General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2024

Jul 2024

Jan 08, 2026

BHU launches 121 INI‑Swayam courses for Jan–Apr 2026

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has launched 121 Institutes of National Importance (INI)‑SWAYAM online courses for the January–April 2026 session. BHU is offering 71 courses in January 2026, spanning sciences, engineering, management, medicine, education, humanities and interdisciplinary studies. AMU contributes 48 courses, with sessions beginning January 26 and February 16, 2026. SWAYAM is an Education Ministry initiative to provide free online education. The Rashtriya Raksha University provides two courses in Defence and Strategic Studies and Forensic Accounting. Interested learners can enrol via swayam.gov.in/INI for flexible, accessible higher learning.

BHU offers 121 INI‑SWAYAM courses for Jan–Apr 2026.
BHU: 71 courses in January; AMU: 48 courses.
SWAYAM is an Education Ministry online learning program.
Sessions start January 26 and February 16, 2026.
RRU offers two courses in Defence & Strategic Studies and Forensic Accounting.

Jan 07, 2026

Delhi Government signs MoU with RBI to join RBI framework

In a key governance move, the Delhi Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Reserve Bank of India to bring Delhi under the RBI banking, cash management, and debt framework. The RBI will act as banker, debt manager, and financial agent for the capital, enabling market borrowings through State Development Loans and professional cash management. The agreement is designed to ensure lower-cost liquidity, efficient surplus cash management, and enhanced financial stability within the national capital. The MoU aligns Delhi with central government and RBI guidelines, supporting public projects and cash flow planning. The development follows ongoing fiscal governance reforms at the state level.

Delhi RBI framework: RBI to act as banker, debt manager, financial agent
Effective cash management and market borrowings via State Development Loans
Professional surplus cash management and access to low-cost liquidity
MoU aligns with central government and RBI Act provisions
Aimed at improving efficiency in Delhi’s public finances

Jan 06, 2026

MoSPI unveils new logo and mascot Sankhyiki

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched a new logo and official mascot, Sankhyiki, in New Delhi during January. The initiative aims to modernise the ministry’s institutional identity and improve public outreach. The central theme is Data for Development, highlighting the role of reliable statistics in governance. Officials intend to present statistics not only as numbers but as tools guiding growth and public welfare. The move seeks to enhance accessibility, transparency, and public engagement with official data, strengthening accountability and evidence-based policymaking across government, researchers, and citizens.

MoSPI introduced new logo and mascot Sankhyiki in January.
Theme: Data for Development to modernise identity.
Aim to improve public outreach and data accessibility.
Emphasises data-driven governance and accountability.
Targets better engagement with citizens, researchers, and policymakers.
Part of wider efforts to modernise government data presentation.

PRB holds first meeting of Payments Regulatory Board

The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) held its first meeting in Mumbai during January 2026 under the chairmanship of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The board was formed after amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which came into effect on 9 May 2025. The meeting reviewed the functioning of the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems and discussed priorities for both domestic and global payment systems. Members examined the draft Payments Vision 2028 and reviewed findings of the RBI’s Survey on Digital Payments. The board is expected to set policy directions for the evolving payments landscape in India.

PRB established after 9 May 2025 amendments to the PSS Act 2007.
First PRB meeting held in Mumbai, January 2026.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra chaired the session.
Review of the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems.
Discussion of Payments Vision 2028 and digital payments survey results.
Plans for subsequent PRB meetings and policy guidance.

MoTA signs MoU with ONGC to strengthen EMRS capacity

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to support capacity building and infrastructure for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). Under the agreement, ONGC commits ₹28 crore for strengthening EMRS across disciplines, facilitating improved education for tribal students. Officials stated the funding will be deployed across programs to enhance learning outcomes, teacher training, and school facilities. The collaboration highlights government efforts to uplift tribal education through corporate social responsibility and public-private partnership frameworks, reinforcing the priority placed on inclusive education and regional development.

MoTA and ONGC sign MoU to support EMRS capacity building.
ONGC commits ₹28 crore for EMRS initiatives.
Funding targets education quality, teacher training, facilities.
Part of CSR and public-private partnership strategies.
Aims to improve learning outcomes for tribal students.
Strengthens focus on inclusive education and regional development.

Jan 05, 2026

Assam unveils welfare scheme for Udasin Bhakats at Satras

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a welfare scheme for Udasin Bhakats residing in the state's historic satras. Under the initiative, each monk will receive Rs 1,500 monthly. The Chief Minister's Office stated that at least 620 Udasin Bhakats across recognised satras will benefit from the scheme, honoring the monks for their role in preserving Assam's spiritual and cultural legacy. The policy signals increased attention to traditional monastic communities and the preservation of regional heritage as part of broader social welfare efforts.

Monthly assistance: Rs 1,500 per Udasin Bhakat
Beneficiaries: at least 620 monks across recognised satras
Purpose: preserve spiritual and cultural heritage
Policy demonstrates welfare focus on traditional communities

Delhi introduces QR codes on road signage for transparency

The Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi issued guidelines on January 1, 2026 mandating QR codes on all new road signages. The code, printed on the bottom-right corner, must disclose details such as the manufacturer’s name, manufacturing date, material used, reflective sheeting code, and warranty information. Compliance is required in the tendering process for contractors. QR codes will be linked to the PWD Sewa mobile app, enabling citizens to report issues by scanning the code. This move aims to standardize signage, improve visibility, and enhance accountability in Delhi's road infrastructure.

QR codes mandatory on all new road signs
Details to be included: manufacturer, date, material, reflectivity, warranty
Compliance integrated into tendering
Codes linked to PWD Sewa app
Citizens can report sign-related issues via scan

Jan 04, 2026

Gujarat sets up cyber security panels to protect energy infrastructure

Gujarat has formed dedicated cyber security bodies to guard its energy infrastructure. An 11-member Core Committee and a 19-member Task Force will review preparedness, strengthen systems, and ensure long-term protection of critical power networks. With rising use of smart meters, smart grids and SCADA systems, the energy sector faces cyber risks. The new panels will coordinate with security agencies, electricity distributors and regulators to monitor vulnerabilities, test incident response plans, and recommend policy upgrades. The move aligns with national priorities to secure critical infrastructure and boost resilience of Gujarat's energy supply.

Gujarat forms 11-member Core Committee and 19-member Task Force
Focus on safeguarding energy infrastructure from cyber threats
Targets smart meters, smart grids and SCADA systems
Coordination with security agencies, DISCOMs and regulators
Aims to test response plans and recommend policy upgrades

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