KSRTC wins PSU National Award for Dhwani Spandana accessibility initiative
KSRTC, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, has received the Governance Now 12th PSU National Award in Excellence in Innovation for its 'Dhwani Spandana' project. This system uses audio cues and accessible technology to help visually impaired passengers identify buses and navigate stations. The award recognises government-run enterprises for innovative public service. KSRTC aims to improve mobility and independence for visually impaired travellers, enhancing overall accessibility of public transport. The initiative has potential for replication across other state transport networks and urban services, encouraging inclusive design and user-centric technology. The award emphasizes ongoing governance and social inclusion through practical innovations in public transport.
Award: Governance Now 12th PSU National Award in Excellence in Innovation.
Impact: Improves accessibility and independence in public transport.
Potential for replication across other networks.
Significance: governance and inclusion through innovation.
Mar 14, 2026
AYUSH Store on ZEPTO Inaugurated by Union Minister
AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated a dedicated AYUSH Store on ZEPTO, a quick‑commerce platform. The storefront consolidates authentic AYUSH products, making them easily discoverable for consumers through the platform’s digital network. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ vision and aims to expand India’s wellness and traditional medicine footprint. Officials note that the digital storefront will connect manufacturers and practitioners with modern consumers, supporting the broader growth of India’s indigenous health sector while broadening access to Ayurveda, Yoga, and other traditional systems.
Policy aim: promote Vocal for Local and digital access to AYUSH goods.
Impact: expands digital presence for traditional wellness products.
Beneficiaries: manufacturers, practitioners, and consumers.
Araku Kouni Tribal Millet Menu Launched in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched Araku Kouni, the state’s first tribal millet‑based menu, during the Collectors’ Conference at the State Secretariat. The initiative promotes millet‑based diets from tribal communities and highlights the culinary heritage of Alluri Sitarama Raju district. Araku Kouni features authentic millet recipes sourced directly from indigenous communities, with the aim of improving nutrition, supporting tribal farmers, and preserving traditional cooking practices. The menu showcases a range of millet dishes prepared from locally grown grains and regional ingredients, presenting millet as a mainstream, healthy dietary option while empowering regional agriculture.
Launch occasion: Collectors’ Conference at State Secretariat.
Menu name: Araku Kouni; focus on tribal millet recipes.
Purpose: promote millet consumption and support tribal farmers.
Scope: authentic recipes sourced from indigenous communities in Alluri Sitarama Raju district.
Impact: healthier diets and cultural preservation.
Mar 13, 2026
PM-RAHAT scheme provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for road accident victims
The Centre launched the Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment (PM-RAHAT) scheme on 13 February 2026 to provide cashless medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for road-accident victims. Under the scheme, eligible patients receive treatment coverage for up to seven days from the date of the accident, regardless of road type. The program, notified under Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, includes detailed operational guidelines and standard procedures issued by the Union government. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari briefed Parliament on 11 March 2026, outlining implementation steps, eligibility and expected benefits for crash victims and hospitals.
Launch date: 13 February 2026
Coverage: up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days
Eligible victims: road-accident patients
Legal basis: Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Briefing date: 11 March 2026 by Nitin Gadkari
Mar 12, 2026
President Murmu Launches Four Women Welfare Schemes in Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu, on 2 March 2026, launched four women-centric welfare schemes under the Delhi Government during the Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi programme in New Delhi. The package includes the Pink National Common Mobility Card, enabling women’s free bus travel and seamless access across the capital’s transport network; another scheme provides two free LPG cylinders annually to ration card families during Holi and Diwali; and two additional measures enhance mobility and safety for women, including financial support linked to skill development and entrepreneurship. The announcements reflect renewed emphasis on women’s safety, mobility, and economic participation in the national capital. The measures will be rolled out across Delhi next financial year.
Date and event: 2 March 2026, Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi in New Delhi
Schemes: Pink National Common Mobility Card; two free LPG cylinders
Additional measures: mobility and safety enhancements; skill/entrepreneurship support
Roll-out: to be implemented in Delhi from next financial year
Mar 11, 2026
Nagauri Paan Methi Registered as Community Farmers’ Variety
Nagauri Paan Methi has been registered as a Community Farmers’ Variety by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA). The registration appeared in the February 2026 Plant Variety Journal and grants statutory ownership and protection to farmers in Nagaur district, Rajasthan. The crop is Trigonella corniculata L., grown in arid agro‑ecology, and has been conserved by families for generations. The recognition highlights the importance of regionally adapted crops and supports farmers’ rights under the PPV&FR Act, 2001. The award enables local seed preservation and potential commercial exploitation under plant‑variety protections while promoting biodiversity and traditional farming knowledge.
Nagauri Paan Methi registered as Community Farmers’ Variety by PPVFRA.
Registration appeared in February 2026 Plant Variety Journal.
Crop identified as Trigonella corniculata L., grown in arid agro‑ecology.
Protection granted under PPV&FR Act, 2001 to Nagaur farmers.
Promotes biodiversity and traditional farming knowledge.
Kerala Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 Aims to Protect Students in AI Era
Kerala has introduced the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026, a comprehensive framework to protect students in the AI era. Developed by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) and the General Education Department, the protocol aims to create a safe digital learning environment in public schools. It addresses cyber threats such as AI‑generated misinformation, deepfakes, digital grooming, and cyber fraud, combining cyber security awareness with digital literacy. The protocol seeks to empower students to navigate online spaces safely, while schools implement guidelines for data privacy and responsible use of AI tools. The plan emphasizes collaboration among educators, families, and government agencies.
Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 introduced by KITE and Education Department.
Aims to protect students in AI era in public schools.
Addresses misinformation, deepfakes, digital grooming, cyber fraud.
Combines cyber security awareness with digital literacy.
Encourages data privacy guidelines and responsible AI use.
Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme Continues Across Delhi Colleges
Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP) is continuing in Delhi colleges, with over 900 students participating. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat, is expanding youth engagement under the vision Viksit Bharat@2047. In the second phase, more than 10,000 young people in 35 colleges will participate through interactive sessions and youth‑led activities. On the second day, youth icons Ramandeep Singh, Lavisha Arora, Sneha Bhardwaj, Ankit Kumar, and Sakshi Shah spoke with students at institutions such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi and JIMS. The program aims to empower youth and strengthen India's future workforce.
VBYCP continues across Delhi colleges with 900+ participants.
Part of Mera Yuva Bharat under the Viksit Bharat@2047 agenda.
Second phase targets 10,000 youths in 35 colleges.
Interactive sessions and youth‑led activities are planned.
Program aims to empower youth and build a future workforce.