General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2023

Jul 2023

Feb 02, 2026

Adampur renamed Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport; Halwara civil terminal inaugurated

On 2 February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Adampur Airport in Jalandhar as Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport and virtually inaugurated a new civil terminal at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana. The twin announcements combine cultural recognition with infrastructure development, strengthening regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme and fulfilling long-standing public and political demands in Punjab. The renaming honors Sant Guru Ravidas Ji, whose teachings promote equality and dignity in Indian society. The Halwara terminal expands aviation capacity for the region, supporting Ludhiana’s industrial and agricultural hinterlands and facilitating better air access across Punjab. These steps reflect the government’s development focus for the state.

Renaming of Adampur Airport to Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport
Virtual inauguration of Halwara Airport civil terminal in Ludhiana
Moves tied to regional connectivity under UDAN
Public and political demands in Punjab cited as fulfilled
Cultural recognition paired with infrastructure development

IMMA to Host 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit 2026 in Mumbai

India's agri-input sector will be spotlighted as the Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) hosts its 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo on 5–6 February 2026 at the National Stock Exchange building, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. The two-day event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, startups and global experts to deliberate on policy reforms, innovation and India's role as a global agri-input manufacturing hub. Under the theme Converge, Collaborate & Co-create, discussions will cover micronutrients, specialty fertilisers, biologicals and precision nutrition. The summit aims to align policy, industry, and science to boost India's export and manufacturing standing in the sector.

Dates and venue: 5–6 February 2026, NSE Building, Mumbai.
Organiser: Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA).
Theme: Converge, Collaborate & Co-create; focus on policy reforms and innovation.
Topics: micronutrients, specialty fertilisers, biologicals, precision nutrition.

Feb 01, 2026

UP named Most Proactive State under RCS-UDAN

Uttar Pradesh has been named the Most Proactive State under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), reflecting its rapid progress in expanding air connectivity and regional routes. The award highlights the state's efforts to coordinate with central authorities for faster project approvals, boost airport and heliport infrastructure, and enhance last-mile connectivity. Officials say the recognition will spur further investment in aviation infrastructure, supporting tourism growth and disaster management capabilities in northern India. The award underscores the government's ongoing emphasis on inclusive air access and regional development through UDAN initiatives.

Award: Most Proactive State under RCS-UDAN.
State: Uttar Pradesh.
Reason: faster approvals, expanded connectivity, infrastructure upgrades.
Impact: increased investment and regional development.
Context: UDAN policy implementation.

Uttarakhand named Best State for promotion of aviation ecosystem at Wings India 2026

Uttarakhand has been named the Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem at Wings India 2026, recognizing its proactive policy framework, administrative coordination and investment in aviation infrastructure. The award was presented during Wings India 2026 by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and the ministry's secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha. Officials highlighted UDAN expansion, new infrastructure and stronger inter-agency cooperation as drivers of improvement. The recognition aligns with the central government's push to bolster regional connectivity, tourism and disaster management through enhanced air links in the Himalayan state.

Award: Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem.
Event: Wings India 2026.
Presenter: Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu; Secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha.
Key factors: policy support, infrastructure, UDAN expansion.
Impact: enhanced regional connectivity and tourism.

Wings India 2026 awards Uttarakhand for aviation ecosystem

At Wings India 2026, Uttarakhand was honoured as the Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem, reflecting the state's sustained efforts to expand air connectivity and aviation infrastructure. Officials cited UDAN policy implementation, upgraded airports and heliports, and improved administrative coordination as reasons for the recognition. The award underscores a broader government push to boost regional aviation and tourism while strengthening disaster management and healthcare access through better air links in the state. The ceremony was attended by key government officials and aviation stakeholders, highlighting Uttarakhand's growing role in India's aviation landscape.

Award: Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem.
Event: Wings India 2026.
Presentation: Union Civil Aviation Minister and Secretary.
Factors: UDAN expansion, infrastructure, coordination.
Impact: enhanced regional connectivity and tourism.

