General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - November 2025

Nov 2025

May 14, 2026

RBI cancels Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank licence

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank, citing inadequate capital, weak earnings prospects, and non‑compliance with Banking Regulation Act provisions. The bank will cease to carry on banking business with effect from 12 May 2026. The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra, has been asked to wind up the bank and appoint a liquidator. RBI stated that the bank’s current financial position would prevent paying depositors in full and that continuing operations would be prejudicial to depositors and public interest. The action underscores RBI’s regulatory stance on capitalization and governance in cooperative banks.

Action: RBI cancels Sarvodaya Co-operative Bank licence.
Effective date: 12 May 2026.
Reasons: Inadequate capital, weak earnings prospects, non‑compliance with Banking Regulation Act.
Next steps: Winding up and appointment of a liquidator by Maharashtra regulators.
Impact: Depositors may not receive full amounts; public interest cited.

Cabinet approves Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project

India's Union Cabinet approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line rail project on 13 May 2026, marking India's first semi high-speed corridor built with indigenous technology. The project, costing about ₹20,667 crore, will connect Ahmedabad, Dholera, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex, expanding the national rail network by roughly 134 kilometers. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the proposal as part of railway modernization. Officials expect completion in fiscal year 2030-31. The corridor links Gujarat's growth hubs and aims to boost regional trade, tourism, and mobility.

Approval date: 13 May 2026; cost: ₹20,667 crore.
First semi high-speed rail corridor using indigenous technology.
Extends about 134 km in Gujarat (Ahmedabad–Dholera region).
Aims to enhance connectivity to Lothal heritage complex.
Target completion: FY 2030-31.

TDB signs MoU with KITSFRA for complete digitisation of temples and offices

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) signed a memorandum of understanding with Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KITSFRA) on 13 May 2026 for full digitisation of temples and offices under the board. Devaswom Commissioner B Sunilkumar and KITSFRA Director Rahul K Raj formalised the agreement at the TDB headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The project will digitalise temple administration, office file movement, financial transactions, devotee services, and related online facilities, beginning with Sabarimala online services. Officials said the initiative will speed up, streamline, and improve transparency ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

MoU signed on 13 May 2026 between TDB and KITSFRA.
Target: full digitisation of temples and board offices.
Initial focus on Sabarimala online services.
Digital platform aims to speed and improve transparency.
Aims to aid pilgrims during Mandala-Makaravilakku season.

PM Internship Scheme 2026: Application details, eligibility and stipend

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) aims to provide hands-on industry experience to Indian youth and improve employability. The government plans to offer internships to one crore youths over the next five years across leading companies in different sectors. The PMIS seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by providing practical exposure. The pilot phase of the scheme ran in 2024-25 with around 1.25 lakh internships. Participants will gain exposure to professional environments, including training in communication, teamwork, and domain skills. The scheme will be administered by participating ministries and partner firms.

Targets one crore internships over five years.
Pilot phase (2024-25) delivered ~1.25 lakh opportunities.
Internships across leading companies in multiple sectors.
Emphasizes practical exposure, communication and teamwork.
Administered by government ministries and private partners.

May 13, 2026

IPC Signs MoUs With State Pharmacy Councils to Strengthen Medicine Safety

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Bihar, Maharashtra, and Mizoram State Pharmacy Councils to strengthen medicine safety, promote rational use of medicines, and enhance pharmacovigilance nationwide. The MoUs were signed at IPC headquarters in Ghaziabad by Dr. V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, alongside council presidents, with senior officials present. The collaboration aims to promote the National Formulary of India (NFI) as a mandatory hospital reference, and to implement joint training, workshops, and continuing education to improve pharmacists’ competencies, pharmacovigilance, and pharmacopoeial standards. It will support research and cooperation on regulatory standards and safe pharmacotherapy.

MoUs with Bihar, Maharashtra, Mizoram State Pharmacy Councils
Aims to promote National Formulary of India (NFI) in hospitals
Includes joint training and continuing education
Strengthens pharmacovigilance and pharmacopoeial standards
Supports research and cooperation on drug safety

Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool Launched in New Delhi

India on 12 May 2026 launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) in New Delhi to provide insurance cover for Indian vessels on international sea routes, including war-risk and high-risk zones. The pool has a total value of USD 1.5 billion with a sovereign guarantee of USD 1.4 billion. It is a domestic arrangement covering Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), and War Risk insurance. The pool is administered by the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) with member insurers pooling underwriting capacity. Claims up to USD 100 million can be paid from pool reserves; beyond that, the sovereign guarantee acts as a contingent backstop after reserves and contributions are exhausted. Cabinet approval was granted in April 2026 amid higher premiums and geopolitical uncertainty.

