General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - August 2023

Aug 2023

Jan 23, 2026

Atal Pension Yojana Extended to 2030–31; SIDBI Receives Rs 5,000 Crore Equity Support

The government approved continuing the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) till 2030–31, extending old‑age income security for unorganised workers and increasing development funding. The scheme offers a guaranteed pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month after age 60, with subscriber numbers exceeding 8 crore 66 lakh. In addition, the Cabinet approved an equity infusion of Rs 5,000 crore into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to broaden MSME outreach. Officials expect the move to unlock investment and expand credit access to micro, small, and medium enterprises across the country.

APY extended till 2030–31; pension range Rs 1,000–5,000.
Subscriber base over 8.66 crore.
Rs 5,000 crore equity support to SIDBI.
Aims to enhance old‑age security and MSME credit access.
Policy supports inclusive social security and financial inclusion.

AIIMS Bibinagar Inaugurates CSR-driven Medical and Academic Facilities in Telangana

AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana inaugurated advanced medical and academic facilities worth over Rs 5.4 crore under the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of IOCL. The package includes a robotic‑assisted surgery system to enable precision-based care, particularly benefiting economically weaker sections, and a high‑fidelity adult patient simulator to enhance simulation‑based training for medical and nursing students. Executives from IOCL and AIIMS Bibinagar attended the ceremony, underscoring a public‑private collaboration to boost tertiary care and medical education. The facilities are expected to improve patient safety, training quality, and access to advanced procedures in the region.

IOCL CSR funded Rs 5.4 crore for facilities.
Robotic‑assisted surgery system installed.
High‑fidelity patient simulator for training added.
Aimed at improving care for economically weaker sections.
Public‑private collaboration between IOCL and AIIMS Bibinagar.

SAMPANN Pension Portal Integrated with UMANG Platform

The SAMPANN pension management system has been integrated with the UMANG platform to streamline pension services. Pensioners can now access Pension Payment Order (PPO) numbers and Life Certificate (LC) validity status via the UMANG web portal or mobile app. This integration, supported by the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA), aims to enhance transparency and ease of access for retirees. DigiLocker integration is also highlighted, underscoring the government’s digital delivery commitments and the move toward unified, user‑friendly pension services for citizens.

SAMPANN integrated with UMANG platform.
PPO numbers and LC validity accessible via UMANG.
Aims to improve transparency and ease of access.
DigiLocker integration adds to digital delivery.

Odisha-Meghalaya Sign MoU on Early Childhood Care and Development

Odisha and Meghalaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Early Childhood Care, Education and Development (ECCED). The agreement focuses on nutrition, health, early learning, responsive caregiving, community engagement, and institutional capacity building. Officials described a knowledge‑sharing framework, joint research, and exposure visits to promote contextually relevant solutions for young children. The MoU envisions leveraging Odisha’s community‑based ECCED experience and Meghalaya’s delivery approaches in tribal and difficult geographies. The collaboration aims to improve outcomes across the first years of life and align with broader health and education goals in both states.

Odisha and Meghalaya sign ECCED MoU.
Focus on nutrition, health, early learning, caregiving.
Includes knowledge exchange and joint research.
Targets capacity building at multiple levels.

NHAI and Konkan Railway Sign MoU to Elevate Road–Rail Infrastructure

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster integrated road‑rail infrastructure development. The umbrella MoU sets a framework for collaboration on projects, resource optimization, and coordinated planning. A Joint Working Group will oversee project identification, preliminary feasibility, and proposal development, with a five‑year initial validity. Officials emphasized that combined road and rail solutions can enhance connectivity, safety, and economic value, especially in challenging terrains. The partnership signals a push toward multimodal infrastructure to support national growth and regional accessibility.

NHAI and KRCL sign broad MoU for collaboration.
Joint Working Group to identify and assess projects.
Initial validity: five years with review provisions.
Aims to integrate road and rail infrastructure planning.
Targets improved connectivity and safety in challenging terrains.

DGCA Introduces Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) Services for ATPL

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) services for Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) at its headquarters. The EPL, a secure ICAO‑aligned digital licence, enables real‑time verification and tamper‑resistant credentials, accessible via the eGCA mobile application. The EPL rollout began earlier in 2025 with CPL and FRTOL; the ATPL addition strengthens regulatory systems, transparency, and efficiency across civil aviation. DGCA officials highlighted the move as part of a broader digital transformation to modernize licensing, improve service delivery, and reduce processing times for aviation professionals and stakeholders.

