General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - December 2024

Dec 2024

Aug 30, 2026

NTA appoints two directors and a joint director to strengthen agency governance

The Government has appointed two directors and a joint director to the National Testing Agency (NTA), aiming to strengthen governance and address concerns over exam administration. The appointments, announced on 28 August 2026, come after recent criticism of assessment processes and the NEET and NET examination ecosystems. The new leaders are tasked with improving transparency, oversight, and security, as well as digital infrastructure for online testing, result processing, and grievance handling. The move aligns with broader reforms in Indian competitive exams and supports ongoing implementation of NTA's strategic plan. Stakeholders hope these changes will enhance credibility and reduce incidents of question-paper leakage and scheduling delays.

Appointments: two directors and a joint director to NTA
Date: 28 August 2026
Objectives: governance, transparency, and security
Areas: online testing, results processing, grievances
Expected impact: improved credibility and fewer leaks

Andhra Pradesh approves India's first Quantum & AI University campus in Amaravati

Andhra Pradesh has approved India's first dedicated Quantum and Artificial Intelligence University campus in Amaravati, marking a milestone for state tech education. The proposed institution will be developed by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), a Deemed-to-be University operating under the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The campus aims to help train engineers and researchers in quantum computing and AI applications, supporting strategies to foster innovation and attract investment in the region. The project aligns with the state's technology push and national efforts to expand advanced computing education. Details about the campus location, funding, and governance are to be announced by NIELIT and the state government in coming weeks.

Location: Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
Project: India’s first Quantum & AI University campus
Developer: National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT)
NIELIT status: Deemed-to-be University under MeitY
Next steps: campus details to be announced

Aug 28, 2026

Bihar launches Bihar Vidya Saathi app to aid AI-based learning

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the Bihar Vidya Saathi app, aai-enabled digital learning platform aimed at expanding access to quality education for students across the state. The platform offers academic assistance, live teacher support, and digital learning resources to nearly three lakh students. It is designed to strengthen online education facilities and provide guidance beyond classroom hours through technology-driven learning solutions. Officials say the app will connect students with teachers in real time, help track progress, and offer personalized learning pathways. The initiative reflects Bihar's push to integrate AI tools into schooling to improve learning outcomes and promote equity.

AI-enabled digital learning platform for Bihar students
Provides academic assistance and live teacher support
Targets nearly three lakh students across the state
Strengthens online education and 24/7 guidance
Aims for personalized learning pathways and progress tracking
Part of Bihar's broader digital education push

Aug 26, 2026

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana launched to support women in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana in August 2026. The welfare scheme provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women beneficiaries to improve their economic security. The programme aims to empower women in Delhi by delivering direct support that complements existing social schemes. Officials said funds would be disbursed monthly and that beneficiaries would be identified through approved criteria. The government also issued approval letters to selected beneficiaries during the launch event. The scheme forms part of broader efforts to promote women empowerment and financial inclusion in the capital, with monitoring mechanisms to track progress and impact.

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana launched by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
Monthly financial assistance for eligible women
Funds disbursed monthly; beneficiaries identified by criteria
Part of broader women empowerment and financial inclusion efforts
Approval letters issued to beneficiaries at launch

West Asia crisis prompts four-month extensions for renewable energy projects

Amid tensions in West Asia, the government issued guidance allowing extensions of up to four months for renewable energy projects that were to be commissioned on or after February 28, 2026. The extension is meant to safeguard India’s energy transition during global disruptions. It applies to projects carried out by the Solar Energy Corporation of India and other agencies, and is intended to provide relief from delays while keeping climate targets in sight. Officials stressed that extensions will include clear milestones and ongoing monitoring for policy alignment and project delivery.

Government allows up to four-month extensions for renewables
Applies to projects commissioned on or after February 28, 2026
Aims to protect energy transition amidst West Asia tensions
Relief to developers from supply and security delays
Monitoring ensures policy alignment with targets

Sprite Tejas Express becomes India's first branded train

Sprite Tejas Express has become India's first branded train, following a collaboration between Sprite and IRCTC. The branded train runs on the Lucknow to New Delhi route and back for a period of six months. Five coaches are decorated with Sprite branding, and passengers on board will receive Sprite beverages as part of their meal packages. The partnership marks a new model for branding on Indian Railways, combining a consumer product with public transport services. Officials say the initiative will test marketing potential, passenger experience, and brand visibility. Security and safety measures on board remain standard, with meals prepared under IRCTC guidelines. End of period is scheduled for February 2027.

Sprite brands five Tejas Express coaches on Lucknow–New Delhi route
Train runs on Lucknow–New Delhi–Lucknow for six months (Aug 2026–Feb 2027)
Passengers receive Sprite beverages with meals
Partnership marks new branding model between Indian Railways and a consumer brand
Safety and standard railway meal guidelines maintained

Aug 25, 2026

PMFME Conclave 2026 strengthens micro food processing in India

PMFME Conclave 2026 was organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries on 24-25 August 2026 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The two‑day event brought together more than 500 stakeholders from micro food processing units, finance, technology and markets to discuss strengthening the sector. The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, who also launched the PMFME Bazaar, showcasing traditional and ethnic products from 25 States and Union Territories, highlighting India's diverse culinary heritage. Discussions focused on expanding access to finance, improving technology adoption, and creating better market linkages for small units. Participants emphasized policy support, credit lines, and targeted skill development.

Dates and venue: 24-25 August 2026, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Inauguration by Union Minister Chirag Paswan and PMFME Bazaar launch.
Over 500 stakeholders from micro units, finance, tech and markets.
Bazaar featured products from 25 States/UTs to showcase heritage.
Policy support, credit lines and skill development highlighted.

Aug 24, 2026

National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums Held in Mysuru

The National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums took place in Mysuru, Karnataka, from 24 to 26 August 2026. Organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the three-day event focused on documenting, preserving, and reviving tribal languages, and on strengthening Tribal Museums and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums (TFFMs) across India. Participants discussed challenges in language endangerment, education, and cultural exchange, and highlighted plans under the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The conclave also showcased local heritage projects and urged collaboration among government agencies, universities, and tribal communities to promote inclusive development and cultural preservation. Delegates emphasized the use of digital documentation and community-led initiatives.

Dates: 24–26 August 2026, Mysuru
Focus on tribal languages and museums
Plans under Viksit Bharat @2047
Emphasis on digital documentation and collaboration
Involvement of government, academia, and communities

NSDC and AWS Launch Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative

The National Skill Development Corporation, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, launched a nationwide Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services and Cultus Education. The programme aims to provide foundational cloud and artificial intelligence skills to 1.5 lakh learners through AWS digital training content. In addition, 10,000 participants will receive job-oriented training under the AWS re/Start programme, helping them build careers in cloud computing. The initiative seeks to expand digital skills across sectors, support employability, and align with India's skilling goals. Training will be delivered through online modules and partner-based centres across the country.

Launch by NSDC in collaboration with AWS and Cultus Education
Targets 1.5 lakh learners for foundational cloud and AI skills
AWS re/Start program to train 10,000 participants
Delivery via online content and partner centres
Aligned with national skilling objectives

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