General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - December 2024

Dec 2024

May 16, 2026

Uttar Pradesh expands river rejuvenation under Namami Gange and One District-One River

Uttar Pradesh expanded river rejuvenation work under the Namami Gange mission and the One District-One River initiative. The campaign, launched to restore disappearing rivers, supports rural sustainability and ecological resilience. By 13 May 2026, the program generated 1.53 lakh human-days of work and encouraged over 500 farmers to adopt natural farming. District-level projects include the Gomti river in Pilibhit (47 km), Neem river in Bulandshahr (29 km) and Tamsa river in Azamgarh (89 km). Activities include channel widening and deepening, desiltation, pond revival, encroachment removal, and tree planting, linked to water conservation and groundwater recharge.

Campaign: One District-One River under Namami Gange.
Impact: 1.53 lakh human-days of work by 13 May 2026.
Farmer adoption: 500+ natural farming participants.
Projects: Gomti (Pilibhit), Neem (Bulandshahr), Tamsa (Azamgarh).
Activities: Channel work, desiltation, ponds, encroachment removal, plantation.

May 15, 2026

Tripura Becomes First State to Complete Deregulation Phase-II Priority Areas

Tripura has become the first Indian state to complete all Priority Areas under both Deregulation Phase-I and Phase-II of the national Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative. The state completed 51 priority reform areas, including 23 in Phase-I and 28 in Phase-II, during 14-15 May 2026. The initiative, led by the Cabinet Secretariat, aims to simplify regulations, digitise approvals, and reduce procedural requirements across states and sectors. Key reforms in Tripura include self-certification for Change of Land Use, a strengthened Single Window Approval Agency, streamlined No Objection Certificates, and automated low-risk approvals for up to three years in certain categories. The deregulatory push supports business ease and governance efficiency.

Tripura completes 51 priority reforms; dates 14-15 May 2026.
Part of national Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative.
Includes self-certification for Change of Land Use and stronger single-window system.
No Objection Certificates streamlined; low-risk approvals auto for up to 3 years.
Aims to improve ease of doing business and governance efficiency.

PMFME Mahotsav inaugurated in Leh by Chirag Paswan

Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated an exhibition under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme in Leh, Ladakh. The event showcased products from PMFME beneficiaries, highlighting local entrepreneurship, and strengthening market linkages. Organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Ladakh UT Department of Industries and Commerce, the Leh exhibition aimed to raise scheme awareness and promote value creation in the region’s micro food processing sector. Paswan interacted with beneficiaries, praising their resilience and urging continued efforts to mainstream Ladakh’s food processing, aligning with rural development goals.

PMFME exhibition held in Leh, Ladakh under the PMFME scheme.
Showcased PMFME beneficiaries and local entrepreneurship.
Organized by MOFPI and Ladakh UT Dept of Industries and Commerce.
Aims to raise awareness and strengthen market linkages.
Minister Paswan urged value creation and mainstreaming Ladakh’s processing sector.

National Conclave on Minorities Welfare discusses AI for Viksit Bharat

The Ministry of Minority Affairs convened a National Conclave on Minorities Welfare under the theme 'Inclusive Development through AI for Viksit Bharat' as part of Bhagidari Se Bhagyoday. Senior officials from States and UTs participated to chart a roadmap for leveraging frontier technologies to improve public service delivery for minority communities. The conclave highlighted sustained institutional engagement and coordinated action to translate policy into ground-level outcomes, with emphasis on policy dialogue, stakeholder consultations, and scalable AI-enabled public services for minority welfare.

National Conclave under Bhagidari Se Bhagyoday theme.
Officials from States/UTs discussed AI for minority welfare.
Focus on inclusive development through frontier tech.
Stressed sustained institutional engagement and coordination.
Emphasis on scalable AI-enabled services.

LEADS 2025 report release; four-tier framework introduced

Union Minister Piyush Goyal released the LEADS 2025 Report in New Delhi, presenting India’s annual Logistics Ease Across Different States benchmarking tool. LEADS 2025, the seventh edition, introduces a four-tier performance structure and aligns with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy. The framework assesses policy, infrastructure, service reliability, and operating environment, with about 59 percent of the score based on objective indicators and the remainder on measurable and perceptual inputs. The report strengthens integration of logistics reforms across states and UTs, supporting improved efficiency in trade and supply chains.

