General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2024

Jul 2024

Dec 24, 2025

DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh given AICTE chair charge

Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh was given additional charge as Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). His appointment follows the end of the term of the previous AICTE chair on December 20. The Education Ministry stated that the arrangement will continue until a regular AICTE Chairman is appointed or until further orders. The move places a senior academia administrator in charge of national technical education policy and regulation during the interim period.

Yogesh Singh appointed as interim AICTE Chairman.
Term lasts until a regular chair is appointed or further orders.
DU Vice-Chancellor takes charge after term end of prior chair.
Ministry specifies interim governance arrangement.

Madhya Pradesh to roll out rolling budget from 2026-27

Madhya Pradesh announced a rolling budget framework, making it the first Indian state to adopt three-year indicative estimates alongside the annual plan. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda said the 2026-27 state budget will reflect public expectations and broader democratic participation. Economists and policy experts attended the Budget Dialogue Programme where Devda revealed indicative budgets for 2027-28 and 2028-29 as part of the reform. The approach enables periodic revisions based on performance and evolving conditions, aiming to enhance transparency and long-term fiscal discipline, with the state seeking to lead in fiscal reform in the public sector.

Rolling budget framework to span three years (2026-27 to 2028-29).
Indicative estimates prepared for 2027-28 and 2028-29.
Aims to enhance transparency and long-term planning.
Announced during Budget Dialogue Programme with economists.
Positioning MP as a forerunner in fiscal reform.

Tax authority launches data-driven NUDGE campaign for AY 2025-26

The Income Tax Department launched a data-driven NUDGE campaign for Assessment Year 2025-26. Using risk analytics, the campaign targets taxpayers with potentially ineligible deductions or exemptions. They are asked via SMS and email to review and correct errors, ahead of the due date for revised ITRs on December 31. The approach aims to boost voluntary compliance by highlighting likely issues and simplifying corrections. Taxpayers are advised to verify deductions and ensure accuracy to avoid penalties or scrutiny, while authorities hope to reduce processing delays and improve tax administration efficiency.

NUDGE campaign for AY 2025-26 launched by IT Department.
Risk analytics identify potentially ineligible claims.
Communications via SMS and email for voluntary corrections.
Revised ITR due by December 31.
Aims to improve compliance and reduce processing delays.

MYAS launches Internship Policy to grow sports talent

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports unveiled a Comprehensive Internship Policy to build a robust pipeline of young professionals for India’s sports ecosystem. The policy commits 452 internships annually across MYAS and its autonomous bodies, including SAI, NADA and NDTL. It aims to expose students to governance, administration, anti-doping, event management, and athlete support services. The initiative aligns with the National Sports Policy and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, prioritizing youth empowerment, capacity building, and professionalisation in sports administration. Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described the program as a catalyst for developing a skilled workforce in national sport development.

452 internships annually across MYAS and autonomous bodies.
Exposure to governance, administration, anti-doping, event management.
Aligns with National Sports Policy and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025.
Focus on youth empowerment and capacity building.
Aims to professionalise sports administration.

Pension Adalat at IIPA resolves pension grievances

Union Minister Jitendra Singh chaired the 15th Pension Adalat at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi. The Adalat examined 1,087 long-pending pension grievances across 24 ministries and departments, with a focus on family pension arrears and processing delays. The event, designed to expedite legitimate dues to pensioners, showcased the government’s commitment to timely benefits and transparency in pension administration. Officials highlighted streamlined procedures and the potential for faster resolution of disputed cases, improving trust in public grievance redressal and social security systems.

15th Pension Adalat chaired by Jitendra Singh.
1,087 long-pending grievances reviewed across 24 departments.
Focus on delays in family pension and disbursal issues.
Aim: faster redressal and rightful pension payments.
Strengthens public grievance redressal framework.

