General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - October 2024

Oct 2024

Feb 12, 2026

Budget 2026–27 Health Announcements Align with Biopharma and Care Workforce Goals

New Delhi, 12 February 2026 — The budget discourse around Union Budget 2026–27 highlights a strengthened health sector, including the Biopharma Shakti initiative to position India as a global biotech hub and a planned Rs 10,000 crore outlay over five years. Proposals include expanding the allied health workforce, establishing regional medical hubs, and advancing digital health to improve diagnostics and delivery. Industry experts welcomed the shift toward a robust healthcare ecosystem with greater private‑sector participation. The announcements align with national strategies to boost healthcare access, innovation, and global competitiveness in life sciences.

Biopharma Shakti initiative announced
Rs 10,000 crore outlay over five years
Expansion of allied health workforce
Regional medical hubs and digital health push
Positive reception from industry

Mumbai Unveils India’s First ‘Musical Road’ on Coastal Road

Mumbai, 12 February 2026 — Mumbai has unveiled India’s first musical road on the Coastal Road. A 500‑metre stretch between Nariman Point and Worli plays the song Jai Ho as vehicles travel at 70–80 km/h. The groove‑based installation uses rumble strips to create vibrations that generate musical notes. Inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the project blends infrastructure with culture and aims to enhance urban experience and tourism. The musical road sits on the northbound carriageway just after the Coastal Road tunnel, complementing ongoing coastal development in the city. The feature showcases design‑driven public spaces in India’s megacities.

First Indian melodious road on Coastal Road segment
Song Jai Ho audible at 70–80 km/h
Grooves (rumble strips) create musical notes
Location: Nariman Point to Worli, 500 metres
Inaugurated by CM Devendra Fadnavis

Balaghat Chosen for Grain Storage Plan Pilot

Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh has been selected as the pilot district under the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector (WLGSP). A 500 metric tonne godown was constructed at Bahudeshiya Prathamik Krishi Saakh Sahakari Society Maryadit, Parswada. The facility was inaugurated on 24 February 2024 and is hired by the Madhya Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Corporation (MPWLC). The initiative aims to decentralise grain storage infrastructure at the PACS level, enhancing local storage capacity and resilience in the cooperative sector.

Balaghat chosen for WLGSP pilot
500 MT godown constructed at Parswada PACS
Inaugurated 24 February 2024
Hired by MPWLC to decentralise storage
Aims to strengthen PACS-level grain infrastructure

India Upholds E-Cigarette Ban, Rejects Philip Morris Push

Delhi, 12 February 2026 — India has reaffirmed its nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, dismissing calls for regulatory relaxation from Philip Morris International. The health ministry clarified that the 2019 prohibition remains in force and that no revocation or amendments are under consideration. The ban covers devices marketed as reduced‑risk alternatives to conventional smoking. The stance aligns with public health goals and aims to prevent youth uptake of nicotine products, while safeguarding existing tobacco control measures.

Nationwide e-cigarette ban reaffirmed
Philip Morris push for relaxation rejected
No revocation or amendments planned
Ban covers heated tobacco devices
Supports broader tobacco control goals

Feb 11, 2026

Viksit Bharat by 2047 Achievable with Net Zero by 2070: NITI Aayog Study

NITI Aayog released four sectoral reports as part of a broader set of eleven studies on development pathways. The reports, unveiled at the Ambedkar International Centre, show that India can achieve a Viksit Bharat by 2047 while reaching Net Zero emissions by 2070. Key focus areas include electrification, greening energy, Mission LiFE behavioural change, circularity and energy efficiency. Officials stressed that behavioural and policy changes, along with technology adoption, will drive sustainable growth. The studies were presented to senior policymakers, signaling a coordinated approach to climate and development goals.

NITI Aayog released four sectoral and eleven total reports
Goal: Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Net Zero by 2070
Emphasis on electrification, green energy and LiFE
Focus on energy efficiency and circular economy
Shows coordinated policy approach for growth and climate goals

AIIA Signs MoU with General Insurance Council for Cashless Ayurveda Coverage

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has signed a common empanelment MoU with the General Insurance Council (GIC) in New Delhi. The agreement enables cashless Ayurveda treatment under 32 general insurance companies. The Ministry of Ayush described the move as a historic step to integrate Ayurveda into the mainstream health insurance system, expanding access to insured Ayurveda health services. Under the empanelment, eligible patients can receive Ayurveda care without upfront payment, subject to policy terms and approvals. The MoU also establishes a dedicated Ayush Health Insurance Helpline to guide beneficiaries on insurance questions. The partnership aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs and promote traditional medicine in national health coverage.

