General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2023

Jul 2023

Apr 30, 2026

APEDA to Set Up Basmati and Organic Training Centre in Pilibhit

APEDA will set up a Basmati and Organic Training Centre in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, on 7 acres allocated from the Tanda Bijesi village. The ₹15 crore project aims to boost India’s agricultural exports by training farmers in premium basmati cultivation, seed production, organic farming, and export compliance. It will also introduce modern technologies such as AI-based crop mapping to identify varieties and monitor fields. The facility, to be built with support from the Public Works Department, is expected to be completed within one year. The centre will include demonstration farms, a seed production unit, an auditorium, a museum with 45 basmati varieties, and a NABL-accredited lab for DNA profiling, pesticide residues, and heavy metals.

7 acres allocated in Pilibhit for a new training centre
₹15 crore project to boost basmati exports and organic farming
AI-based satellite mapping to identify basmati varieties
Facilities include demonstration farms, seed unit, auditorium, and museum
NABL-accredited laboratory for DNA profiling, pesticide residues, heavy metals
Completion targeted within 12 months

EPFO to Launch E-PRAAPTI Portal for Old EPF Accounts

EPFO will launch a digital platform named EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts (E-PRAAPTI). The portal will help members identify old EPF accounts without UAN, track them, and link or activate them via Aadhaar-based authentication. The system is designed to reduce manual intervention, minimize documentation, and improve transparency and efficiency in account updates. Members will securely access old accounts, initiate UAN linking, and receive activation updates. The project aligns with the government’s digital governance push and faster service delivery for workers. Officials say the portal will simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork, and improve worker welfare by faster access to provident fund benefits.

Launch of E-PRAAPTI portal for old EPF accounts
Aadhaar-based authentication for linking accounts
Reduces manual intervention and documentation
Provides secure access and status updates on activation
Supports digital governance and worker welfare improvements

Bengaluru Police Roll Out AI-Powered Multilingual Namma 112

Bengaluru City Police have upgraded the Namma 112 emergency system with an AI-powered multilingual platform named VANKI (Multilingual Voice AI for Nationwide Key Interventions). VANKI translates caller language in real time and conveys messages to emergency handlers, speeding up dispatch of police, ambulance, or fire services. The system initially supports more than 10 languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Odia, Manipuri, Kashmiri, Nepali, and Assamese, plus international languages such as Spanish, French and Arabic. The upgrade aims to remove language barriers during crises and improve access for residents and visitors. The move underlines India’s push to use AI in public safety.

Namma 112 upgraded with VANKI multilingual AI
Real-time language translation for emergency calls
Supports 10+ Indian languages and several international languages
Aims to cut response times and improve accessibility
Demonstrates use of AI in public safety systems

Apr 29, 2026

RBI launches Mission SAKSHAM to bolster governance in Urban Co-Operative Banks

RBI launched Mission SAKSHAM on 28 April 2026 to strengthen governance and capacity in India's Urban Co-operative Banking (UCB) sector. The central bank aims to improve skills, governance, and operational efficiency through large-scale training programs. The initiative will reach about 1.4 lakh participants and target board members, senior management, and technical staff. Mission SAKSHAM stands for Sahkari Bank Kshamta Nirman and will use both in-person training and e-learning modules to ensure accessibility. The program seeks long-term transformation in UCB functioning, following extensive consultations with sector stakeholders including umbrella organizations and cooperative federations. It underscores RBI’s continued modernization of cooperative banking and financial inclusion.

Mission SAKSHAM launched on 28 April 2026 to strengthen UCB governance.
Aims to train about 1.4 lakh participants across boards and staff.
SAKSHAM stands for Sahkari Bank Kshamta Nirman; combines in-person and e-learning formats.
Intended to transform UCB functioning and governance long-term.
Developed after consultations with sector stakeholders; supports financial inclusion.

DPI@2047 roadmap: DPI 2.0 and DPI 3.0 details released by PIB

A PIB release on 28 April 2026 outlines the DPI@2047 roadmap, detailing Digital Public Infrastructure 2.0 (2025–2035) and 3.0 (2035–2047). The note emphasizes cross‑sectoral integration, pilot projects in MSMEs and agriculture, and a decentralised implementation approach. The document reiterates Aadhaar and UPI as foundations and calls for standardisation, skill development and new digital governance tools. The release situates these phases within India’s broader digital governance agenda and the Act East strategy, underscoring a push toward productivity‑led growth and inclusive digital transformation.

DPI@2047 roadmap released by PIB
Phases: DPI 2.0 (2025–2035) and DPI 3.0 (2035–2047)
Focus on cross‑sectoral digital infrastructure
Pilot projects in MSMEs and agriculture
Emphasis on standardisation and skill development

NITI Aayog launches DPI@2047 roadmap for digital prosperity

NITI Aayog announced the DPI@2047 roadmap to guide India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) journey. The plan outlines DPI 2.0 (2025–2035) and DPI 3.0 (2035–2047), aiming to transform the economy into a $30 trillion economy by 2047 and raise per capita income to about $18,000. Phase 1 strengthens digital foundations, broadening access and improving service delivery, while Phase 2 stresses grassroots innovation and integration into global value chains. The DPI platform builds on Aadhaar and UPI and contemplates new finance, energy and governance models to accelerate inclusive growth and productivity across sectors.

