General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - May 2025

May 2025

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.

Feb 07, 2026

MoU to enable traceable seed, fertiliser logistics with DoP

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signed an MoU with the Department of Posts to create a standardised, faceless, and fully traceable logistics system for seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. The agreement aims to ensure secure and timely movement of samples from collection points to laboratories with end-to-end digital tracking. Minister Ramnath Thakur stated the move will improve quality control, data integrity and transparency in agri-input supply chains. The MoU aligns with broader digital agriculture initiatives and aims to reduce delays and tampering while boosting farmer confidence in the supply chain. (Sources: MoA MoU; Rajya Sabha replies, February 2026.)

MoU between Agriculture Ministry and Department of Posts signed.
Goal: standardised, faceless, fully traceable logistics for seeds and inputs.
End-to-end digital tracking from collection to labs.
Improves quality control and supply chain transparency.
Supports digital agriculture initiatives and farmer confidence.

India signs DPI cooperation with 23 countries; UPI goes live in eight nations

India signed MoUs with 23 countries to cooperate on its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), aligning with the India Stack framework. Partnerships cover digital identity, payments, data exchange and service delivery platforms to replicate scalable governance solutions. The Union Ministry said UPI is now live in eight countries: United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius and Qatar. Additional MoUs cover DigiLocker collaborations with Cuba, Kenya, UAE and Lao PDR, aiming to expand trusted digital documents storage and verification. The DPI diplomacy seeks interoperable digital solutions and broader financial inclusion. (Sources: MoU announcements; MEITY written replies, February 2026.)

MoUs with 23 countries for Digital Public Infrastructure cooperation.
UPI now live in eight countries: UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, Qatar.
DigiLocker MoUs with Cuba, Kenya, UAE and Lao PDR signed.
Focus on digital identity, payments, data exchange and service platforms.
Part of India's DPI diplomacy to broaden digital governance globally.

DFS secretary discusses expanding overseas presence of UPI

The government is actively working to expand the overseas reach of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). DFS Secretary M. Nagaraju stated at a recent summit that UPI is currently live in eight countries and that expansion plans are underway, particularly in East Asia. The overseas rollout supports cross-border remittances, promotes financial inclusion and strengthens India’s fintech footprint. Officials stressed the need for regulatory readiness and interoperability with partner countries’ payment ecosystems. The remarks align with earlier government emphasis on digital public infrastructure and cross-border digital payments as a pillar of economic diplomacy. (Sources: Economic Times coverage, February 2026.)

Government aims to expand UPI’s overseas presence beyond eight countries.
Current live markets include UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, Qatar.
Focus on cross-border remittances and fintech leadership.
Emphasis on regulatory readiness and interoperability.

Centre approves Telangana PM-ABHIM health infrastructure funding

The Centre approved ₹1,369.03 crore for Telangana under the PM-ABHIM Health Infrastructure Mission for 2021‑22 to 2025‑26. The allocation supports hospital infrastructure, diagnostic services and related health projects as part of improving access to quality healthcare in the state. Officials noted that PM-ABHIM is a flagship scheme within the broader Ayushman Bharat program, aimed at strengthening tertiary care facilities and emergency response capacity. The decision comes as Telangana prioritises health infrastructure alongside ongoing social welfare schemes and urban health developments. (Sources: Deccan Chronicle; Telangana Today, February 2026.)

Centre approves ₹1,369.03 crore for Telangana under PM-ABHIM.
Coverage period: 2021‑22 to 2025‑26.
Funds support hospital infrastructure and diagnostics.
Part of the Ayushman Bharat health infrastructure mission.
Aims to improve tertiary care and emergency services.

Feb 06, 2026

India and GCC Sign ToR for Free Trade Agreement

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed Terms of Reference (ToR) for negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The ceremony took place at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, with officials Ajay Bhadoo and Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi as chief negotiators. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of State Jitin Prasada, and Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal attended. The ToR will guide the scope, structure and modalities of talks, formally initiating discussions toward a broad trade pact aimed at expanding economic ties and reducing barriers across sectors.

Event: ToR signed for India-GCC FTA negotiations.
Location: Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
Signatories: Ajay Bhadoo and Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi; ministers present.
Purpose: Define scope and modalities for FTA talks.
Impact: Potential broad trade pact with GCC members.