32 general insurance companies empanelled with AIIA via GIC
Cashless Ayurveda treatment becomes available
Ayush Health Insurance Helpline launched
Described as a historic step by the Ministry of Ayush
Policy terms and approvals govern eligible claims

Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana Launched in Delhi to Support Girl Children

The Delhi government has launched the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana to secure the future of girl children. Announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the scheme provides financial assistance to daughters from birth through graduation. Instalments total ₹56,000, with maturity rewarding beneficiaries with more than ₹1 lakh after graduation. The scheme aims to promote gender equity and long-term education, supported by structured digital transparency. Beneficiaries receive benefits at different educational stages and lifestyles, creating a sustained financial safety net for girl children in the national capital.

Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana launched in Delhi
Aims to secure girl child education from birth to graduation
Total instalments of ₹56,000; maturity over ₹1 lakh
Digital transparency emphasized
Focus on gender equity and long-term empowerment

India Improves Rank in Global Corruption Index 2025

India has climbed five places to rank 91st on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, released by Transparency International. The index covers 182 countries and territories and uses a 0–100 scale, where 0 signals high perceived corruption and 100 signals a clean public sector. India’s score improved by one point compared with 2024, signaling modest governance gains but also highlighting that improvements remain fragile and uneven. The CPI results are often used to gauge governance and anti-corruption measures, and the government emphasises continued reforms to strengthen public sector integrity.

CPI 2025 ranks India at 91st among 182 countries
Score improved by one point from 2024
Overall gains are modest and uneven
Transparency International publishes CPI annually
Indicates ongoing governance and anti-corruption efforts

Feb 10, 2026

India announces USD 175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles

On 9 February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a USD 175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles during talks with President Dr Patrick Herminie in New Delhi. The package marks a concrete step in India’s approach to its maritime neighbourhood, combining development cooperation with strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean region. Officials said the package would support social housing, electronic mobility, vocational training, health services, and maritime security, including defense collaboration. Seven Memoranda of Understanding were signed alongside the aid package, covering sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. The move reinforces New Delhi’s broader Indian Ocean vision and strengthens bilateral trust between India and Seychelles.

9 February 2026: Modi–Herminie talks in New Delhi
USD 175 million package covers housing, e-mobility, training, health, defence, maritime security
Seven MoUs signed with Seychelles
India reiterates Indian Ocean strategy in maritime cooperation
Significant step in India–Seychelles bilateral relations

Bharat Taxi and AAI sign pact for surge-free airport taxi services

Bharat Taxi Partners joined hands with the Airports Authority of India to improve last-mile connectivity at select airports. The memorandum of understanding aims to provide fair pricing, reliable service, and a better passenger experience, while promoting cooperative-based business models and aligning with national development goals. The MoU was exchanged by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar, signaling government support for regulated, transparent taxi services at multiple AAI-managed airports. The partnership is expected to ease travel for flyers, reduce wait times, and contribute to urban mobility planning in major cities across the country.

MoU between Bharat Taxi and AAI for airport taxi services
Focus on fair pricing, reliability, passenger experience
Promotion of cooperative business models
MoU exchanged by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar
Pilot at select AAI airports; aims to improve urban mobility

Feb 09, 2026

Himachal CM launches ‘Padhai with AI’ learning initiative

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu formally launched the Bilaspur district administration’s ‘Padhai with AI’ learning platform on 5 February 2026. The program integrates artificial intelligence into public education to aid students preparing for competitive exams. The platform provides digital resources, adaptive learning tools and teacher training to raise learning outcomes. Sukhu stated that AI-enabled education could reduce access gaps and raise standards, with plans to scale the initiative to other districts. Education officials emphasised ongoing monitoring to ensure quality and equity in delivery, while partnerships with industry were discussed to enrich content and opportunities.