Jan 31, 2026

Uttarakhand wins national award for aviation promotion and ecosystem

Uttarakhand has been conferred the national award for Best State for Promotion of Aviation and Ecosystem at Wings India 2026, recognizing its use of aviation to improve connectivity, tourism, and public services in mountainous terrain. The honour was presented at Begumpet Airport by Union civil aviation minister Kinjirapu Ram Mohan Naidu and civil aviation secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha. Senior officers from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority attended the ceremony. The award highlights Uttarakhand’s growing role in strengthening India’s regional aviation landscape and its potential to boost development in remote areas.

Award: Best State for Promotion of Aviation and Ecosystem
Event: Wings India 2026, Begumpet Airport presentation
Presenting officials: Union aviation minister and aviation secretary
Organization represented: UCADA
Significance: boosts regional connectivity and development

AI-enabled state university pilot in Meerut announced

India will pilot its first AI-enabled state university at Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The initiative was announced in January 2026 by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary. The plan includes AI-driven teaching tools, personalised tutoring, and skill-gap analysis, with CCSU Meerut acting as a living laboratory. Google Cloud partners will support AI tool integration into national platforms such as SWAYAM and POSHAN Tracker, with Google pledging Rs. 85 crore for these efforts. If successful, the model could be scaled to other state universities to improve education and employability in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Location: CCSU Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Announcement: January 2026 by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary
Components: AI-driven teaching, personalised tutoring, skill-gap analysis
Partnership: Google Cloud; support for platforms like SWAYAM and POSHAN Tracker
Potential: scale to other state universities

Gujarat launches Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana to rural uplift

Gujarat has launched the Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana, a rural development drive aimed at providing urban-level facilities in villages. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the program from Bhadran in Anand district. The scheme seeks to upgrade infrastructure and public services in rural hubs to reduce the rural-urban divide, targeting improved water supply, roads, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity. The government says the plan will raise living standards, attract investment, and create local employment. The initiative forms part of Gujarat’s broader strategy for balanced and inclusive growth across the state, working with local bodies and private partners.

Launch location: Bhadran, Anand district
Aim: rural facilities at urban-level standards
Key sectors: water, roads, healthcare, education, digital connectivity
Expected outcomes: improved living standards and local jobs
Strategic fit: balanced growth across Gujarat

Nagaland opens its first Drone School and Centre of Excellence in Kohima

Nagaland has opened its first Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre in Kohima. The facility was formally inaugurated as part of Republic Day celebrations, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio presiding over the event. The initiative is led by the State GIS and Remote Sensing Centre under the Planning and Transformation Department. It aims to equip youth with advanced drone technology skills, foster innovation, and create employment opportunities. The school will serve as a hub for capacity building and knowledge transfer to districts and remote areas, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach the last mile. It signals a governance push toward modern tools.

Location: Kohima, Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre
Inaugurated during Republic Day celebrations by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio
Managed by Planning and Transformation Department under the State GIS and Remote Sensing Centre
Aims to train youth in drone technology and foster innovation
Intended to transfer knowledge to districts and interior areas

Jan 30, 2026

Coking coal designated as a 'critical mineral' to reduce imports

The Government of India designated coking coal as a ‘Critical and Strategic Mineral’ under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The move aims to cut steel import dependence and strengthen the domestic steel supply chain. The designation provides faster approvals, easier mining clearances, and enhanced policy support for coking coal projects. Despite the change, India continues to rely on imports for this key raw material. The decision is expected to bolster domestic production, improve security of supply, and support long‑term capacity expansion in the steel sector.

Coking coal declared a Critical and Strategic Mineral.
Intended to reduce import dependence for steel production.
Policy provides faster approvals and easier mining clearances.
Aims to strengthen domestic steel supply chain.
India remains importer‑dependent for coking coal.

Assam launches Eti Koli Duti Paat tea workers welfare scheme

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the Eti Koli Duti Paat scheme in Doomdooma, Tinsukia district, creating direct financial support for tea garden workers. The state will disburse over ₹300 crore as one‑time assistance of ₹5,000 to more than six lakh workers, including permanent and casual labourers, across 836 gardens in 27 districts and 73 assembly constituencies. The scheme recognises the contributions of tea tribes and indigenous communities and is supported by budget provisions to ensure timely implementation. The move seeks to improve living standards and livelihoods for workers integral to Assam’s tea industry.

