General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - June 2025

Jun 2025

Jan 26, 2026

Wage and pension revisions approved for PSGICs, NABARD and RBI retirees

The Centre approved wage revisions for Public Sector General Insurance Company staff and NABARD employees, and pension revisions for RBI and NABARD retirees. The decision will benefit about 46,322 employees, 23,570 pensioners and 23,260 family pensioners, according to a Finance Ministry release. The measure aims to align pay scales and pensions with current economic conditions and ensure financial security for current workers and retirees in these public entities.

Beneficiaries: 46,322 employees; 23,570 pensioners; 23,260 family pensioners
Employee groups: PSGICs and NABARD
Retirees: RBI and NABARD
Purpose: wage/pension revision
Source: Finance Ministry statement

Odisha imposes total ban on gutka and tobacco-containing foods; cigarettes excluded

The Odisha government extended a gutka ban to include all products containing tobacco and nicotine in food items. The new order bans the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and consumption of gutka and nicotine-containing food products such as pan masala and zarda. Cigarettes and bidis are not part of the ban. The modification aims to remove ambiguity and enable uniform enforcement across the state. Violations will attract penalties under applicable laws, according to the health and family welfare department.

Scope: gutka and tobacco-containing foods
Exclusions: cigarettes and bidis not banned
Enforcement: uniform across Odisha
Penalty: applicable laws
Authority: Health and Family Welfare Department

SSDMA and Lt. Col. Seeta Shelke to receive disaster management award

The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and Lieutenant Colonel Seeta Ashok Shelke, who led relief operations during the 2024 Wayanad landslide, have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026. The national award recognises invaluable contributions to disaster management and service to affected communities. The award highlights the importance of effective coordination, rapid response and resilience-building in disaster-prone regions. The award ceremony will be announced by the central government in due course.

Recipient: SSDMA and Lt. Col. Seeta Shelke
Award: Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026
Recognition: disaster management contributions
Notable work: 2024 Wayanad landslide relief operations
Significance: national disaster management recognition

WEF to launch five Centres for Fourth Industrial Revolution; one in Andhra Pradesh

The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced plans to establish five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including a site in Andhra Pradesh. Two centres already operate in India, in Mumbai and Telangana. The network aims to enable collaboration among public and private sectors to ensure emerging technologies deliver benefits while minimizing risks. The centres will work on governance, ethics, innovation and inclusion as part of the broader digital transformation in India and the region.

Total new centres: five
Locations: including Andhra Pradesh; others in Mumbai and Telangana
Purpose: governance, innovation, inclusion
Collaboration: public and private sectors
Focus: Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies

Jan 25, 2026

Security alerts rise over Republic Day; 26-26 cryptic code prompts vigilance

On 22 January 2026, security agencies issued alerts following reports of a cryptic '26-26' code appearing across online platforms ahead of Republic Day. Authorities said the message prompted heightened vigilance at sensitive sites nationwide, with preparations including enhanced CCTV coverage, intelligence sharing, and targeted checks. Officials noted that the timing near Republic Day increases risk perceptions and stressed coordinated readiness across central and state agencies. Investigators are reviewing digital traces and monitoring channels to identify the source and prevent any disruption to public celebrations.

Alerts issued over cryptic '26-26' code ahead of Republic Day.
Heightened security, improved CCTV and intelligence sharing.
Coordination between central and state agencies emphasized.
Investigations ongoing to identify source and disrupt potential threats.

MSDE and World Economic Forum sign MoU to boost vocational training

On 23 January 2026, the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to strengthen India’s skills and TVET ecosystem. The agreement outlines a joint plan to launch a 'Skills Accelerator', a multi-stakeholder platform that will identify and scale innovative solutions to critical workforce gaps and explore public–private partnerships. The accelerator aims to align skilling initiatives with evolving industry demands and the global economy. Governance will involve government and private-sector co-chairs, with MSDE guiding strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and impact monitoring. The MoU seeks to enhance practical training at ITIs, polytechnics, and skill centres nationwide.

MoU between MSDE and WEF signed on 23 January 2026.
Introduction of a 'Skills Accelerator' platform.
Focus on public–private partnerships to close skill gaps.
Close alignment between skilling and industry needs.
MSDE to lead strategy and monitor impact.

