General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - October 2024

Oct 2024

Feb 23, 2026

Karnataka Weighs Mobile Phone Ban for Under-16s

The Karnataka government is considering a proposal to restrict or ban mobile phone use for students under 16 years old. The issue was discussed in the State Assembly and in meetings with university vice-chancellors, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asking for opinions on limiting mobile device access. Proponents cite digital addiction and exposure to harmful online content, while critics warn about practical and educational implications. Several countries have already started regulatory measures on minors’ digital use. A final policy is yet to be announced, with stakeholders awaiting formal guidance from the government.

Proposal to ban mobile phones for under-16s discussed in Karnataka.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeks views from universities and others.
Concerns cited: digital addiction and exposure to harmful content.
Some other countries have begun similar restrictions.
No final policy announced yet.

Goa Chief Minister Launches Davem–Sanvordem Bridge Project

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the Davem–Sanvordem Bridge project in Sattari taluka. The Rs 29.9 crore project will replace the existing narrow single-lane bridge with a two-lane structure and include pedestrian footpaths to improve safety. The project, undertaken by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation for the Public Works Department, will also add approach roads to ease traffic flow and accessibility. The bridge will connect Davem and Sanvordem villages, reducing travel time for residents and commuters across the region.

Davem–Sanvordem Bridge launched in Sattari taluka.
Rs 29.9 crore project; replaces single-lane bridge with two-lane structure.
Includes pedestrian footpaths and approach roads.
Constructed by GSIDC for the PWD.
Improves regional connectivity and traffic flow.

L&T Vyoma to Study 250 MW Green AI Data Centre at Dholera SIR

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Gujarat signed an MoU with L&T Vyoma to explore a 250 MW green AI-ready data centre at Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). The proposed ₹25,000 crore investment aims to make Dholera SIR a major hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and sustainable digital infrastructure. The MoU was signed between the Gujarat Department of Science and Technology and L&T Vyoma. Officials say the project will advance energy-efficient data processing and attract further tech investment to the state.

MoU signed at India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Project: 250 MW green AI-ready data centre at Dholera SIR.
Investment: ₹25,000 crore.
Goals: AI infrastructure hub; sustainable digital infrastructure.
Partnership between Gujarat DoST and L&T Vyoma.

Feb 21, 2026

Vibrant Villages Programme Phase II launched in Assam border area on 21 February 2026

On 21 February 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Phase II of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) in Assam’s Cachar district near the India–Bangladesh border. The initiative focuses on border infrastructure, livelihoods and essential services to improve governance and security in remote villages. The event underscored a broader push to reduce migration from border areas, boost local development, and strengthen national security through community-based approaches. Officials cited a multi-state rollout plan, with continued investment in roads, electricity, healthcare and education as part of the scheme’s expansion.

VVP-II launched in Cachar district, Assam on 21 February 2026
Aims to upgrade border villages with infrastructure and services
Part of a larger national effort to reduce infiltration and migration
Focus areas include roads, electricity, healthcare and education
Supports border governance and community development
Part of ongoing Northeast development and security strategy

Feb 20, 2026

India-Kenya Sign DigiLocker Implementation Framework for Kenya

India and Kenya signed an Implementation Framework Agreement for a DigiLocker pilot project in Kenya during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The platform, co-developed by India's National e-Governance Division and Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy, will be customised for Kenyan needs. It aims to provide secure digital storage and real-time verification of official documents, reduce paperwork, and improve access to public services for students and businesses. The agreement strengthens inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure collaboration between the two nations and demonstrates India's leadership in DPI scaling abroad.

DigiLocker pilot project agreed with Kenya (Feb 2026).
Co-developed by NEGD (India) and Kenya's ICT Ministry.
Aims: secure digital storage, real-time document verification.
Expect benefits for students, businesses, and public services.

Assam Launches PMS Portal for Venture Schools

The Assam government launched the Provincialisation Management System (PMS) portal on 18 February 2026 to streamline provincialisation of venture educational institutions and the services of teaching and non-teaching staff. The digital platform operates under the Assam Education Act, as amended in 2025, and creates a centralised database to process applications, verify eligibility, and monitor status. Ministers and senior officials attended the Lok Sewa Bhawan event. The PMS portal aims to bring transparency and efficiency to provincialisation and includes measures such as the Gurudakshina scheme for staff who were not provincialised previously. This is part of broader education reforms in Assam.

PMS 1.0 portal launched on 18 February 2026 in Assam.
Aims to provincialise venture educational institutions and staff.
Centralised database for applications and verification.
Amendments to the Assam Education Act 2017 (as of 2025).
Gurudakshina scheme introduced for ineligible staff.

Feb 19, 2026

Gujarat Budget 2026-27: AI, Tourism, and Olympic Dreams in Focus

Gujarat Budget 2026-27, presented on 18 February 2026, carries a record outlay of ₹4,08,053 crore, the highest in the state's history. Finance Minister Kanu Desai outlined a five-pillar framework: social security, human resource development, infrastructure, economic expansion and green growth. The budget prioritises AI-driven policing, Olympic-ready sports infrastructure, bus expansion, police housing, highways and health coverage. The government also declared 2026 as Gujarat Tourism Year, aiming to boost visitor numbers. The plan signals a bold growth trajectory while balancing social protection with investment in technology and climate resilience, as Gujarat seeks to enhance governance and attract investment over the coming decade.

Outlay: ₹4,08,053 crore, highest ever in Gujarat.
Five pillars: social security, HRD, infrastructure, growth, green growth.
AI-driven policing and Olympic-ready sports infrastructure.
Gujarat Tourism Year 2026 aimed at boosting tourism.
Emphasis on technology, climate resilience and investment.

Delhi Declaration positions India at centre of AI governance

On 19 February 2026, world leaders gathered at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to adopt the Delhi Declaration as part of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The pact, described as a Magna Carta of AI, shifts the global debate from existential risk mitigation to inclusive development, equity and innovation-led growth. The Delhi framework reflects priorities from the Global South, contrasting earlier summits at Bletchley Park and Seoul. It adopts a techno-legal model built around seven Sutras that balance progress with safeguards: trust and security in AI systems; prioritising human dignity; promoting innovation over blanket restraint; addressing dataset bias to ensure fairness; establishing accountability; mandating transparency to avoid black box decisions; embedding safety and sustainability in deployment.

Seven Sutras guide the techno-legal AI framework.
The declaration emphasizes trust, transparency, and accountability.
Global South priorities shape the Delhi approach.
Focus on safety, sustainability and responsible deployment.
Shifts global AI policy toward inclusive development.

Feb 18, 2026

Kerala Advances India's First Graphene Policy

Kerala approved India's first comprehensive graphene policy, signaling a strategic push to position the state as a graphene R&D and manufacturing hub. The policy supports the Grefine Park to accelerate graphene‑based innovation and a dedicated graphene industrial park in Palakkad, plus a Digital Innovation Centre backed by ₹200 crore. The state will offer a 50 per cent subsidy on lease payments for manufacturing units in government parks to attract domestic and international investors. The initiative aims to integrate high‑tech industries into Kerala’s economy and create an ecosystem for advanced materials production. ([newindianexpress.com](https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2026/Feb/06/hyderabad-set-to-host-bioasia-summit-2026?utm_source=openai))

Kerala approves first graphene policy
Grefine Park and Palakkad graphene park planned
₹200 crore Digital Innovation Centre investment
50% lease subsidy for manufacturing units
Aims to attract global graphene investments

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