One-time ₹5,000 assistance to over 6 lakh tea workers.
Total allocation around ₹300 crore.
Coverage across 836 gardens in 27 districts.
Aims to recognise tea tribes and improve livelihoods.
Budgetary provisions ensure timely rollout.

Tamil Nadu to lay foundation for Knowledge City in Tiruvallur

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will lay the foundation stone for the Knowledge City in Tiruvallur district on January 29, 2026. The project aims to foster innovation, knowledge, and research by bringing together universities, research laboratories, and knowledge-driven industries in a collaborative ecosystem. The nodal agency for the project is the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO). Sandeep Nanduri, Managing Director of TIDCO, described Knowledge City as a hub for research, entrepreneurship, and high‑value employment. The development will include campuses, laboratories, incubators, tech parks, and industry clusters designed to enhance the region’s R&D infrastructure and attract investments, strengthening Tamil Nadu’s knowledge economy and regional competitiveness.

Foundation stone to be laid on January 29, 2026 in Tiruvallur.
Aims to integrate universities, labs, and industry for collaboration.
Nodal agency: Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO).
Project to include campuses, incubators, and tech parks.
Expected outcome: enhanced R&D, investments, and high-value jobs.

Jan 29, 2026

Centre links Jal Jeevan Mission fund releases to 15-day water supply demonstration

The Centre announced stricter implementation discipline for Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with fund releases linked to demonstration of 15 days of continuous drinking water supply. States will receive funds after MoUs are signed, with each scheme mapped to a unique Scheme ID. Only schemes sanctioned before 31 March 2024 will be considered for releases. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil emphasised rationalising oversized DPRs and enhancing accountability to ensure reliable rural water supply.

JJM fund releases tied to 15 days of continuous supply
Funds released after MoU signing and Scheme ID assignment
Only schemes sanctioned before 31 March 2024 eligible
Emphasis on disciplined implementation and DPR rationalisation
Aim: improve rural water supply and accountability

Smart fishing harbour approved for Mayabunder under PMMSY

The Fisheries Ministry approved a Rs 199.24-crore smart and integrated fishing harbour at Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, funded entirely by the central government under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Aligned with the Blue Port Initiative, the harbour will accommodate 430 fishing vessels and handle about 9,900 tonnes of annual fish landings. It will feature IoT-enabled systems and modern technology to improve operations, safety, and supply chains for the local fishing community.

Rs 199.24-crore central-funded harbour at Mayabunder
Under PMMSY; Blue Port Initiative alignment
Facilities for 430 vessels; 9,900 tonnes/year
IoT-enabled systems to enhance operations
Improves safety and supply chain for local fishermen

Ayush Ministry signs MoU with Zepto to enable online sale of medicines

The Ayush Ministry signed an MoU with Zepto Limited to facilitate online access to Ayush medicines and wellness products across India. The collaboration aims to strengthen digital discovery while ensuring quality and consumer trust in traditional healthcare. Zepto will support delivery of Ayush medicines, expanding reach in urban and rural areas. Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav highlighted partnerships with credible digital platforms to scale the distribution of India's AYUSH heritage while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

MoU between Ayush Ministry and Zepto
Aims to enable online sale and delivery of Ayush medicines
Emphasises quality and consumer trust
Partnership supports last-mile access
Minister emphasizes scalable, compliant distribution

NITI Aayog launches Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 to accelerate Aspirational Districts

NITI Aayog launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, a three-month campaign to saturate development indicators in Aspirational Districts and Blocks. The initiative, led by CEO B. V. R. Subrahmanyam in New Delhi, runs until 14 April 2026 and builds on the 2024 outcomes. It targets five indicators in 112 Aspirational Districts and six indicators in 513 Aspirational Blocks, focusing on health and nutrition, sanitation, education, maternal and child health, tuberculosis case detection, and animal vaccination. The campaign seeks enhanced coordination among central and state agencies to accelerate progress toward improved living standards.

Campaign duration: three months, ending 14 April 2026
Targets: five indicators in 112 districts; six indicators in 513 blocks
Focused areas: health, nutrition, sanitation, education, maternal and child health
Includes TB case detection and animal vaccination
Led by NITI Aayog CEO in New Delhi

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