General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - June 2023

Jun 2023

Jan 28, 2026

NHIS and ASISSE to be conducted in Chennai over two days

The National Statistics Office announced an All-India Workshop of Trainers for NHIS and ASISSE in Chennai on January 28–29, 2026. The two pan-India surveys, starting April 2026, will provide data on living conditions and service-sector activity. The workshop will train field staff and master trainers who will implement digital field work nationwide. NHIS will assess income distribution and well-being, while ASISSE will measure service-sector performance. Officials emphasised the data’s role in policy decisions for universal and targeted interventions across socio-economic groups.

NHIS and ASISSE workshop in Chennai, January 28–29, 2026.
Surveys to start across India from April 2026.
Aims to fill data gaps on income, living conditions and services.
Trains Master Trainers for field operations.

Centre launches Rs 82.5 crore bamboo projects for northeast India

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region announced two bamboo sector projects with a combined outlay of Rs 82.5 crore. The initiative aims to transform bamboo into a modern livelihood and industrial growth engine for the North East Region. The projects focus on value addition, processing capacity, and creating market linkages for bamboo products. Officials emphasised sustained investment, skill development, and scalability to boost local employment and exports. The programme aligns with regional development goals and supports the broader objective of making bamboo a driver of inclusive growth in the region.

Total outlay: Rs 82.5 crore for two bamboo projects.
Aim: modernise bamboo livelihood and industry in NE India.
Focus on processing, value addition and market linkages.
Part of broader regional development and employment goals.

Jan 27, 2026

DDA’s Nagrik Awas Yojana 2026 sparks row over pricing

The Delhi Development Authority launched Nagrik Awas Yojana 2026, offering 1,712 flats across HIG, MIG, LIG, and EWS categories with a uniform 25% discount. The scheme prompted complaints from Karamyogi beneficiaries, who argued that their government employees’ flats under Karamyogi were priced lower. Officials explained depreciation on older Nagrik units and higher construction costs for newer flats, while emphasising affordability advantages. The controversy highlights tensions in public housing policy and the need for transparent pricing across schemes targeting different public sectors.

Nagrik Awas Yojana 2026 offers 1,712 flats at 25% discount
Karamyogi scheme beneficiaries protest pricing differences
Older Nagrik flats vs newer Karamyogi flats explained by depreciation
Public housing policy and equity concerns raised

India as Gulfood 2026 partner country: agri-food footprint expands

India participated as the official partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, led by APEDA. The Indian Pavilion spanned about 1,434 square metres and hosted over 600 exhibitors from 25 states, showcasing processed foods, pulses, grains, beverages, and GI-tagged items. APEDA’s BHARATI initiative highlighted agritech startups in the Startup Zone, while the government promoted investments under CEPA and Farm to Foreign objectives. Indian participation doubled last year’s footprint, reflecting growing export potential and market access for India’s agri-food sector on a global stage.

India named Gulfood 2026 partner country; over 600 exhibitors
Pavilion area ~1,434 sqm; exhibitors from 25 states
APEDA BHARATIStartup Zone highlights agri-tech startups
CEPA and ‘Farm to Foreign’ strategy underpin participation

Jan 26, 2026

Wage and pension revisions approved for PSGICs, NABARD and RBI retirees

The Centre approved wage revisions for Public Sector General Insurance Company staff and NABARD employees, and pension revisions for RBI and NABARD retirees. The decision will benefit about 46,322 employees, 23,570 pensioners and 23,260 family pensioners, according to a Finance Ministry release. The measure aims to align pay scales and pensions with current economic conditions and ensure financial security for current workers and retirees in these public entities.

Beneficiaries: 46,322 employees; 23,570 pensioners; 23,260 family pensioners
Employee groups: PSGICs and NABARD
Retirees: RBI and NABARD
Purpose: wage/pension revision
Source: Finance Ministry statement

Odisha imposes total ban on gutka and tobacco-containing foods; cigarettes excluded

The Odisha government extended a gutka ban to include all products containing tobacco and nicotine in food items. The new order bans the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and consumption of gutka and nicotine-containing food products such as pan masala and zarda. Cigarettes and bidis are not part of the ban. The modification aims to remove ambiguity and enable uniform enforcement across the state. Violations will attract penalties under applicable laws, according to the health and family welfare department.