Launch date: 5 February 2026
Program: Padhai with AI in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh
Aim: AI-enabled public education for competitive exams
Benefits: adaptive learning, digital resources, teacher training
Future: potential district-wide expansion and monitoring

Black Swan Summit India 2026 kicks off in Bhubaneswar

The Black Swan Summit India 2026 began in Bhubaneswar with a focus on strengthening India’s digital economy and creating sustainable employment. The two-day event, inaugurated in February 2026, brings together policymakers, industry leaders and global experts. Co‑organised by the Odisha Government and the Global Finance and Technology Network under the BharatNetra Initiative, the summit addresses fintech regulation, digital inclusion and public‑private partnerships. Attendees discuss policy reforms to accelerate digital finance adoption, expand job opportunities and support entrepreneurship. The event signals Odisha’s growing role in India’s technology‑driven growth strategy and its potential to influence national policy.

Location/date: Bhubaneswar; February 6, 2026 inauguration
Themes: digital finance, jobs, financial inclusion
Organisers: Odisha Government; Global Finance and Technology Network
Initiatives: BharatNetra framework
Impact: regional hub for fintech policy and innovation

India and Malaysia sign agreements on semiconductors and digital payments

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia on 7–8 February 2026, India and Malaysia signed separate agreements to cooperate in semiconductor manufacturing and digital payments. The pacts aim to deepen bilateral trade, investment and technology transfer, with emphasis on secure supply chains and cross-border payment interoperability. Leaders condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border threats linked to Pakistan-based actors. Officials stated that the agreements would benefit local industries, attract investment and enhance people-to-people links through education and innovation programs. The discussions also highlighted broader regional collaboration in digital economy growth and manufacturing capability.

Dates: 7–8 February 2026; PM Modi’s visit to Malaysia
Agreements: semiconductor manufacturing; digital payments linkage
Goals: deepen trade, investment, technology transfer
Security: condemnation of terrorism, cross-border threats
Outlook: stronger regional collaboration and people-to-people links

Dhami launches Sharda River Corridor Project in Champawat

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami laid the foundation stone of the Sharda river corridor project at Tanakpur in Champawat district on 7 February 2026, signaling a large infrastructure and tourism development initiative for the border region. The project aims to boost economic activity, religious tourism and employment generation in the district, linking pilgrimage sites along the Sharda River. Dhami described the corridor as a key election commitment that would strengthen tourism, promote cultural initiatives and create livelihoods, particularly for local youth. Officials expect improved connectivity, potential hydropower prospects and heightened private investment along the corridor.

Date/place: 7 February 2026, Tanakpur, Champawat district
Project: Sharda river corridor to boost economy and tourism
Impact: job creation, cultural initiatives, local livelihoods
Govt stance: election-commitment project with long-term benefits
Future prospects: enhanced connectivity and potential hydropower

India–Malaysia agreements on semiconductors and digital payments reaffirm ties

During Prime Minister Modi’s Malaysia visit, India and Malaysia signed separate pacts on semiconductor manufacturing and digital payments interoperability on 8 February 2026. The agreements aim to deepen trade, investment and technology transfer, with a focus on secure supply chains and cross‑border payments. Leaders condemned terrorism and called for broader collaboration in education and skill development. Officials emphasised that the accords will benefit domestic industries and attract investment, while strengthening people‑to‑people links. The announcements come amid growing regional cooperation in the digital economy and manufacturing capacity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Date: 8 February 2026
Agreements: semiconductors; digital payments interoperability
Purpose: deepen trade, investment, tech transfer
Security: condemnation of terrorism; cross-border collaboration
Impact: potential to boost industry and regional ties

Feb 08, 2026

Tamil Nadu unveils Urban Greening Policy 2026 to boost climate resilience

On 6 February 2026, the Tamil Nadu government unveiled its first Urban Greening Policy, 2026, to integrate trees, urban forests, parks, wetlands and blue-green infrastructure into city planning. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin released the policy. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are required to maintain at least 15 percent of their total municipal area under green cover, prioritising native and climate-resilient tree species and ensuring equitable access to green spaces. The policy responds to rapid urbanisation, urban heat island effects, declining air quality and shrinking open spaces. Tamil Nadu’s urban population is projected to reach about 67 percent by 2031, increasing pressure on ecological systems in cities.

Policy name: Urban Greening Policy, 2026.
Mandatory 15% green cover in municipal areas.
Prioritisation of native and climate-resilient species.
Aims for equitable access to green spaces.
Context: urbanisation, heat islands, air quality, open spaces.

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