General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - September 2023

Sep 2023

Feb 28, 2026

Jal Jeevan Mission extended to December 2028

The Union Cabinet on 10 March 2026 approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until December 2028, with a revised total outlay of about Rs 8.69 lakh crore. The policy shift focuses on service delivery and source sustainability, moving from solely infrastructure creation to ongoing rural water service delivery. The mission will adopt a whole-of-government approach, improving coordination among ministries. Gram Panchayats will certify village-level completions and declare Har Ghar Jal only after local operation and maintenance arrangements are in place. States will continue to share costs, while the central government provides oversight, support, and technical guidance.

JJM extended to December 2028
Outlay around Rs 8.69 lakh crore
Shift from infrastructure to service delivery
Whole-of-Government coordination approach
Gram Panchayat certification and Har Ghar Jal criteria
States retain funding responsibilities

RAJMARG PRAVESH portal upgraded to ease NOC process for fuel stations

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal to simplify obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for fuel stations and related sites. The Ministry stated the portal consolidates permissions for access from National Highways to private properties, industries, and wayside facilities into a single online system. Officials said the redesign aims to make the process faster, more transparent, and easier to navigate for citizens and businesses. Online submissions, status tracking, and real-time updates are emphasized. The government sees the upgrade as part of its broader ease-of-doing-business initiative, with plans to add more permit categories in coming months.

NOC process for fuel stations simplified via online portal
Consolidates permissions for access from National Highways
Aims for faster, transparent, user-friendly approvals
Online submissions with real-time status tracking
Part of broader ease-of-doing-business agenda
Expansion to additional permit categories planned

Madurai Airport declared international status by Union Cabinet

On 10 March 2026, the Union Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport. The decision was announced from New Delhi and formal orders were issued by the Airports Authority of India. The upgrade enables customs and immigration facilities and allows international flights as bilateral slots are allocated. Officials say the move will boost tourism and trade in southern Tamil Nadu by expanding air links beyond domestic destinations. Local leaders welcomed the decision as a long-pending demand fulfilled, anticipating new routes and greater regional connectivity, with potential downstream benefits for commerce and travel.

Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport international
Formal orders issued by Airports Authority of India
Customs and immigration facilities to be established
Expected boost to tourism and trade in Tamil Nadu
Regional connectivity with new international routes
Viewed as a long-pending local demand fulfilled

MoCA announces West Asia connectivity plan for 11 March 2026

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced that Air India and Air India Express would operate around 58 flights to and from West Asia on 11 March 2026 to maintain connectivity amid regional disruptions. The update covers major airports in India and West Asia, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve international passenger and cargo links. Officials emphasized coordination with airline partners to manage capacity and schedules during periods of geopolitical tension. The move is part of broader aviation network management to protect routes and ensure reliable cross-border connectivity for travellers and businesses.

Around 58 West Asia flights planned for 11 March 2026
Air India and Air India Express involved
Aims to maintain connectivity amid disruptions
Coverage across major Indian and West Asian airports
Emphasis on partner coordination and schedules
Part of maintaining international routes during tensions

MeitY Launches Blockchain India Challenge to Drive Digital Governance

MeitY, in collaboration with C-DAC, launched the Blockchain India Challenge to promote blockchain-based digital governance solutions. The national program invites Indian startups to develop permissioned blockchain use cases for government services, with prototype, MVP, and deployment stages and a prize pool in crores of rupees. The challenge aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and trust in public services by providing a platform for innovation and government collaboration. Winners will share ownership with MeitY and may scale their solutions through public sector partnerships, reflecting India's push for technology-enabled governance and Web3 growth in administration.

Launch date around February 2026; MeitY and C-DAC organizers.
Open to Indian startups; focus on governance use cases.
Stages include prototype, MVP, deployment with prize pools.
Intended to advance transparency and efficiency in public services.