UPSC Launches Tech Interventions for CSE and IFoS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched a series of technological interventions for this year’s Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS). The online application portal is designed to improve candidate access and examination security. There is no cap on examination centre capacity for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). The UPSC has added three new examination centres for prelims and mains and initiated a survey of candidate preferences for future centres. The changes aim to streamline the application process and ensure fair access for all candidates.

Initiative: Tech interventions for CSE and IFoS.
Portal: Online application system to improve access and security.
Facilities: No PwBD centre cap; three new centres added.
Purpose: Enhanced accessibility and integrity in exams.
Future: Candidate preference survey for expansions.

Kerala Airports First Elderly Budget FY27 Announced

Kerala has announced India’s first Elderly Budget for FY27, focusing on welfare for senior citizens. The plan emphasizes pensions, healthcare and social security, though a large share of allocations relates to existing pension schemes. The move highlights the state’s ageing population and raises questions about fiscal pressure and long‑term welfare planning. An Elderly Budget consolidates spending on seniors into a single framework, enabling targeted interventions while balancing other priorities in the state budget.

Policy: First Elderly Budget in FY27 (Kerala).
Focus: Pensions, healthcare, social security for seniors.
Financial note: Substantial funds tied to existing pension schemes.
Significance: Addresses demographic ageing and welfare planning.
Question: Fiscal implications for Kerala’s budget.

Dubai to Launch Underground Dubai Loop Transport

Dubai announced the Dubai Loop, an underground high‑speed transport system by The Boring Company, to improve urban mobility. The project will connect dense traffic corridors through one‑directional tunnels and is part of a broader plan to modernize city transport following the World Government Summit. The initiative positions Dubai as a pioneer in subterranean mobility, potentially reducing congestion and travel times in key districts. Officials described the Loop as an iconic infrastructure endeavor designed to transform city travel and set a model for future urban systems.

Project: Dubai Loop underground transport.
Developer: The Boring Company; announced at World Government Summit.
Goal: Faster, more efficient city travel; reduce congestion.
Status: Planned as a landmark mobility project.
Context: Part of Dubai’s urban modernization efforts.

Yuva Sahakar and Swayam Shakti Sahakar Schemes Roll Out Through NCDC

The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a statutory body under the Ministry of Cooperation, is implementing the Yuva Sahakar and Swayam Shakti Sahakar schemes. Both schemes are fully funded by NCDC. Yuva Sahakar aims to support newly formed cooperative societies with innovative ideas by providing credit access and mentorship. The Swayam Shakti Sahakar Yojna seeks to help poor households and women Self Help Groups gain affordable bank credit for collective socio‑economic activities and sustainable livelihoods. These programmes promote financial inclusion and rural entrepreneurship, aligning with the government’s goal to strengthen the cooperative sector and create livelihoods for underserved communities.

Scheme implementer: NCDC under the Ministry of Cooperation.
Funding: Fully funded by NCDC.
Yuva Sahakar focus: new co-ops with innovative ideas; credit and mentoring.
Swayam Shakti focus: credit for poor households and women SHGs; livelihoods.
Aim: financial inclusion and rural development via cooperatives.

Feb 05, 2026

Amit Shah to launch Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing platform

Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will launch Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, in New Delhi. The platform places drivers, called Sarathis, at the core of ownership, operations, and value creation, and operates on a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model. Profits will be distributed directly to drivers, with social security measures such as health and accident insurance, retirement savings, and a driver-support system. The initiative includes the Bike Didi program, which has enrolled over 150 women drivers. Bharat Taxi aims to empower drivers and promote inclusive mobility, while challenging aggregator-based models in the sector.

Launch of Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing platform.
Zero-commission pricing and driver-centric ownership model.
Direct profit distribution and social security benefits for drivers.
Bike Didi program has 150+ women drivers enrolled.

Spain bans social media for children under 16

Spain announced a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16, the first European country to take such a step and the second globally after Australia. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez revealed the policy during his World Government Summit address in Dubai, with enforcement expected within a week. The move aims to improve child safety, mental health, and data privacy amid rising concerns about online harms. Critics question enforcement and freedom of expression; supporters argue the policy will shield young users from risky online content and exploitation.

Spain limits social media access for under-16s.
Policy announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the World Government Summit.
Enforcement expected within a week; aims to protect children online.
Debate exists over enforcement challenges and rights concerns.

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