General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - January 2025

Jan 2025

Jun 15, 2026

ONDC Promotes DigiDukaan for Kirana Stores

DPIIT and ONDC organized a CPG Roundtable in June 2026 to discuss DigiDukaan, an ONDC-led initiative to digitise B2B procurement for kirana stores. The platform aims to improve ordering, inventory visibility and access to government schemes for retailers. DigiDukaan intends to help distributors and brands streamline operations and enhance efficiency in India’s general trade ecosystem. The roundtable highlighted collaboration among regulators, industry and startups to accelerate digital commerce adoption nationwide. Officials expect DigiDukaan to empower millions of small retailers, reduce manual processes and improve competitiveness against larger players in the market.

DPIIT and ONDC hosted a CPG Roundtable on DigiDukaan (June 2026).
DigiDukaan digitises B2B procurement for kirana stores.
Goals include better ordering, inventory visibility and access to schemes.
Aims to improve efficiency in India’s general trade ecosystem.
Emphasizes collaboration across regulators, industry and startups.

Odisha Restores Original Odia Names of 64 Places

The Odisha government approved restoring the original Odia spellings of 64 places across 26 districts in June 2026. The decision aims to correct colonial-era English spellings that distorted local pronunciation. Officials say the updated names reflect Odia phonetics and historical context, aligning public records with linguistic heritage. The move supports broader efforts to promote Odia language and culture and improve signage and identity at the local level. Communities welcomed the revision as a step toward preserving linguistic identity and cultural continuity in governance, education and tourism.

64 places across 26 districts renamed to original Odia spellings.
Change intended to correct colonial-era English spellings.
Aims to preserve linguistic heritage and Odia identity.
Expected impact on signage, maps and administrative records.
Part of broader efforts to promote Odia language and culture.

Noida International Airport Begins Commercial Flights

Noida International Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, began commercial flight operations in June 2026. Located in the National Capital Region, the new facility aims to ease congestion at Delhi’s existing airport and improve regional connectivity. The airport’s initial phase focuses on domestic services, with international operations planned later in 2026. Officials expect the airport to boost economic activity in western Uttar Pradesh and nearby states, reduce travel times, and create new jobs in aviation and allied sectors. The project forms part of India’s broader infrastructure push to enhance multimodal connectivity and regional development.

Noida International Airport (Jewar) begins commercial flights in June 2026.
Aims to relieve pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Initial operations are domestic; international services planned later in 2026.
Expected to boost NCR connectivity and regional economic activity.
Part of broader national infrastructure and aviation expansion.

Jun 14, 2026

ICAR launches Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra via WhatsApp AI advisor

Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra, developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, marks India's first nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory platform for oilseed farmers. The tool offers 24x7 multilingual agricultural guidance directly through WhatsApp, eliminating the need to download separate apps. Farmers can access research-backed advice on crop selection, sowing, irrigation, pest management, and post-harvest practices. The service aims to improve uptake of scientific recommendations and increase productivity across districts with oilseed cultivation. It leverages AI chat capabilities to answer farmer queries in local languages and formats, integrating government agricultural research with field-level advice. The platform will be scaled through extension services and district-level demonstration farms.

First nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory for oilseed farmers.
Offers 24x7 multilingual guidance directly via WhatsApp; no app download required.
Covers crop selection, sowing, irrigation, pest management, post-harvest practices.
Aims to boost adoption of research-based farming guidance; scalable through extension services.

Jun 13, 2026

REC Limited to merge with Power Finance Corporation, approved by President

The President of India has approved the proposed merger of REC Limited into Power Finance Corporation (PFC). The Ministry of Power conveyed the approval through a letter dated 10 June 2026. Under the plan, REC will be amalgamated with PFC, and upon effectiveness, REC will be dissolved. All assets and liabilities of REC will be transferred to PFC, creating a larger lender dedicated to funding power sector projects. The merger is expected to enhance scale, efficiency, and reach of public-sector financial institutions in the power sector, reducing duplication and improving credit delivery for generation, transmission, and distribution initiatives.

The President of India approved the REC-PFC merger.
Ministry of Power conveyed approval on 10 June 2026.
REC will be amalgamated into Power Finance Corporation; REC to be dissolved.
All assets and liabilities of REC to transfer to PFC.
Aims to improve scale, efficiency, and reach of public-sector power financiers.
Intended to reduce duplication among PSUs in the power finance space.

OSOP initiative for Divyangjan Vishwakarma artisans at major railway stations

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is implementing the One Station One Product (OSOP) initiative for Divyangjan Vishwakarma artisans. Under this program, dedicated retail outlets are provided at selected high-footfall railway stations, enabling artisans to showcase and sell products directly to customers. The outlets aim to improve visibility, market access, and income opportunities, fostering financial independence and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative reflects the government’s focus on inclusive growth and socio-economic empowerment, leveraging transport hubs to connect skilled craftspeople with a broad customer base while supporting entrepreneurial activity among Divyangjan Vishwakarma communities.

OSOP implemented for Divyangjan Vishwakarma artisans.
Dedicated retail outlets at selected high-footfall railway stations.
Aims to showcase and sell products directly to customers.
Improves visibility, market access, and income opportunities.
Supports inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods.