DGCA launches EPL for ATPL.
Digital, ICAO‑aligned licence with real‑time verification.
Accessible via the eGCA app.
Follows earlier EPL rollout for CPL and FRTOL.
Aims to improve efficiency and regulatory oversight.

Jan 22, 2026

Union Cabinet approves ₹5,000 crore SIDBI equity infusion for MSMEs

New Delhi, 21 January 2026 — The Union Cabinet approved an equity infusion of ₹5,000 crore into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to expand credit to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The infusion will be released by the Department of Financial Services in three tranches: ₹3,000 crore for 2025-26, and ₹1,000 crore each in 2026-27 and 2027-28, with book values detailed as per annual financial statements. The move aims to increase liquidity, support MSME growth, and strengthen credit access across the sector, aligning with broader financial deepening and entrepreneurship policies.

Amount and purpose: ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI for MSMEs
Tranches: ₹3,000 crore in 2025-26; ₹1,000 crore in 2026-27 and 2027-28
Agency: Department of Financial Services executing the infusion
Impact: Expanded credit and liquidity for MSMEs
Policy context: Part of broader credit and financial sector measures

Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Affairs in Power Sector launched at IIT-Delhi

New Delhi, 21 January 2026 — Union Power Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector at IIT-Delhi. The collaboration among IIT Delhi, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and Grid Controller of India Ltd (Grid India) aims to provide a national hub for regulatory research, capacity building and advisory support. The CoE will bridge policy, regulation, system operations and academic research to address rising electricity demand, renewable energy integration, expanding power markets and digital adoption in the sector. This initiative seeks to strengthen evidence-based regulation and informed decision-making in India’s evolving power landscape.

Initiative: CoE for Regulatory Affairs in Power Sector
Institutions: IIT-Delhi, CERC, Grid India
Aim: Regulatory research, capacity building, advisory support
Context: Rising demand, renewables, digital power systems
Impact: Integrated policy-regulation-academia collaboration

NBEMS launches online AI training for medical education

New Delhi, 22 January 2026 — Union Minister Anupriya Patel launched an online training programme on Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education, developed by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The initiative targets about 50,000 doctors to enhance digital competencies, diagnostics, research and clinical practice. More than 42,000 doctors have already registered, indicating strong interest. NBEMS officials stated that AI adoption in healthcare should augment doctors’ capabilities while preserving accountability, accessibility and ethics. The programme aims to modernise medical education and improve healthcare delivery as India scales up digital health initiatives in line with national policy directions.

Program: NBEMS online AI training in medical education
Target audience: up to 50,000 doctors; 42,000+ registered
Purpose: Enhance AI skills for diagnostics, practice and research
Principles: Accountability, accessibility, ethical use
Strategic goal: Strengthen digital health and medical education

Jan 21, 2026

Centre introduces first tailings policy for critical minerals

The central government announced on 21 January 2026 the country’s first tailings policy for critical minerals. The policy provides guidelines for recovering minerals from primary ore as well as secondary sources such as mine dumps and tailings from existing mines. Tailings refer to residual waste after extraction. The Mines Ministry notes that recoverability and economic viability depend on a coordinated approach across ministries since critical elements may be present beyond solid mineral resources. The policy calls for mapping tailing ponds, assessing quantities, and evaluating environmental and economic viability to enable safer, technology-driven extraction and reuse.

First tailings policy for critical minerals announced on 21 January 2026.
Guidelines cover primary ore and tailings from existing mines.
Requires cross-ministry coordination to identify tailing sites.
Aims to map tailing ponds and assess recoverability and viability.
Emphasizes technology-driven recovery and environmental safeguards.

Railways OSOP scheme expands to 2,000 stations

The Indian Railways One Station One Product (OSOP) scheme has expanded to over 2,000 railway stations, benefiting more than 1.32 lakh artisans, weavers and small producers by giving them direct access to millions of passengers daily. The program links local crafts with rail networks, advancing Vocal for Local and sustaining regional economies. It features diverse products such as handmade pottery, bamboo crafts, spices, handlooms and sweets from across the country. Railways say OSOP strengthens inclusive growth by embedding local enterprise in train travel, while preserving traditional crafts for wider audiences.

OSOP now active at over 2,000 stations; 1.32 lakh beneficiaries.
Direct market access for artisans, weavers and small producers.
Promotes Vocal for Local and regional crafts across rail network.
Product range includes pottery, bamboo crafts, spices, handlooms and sweets.

