General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - October 2024

Oct 2024

Sep 25, 2026

Decor Paper Imports from China: Anti-Dumping Duty Extended to March 2027

The government extended anti-dumping duties on decor paper imports from China until March 2027. The measure aims to protect domestic producers from low‑priced imports and support local manufacturing and jobs. Customs and trade agencies will continue monitoring import trends, price data, and market impacts to adjust policy as needed. Industry representatives welcomed the extension as a shield for local businesses, while importers may face higher costs and potential supply adjustments. The extension reflects ongoing trade defense efforts to maintain a level playing field for domestic industries in the broader context of India’s manufacturing push.

Policy: Extension of anti-dumping duty
Commodity: Decor paper imports from China
Period: Till March 2027
Rationale: Protect domestic producers
Impacts: Industry support vs. importer costs

India–CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York on UNGA Sidelines

The India–CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation Melvin W. J. Bouva co‑chaired the talks, focusing on expanding cooperation between India and CARICOM nations in trade, development partnerships, and people-to-people ties. Both sides highlighted progress in ongoing collaborations and agreed to deepen engagement through regular high-level exchanges and new initiatives to advance shared interests in the Caribbean and beyond.

Event: India–CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Venue: UNGA sidelines, New York
Leads: Dr. S. Jaishankar and Melvin W. J. Bouva
Focus: Trade, development cooperation, people-to-people links
Outlook: Deeper engagement and new collaborative initiatives

Sep 24, 2026

Delhi approves DURGA Green E-Auto Scheme

On 23 September 2026, the Delhi government approved the Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto (DURGA) scheme. The program will provide 1,300 pink electric auto-rickshaws to women and transgender beneficiaries to promote self-employment and green mobility. Eligible beneficiaries can receive a ₹50,000 purchase incentive in the first year under the Delhi EV Policy 2026–30, along with exemptions from road tax and registration fees. The scheme aims to empower underserved groups, reduce pollution, and improve urban transportation. Implementation will be coordinated with the Transport Department and urban bodies, with monitoring to assess impact and compliance.

Launch date: 23 September 2026.
Target: 1,300 pink e-autos for women and transgender recipients.
Incentive: ₹50,000 in the first year under Delhi EV Policy 2026–30.
Tax/fees relief: road tax and registration exemptions.
Objectives: women empowerment, green mobility, reduced pollution.
Administration: Transport Department and urban bodies.

Andhra Pradesh Police launches AI Drone Portal and SafeStay App

On 22 September 2026, the Andhra Pradesh Police launched two technology-driven platforms in Guntur: the Centralized Drone Monitoring Portal (CDMP) and the SafeStay AP mobile application. The rollout was led by Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, with Guntur Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal. CDMP integrates real-time drone feeds, analytics, and incident alerts to strengthen surveillance in public spaces and critical locations. SafeStay AP offers residents a reporting channel, safety guidance, and alerts to enhance personal security. Officials said the tools will improve monitoring, enable quicker responses to crimes, and help create safer public areas across the state.

Launch date: 22 September 2026 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
Platforms: Centralized Drone Monitoring Portal (CDMP) and SafeStay AP.
Leaders: DGP Harish Kumar Gupta and SP Vakul Jindal.
CDMP features: real-time drone feeds, analytics, incident alerts.
SafeStay AP features: reporting channel, safety tips, alerts.
Expected impact: stronger surveillance and faster police response.

Sep 23, 2026

Karnataka Cabinet approves Tulu as Additional Administrative Language

The Karnataka Cabinet approved Tulu as the state's second additional administrative language for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in September 2026. The decision was announced after a cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru. The government also approved an annual allocation of Rs 82 lakh for translation work and training programmes to support the use of Tulu in administration. Officials said Tulu will be used in selected administrative processes, including official notices, forms, and public communication, to improve accessibility for local residents. The measure recognises regional language rights and aims to strengthen local governance. Training programmes will prepare staff to handle bilingual paperwork effectively. The decision may set a precedent for other states with strong regional languages.

Cabinet approved Tulu as second additional administrative language for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
Announcement followed a cabinet meeting in Mangaluru.
Rs 82 lakh annual allocation for translation and training.
Tulu to be used in selected administrative processes.
Aims to improve accessibility and governance for local residents.

Sep 20, 2026

Rozgar Mela 20th edition to distribute over 51,000 appointments

In a major employment push, the government announced that the 20th Rozgar Mela will distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth across 45 venues on 19 September 2026. The event will be conducted via video conferencing, linking multiple ministries and departments to place young job-seekers in government roles. This initiative underscores continued emphasis on citizen employment and public service enrollment. The announcement was released by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Press Information Bureau on 18 September 2026. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2311973&lang=1®=3&utm_source=openai)) ([moneycontrol.com](https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/pm-modi-to-distribute-over-51-000-appointment-letters-at-20th-rozgar-mela-on-september-19-14033043.html/amp?utm_source=openai))

Rozgar Mela 20th edition announced for 19 September 2026
Over 51,000 appointment letters to be issued
Event across 45 locations; conducted via video conferencing
Part of ongoing government employment and public service push

EV & Green Skills Lab inaugurated at NSTI Bengaluru

On 17 September 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship inaugurated the Skills4Future EV & Green Skills Lab at the National Skill Training Institute in Bengaluru. The facility aims to strengthen training in electric vehicle technology and sustainable mobility, building a skilled workforce for India’s evolving EV sector and green technologies. Trainees and trainers will gain hands-on experience with electric drive systems, battery technologies, diagnostics, and safety practices, while the lab also supports training in other sustainable technologies. The project aligns with the national skill mission and industry needs, enabling linkages with local industry. In related news, Rozgar Mela on 19 September 2026 will distribute over 51,000 appointment letters. ([ebs.publicnow.com](https://ebs.publicnow.com/view/6B73F7451E1618F038433E46BE3C9BAFA793D089?utm_source=openai)) ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2311973&lang=1®=3&utm_source=openai))

Inauguration date: 17 September 2026 at NSTI Bengaluru
Lab focuses on EV technology, battery tech, diagnostics and safety
Also supports training in other sustainable technologies
Aligned with India’s national skill mission and industry needs
Rozgar Mela on 19 September 2026 to issue over 51,000 appointment letters

Sep 19, 2026

Tamil Nadu to launch Thaaimaman Thanga Mothiram newborn ring scheme on 28 September 2026

Tamil Nadu announced the Thaaimaman Thanga Mothiram scheme, to be launched on 28 September 2026, providing a one-gram, 22-carat gold ring to newborns born in government hospitals across the state. The benefit is linked to institutional deliveries and requires the mother to be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu and registered under the Pregnancy and Child Tracking (PICME) system with an RCH ID to receive the ring. The policy aims to support families and promote hospital births. The ring will be issued to eligible newborns at birth under the state scheme. The government has not disclosed the total cost or the scale of rollout in the initial phase.

Launch date: 28 September 2026
Coverage: newborns in government hospitals across Tamil Nadu
Benefit: one-gram, 22-carat gold ring
Eligibility: mother must be TN resident; PICME registration with RCH ID
Objective: promote institutional deliveries
Cost/scale: not disclosed in initial phase

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