Scope: gutka and tobacco-containing foods
Exclusions: cigarettes and bidis not banned
Enforcement: uniform across Odisha
Penalty: applicable laws
Authority: Health and Family Welfare Department

SSDMA and Lt. Col. Seeta Shelke to receive disaster management award

The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and Lieutenant Colonel Seeta Ashok Shelke, who led relief operations during the 2024 Wayanad landslide, have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026. The national award recognises invaluable contributions to disaster management and service to affected communities. The award highlights the importance of effective coordination, rapid response and resilience-building in disaster-prone regions. The award ceremony will be announced by the central government in due course.

Recipient: SSDMA and Lt. Col. Seeta Shelke
Award: Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026
Recognition: disaster management contributions
Notable work: 2024 Wayanad landslide relief operations
Significance: national disaster management recognition

WEF to launch five Centres for Fourth Industrial Revolution; one in Andhra Pradesh

The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced plans to establish five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including a site in Andhra Pradesh. Two centres already operate in India, in Mumbai and Telangana. The network aims to enable collaboration among public and private sectors to ensure emerging technologies deliver benefits while minimizing risks. The centres will work on governance, ethics, innovation and inclusion as part of the broader digital transformation in India and the region.

Total new centres: five
Locations: including Andhra Pradesh; others in Mumbai and Telangana
Purpose: governance, innovation, inclusion
Collaboration: public and private sectors
Focus: Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies

Jan 25, 2026

Security alerts rise over Republic Day; 26-26 cryptic code prompts vigilance

On 22 January 2026, security agencies issued alerts following reports of a cryptic '26-26' code appearing across online platforms ahead of Republic Day. Authorities said the message prompted heightened vigilance at sensitive sites nationwide, with preparations including enhanced CCTV coverage, intelligence sharing, and targeted checks. Officials noted that the timing near Republic Day increases risk perceptions and stressed coordinated readiness across central and state agencies. Investigators are reviewing digital traces and monitoring channels to identify the source and prevent any disruption to public celebrations.

Alerts issued over cryptic '26-26' code ahead of Republic Day.
Heightened security, improved CCTV and intelligence sharing.
Coordination between central and state agencies emphasized.
Investigations ongoing to identify source and disrupt potential threats.

MSDE and World Economic Forum sign MoU to boost vocational training

On 23 January 2026, the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to strengthen India’s skills and TVET ecosystem. The agreement outlines a joint plan to launch a 'Skills Accelerator', a multi-stakeholder platform that will identify and scale innovative solutions to critical workforce gaps and explore public–private partnerships. The accelerator aims to align skilling initiatives with evolving industry demands and the global economy. Governance will involve government and private-sector co-chairs, with MSDE guiding strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and impact monitoring. The MoU seeks to enhance practical training at ITIs, polytechnics, and skill centres nationwide.

MoU between MSDE and WEF signed on 23 January 2026.
Introduction of a 'Skills Accelerator' platform.
Focus on public–private partnerships to close skill gaps.
Close alignment between skilling and industry needs.
MSDE to lead strategy and monitor impact.

Jan 24, 2026

Kaladi GI-tagged product to be scaled under ODOP with tech help

Udhamapur’s Kaladi, a GI-tagged traditional dairy product from Jammu and Kashmir, will be upscaled for diverse food recipes using advanced food technologies. The Union Science & Technology Minister directed this move under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, to preserve Kaladi’s flavour and texture while increasing shelf life. The plan aims to promote value addition and broaden national and international markets, without compromising original characteristics. Officials emphasise that Kaladi’s unique texture, akin to mozzarella, should be retained in all scalable formats. The project will involve improved packaging, processing, and validation to ensure food safety and market competitiveness. Experts expect growth in rural livelihoods and regional tourism linked to Kaladi products. Source: Times of India.

Kaladi to be scaled under ODOP with new tech inputs.
Goal: preserve flavour and texture while extending shelf life.
Aims to boost national and international markets.
Kaladi’s mozzarella-like texture to be retained in scaling.
Improvements planned in packaging and processing for safety and marketability.

Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 outlines Vision for 2047 goals

Power Vision 2047: Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 was released for public consultation by the Ministry of Power. The policy outlines a roadmap to reach 2,000 kWh per capita electricity consumption by 2030, expand grid modernization and ensure reliable supply. It also sets a target of net-zero emissions by 2070 and envisages reforms in generation, transmission and distribution. The policy replaces the 2005 framework and aims to balance affordability with climate action. It emphasizes decentralised generation, storage, and green energy integration while supporting industrial growth. The draft invites feedback from states, industry and citizens to shape India’s energy future. Timely implementation will require robust policy coordination.

Draft NEP 2026 released for public consultation.
Target: 2,000 kWh per capita by 2030.
Net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Reforms in generation, transmission, and distribution planned.
Encourages decentralised generation and energy storage.

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