General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2023

Jul 2023

Feb 05, 2026

Amit Shah to launch Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing platform

Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will launch Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, in New Delhi. The platform places drivers, called Sarathis, at the core of ownership, operations, and value creation, and operates on a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model. Profits will be distributed directly to drivers, with social security measures such as health and accident insurance, retirement savings, and a driver-support system. The initiative includes the Bike Didi program, which has enrolled over 150 women drivers. Bharat Taxi aims to empower drivers and promote inclusive mobility, while challenging aggregator-based models in the sector.

Launch of Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing platform.
Zero-commission pricing and driver-centric ownership model.
Direct profit distribution and social security benefits for drivers.
Bike Didi program has 150+ women drivers enrolled.

Spain bans social media for children under 16

Spain announced a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16, the first European country to take such a step and the second globally after Australia. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez revealed the policy during his World Government Summit address in Dubai, with enforcement expected within a week. The move aims to improve child safety, mental health, and data privacy amid rising concerns about online harms. Critics question enforcement and freedom of expression; supporters argue the policy will shield young users from risky online content and exploitation.

Spain limits social media access for under-16s.
Policy announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the World Government Summit.
Enforcement expected within a week; aims to protect children online.
Debate exists over enforcement challenges and rights concerns.

Feb 04, 2026

ACC approves M Anitha's appointment as Director in Defence Department under Central Staffing Scheme

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of M Anitha, IRS (Income Tax: 2007), as Director in the Department of Defence under the Central Staffing Scheme. The decision follows a Civil Services Board (CSB) recommendation and involves a lateral shift from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where she currently serves as Director. The appointment will take effect from the date she assumes charge of the post. As per the order, Anitha will serve in the Department of Defence for a tenure up to 26 September 2026, aligning with the remaining period of her five-year deputation, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

ACC approved the appointment on 4 February 2026.
Lateral shift from DIPAM; Anitha is currently a Director there.
Post is under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Tenure runs up to 26 September 2026 or earlier on orders.
Appointment based on CSB recommendation.

Feb 03, 2026

IHMCL and NFSU sign MoU to strengthen cyber forensics for highways

Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on cyber forensics, digital evidence integrity, and advanced technologies relevant to national highway management. The MoU, signed in the presence of senior highway officials, aims to build research, training, and advisory capacity in digital security for road networks. The collaboration will support traffic management, incident response, and data protection for critical infrastructure. The partnership aligns with broader efforts to secure digital systems in public works and transport sectors.

MoU between IHMCL and NFSU for cyber forensics.
Focus on digital evidence integrity in highways.
Joint research, training, and consultancy activities.
Part of wider efforts to secure infrastructure data.

NSO to conduct nationwide Migration Survey in 2026–27 to update mobility data

The National Statistics Office (NSO) announced a nationwide Migration Survey for 2026–27 to refresh data on population mobility, urban-rural movement, and inter-state patterns. Conducted under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the survey will document drivers behind migration, including socio-economic status, education, and employment trends. Data collection will cover return migration, seasonal shifts, and the experiences of migrants in different states. The NSO intends to strengthen policymaking with granular evidence on labor dynamics, housing, urban planning, and social welfare needs, ensuring policy responses align with evolving migration patterns across India.

Migration Survey planned for July 2026–June 2027.
Focus on rural-urban movement and inter-state migration.
Data to include socio-economic and employment profiles.
Aims to strengthen evidence base for policy.

Andhra Pradesh launches Pilloo AI, a voice-based accounting app for MSMEs

Andhra Pradesh launched Pilloo AI, a voice-based accounting and billing platform designed to simplify financial tasks for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The application, unveiled at the state Secretariat in Amaravati by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, supports native-language commands and real-time invoicing. The launch was attended by legislators, tech entrepreneurs, and investors. Pilloo AI aims to improve business efficiency, reduce compliance burdens, and encourage digital adoption among small businesses. Demonstrations highlighted the app’s natural-language capabilities and potential for integration with existing state-level e-governance tools.

Pilloo AI: voice-based accounting for MSMEs.
Launched by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu.
Supports native-language input; real-time invoicing.
Aims to boost digital empowerment for small businesses.

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.

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