General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - September 2023

Sep 2023

Jun 08, 2026

PM Modi Inaugurates NAMO Airport Terminal at Daman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the modern terminal building at Daman's NAMO Airport in June 2026, inaugurating a key project to strengthen air connectivity in the Union Territory. The terminal upgrade is part of a broader development push that includes improved passenger facilities, infrastructure, and connectivity. Officials described the facility as a catalyst for regional tourism, trade, and economic development, noting improved access to major cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. The project aligns with national plans to expand domestic aviation and integrate hinterland regions into the national transport network, contributing to a faster, more connected Bharat. The ceremony marked another milestone in Modi government's push for regional accessibility.

Inauguration of NAMO Airport terminal in Daman
Part of broader infrastructure and connectivity push
Improves access to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi
Aligns with expansion of domestic aviation
Aims to boost regional tourism and trade
Symbolic milestone in regional accessibility drive

India–Nepal Link UPI with NPI for Cross-Border Remittances

India and Nepal announced the linkage of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Nepal's National Payments Interface (NPI) to facilitate cross-border personal remittances. The announcement was made during Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal's visit to New Delhi. The two sides also discussed strengthening economic cooperation and digital connectivity, including efforts to broaden financial inclusion. In addition, India handed over several post-earthquake reconstruction projects to Nepal, reflecting ongoing development assistance. The UPI–NPI linkage is expected to simplify remittance transfers, reduce costs, and accelerate digital financial inclusion for citizens and businesses on both sides, enabling faster, safer cross-border payments. Officials said the arrangement would support small exporters and migrant workers.

UPI linked with Nepal's NPI for cross-border remittances
Announced during Nepal's FM Shisir Khanal's visit to New Delhi
Aims to enhance financial inclusion and digital connectivity
India handed over post-earthquake reconstruction projects to Nepal
Expected to reduce remittance costs and processing time
Supports small exporters and migrant workers

Centre Signs ISRO-Water Initiative Agreement for Resource Management

Centre signs an agreement with ISRO to roll out new water research initiatives. The collaboration aims to leverage ISRO's satellite data, remote sensing, and geospatial tools to monitor river systems, groundwater, and climate-related water risks across states. The program, announced by the Jal Shakti Ministry in partnership with ISRO, includes capacity-building, data sharing, and open-access dashboards for policymakers, farmers, and urban planners. Officials said the initiative will support water conservation campaigns, efficient irrigation, and urban water security while fostering innovation in space-tech applications for resource management. The program aligns with national objectives to improve water efficiency, drought resilience, and climate adaptation strategies.

ISRO–Jal Shakti collaboration on water research
Uses satellite data and geospatial tools
Focus on river systems, groundwater, climate risks
Includes capacity-building and open dashboards
Aims to boost water conservation and irrigation efficiency
Supports climate adaptation and space-tech innovation

Tamil Nadu Releases Cool Roof SOP on World Environment Day

Tamil Nadu released India's first state-level Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Cool Roof Coating Applications on World Environment Day. The SOP, developed by the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company and the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, was prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It standardises cool-roof implementation across homes, schools, and public buildings, with specifications on materials, application methods, and performance criteria. The framework supports climate resilience and sustainable urban development by reducing indoor temperatures, cutting energy use, and improving thermal comfort. Officials say the SOP could serve as a model for other states seeking heat-mitigation strategies.

First state-level SOP for Cool Roof Coating in India
Launched on World Environment Day by Tamil Nadu
Collaboration with UNEP and TN climate bodies
Standardises materials, methods, and performance
Aims to reduce indoor heat and energy use
Could serve as model for other states

Jun 07, 2026

FSSAI introduces standardised vegan logo; mandatory from 1 July 2027

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a standardised vegan logo to help consumers identify vegan food products. The logo features a green V with a sprouting leaf and the word VEGAN. It will become mandatory for approved vegan food products from 1 July 2027. The move aims to improve transparency and consumer confidence and supports growing demand for plant-based foods in India. Packaging regulations specify that only products carrying a valid vegan endorsement from FSSAI may display the logo. Industry observers note potential updates to labeling processes and certification workflows for manufacturers.