VP Radhakrishnan launches Chalice of Ambrosia in New Delhi

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi-Challenge & Response in New Delhi. The book, authored by Surendra Kumar Pachauri, discusses the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya as a defining moment in India’s civilisational journey. The Vice President noted that the 2019 Supreme Court verdict fulfilled many aspirations and demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy. He spoke of Gandhian principles and recalled how Mahatma Gandhi’s experiences shaped social transformation. The event at the Gandhi Ashram in New Delhi featured a discussion with scholars and public figures and paid homage to national leaders associated with India’s democratic evolution.

Book Chalice of Ambrosia launched in New Delhi by Vice President on 21 January 2026.
Author: Surendra Kumar Pachauri; topic: Ram Mandir and democratic verdict.
VP connected the discourse to Gandhi, democracy and civilisational history.
Event held at Gandhi Ashram with scholars and dignitaries.

Jan 20, 2026

GeM and WTC Mumbai sign MoU to boost MSME procurement

GeM and World Trade Centre Mumbai signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen MSME participation in public procurement. The collaboration will focus on capacity building, supplier outreach, and knowledge sharing in AI, sustainability, and green procurement. GeM’s CEO and CFO highlighted the platform’s growing scale, with over one crore registered users, as a basis for wider market access. WTC Mumbai’s chairman said the partnership supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by improving transparency and efficiency in public procurement, particularly for startups, women entrepreneurs, and smaller enterprises.

GeM–WTC Mumbai MoU signed to boost MSMEs
Focus on capacity building and supplier outreach
Includes AI, sustainability, and green procurement
GeM has over one crore registered users
Aims to improve transparency and access for MSMEs

Karnataka inks MoU with Azim Premji Foundation for 1,000-bed organ transplant hospital in Bengaluru

The Karnataka medical education department signed an MoU with the Azim Premji Foundation to construct a 1,000-bed charitable hospital for multi‑organ transplantation in Bengaluru. The signing took place in Bengaluru with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil, and Azim Premji Foundation CEO Anurag Behar in attendance. The government granted 10 acres on a 99-year lease at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases for the project, while the Foundation will invest over ₹4,000 crore over coming years. The facility aims to make organ transplants more affordable and accessible to the public.

MoU signed between Karnataka government and Azim Premji Foundation
1,000-bed charitable multi‑organ transplant hospital planned
10 acres leased for 99 years near Rajiv Gandhi Institute
Project investment: over ₹4,000 crore
Goal: make transplants affordable and accessible

Jan 19, 2026

PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 Announced at Dilli Haat, January 18–31

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises announces PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, in New Delhi from 18 to 31 January 2026. The event will showcase India s traditional crafts and artisanship, with over 117 artisans from across states and union territories. Union Minister Jiten Ram Manjhi will inaugurate the Haat, with Shobha Karandlaje in attendance. Hours are from 10 30 am to 10 pm daily, and foreign mission representatives have been invited. The exhibition aims to empower artisans, enhance market access, and strengthen MSME ecosystems through direct buyer interaction and visibility.

Dates: 18–31 January 2026
Venue: Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi
Participants: 117 artisans from across India
Objective: empower artisans, improve market access
International involvement: foreign missions invited

PM-SETU Aims to Modernise 1000 Government ITIs

PM-SETU envisions modernising 1000 government ITIs through a hub and spoke approach. About 200 hub ITIs will receive upgraded infrastructure, while 800 spoke ITIs will extend reach across districts. A Pune industry consultation will mobilise participation from over 50 companies across construction, textiles, automotive, FMCG, electronics, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. The scheme places ITIs as government owned but industry managed, with stronger apprenticeship and placement linkages. MoUs will formalise partnerships with DVET Maharashtra, FIAT India, Schneider Electric India, Anudip Foundation, and others. The aim is to align training with labour market needs and governance.

Model: hub and spoke for ITIs
Hub count: 200; Spoke count: 800
Industry participation: 50+ companies
Key MoUs: FIAT India, Schneider Electric, Anudip
Goals: industry-led governance, improved employability

Supreme Court Upholds Open Merit Pool for Unreserved Seats

The Supreme Court on Friday held that candidates from reserved categories must be adjusted against unreserved vacancies if they score higher marks than the general category cut off. The case arose from a 2013 Airports Authority of India recruitment for Junior Assistant Fire Service. The AAI had filled 122 unreserved seats using meritorious reserved candidates, a decision challenged by a waiting unreserved candidate. The Kerala High Court had ruled in favor of the challenger in 2020, but the Supreme Court set aside that order, stating that the unreserved category is an open pool based on merit and not a private quota. Justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma delivered the judgment.

Judgment date context: January 2026
Merit-based open pool applies to unreserved seats
Case linked to AAI 2013 recruitment
Kerala HC decision (2020) overturned
Equality and merit emphasized by Supreme Court

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