General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2024

Jul 2024

Dec 04, 2025

J&K Approves Quota Revamp to Expand General Category Seats

Srinagar, 4 December 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir government approved a new reservation policy revamping quotas to increase general category representation. The cabinet, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has sent the decision to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha for final approval. Under the policy, 50 percent of government job openings would be filled from open merit or general category applicants. Previously, the general category had a smaller share in recruitments, while the population in the union territory is predominantly general category. The policy reflects political and administrative balancing as formal orders are issued.

New quota policy increases general category representation.
Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Decision forwarded to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha for approval.
Open merit/general category to occupy 50% of jobs.
Policymaking reflects demographic considerations.

UP to Teach Six Regional Languages in Vocational Education

Lucknow, 4 December 2025: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Marathi, and Bengali would be added to the state’s vocational education curriculum. The program aims to widen language choices for students and is funded by the state government. Students will select one language and training will be provided without extra cost. The move aligns with a broader push toward linguistic diversification and employability in UP. The announcement was made during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 event in Varanasi and reflects PM Modi’s language inclusion vision for education.

Six regional languages added to UP vocational curriculum.
Languages: Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali.
State bears the cost of language training.
Announced at Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0.
Supports diversification and employability in UP.

NHAI and Reliance Jio to Launch Mobile Safety Alerts on Highways

New Delhi, 4 December 2025: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed an MoU with Reliance Jio to introduce a mobile-based safety alert system for highway travellers. The system will leverage 4G and 5G networks to warn drivers about risky spots in real time. Alerts will reach users via SMS, WhatsApp messages, and high-priority calls as they approach danger zones. The aim is to reduce accidents and improve highway safety nationwide. Officials expect a phased rollout after pilot testing, with scale‑up contingent on performance in initial corridors and interoperability with existing traffic management systems.

MoU between NHAI and Reliance Jio signed for safety alerts.
Utilizes 4G/5G networks for real-time warnings.
Alerts delivered via SMS, WhatsApp, and calls.
Aims to reduce accidents on national highways.
Nationwide rollout after pilot testing.

Parliament Clears Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025

New Delhi, 3 December 2025: Parliament approved the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing higher taxes on cigarettes and certain luxury goods. The reform moves to a value-based tax structure ranging from ₹2,700 to ₹11,000 per thousand sticks, depending on size, alongside a 40 percent Goods and Services Tax. Proponents argue the changes will reduce tobacco use and boost health revenues, while opponents warn of higher prices for consumers. Finance Ministry officials emphasized that the reform aligns with broader health and fiscal objectives and will be implemented with transitional provisions for industry players.

Central Excise (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed.
Higher taxes on cigarettes and luxury items.
Value-based levy: ₹2,700–₹11,000 per thousand sticks.
GST at 40 percent alongside excise changes.
Policy aims to curb consumption and raise revenue.

Dec 03, 2025

Karnataka Introduces e-Swathu 2.0 for Rural Property Digitalisation

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has launched the upgraded e-Swathu 2.0, a digital platform aimed at regularising rural properties in Karnataka. The system is expected to generate up to Rs. 2,000 crore in revenue by bringing 95 lakh properties in gram panchayats under the tax net.

Nov 30, 2025

Assam Launches 'Prerona' Scheme to Support 4.4 lakh Class 10 Students

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the 'Prerona' scheme, a new support system for students preparing for the Class 10 board examinations. The initiative, meant to steady the academic path of adolescent learners, marks one of the state's strongest pushes to narrow school-level inequalities.
Under the scheme, every Class 10 examinee will receive INR 300 a month until their board exams conclude. The money is meant to help students buy basic study materials and maintain a minimum nutrition during their preparation period. Officials said the first transfer has already been made, with the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examinations scheduled for February next year.

Nov 28, 2025

Cabinet Approves Scheme to Boost Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing

The Union Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a Rs. 7,280 crore scheme to promote manufacturing sintered rare-earth permanent magnets (REPM), marking India's first attempt to build an integrated domestic supply chain for the critical material.
The 'Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets' aims to create a production capacity of 6,000 tonnes of REPM a year to meet growing demand from sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, aerospace, and defence, ultimately boosting local manufacturing competitiveness and the broader energy transition.
Under the scheme, five beneficiaries will be selected through a global competitive bidding process, with each eligible for up to 1,200 tonnes per annum capacity.

Nov 27, 2025

Andhra Pradesh Launches 'Rythanna Meekosam' to Empower Farmers

The Andhra Pradesh government launched a large-scale initiative titled 'Rythanna Mee Kosam', a farmer-centric programme designed to provide long-term support under a Five-Point Formula. Spearheaded by Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu, the program was inaugurated in Krishna district, and runs till November 29.
The core of Rythanna Meekosam is a Five-Point Formula that focuses on,
Water Security
Demand-Based Cultivation
Agri-Tech Adoption
Food Processing Expansion
Comprehensive Government Backing

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