LEADS 2025 released in New Delhi by Piyush Goyal.
Seventh edition introduces a four-tier structure.
Aligned with PM GatiShakti and National Logistics Policy.
Around 59% weight to objective indicators.
Assesses policy, infrastructure, reliability, and environment.

MoT and ICRIER sign MoU for textile policy research

The Ministry of Textiles and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations formalized an MoU to strengthen evidence-based policy research for India's Textile and Apparel sector. The signing ceremony in New Delhi was led by Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy Director General (MoT), and Dr. Shekhar Aiyar, Director & Chief Executive (ICRIER). The agreement aims to enhance textile data capabilities, support policy formulation, and drive data-driven analysis to boost manufacturing, exports, and employment in the Textile & Apparel sector.

MoT and ICRIER sign MoU in New Delhi.
Focus on evidence-based policy research for T&A sector.
Akhilesh Kumar and Dr. Shekhar Aiyar signed the pact.
Aims to strengthen textile data and policy analysis.
Supports manufacturing, exports, and jobs.

May 14, 2026

RBI cancels Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank licence

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank, citing inadequate capital, weak earnings prospects, and non‑compliance with Banking Regulation Act provisions. The bank will cease to carry on banking business with effect from 12 May 2026. The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra, has been asked to wind up the bank and appoint a liquidator. RBI stated that the bank’s current financial position would prevent paying depositors in full and that continuing operations would be prejudicial to depositors and public interest. The action underscores RBI’s regulatory stance on capitalization and governance in cooperative banks.

Action: RBI cancels Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank licence.
Effective date: 12 May 2026.
Reasons: Inadequate capital, weak earnings prospects, non‑compliance with Banking Regulation Act.
Next steps: Winding up and appointment of a liquidator by Maharashtra regulators.
Impact: Depositors may not receive full amounts; public interest cited.

Cabinet approves Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project

India's Union Cabinet approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line rail project on 13 May 2026, marking India's first semi high-speed corridor built with indigenous technology. The project, costing about ₹20,667 crore, will connect Ahmedabad, Dholera, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex, expanding the national rail network by roughly 134 kilometers. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the proposal as part of railway modernization. Officials expect completion in fiscal year 2030-31. The corridor links Gujarat's growth hubs and aims to boost regional trade, tourism, and mobility.

Approval date: 13 May 2026; cost: ₹20,667 crore.
First semi high-speed rail corridor using indigenous technology.
Extends about 134 km in Gujarat (Ahmedabad–Dholera region).
Aims to enhance connectivity to Lothal heritage complex.
Target completion: FY 2030-31.

TDB signs MoU with KITSFRA for complete digitisation of temples and offices

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) signed a memorandum of understanding with Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KITSFRA) on 13 May 2026 for full digitisation of temples and offices under the board. Devaswom Commissioner B Sunilkumar and KITSFRA Director Rahul K Raj formalised the agreement at the TDB headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The project will digitalise temple administration, office file movement, financial transactions, devotee services, and related online facilities, beginning with Sabarimala online services. Officials said the initiative will speed up, streamline, and improve transparency ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

MoU signed on 13 May 2026 between TDB and KITSFRA.
Target: full digitisation of temples and board offices.
Initial focus on Sabarimala online services.
Digital platform aims to speed and improve transparency.
Aims to aid pilgrims during Mandala-Makaravilakku season.

PM Internship Scheme 2026: Application details, eligibility and stipend

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) aims to provide hands-on industry experience to Indian youth and improve employability. The government plans to offer internships to one crore youths over the next five years across leading companies in different sectors. The PMIS seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by providing practical exposure. The pilot phase of the scheme ran in 2024-25 with around 1.25 lakh internships. Participants will gain exposure to professional environments, including training in communication, teamwork, and domain skills. The scheme will be administered by participating ministries and partner firms.

Targets one crore internships over five years.
Pilot phase (2024-25) delivered ~1.25 lakh opportunities.
Internships across leading companies in multiple sectors.
Emphasizes practical exposure, communication and teamwork.
Administered by government ministries and private partners.

