chains, provide employment opportunities and bolster technological self-reliance in the sector. The announcement aligns with government policies to expand manufacturing ecosystems and promote advanced electronics across the country, particularly in southern India.

Two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters approved in Tamil Nadu.
Combined investment: over Rs 1,012 crore.
Locations: Manallur and Pillapaikkam.
Aims: expand manufacturing capacity, attract investment, create jobs.

Jul 22, 2026

Coal-sector technical cooperation with GIZ to support mine closure and redevelopment

India's Ministry of Coal signed an Implementation Agreement with Germany's development agency, GIZ, for technical cooperation in the coal sector. The partnership focuses on scientific closure and redevelopment of coal mines, institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, and post-mining development. The agreement aims to promote sustainable and responsible practices in India's coal sector, including environmental safeguards, land rehabilitation, and community development. The collaboration is expected to enable technical training, data sharing, and joint pilots in several coal regions, with a focus on long-term reclamation and livelihoods.

MoC signs agreement with GIZ for coal-sector cooperation.
Focus on mine closure, redevelopment, and capacity building.
Emphasis on environmental safeguards and post-mining development.
Includes training, data sharing, and pilot projects in multiple regions.
Aims for sustainable, responsible practices in coal mining.

Mission Golden Spice to strengthen Lakadong turmeric value chain in Meghalaya

The Centre launched Mission Golden Spice in July 2026 to strengthen the value chain of Meghalaya's GI-tag Lakadong turmeric. The ₹175.45 crore initiative aims to improve cultivation, processing, branding and exports, with a five-year timeline from 2026 to 2030 in two phases. It seeks to raise farmers' incomes and promote Lakadong turmeric as a premium global spice. The program will support better seeds, extension services, post-harvest handling, quality testing, packaging and market access. It also includes capacity building for farmers and cooperatives, development of branding and traceability, and export-readiness activities to integrate Lakadong turmeric into international supply chains. The initiative also envisions monitoring and evaluation.

Initiative launched in July 2026; budget ₹175.45 crore; duration 2026–2030 in two phases.
Aims to boost cultivation, processing, branding and exports of Lakadong turmeric (GI-tag).
Targets higher farmer incomes and premium positioning in global markets.
Focus areas include seeds, extension services, post-harvest, packaging, branding, and traceability.
Emphasizes capacity building, market linkages, and export-readiness; includes monitoring.

Jul 21, 2026

Delhi approves PARIVARTAN vehicle renewal scheme

In July 2026, the Delhi Government approved the PARIVARTAN Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivisation of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions. The Centre-backed vehicle scrappage scheme targets commercial vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region, including BS-IV or older Light Goods Vehicles, Medium Goods Vehicles, Heavy Goods Vehicles, and buses. The scheme provides incentives for scrapping and replacement under a notified framework, aiming to curb pollution and modernise the fleet. Officials emphasised expected improvements in air quality and efficiency alongside broader transport policy goals.

PARIVARTAN approved for Delhi and NCR commercial fleets.
Targets BS-IV and older LGVs, MGVs, HGVs, and buses.
Centre-backed vehicle scrappage with replacement incentives.
Aims to reduce transport emissions and improve air quality.

QDENGA dengue vaccine approved in India for 4–60 years age group

India's drug regulator, the DCGI, granted market authorisation to Takeda's dengue vaccine QDENGA (TAK-003) in July 2026 for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine protects against all four dengue serotypes and uses a two-dose schedule three months apart, with no prior screening required. The approval marks the first dengue vaccine available in India, aiming to reduce the disease burden in high-risk regions and complement vector-control efforts. Health authorities emphasised the importance of vaccination alongside surveillance and public education to sustain protection across communities.

DCGI approved Takeda's QDENGA for ages 4–60.
Two-dose schedule three months apart; no prior screening needed.
First dengue vaccine authorised for India.
Aims to reduce dengue burden with vaccination plus surveillance.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

July GK, July 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