EC publishes draft electoral rolls for 3 states and Andaman & Nicobar

The Election Commission released draft electoral rolls for Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Andaman and Nicobar as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The exercise aims to update voter lists, correct errors, and ensure accuracy ahead of upcoming elections. Local agencies will conduct field checks and address discrepancies reported by citizens. The EC urged voters to verify their details and report any issues. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral integrity and participation across these states and union territory.

Draft rolls released for CG, MP, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar.
Part of Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Voters urged to verify details and report errors.
Aims to improve accuracy ahead of elections.
EC emphasizes inclusivity and participation.

Dec 23, 2025

Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Bill Gets President’s Assent

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, following passage in Parliament in December. The Act replaces the MGNREGA framework and raises rural employment guarantees to 125 days per financial year. It aims to strengthen rural livelihoods through enhanced planning, funding, and delivery mechanisms under the Rural Development Ministry. The Government emphasises empowerment, inclusive growth, and convergence of development initiatives. This policy shift seeks to sustain rural employment and improve targeted outcomes, aligning with the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda and a move toward longer-term, outcome-based rural development strategies.

President assent to VB-G RAM G Act, 2025; replaces MGNREGA.
Rural employment guarantee increased to 125 days per financial year.
New funding, planning, and delivery mechanisms introduced.
Aims for empowerment, inclusive growth, and convergence of initiatives.

Auroville Foundation Recommended for Institution National Importance Status

A Parliamentary panel has recommended recognising the Auroville Foundation in Pondicherry as an Institution of National Importance (INI). The report suggests amending the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988, noting UNESCO resolutions since 1966 supporting Auroville’s mission of international understanding and peace. INI status would place Auroville among premier Indian higher education and research bodies, with implications for funding, governance, and visa procedures. The panel also highlighted that the foundation receives central grants but should become financially self-sustaining, while retaining five-year visas for residents. The recommendation is a significant policy development in India’s cultural and educational landscape.

Parliamentary panel recommends INI status for Auroville Foundation.
Suggests amending Auroville Foundation Act, 1988.
UNESCO resolutions cited in support of Auroville’s international role.
Recommendation includes funding reform and visa considerations.

Dec 22, 2025

President Murmu Grants Assent to SHANTI Bill; Private Firms to Enter Nuclear Sector

President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, passed by Parliament during the Winter Session. The law subsumes civil nuclear sector laws and opens the field to private players, repealing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. Under SHANTI, private companies and joint ventures can build, own, operate, and decommission nuclear plants with government licenses, while critical elements like uranium mining remain with the central government. This marks a major shift in India’s energy policy and private investment landscape. ([ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/parliament-winter-session-president-droupadi-murmu-grants-assent-to-shanti-bill-private-firms-to-enter-nuclear-sector-9862526?pfrom=home-ndtv_indianews&utm_source=openai))

Meghalaya Introduces New Curriculum; Khasi and Garo Made Compulsory in Early Classes

The Meghalaya government announced that Khasi and Garo will be included in the Class-1 curriculum. The move aims to preserve local language and culture while simplifying learning. Textbooks will be optional this year and become compulsory from the next session, as several schools have aligned their syllabi. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the plan will strengthen cultural identity from the foundational years. The policy aligns with broader educational reforms and local language preservation efforts in the state.

Khasi and Garo added to Class-1 curriculum
Textbooks optional this year; compulsory next year
Strengthens local language and culture
CM Conrad K. Sangma announced the plan
Educational reform aligned with regional identity

PM Unveils Rs. 10,601 Crore Fertiliser Plant in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a Rs. 10,601-crore brownfield ammonia-urea fertiliser plant in Dibrugarh district, Assam. The Assam Valley Fertilisers and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL) project aims to enhance urea production by 12.7 lakh metric tonnes annually, with commissioning targeted in 2030. The plant is expected to bolster industrial progress in the region and reduce dependence on imports for fertilisers. The project aligns with broader energy and rural development goals for the northeast.

