General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2025

Jul 2025

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.

Feb 04, 2026

ACC approves M Anitha's appointment as Director in Defence Department under Central Staffing Scheme

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of M Anitha, IRS (Income Tax: 2007), as Director in the Department of Defence under the Central Staffing Scheme. The decision follows a Civil Services Board (CSB) recommendation and involves a lateral shift from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where she currently serves as Director. The appointment will take effect from the date she assumes charge of the post. As per the order, Anitha will serve in the Department of Defence for a tenure up to 26 September 2026, aligning with the remaining period of her five-year deputation, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

ACC approved the appointment on 4 February 2026.
Lateral shift from DIPAM; Anitha is currently a Director there.
Post is under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Tenure runs up to 26 September 2026 or earlier on orders.
Appointment based on CSB recommendation.

Feb 03, 2026

IHMCL and NFSU sign MoU to strengthen cyber forensics for highways

Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on cyber forensics, digital evidence integrity, and advanced technologies relevant to national highway management. The MoU, signed in the presence of senior highway officials, aims to build research, training, and advisory capacity in digital security for road networks. The collaboration will support traffic management, incident response, and data protection for critical infrastructure. The partnership aligns with broader efforts to secure digital systems in public works and transport sectors.

MoU between IHMCL and NFSU for cyber forensics.
Focus on digital evidence integrity in highways.
Joint research, training, and consultancy activities.
Part of wider efforts to secure infrastructure data.

NSO to conduct nationwide Migration Survey in 2026–27 to update mobility data

The National Statistics Office (NSO) announced a nationwide Migration Survey for 2026–27 to refresh data on population mobility, urban-rural movement, and inter-state patterns. Conducted under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the survey will document drivers behind migration, including socio-economic status, education, and employment trends. Data collection will cover return migration, seasonal shifts, and the experiences of migrants in different states. The NSO intends to strengthen policymaking with granular evidence on labor dynamics, housing, urban planning, and social welfare needs, ensuring policy responses align with evolving migration patterns across India.

Migration Survey planned for July 2026–June 2027.
Focus on rural-urban movement and inter-state migration.
Data to include socio-economic and employment profiles.
Aims to strengthen evidence base for policy.

Andhra Pradesh launches Pilloo AI, a voice-based accounting app for MSMEs

Andhra Pradesh launched Pilloo AI, a voice-based accounting and billing platform designed to simplify financial tasks for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The application, unveiled at the state Secretariat in Amaravati by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, supports native-language commands and real-time invoicing. The launch was attended by legislators, tech entrepreneurs, and investors. Pilloo AI aims to improve business efficiency, reduce compliance burdens, and encourage digital adoption among small businesses. Demonstrations highlighted the app’s natural-language capabilities and potential for integration with existing state-level e-governance tools.

Pilloo AI: voice-based accounting for MSMEs.
Launched by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu.
Supports native-language input; real-time invoicing.
Aims to boost digital empowerment for small businesses.

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