Jun 12, 2026

Centre, Assam and Nagaland ink MoU to restart oil and gas exploration in the Northeast

In a development reported in mid-June 2026, the Centre, along with the states of Assam and Nagaland, signed a historic MoU to facilitate oil and gas exploration and production along the inter-state border. The agreement, signed in New Delhi on 11 June 2026, aims to unlock hydrocarbon resources in the border region, attract investment, and boost jobs and regional growth. It outlines revenue-sharing and implementation guidelines, signaling strong political will for northeast energy development. Attendees included Union Home Minister Amit Shah and state leaders, underscoring the significance of reviving exploration after decades.

Historic MoU signed among Centre, Assam and Nagaland
Aims to restart oil and gas exploration along the inter-state border
Signed in New Delhi on 11 June 2026
Plans include revenue-sharing and implementation guidelines
Signatories included Union Home Minister and state leaders

Centre, Assam and Nagaland sign MoU to boost oil and gas exploration along border

In June 2026, the Centre, along with the governments of Assam and Nagaland, signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding to facilitate exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas along their inter-state border. The agreement focuses on mineral oil operations in boundary areas and is expected to resolve long-pending issues between the states. Officials say the MoU could attract energy investment, create jobs and support economic development in the Northeast. It is framed as a step toward greater energy security for India and a coordinated approach to resource development in the region. Revenue-sharing and implementation guidelines were noted as part of the framework.

Tripartite MoU signed among Centre, Assam and Nagaland
Aims to resume oil and gas exploration along the border areas
Intended to resolve long-pending inter-state issues
Seeks to boost energy investment and Northeast development
Includes revenue-sharing and implementation guidelines

Jun 11, 2026

Madhya Pradesh Withdraws Two-Child Norm for Government Jobs and Service Eligibility

In June 2026, Madhya Pradesh withdrew the two-child norm as a criterion for government job eligibility and continuing service in state rules. The decision eliminates the two-child restriction from the proposed civil services rules, affecting future recruitment and employment criteria for state employees. Officials stated that the change aims to streamline recruitment and reduce administrative constraints. The move aligns with evolving population policy debates in India and may influence similar policy discussions in other states. Critics and supporters alike will monitor how the removal impacts long-term workforce planning and gender dynamics.

Policy change: Removal of two-child norm for government jobs.
Jurisdiction: Madhya Pradesh, June 2026.
Implication: Affects eligibility and recruitment criteria.
Context: Part of broader population policy debates in India.
Outlook: Potential influence on other states.

Jayant Chaudhary Flags Off 14 Indian Workers to Mauritius Under G2G Labour Mobility Framework

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary flagged off 14 Indian skilled workers to Mauritius under the India–Mauritius G2G Labour Mobility Framework in June 2026. The initiative promotes safe and ethical overseas employment, with structured job pathways and worker protections. The program aims to expand employment opportunities for skilled Indian workers abroad while reinforcing regulatory oversight and standards. Officials emphasized that the framework provides a streamlined process for deployment, pre-departure training, and ongoing support to ensure workers’ safety and rights in destination markets. The move reflects broader efforts to facilitate legal, skilled migration.

Initiative: 14 Indian workers sent to Mauritius under G2G framework.
Policy: India–Mauritius Labour Mobility Framework.
Objective: Safe, ethical overseas employment with protections.
Features: Structured job pathways and pre-departure training.
Context: Part of broader skilled migration programs.

Goa Expands Atal Asra Yojana to Boost ST Housing Support

Goa announced an expansion of the Atal Asra Yojana in June 2026 to provide enhanced housing support to Scheduled Tribe (ST) families. Under the revised scheme, assistance for house construction or reconstruction is raised to Rs. 5 lakhs, and repair assistance increases to Rs. 3 lakhs. The state aims to strengthen housing security and uplift living standards for ST households. Officials highlighted that the updated caps will accelerate housing projects and reduce financial barriers for eligible families. The expansion aligns with broader SE development goals and targeted welfare measures for vulnerable communities in the state.

Scheme: Atal Asra Yojana expansion in Goa.
Beneficiaries: Scheduled Tribe families.
Financial uplift: Construction/reconstruction assistance up to Rs 5 lakhs.
Repair assistance: Up to Rs 3 lakhs.
Policy aim: Improve housing security and living standards.

Ahmedabad Rolls Out QR-Based Street Food Hygiene Rating System

Ahmedabad has launched a QR code-based rating system to assess hygiene and food safety at street food vendors. Implemented by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, the scheme enables residents to scan a code and view compliance ratings posted at vendor outlets. The initiative aims to elevate cleanliness standards, standardize safety practices, and empower citizens to make informed choices when consuming street food. City officials expect the scheme to incentivize hygienic preparation and handling, contributing to public health and overall quality of urban street food experiences.

System: QR code-based hygiene rating for street food vendors.
Implementing body: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.
Aim: Improve cleanliness and ensure safer food for residents.
Public access via QR codes at vendor outlets.
Expected impact: elevated hygiene standards in street food.

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