Logo design: green V with sprouting leaf and the word VEGAN.
Effective date: 1 July 2027 for all approved vegan products.
Purpose: enhance transparency and consumer confidence in vegan labeling.
Implementation: applies to products with FSSAI vegan endorsement.

Jun 06, 2026

APEDA facilitates first millet shipment to New Zealand

APEDA facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand. The consignment was flagged off on 3 June 2026 and included 1 metric tonne of value-added millet products, exported under APEDA’s BHARATI Initiative. The move boosts India’s millet export sector and promotes value-added agri-food products globally, signaling a push to diversify agricultural exports and open new markets for millet-based foods.

First millet shipment to New Zealand by sea (3 June 2026).
1 metric tonne of value-added millet products shipped.
Under APEDA BHARATI Initiative.
Supports diversification of India’s agricultural exports.

Jun 05, 2026

UPI Cross-Border Network Expands Across Asia and Beyond

Industry observers note that UPI cross border volumes are expanding as a multi country network grows. By late 2025, live cross border transactions reached nearly 1.5 million across an eight country network, with trials underway in Japan and routine collaboration with Malaysia, Israel and Cambodia. The network has driven greater merchant acceptance and helped Indian travellers carry out quick digital payments abroad. Analysts expect continued expansion into new markets and ongoing regulatory alignment to support rapid growth. The cross border system is increasingly central to India’s fintech diplomacy and international commerce strategy.

UPI cross-border network shows growing volume and reach.
Approximately 1.4–1.5 million cross-border transactions by late 2025.
Japan trial and collaborations with Malaysia, Israel, Cambodia ongoing.
Merchant acceptance points number in the millions regionally.
Fintech diplomacy and international commerce strategy are linked to growth.

First Phase of India Cambodia UPI Connectivity Goes Live

The first phase of India Cambodia payment connectivity went live as part of a government initiative to enable UPI acceptance in Cambodia. The initiative, announced by NPCI International and partner banks, connects India's digital payments framework with Cambodia's payment ecosystem. It aims to facilitate seamless cross border commerce and travel, allowing Indian travellers to pay at local merchants through UPI. The launch aligns with broader digital finance expansions and efforts to promote a two way payment corridor between the two countries. The development follows government announcements and PIB press releases issued in early June 2026.

First phase of UPI cross border connectivity with Cambodia operational.
NPCI International leads implementation with ACLEDA Bank collaboration.
Enables UPI payments for Indian travellers in Cambodia.
Aims to create a two way cross border payments corridor.
Supports broader goals of expanding digital payments internationally.

UPI Acceptance Launched in Cambodia via ACLEDA Bank

NPCI International partnered with ACLEDA Bank to launch Unified Payments Interface UPI acceptance in Cambodia. The service will enable Indian travellers to make QR based digital payments across Cambodia using KHQR compatible terminals. The first phase brings cross border QR payments and is part of a broader plan to extend Indian digital payments infrastructure globally. The move is expected to boost tourism and trade with Cambodia by offering a familiar payment method for Indian visitors, while expanding the reach of India's digital payment ecosystem beyond its borders.

NPCI International partners with ACLEDA Bank in Cambodia.
UPI acceptance enables QR based payments in Cambodia.
KHQR compatibility supports cross border use.
First phase focuses on cross border payments for Indian travellers.
Aims to boost people-to-people and business links with Cambodia.

Jun 04, 2026

Navachar Mantra launched to support grassroots innovators

Navachar Mantra, a national initiative for grassroots innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs, was launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) at IIT Delhi. Jayant Chaudhary, the minister, announced the program, which aims to identify and support innovators from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, rural areas, aspirational districts, and underserved regions. The programme is implemented by NIESBUD, with FITT at IIT Delhi acting as the technical knowledge partner. It will provide mentorship, visibility, and growth opportunities, including guidance on market access, funding, and scaling. The initiative seeks to strengthen India's innovation ecosystem and promote self-reliant entrepreneurship by connecting grassroots ideas with national and global networks.

Navachar Mantra launched at IIT Delhi
Targets grassroots innovators from Tier-2/3 and rural areas
Implemented by NIESBUD; FITT IIT Delhi as knowledge partner
Provides mentorship, visibility, and growth opportunities
Aims to strengthen India's innovation ecosystem

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