General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2023

Jul 2023

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

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

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