CBDC-Based Food Subsidy Pilot Launched in Puducherry Under PMGKAY

On 26 February 2026, the Government of India launched a CBDC-based food subsidy distribution pilot under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The pilot uses the Digital Rupee, the RBI issued central bank digital currency, to transfer subsidies directly to beneficiaries' wallets as programmatic tokens. These CBDC tokens can be used only at authorised Fair Price Shops, ensuring purpose-bound purchases. The aim is to improve transparency, reduce leakages, and strengthen India's digital public infrastructure for welfare delivery. The initiative involves RBI, Public Financial Management System, Canara Bank, and Puducherry government. Officials noted secure, traceable transactions and beneficiary empowerment.

Date of pilot: 26 February 2026.
Subsidies delivered as programmable CBDC tokens.
Tokens valid only at approved Fair Price Shops.
Partnership includes RBI, PFMS, Canara Bank, and Puducherry government.

Feb 27, 2026

Nitin Gadkari launches upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH portal

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal to streamline the No Objection Certificate process for access and utility works along National Highways. The portal aims to simplify procedures, enhance transparency and promote ease of doing business. It enables online applications for permissions related to fuel stations, wayside amenities, private properties, rest area complexes and connecting roads along National Highways. The upgraded system promises faster, more transparent and time‑bound approvals. The rollout is planned as a pilot across seven major locations, with possible subsequent expansion to support highway projects and related private investment.

RAJMARG PRAVESH now accepts online applications for highway access permissions.
The upgrade aims to enhance transparency and speed in approvals for NOC‑related works.
Pilot deployment covers seven major locations.
The portal supports permissions for fuel stations, wayside amenities and private properties along highways.
It aligns with ease of doing business and faster project clearances.

Feb 26, 2026

TRAI marks 29th Foundation Day with emphasis on inclusion and network policy

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) celebrated its 29th Foundation Day on 20 February 2026, highlighting achievements since 1997. The event gathered government officials, industry leaders, and academics to consider policy directions for digital inclusion. The themes included ‘Taking TV to All Homes: Policy, Technology and Business Strategies for Inclusion’ and ‘Network Slicing and Net Neutrality’ to balance access with innovation. Chairperson Anil Kumar Lahoti inaugurated the ceremony alongside senior TRAI members. The discussion reflected on India’s evolving telecom and broadcasting environment, with a focus on expanding reach, ensuring fair access, and guiding future investment. (Source: TRAI Foundation Day release)

TRAI observed 29th Foundation Day on 20 February 2026
Themes included TV accessibility and net neutrality
Policy emphasis on inclusion and network innovation
Inauguration by TRAI chair and senior members

NAMASTE scheme awareness event to be held in Pilibhit on 26 February 2026

An awareness programme for the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) will be organised on 26 February 2026 at Gandhi Prekshagrih, Gandhi Stadium, Nakhasa, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. The event aims to raise awareness about the scheme and bolster social security for sewer and septic workers, including PPE kits distribution and Ayushman Cards for eligible beneficiaries. The programme aligns with Government efforts to improve worker safety and healthcare access, while encouraging formal recognition and social security provisions for sanitation labour. (Source: Pilibhit district notice)

NAMASTE awareness programme on 26 February 2026
Event location: Pilibhit, UP
PPE kits distributed; Ayushman Cards provided
Focus on safety and healthcare access for SSW workers

Feb 25, 2026

Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai campaign accelerates India’s digital skilling push

A nationwide campaign titled ‘Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai’ was launched to accelerate India’s digital skilling movement via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). Minister Jayant Chaudhary announced the initiative to broaden SIDH access and expand skilling, employment, and lifelong learning. The campaign leverages initiatives like India Stack to showcase digital capability and includes Amitabh Bachchan as a public ambassador to boost awareness and participation. Officials emphasise that expanding digital skilling will prepare citizens for evolving job markets and drive inclusive growth across the country.

Campaign launched to expand SIDH reach for digital skilling.
Minister Jayant Chaudhary leads the effort; Amitabh Bachchan promotional role.
Link to India Stack and broader Skill India initiatives.
Goal: broaden access to skilling, employment, lifelong learning.
Aims to prepare citizens for a digital economy.