Rs. 10,601 crore fertiliser plant foundation in Assam
AVFCCL project aims for 12.7 lakh MTPA urea capacity
Commissioning targeted for 2030
Aims to boost northeast industrial development
Part of broader energy and rural development goals

Dec 20, 2025

Direct Tax Collections Up 8% YoY Through December 17, 2025

India’s direct tax collections rose 8% year-on-year from April 1 to December 17, 2025, with net direct tax receipts around ₹17 trillion and gross receipts about ₹20 trillion. Tax refunds totaled roughly ₹3 trillion in this period. Corporate tax collections grew by about 10.5%, while personal income tax, trusts, and securities rose by over 6%. Despite earlier tax cuts in February 2025, officials remain confident of reaching the full-year target of ₹25.2 trillion by 31 March 2026. The data reflect improving tax administration, stronger corporate activity, and steady collections amid macroeconomic headwinds.

Net direct tax receipts approx. ₹17 trillion; gross ₹20 trillion.
Refunds around ₹3 trillion; period: Apr 1–Dec 17, 2025.
Corporate tax +10.5%; personal taxes +6+%.
Full-year target: ₹25.2 trillion; optimism on revenue.

UP to Establish North India’s First Forest University in Gorakhpur

On 18 December 2025, Uttar Pradesh announced the establishment of North India’s first Forest University in Gorakhpur. The project will focus on forestry, wildlife conservation, climate science, and environmental technology, with about 125 acres of land identified near the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre. The state aims to invest around ₹500 crore in the project and works with central authorities for approvals. The university will train professionals for forest departments, promote biodiversity research, and support sustainable forest management and wildlife conservation. The initiative aligns with national goals on climate resilience and ecological protection.

Announcement dated 18 December 2025; Gorakhpur site identified.
125 acres near Jatayu Conservation Centre; ₹500 crore budget.
Focus areas: forestry, wildlife, climate science, environmental tech.
Aims to train professionals and advance biodiversity research.

Jharkhand Passes Gig Workers Welfare Bill; Board to Oversee Welfare

The Jharkhand Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2025, secured assent from the governor and will become law after gazette notification. Passed during the monsoon session, the Bill enables formation of a Gig Workers’ Welfare Board with the labour department minister as ex-officio chairman and the secretary plus five members serving for three years. The measure aims to bring gig workers under a single platform to improve welfare and security. Officials emphasised that the Board will coordinate registration, welfare schemes, and social protection measures for workers operating on digital platforms within Jharkhand.

Governor gave assent to the Jharkhand Gig Workers Welfare Bill, 2025.
Bill creates a Gig Workers Welfare Board; membership for three years.
Labour minister named ex-officio chairman; gazette notification required for Act.
Aims to improve welfare and security for gig workers on digital platforms.

Dec 19, 2025

Finance Ministry unveils unified logo for Regional Rural Banks

The Finance Ministry unveiled a single logo for all Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) as part of the ‘One State One RRB’ branding initiative, effective from 1 May 2025. Twenty‑eight RRBs across 11 states/UTs now share a common emblem to strengthen identity, trust, and visibility. The initiative accompanies a broader amalgamation drive, with a network of over 22,000 branches in more than 700 districts. The nationwide branding is designed to reinforce financial inclusion and rural development through a cohesive and recognizable corporate presence.

New logo for all 28 RRBs
Effective date: 1 May 2025
Aims: unified branding, financial inclusion
Coverage: 11 states/UTs, 22,000+ branches
Context: part of wider RRB consolidation

Parliament approves G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA

In a midnight session, Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, called G RAM G, replacing the two‑decade‑old MGNREGA. The bill promises 125 days of rural wage employment annually. Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the reform aims to correct structural flaws and improve implementation. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill by voice vote after opposition protests over Mahatma Gandhi’s name removal from MGNREGA and concerns about the financial burden on states. The reform is part of a broader rural development strategy and fiscal reshaping of rural employment schemes.

Bill name: G RAM G (Rural Employment and Livelihood Mission)
Key feature: 125 days of rural wage employment annually
Status: passed by Parliament (midnight session)
Contested issues: Gandhi name removal; state fiscal burden
Context: replaces MGNREGA

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