DPI@2047 roadmap announced by NITI Aayog
Two phases: DPI 2.0 (2025–2035) and DPI 3.0 (2035–2047)
Goal: $30 trillion economy and $18,000 per capita income by 2047
Phase 1: broaden access and improve services
Phase 2: grassroots innovation and value-chain integration
Foundations include Aadhaar and UPI

Apr 28, 2026

DMRC appoints Sanjay Jamuar as first CEO of Delhi Metro International Limited

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) appointed Sanjay Jamuar as the first Chief Executive Officer of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL). DMIL, a wholly owned DMRC subsidiary, will bid for international metro projects and offer urban transport consultancy. The appointment signals DMRC’s strategic shift toward global footprints in urban mobility. Jamuar brings decades of experience in railway services, including leadership in operations, maintenance and international consultancy. His career spans roles across the UK, USA, France and West Asia, enriching DMIL with a global perspective to secure collaborations and project delivery in international markets.

Sanjay Jamuar named CEO of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL).
DMIL is a DMRC subsidiary focused on international metro projects.
Jamuar brings extensive global experience in railway operations and consultancy.

Kathua border villages added to Vibrant Village Programme-II

The Central Government has included six border villages in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district under Vibrant Village Programme-II to improve infrastructure and ensure full delivery of welfare schemes. The villages are Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua and Gujjar Chak. Located along the International Border, these settlements hold strategic importance for border security and rural development. The plan aims to strengthen connectivity, public services and socio‑economic opportunities. A review meeting chaired by Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma finalised the selection, with officials instructed to ensure timely implementation of development plans through regular monitoring and better inter‑departmental coordination.

Six border villages in Kathua included under Vibrant Village Programme-II: Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua, Gujjar Chak.
Aims: improve roads, healthcare, electricity, drinking water and education; enhance border security.
Selection finalised at a review chaired by Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma.

Apr 27, 2026

US imposes preliminary anti‑dumping duty on Indian solar cells and panels

The US Department of Commerce announced a preliminary anti‑dumping duty on Indian solar cells and panels, with rates around 123.04 percent for most exporters and 123.07 percent for some firms. The duties follow an investigation alleging sales below fair value. The final decision is expected within 75 days. The move could dampen US demand for Indian solar products and push exporters to seek alternate markets, potentially affecting export volumes and pricing. Indian manufacturers may respond with pricing adjustments, supply‑chain diversification, or increased policy engagement to address concerns about competition and fair trade in the US market.

Preliminary anti‑dumping duty set around 123.04% for most exporters
Certain firms face 123.07% margins
Final decision due within 75 days
Possible impact: reduced US exports of Indian solar products
Companies may explore alternative markets and pricing strategies

India approves ₹30 billion SAARC currency swap with Maldives

India, through the Reserve Bank of India, approved a currency swap facility of ₹30 billion with the Maldives under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework (2024–2027). The swap falls under the INR Swap Window and aims to provide quick liquidity to member nations during external shocks. The agreement traces to the Maldives president’s visit to India in October 2024, reflecting sustained bilateral financial cooperation. The facility supports balance‑of‑payments resilience and regional financial stability, illustrating India’s role as a reliable partner in SAARC and its use of swap mechanisms to bolster regional stability.

₹30 billion SAARC currency swap with Maldives
Under SAARC Currency Swap Framework (2024–2027)
Falls under the INR Swap Window
Formalized during the Maldives President’s 2024 visit to India
Aims to strengthen regional financial stability

Apr 26, 2026

Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh: MoSJE convenes three-day policy reflection (24–26 April 2026)

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) will organise a three-day Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh from 24 to 26 April 2026. The event, under the theme Antyodaya ka Sankalp, Amrit Kaal ka Pratibimb – Viksit Bharat @2047, brings senior ministers and state functionaries to discuss inclusive policies for vulnerable groups. The programme will feature launches of digital initiatives such as SAMAVESH Portal, NMBA 2.0, SETU and SMILE Apps, aiming to improve governance and service delivery. Union Ministers Virendra Kumar will chair sessions, and the Shivir will focus on policy reforms and interdepartmental coordination. Officials expect enhanced welfare scheme delivery nationwide.

Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh (24–26 Apr 2026)
Theme: Antyodaya... Viksit Bharat @2047
Focus on inclusive policies for vulnerable groups
Launches: SAMAVESH Portal, NMBA 2.0, SETU, SMILE Apps
Chair: Union Minister Virendra Kumar
Goal: improved governance and welfare delivery

Bihar launches first structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission

Under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission, Bihar launched its first-ever structured pulse procurement. The NCCF and NAFED are central players in procurement across the state and in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Bihar has set a target to procure 32,000 metric tons of masoor (lentil). By 22 April 2026, 100.4 metric tons had been purchased, and 59 farmers were onboarded. The move supports India's push for self-reliant pulse production and improved farmer incomes. This structured approach aims to reduce price volatility and promote transparent procurement through a government-led system. NCCF and NAFED spearhead procurement, with linkages to public distribution systems and farmers' welfare schemes.

First structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission in Bihar
NCCF and NAFED central to procurement
Target: 32,000 metric tons of masoor
By 22 Apr 2026, 100.4 MT procured; 59 farmers onboarded
Aims to reduce price volatility and improve farmer incomes
Linkages to PDS and welfare schemes

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