Jan 24, 2026

Kaladi GI-tagged product to be scaled under ODOP with tech help

Udhamapur’s Kaladi, a GI-tagged traditional dairy product from Jammu and Kashmir, will be upscaled for diverse food recipes using advanced food technologies. The Union Science & Technology Minister directed this move under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, to preserve Kaladi’s flavour and texture while increasing shelf life. The plan aims to promote value addition and broaden national and international markets, without compromising original characteristics. Officials emphasise that Kaladi’s unique texture, akin to mozzarella, should be retained in all scalable formats. The project will involve improved packaging, processing, and validation to ensure food safety and market competitiveness. Experts expect growth in rural livelihoods and regional tourism linked to Kaladi products. Source: Times of India.

Kaladi to be scaled under ODOP with new tech inputs.
Goal: preserve flavour and texture while extending shelf life.
Aims to boost national and international markets.
Kaladi’s mozzarella-like texture to be retained in scaling.
Improvements planned in packaging and processing for safety and marketability.

Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 outlines Vision for 2047 goals

Power Vision 2047: Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 was released for public consultation by the Ministry of Power. The policy outlines a roadmap to reach 2,000 kWh per capita electricity consumption by 2030, expand grid modernization and ensure reliable supply. It also sets a target of net-zero emissions by 2070 and envisages reforms in generation, transmission and distribution. The policy replaces the 2005 framework and aims to balance affordability with climate action. It emphasizes decentralised generation, storage, and green energy integration while supporting industrial growth. The draft invites feedback from states, industry and citizens to shape India’s energy future. Timely implementation will require robust policy coordination.

Draft NEP 2026 released for public consultation.
Target: 2,000 kWh per capita by 2030.
Net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Reforms in generation, transmission, and distribution planned.
Encourages decentralised generation and energy storage.

Jan 23, 2026

Atal Pension Yojana Extended to 2030–31; SIDBI Receives Rs 5,000 Crore Equity Support

The government approved continuing the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) till 2030–31, extending old‑age income security for unorganised workers and increasing development funding. The scheme offers a guaranteed pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month after age 60, with subscriber numbers exceeding 8 crore 66 lakh. In addition, the Cabinet approved an equity infusion of Rs 5,000 crore into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to broaden MSME outreach. Officials expect the move to unlock investment and expand credit access to micro, small, and medium enterprises across the country.

APY extended till 2030–31; pension range Rs 1,000–5,000.
Subscriber base over 8.66 crore.
Rs 5,000 crore equity support to SIDBI.
Aims to enhance old‑age security and MSME credit access.
Policy supports inclusive social security and financial inclusion.

AIIMS Bibinagar Inaugurates CSR-driven Medical and Academic Facilities in Telangana

AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana inaugurated advanced medical and academic facilities worth over Rs 5.4 crore under the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of IOCL. The package includes a robotic‑assisted surgery system to enable precision-based care, particularly benefiting economically weaker sections, and a high‑fidelity adult patient simulator to enhance simulation‑based training for medical and nursing students. Executives from IOCL and AIIMS Bibinagar attended the ceremony, underscoring a public‑private collaboration to boost tertiary care and medical education. The facilities are expected to improve patient safety, training quality, and access to advanced procedures in the region.

IOCL CSR funded Rs 5.4 crore for facilities.
Robotic‑assisted surgery system installed.
High‑fidelity patient simulator for training added.
Aimed at improving care for economically weaker sections.
Public‑private collaboration between IOCL and AIIMS Bibinagar.

SAMPANN Pension Portal Integrated with UMANG Platform

The SAMPANN pension management system has been integrated with the UMANG platform to streamline pension services. Pensioners can now access Pension Payment Order (PPO) numbers and Life Certificate (LC) validity status via the UMANG web portal or mobile app. This integration, supported by the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA), aims to enhance transparency and ease of access for retirees. DigiLocker integration is also highlighted, underscoring the government’s digital delivery commitments and the move toward unified, user‑friendly pension services for citizens.

SAMPANN integrated with UMANG platform.
PPO numbers and LC validity accessible via UMANG.
Aims to improve transparency and ease of access.
DigiLocker integration adds to digital delivery.

Odisha-Meghalaya Sign MoU on Early Childhood Care and Development

Odisha and Meghalaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Early Childhood Care, Education and Development (ECCED). The agreement focuses on nutrition, health, early learning, responsive caregiving, community engagement, and institutional capacity building. Officials described a knowledge‑sharing framework, joint research, and exposure visits to promote contextually relevant solutions for young children. The MoU envisions leveraging Odisha’s community‑based ECCED experience and Meghalaya’s delivery approaches in tribal and difficult geographies. The collaboration aims to improve outcomes across the first years of life and align with broader health and education goals in both states.

