General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - February 2025

Feb 2025

Aug 07, 2026

Karnataka launches AI-powered Composite Digital Crop Survey

On 7 August 2026, the Karnataka government launched an AI-powered Composite Digital Crop Survey to modernize agricultural data collection across the state. Officials said the system integrates satellite imagery, field reports, and mobile tools to map crop types, acreage, health indicators, and irrigation status. The survey aims to improve planning, crop assessment, and farmers' decision making by delivering near real-time information to district administrations and farmers' cooperatives. The initiative is part of Karnataka's broader push toward digital governance in agriculture and is expected to increase transparency, reduce data gaps, and support targeted subsidy and extension services. This alliance with technology firms and rural banks is designed to empower farmers with timely advisories.

Launch date: 7 August 2026.
System integrates satellite data, field reports, and mobile reporting.
Aims to map crop types, area, health, and irrigation status.
Intended to improve planning and farmer decision making.
Part of broader digital governance efforts in Karnataka.

Aug 06, 2026

Telangana launches AI-powered emergency response system for 112 helpline

Telangana launched an Artificial Intelligence-powered emergency response system to improve the efficiency of its 112 helpline services. The AI system screens incoming calls to identify genuine distress signals and filter out spam or non‑emergency inquiries. Officials say it will reduce response times and improve resource allocation during crises. The project demonstrates how machine learning and voice analytics can support public safety agencies without compromising privacy. In parallel, the state emphasises training operators and strengthening coordination with police, fire, and medical services to deliver faster assistance. The system integrates with existing dispatch centers and follows guidelines issued by state authorities for data security. The collaboration reflects Telangana's push to use digital technology for public service delivery.

Initiative: AI-powered 112 emergency system.
Function: discern genuine distress calls and filter spam.
Benefit: reduced response times and improved resource use.
Implementation: integration with dispatch centers and data security guidance.

Aug 03, 2026

Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana to boost floating solar

The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana in July 2026, a major push to expand solar power capacity using water bodies. The scheme targets the development of 5,000 megawatt of floating solar photovoltaic projects, paired with energy storage systems with a minimum two-hour capacity. By situating panels on reservoirs and industrial ponds, the program aims to reduce land use pressures and integrate renewable energy with storage to support grid stability. Officials say the initiative will foster local manufacturing, create jobs, and help meet national clean energy goals while promoting water-anchored generation in drought-prone regions across multiple states.

Scheme approved in July 2026; target is 5,000 MW of floating solar.
Projects include at least 2 hours of energy storage.
Panels placed on reservoirs and industrial ponds to save land.
Aims to boost manufacturing, jobs, and grid readiness.

Aug 02, 2026

Maldives Favara Linked with India’s UPI for Cross-Border Payments

Maldives’ instant payment system Favara was integrated with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for cross-border transfers, enabling real-time person-to-person payments between residents of India and the Maldives. The linkage initially covers customers of Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank, with transfers possible in Maldivian Rufiyaa or US dollars and settled in Indian rupees. Banks and payment service providers will facilitate these transactions, offering faster remittance options for families, tourism-related payments, and business settlements. Officials anticipate increased financial inclusion and smoother trade as digital payments gain traction in the region. Regulators in both nations support interoperable payment rails to boost regional connectivity.

Cross-border UPI linkage with Favara launched.
Initial beneficiaries: Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank.
Transfers in MVR or USD; settled in INR.
Aims to boost remittances, tourism payments, and trade.
Regulators advocate interoperable regional payment rails.

Cabinet Approves Samudra Manthan Scheme to Boost Offshore Exploration

The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme, with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore. The programme aims to accelerate oil and gas exploration in India’s deepwater and ultra-deepwater offshore basins. It will fund seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, and the development of offshore infrastructure such as platforms, pipelines, and storage facilities. The scheme seeks to strengthen domestic energy security by expanding the mapping of underexplored offshore blocks and improving recovery from existing fields. By supporting new discoveries and faster monetisation, officials say the plan could help reduce dependence on imports and boost energy-related industries. The initiative aligns with national energy policies and long-term strategic goals.

Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme.
Outlay fixed at ₹84,084 crore.
Aims to accelerate deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration.
Funds seismic surveys, drilling, and offshore infrastructure development.
Intends to reduce energy imports and strengthen domestic energy security.

Jul 31, 2026

Maharashtra restricts HFSS foods near schools

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration announced restrictions on high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods near schools. The order prohibits sale, advertisement and free distribution of HFSS items within 50 metres of educational institutions and requires school canteens to hold valid food registrations or licences. The move aims to limit children’s exposure to unhealthy foods and promote healthier eating habits. Officials emphasise the need to balance health goals with local commerce, and say monitoring and enforcement will continue. The policy aligns with national efforts to curb childhood obesity and improve nutrition among students.

HFSS foods banned within 50 metres of schools in Maharashtra.
Sale, advertising, and free distribution restricted.
School canteens must have valid registrations/licences.
Aims to promote healthier eating among students.
Part of broader health/nutrition policy framework.
Ongoing monitoring and enforcement planned.

Panchayati Raj Ministry launches DAANVEER initiative

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the DAANVEER initiative in July 2026. It enables individuals and organisations to donate verified and standardised computer bundles to Gram Panchayats, supporting digital governance at the village level. The programme aims to benefit nearly 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats countrywide and operates through the Meri Panchayat application under the tagline Give Back to Your Village. Officials say donations will enhance access to e-governance services, improve transparency, and encourage citizen participation in local development. Private sector partners and NGOs have shown interest, with potential cascading benefits for rural administration and education.

DAANVEER enables donation of standardised computer bundles.
Scope: about 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats nationwide.
Delivery channel: Meri Panchayat app.
Goal: strengthen village-level digital governance.
Potential private sector and NGO participation.
Impact on transparency and local development.

Ladakh declares 23 heritage sites as protected monuments

Administrative authorities in Ladakh announced in July 2026 that twenty-three heritage sites across the union territory will be protected monuments under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. The sites include Saspol Caves, Tingmosgang Fort, ancient petroglyphs, monasteries, and other historical structures that illustrate Ladakh's Buddhist and medieval history. The move aims to safeguard these locations from encroachment, unapproved construction, and alteration, ensuring preservation for education and tourism. The protection status provides legal backing for conservation and monitoring. Local authorities and communities welcome the decision, which aligns with broader efforts to safeguard India's cultural and archaeological heritage in border regions.

23 heritage sites in Ladakh named protected monuments under AMPA.
Sites include Saspol Caves, Tingmosgang Fort, monasteries, petroglyphs.
Protection aims to prevent encroachment, illegal construction, alterations.
Legal backing enables formal conservation and monitoring.
Part of broader national heritage protection efforts in border areas.
Date referenced: July 2026.

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