Delhi to implement Rah-Veer scheme to reward Good Samaritans

The Delhi government will implement the Centre’s Rah-Veer scheme to reward individuals who assist seriously injured road accident victims. Eligible bystanders can receive ₹25,000 plus a certificate of appreciation, with claims assessed by a district-level committee. The scheme seeks to ensure medical care within the ‘golden hour’ and provides legal protection for Good Samaritans. Ten exemplary rescuers nationwide may receive an additional award of ₹1 lakh. The Centre supports the initiative to improve emergency response and public participation in road safety, complementing ongoing Delhi safety measures and urban transport planning.

Rah-Veer scheme to reward bystanders aiding accident victims.
Cash prize of ₹25,000 plus certificate; assessments by district committee.
Aim: ensure treatment within the ‘golden hour’.
Legal protection for Good Samaritans included.
National awards: ₹1 lakh for 10 top Good Samaritans.

Rah-Veer scheme rolled out in Delhi to reward Good Samaritans

Delhi government announces rollout of the Centre’s Rah-Veer scheme to recognize bystanders who assist seriously injured road accident victims. The plan offers ₹25,000 in reward money and a certificate of appreciation, with claims evaluated by a district-level committee. The objective is to catalyse immediate medical help within the critical golden hour and provide legal protection to Good Samaritans. The scheme also contemplates a nationwide awards program to incentivize humanitarian action. Officials stress that rapid public response can reduce road-death tolls in busy urban corridors like Delhi.

Delhi implements Rah-Veer for bystander assistance.
Reward of ₹25,000 plus certificate; district committee reviews claims.
Aims to secure medical care within the ‘golden hour’.
Legal protection for Good Samaritans included.
National-level awards may accompany the scheme.

India set to launch its first comprehensive carbon trading programme

India is nearing the launch of its first comprehensive carbon trading programme, the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). Officials from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency say the scheme will cover an emission period from April 2025 to March 2026. Under CCTS, designated units must meet emission targets; those under the limit can earn credits, while those exceeding limits must buy credits or face penalties. The programme aims to improve transparency, measurement, and compliance with national climate goals. Verifiers are being recruited to ensure accurate reporting and verification of emissions data.

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) nearing launch.
Coverage: period April 2025 to March 2026.
Emissions targets set for industrial units; credits awarded for under-fulfilment.
Penalties for over-emitters; credits purchasable trade.
Verifiers being recruited for compliance and transparency.

Feb 24, 2026

Mobile labs launched to ensure National Highway quality

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has launched Mobile Quality Control Vans (MQCVs) to monitor ongoing highway construction projects. Pilot runs are underway in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Odisha. These mobile labs are equipped with advanced non‑destructive testing tools to ensure road quality and durability. A National Highway Quality Monitoring Portal with real‑time GPS tracking is being developed to improve transparency and accountability. The MoRTH initiative emphasizes quality and safety alongside road expansion, aligning with India’s broader push to maintain high infrastructure standards while expanding transport networks.

Initiative: Mobile Quality Control Vans (MQCVs) for highways.
Pilot sites: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha.
Technology: non‑destructive testing tools on mobile labs.
Portal: National Highway Quality Monitoring Portal with GPS tracking.
Policy aim: enhance quality, safety and durability of highways.

National Arogya Fair 2026 to boost Ayush and farmer livelihoods

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress, will organise the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district from 25 to 28 February 2026. The four‑day event aims to promote Ayush systems of medicine, expand public access to traditional healthcare, and create sustainable livelihoods for farmers through medicinal plant cultivation and agroforestry. The fair will be inaugurated on 25 February by President Droupadi Murmu at Visava Maidan, Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan. The Governor of Maharashtra, Union Minister of Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav, and other dignitaries will attend. The event supports rural livelihoods and national health policy goals.

Dates: 25–28 February 2026; location: Shegaon, Buldhana district, Maharashtra.
Objective: promote Ayush medicine and traditional healthcare access.
Livelihood focus: farmers through medicinal plants and agroforestry.
Inauguration: 25 February 2026 by President Droupadi Murmu at Visava Maidan.
Attendees: Governor of Maharashtra, Union Minister of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav.

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