Odisha and Meghalaya sign ECCED MoU.
Focus on nutrition, health, early learning, caregiving.
Includes knowledge exchange and joint research.
Targets capacity building at multiple levels.

NHAI and Konkan Railway Sign MoU to Elevate Road–Rail Infrastructure

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster integrated road‑rail infrastructure development. The umbrella MoU sets a framework for collaboration on projects, resource optimization, and coordinated planning. A Joint Working Group will oversee project identification, preliminary feasibility, and proposal development, with a five‑year initial validity. Officials emphasized that combined road and rail solutions can enhance connectivity, safety, and economic value, especially in challenging terrains. The partnership signals a push toward multimodal infrastructure to support national growth and regional accessibility.

NHAI and KRCL sign broad MoU for collaboration.
Joint Working Group to identify and assess projects.
Initial validity: five years with review provisions.
Aims to integrate road and rail infrastructure planning.
Targets improved connectivity and safety in challenging terrains.

DGCA Introduces Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) Services for ATPL

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) services for Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) at its headquarters. The EPL, a secure ICAO‑aligned digital licence, enables real‑time verification and tamper‑resistant credentials, accessible via the eGCA mobile application. The EPL rollout began earlier in 2025 with CPL and FRTOL; the ATPL addition strengthens regulatory systems, transparency, and efficiency across civil aviation. DGCA officials highlighted the move as part of a broader digital transformation to modernize licensing, improve service delivery, and reduce processing times for aviation professionals and stakeholders.

DGCA launches EPL for ATPL.
Digital, ICAO‑aligned licence with real‑time verification.
Accessible via the eGCA app.
Follows earlier EPL rollout for CPL and FRTOL.
Aims to improve efficiency and regulatory oversight.

Jan 22, 2026

Union Cabinet approves ₹5,000 crore SIDBI equity infusion for MSMEs

New Delhi, 21 January 2026 — The Union Cabinet approved an equity infusion of ₹5,000 crore into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to expand credit to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The infusion will be released by the Department of Financial Services in three tranches: ₹3,000 crore for 2025-26, and ₹1,000 crore each in 2026-27 and 2027-28, with book values detailed as per annual financial statements. The move aims to increase liquidity, support MSME growth, and strengthen credit access across the sector, aligning with broader financial deepening and entrepreneurship policies.

Amount and purpose: ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI for MSMEs
Tranches: ₹3,000 crore in 2025-26; ₹1,000 crore in 2026-27 and 2027-28
Agency: Department of Financial Services executing the infusion
Impact: Expanded credit and liquidity for MSMEs
Policy context: Part of broader credit and financial sector measures

Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Affairs in Power Sector launched at IIT-Delhi

New Delhi, 21 January 2026 — Union Power Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector at IIT-Delhi. The collaboration among IIT Delhi, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and Grid Controller of India Ltd (Grid India) aims to provide a national hub for regulatory research, capacity building and advisory support. The CoE will bridge policy, regulation, system operations and academic research to address rising electricity demand, renewable energy integration, expanding power markets and digital adoption in the sector. This initiative seeks to strengthen evidence-based regulation and informed decision-making in India’s evolving power landscape.

Initiative: CoE for Regulatory Affairs in Power Sector
Institutions: IIT-Delhi, CERC, Grid India
Aim: Regulatory research, capacity building, advisory support
Context: Rising demand, renewables, digital power systems
Impact: Integrated policy-regulation-academia collaboration

NBEMS launches online AI training for medical education

New Delhi, 22 January 2026 — Union Minister Anupriya Patel launched an online training programme on Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education, developed by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The initiative targets about 50,000 doctors to enhance digital competencies, diagnostics, research and clinical practice. More than 42,000 doctors have already registered, indicating strong interest. NBEMS officials stated that AI adoption in healthcare should augment doctors’ capabilities while preserving accountability, accessibility and ethics. The programme aims to modernise medical education and improve healthcare delivery as India scales up digital health initiatives in line with national policy directions.

Program: NBEMS online AI training in medical education
Target audience: up to 50,000 doctors; 42,000+ registered
Purpose: Enhance AI skills for diagnostics, practice and research
Principles: Accountability, accessibility, ethical use
Strategic goal: Strengthen digital health and medical education

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