May 13, 2026

IPC Signs MoUs With State Pharmacy Councils to Strengthen Medicine Safety

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Bihar, Maharashtra, and Mizoram State Pharmacy Councils to strengthen medicine safety, promote rational use of medicines, and enhance pharmacovigilance nationwide. The MoUs were signed at IPC headquarters in Ghaziabad by Dr. V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, alongside council presidents, with senior officials present. The collaboration aims to promote the National Formulary of India (NFI) as a mandatory hospital reference, and to implement joint training, workshops, and continuing education to improve pharmacists’ competencies, pharmacovigilance, and pharmacopoeial standards. It will support research and cooperation on regulatory standards and safe pharmacotherapy.

MoUs with Bihar, Maharashtra, Mizoram State Pharmacy Councils
Aims to promote National Formulary of India (NFI) in hospitals
Includes joint training and continuing education
Strengthens pharmacovigilance and pharmacopoeial standards
Supports research and cooperation on drug safety

Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool Launched in New Delhi

India on 12 May 2026 launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) in New Delhi to provide insurance cover for Indian vessels on international sea routes, including war-risk and high-risk zones. The pool has a total value of USD 1.5 billion with a sovereign guarantee of USD 1.4 billion. It is a domestic arrangement covering Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), and War Risk insurance. The pool is administered by the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) with member insurers pooling underwriting capacity. Claims up to USD 100 million can be paid from pool reserves; beyond that, the sovereign guarantee acts as a contingent backstop after reserves and contributions are exhausted. Cabinet approval was granted in April 2026 amid higher premiums and geopolitical uncertainty.

BMIP launched in New Delhi on 12 May 2026
Total pool value USD 1.5 billion; sovereign guarantee USD 1.4 billion
Administered by General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)
Covers Hull & Machinery, Cargo, P&I, and War Risk
Claims up to USD 100 million from pool reserves; rest backed by sovereign guarantee
Cabinet approved BMIP in April 2026

May 12, 2026

Annapurna Bhandar scheme announced in West Bengal with cash support

West Bengal announced the Annapurna Bhandar scheme on 11 May 2026 after the new BJP government’s first cabinet meeting. The plan provides Rs 3,000 per month to eligible women via direct bank transfers, with rollout beginning on 1 June 2026. The scheme is described as a replacement or major upgrade to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which previously offered Rs 1,500 per month to general category women and Rs 1,700 to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries. By 11 May 2026, no formal government order detailing the application process had been released, though the policy framework was in place.

Annapurna Bhandar offers Rs 3,000 monthly to eligible women.
Rollout scheduled from 1 June 2026 via direct bank transfers.
Replaces or upgrades Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
Lakshmir Bhandar details differed by category earlier.
Government order for applications not issued by 11 May 2026.

Karnataka launches Kartavya-KAAMS attendance app to replace biometric system

On 27 April 2026, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Karnataka, introduced KAAMS, the Kartavya-KAAMS attendance app. The system monitors attendance of permanent teachers, Head Masters, equivalent staff, and non-teaching staff in government schools and offices. The application uses Artificial Intelligence, facial recognition, and geofencing to verify attendance. Employees must register with official credentials, verify the mobile number linked with the HR Management System, complete face recognition, and enable location access. Attendance is recorded twice daily, with In Time and Out Time from the duty location. KAAMS replaces biometric attendance from 1 May 2026 across government departments, linking data to HRMS and SATS; developed by e-Governance and piloted in health, education, and the Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

KAAMS uses AI, facial recognition, and geofencing for attendance verification.
Staff register with official credentials and verify a Linked HRMS mobile number.
Attendance is marked twice daily from the duty location (In Time and Out Time).
Implementation begins 1 May 2026 across government departments and bodies.
Data links KAAMS with HRMS and SATS; development led by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.

SEHAT launched to link health with agricultural transformation

ICMR and ICAR launched SEHAT, Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation, on 11 May 2026 in New Delhi. SEHAT is a national mission‑mode programme linking agricultural research with health outcomes. It aims to converge agriculture, nutrition, and public health, focusing on biofortified crops, integrated farming systems, and One Health preparedness. The initiative prioritises occupational health for agricultural workers and addresses malnutrition and non‑communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. ICMR and ICAR report 203 biofortified crop varieties undergoing clinical validation with involvement from ICMR. The programme reflects India’s shift toward preventive healthcare via farming innovation.

SEHAT integrates agricultural research with health outcomes.
Focus on biofortified crops and integrated farming.
One Health approach links human, animal, and environmental health.
Occupational health for farm workers emphasised.
203 biofortified varieties undergoing clinical validation.

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