BMIP launched in New Delhi on 12 May 2026
Total pool value USD 1.5 billion; sovereign guarantee USD 1.4 billion
Administered by General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)
Covers Hull & Machinery, Cargo, P&I, and War Risk
Claims up to USD 100 million from pool reserves; rest backed by sovereign guarantee
Cabinet approved BMIP in April 2026

May 12, 2026

Annapurna Bhandar scheme announced in West Bengal with cash support

West Bengal announced the Annapurna Bhandar scheme on 11 May 2026 after the new BJP government’s first cabinet meeting. The plan provides Rs 3,000 per month to eligible women via direct bank transfers, with rollout beginning on 1 June 2026. The scheme is described as a replacement or major upgrade to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which previously offered Rs 1,500 per month to general category women and Rs 1,700 to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries. By 11 May 2026, no formal government order detailing the application process had been released, though the policy framework was in place.

Annapurna Bhandar offers Rs 3,000 monthly to eligible women.
Rollout scheduled from 1 June 2026 via direct bank transfers.
Replaces or upgrades Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
Lakshmir Bhandar details differed by category earlier.
Government order for applications not issued by 11 May 2026.

Karnataka launches Kartavya-KAAMS attendance app to replace biometric system

On 27 April 2026, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Karnataka, introduced KAAMS, the Kartavya-KAAMS attendance app. The system monitors attendance of permanent teachers, Head Masters, equivalent staff, and non-teaching staff in government schools and offices. The application uses Artificial Intelligence, facial recognition, and geofencing to verify attendance. Employees must register with official credentials, verify the mobile number linked with the HR Management System, complete face recognition, and enable location access. Attendance is recorded twice daily, with In Time and Out Time from the duty location. KAAMS replaces biometric attendance from 1 May 2026 across government departments, linking data to HRMS and SATS; developed by e-Governance and piloted in health, education, and the Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

KAAMS uses AI, facial recognition, and geofencing for attendance verification.
Staff register with official credentials and verify a Linked HRMS mobile number.
Attendance is marked twice daily from the duty location (In Time and Out Time).
Implementation begins 1 May 2026 across government departments and bodies.
Data links KAAMS with HRMS and SATS; development led by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.

SEHAT launched to link health with agricultural transformation

ICMR and ICAR launched SEHAT, Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation, on 11 May 2026 in New Delhi. SEHAT is a national mission‑mode programme linking agricultural research with health outcomes. It aims to converge agriculture, nutrition, and public health, focusing on biofortified crops, integrated farming systems, and One Health preparedness. The initiative prioritises occupational health for agricultural workers and addresses malnutrition and non‑communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. ICMR and ICAR report 203 biofortified crop varieties undergoing clinical validation with involvement from ICMR. The programme reflects India’s shift toward preventive healthcare via farming innovation.

SEHAT integrates agricultural research with health outcomes.
Focus on biofortified crops and integrated farming.
One Health approach links human, animal, and environmental health.
Occupational health for farm workers emphasised.
203 biofortified varieties undergoing clinical validation.

May 11, 2026

Prime Minister Modi inaugurates India's first PM MITRA Park in Warangal, Telangana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first PM MITRA Park in Warangal, Telangana, on 10 May 2026. Built at a cost of ₹1,695.54 crore, the park marks the first functional PM MITRA site and advances the government's Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign vision. Officials say the park will accelerate India's textile sector and create large‑scale employment opportunities, especially for women. It is located near the Nagpur‑Vijayawada Greenfield Expressway (NH‑163G) and offers multimodal connectivity to major railway networks and seaports. The facility includes extensive internal roads, a dedicated power substation, assured water supply, and a Common Effluent Treatment Plant with Zero Liquid Discharge, emphasizing sustainable development.

PM Modi inaugurated the first PM MITRA Park on 10 May 2026.
Project cost: ₹1,695.54 crore; part of the 5F textile strategy.
Location near NH-163G; multimodal rail and port connectivity.
Infrastructure includes roads, power, water, and a zero‑discharge CETP.

PM Modi inaugurates India's first PM MITRA Park in Warangal, Telangana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first PM MITRA Park at Warangal, Telangana, on 10 May 2026. The project, also called the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park, was developed at ₹1,695.54 crore and spans about 1,327 acres. It is the country’s first fully functional PM MITRA Park and supports the 5F vision: Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign. The park aims to accelerate India's textile revolution, attract investments over ₹6,000 crore, and create large-scale employment, including opportunities for women. It features multimodal connectivity to rail and port networks, a dedicated power substation, assured water supply, and a Common Effluent Treatment Plant with Zero Liquid Discharge technology.

Date of inauguration: 10 May 2026
Location: Warangal, Telangana; 1,327 acres
Cost: ₹1,695.54 crore; first fully functional PM MITRA Park
5F Vision: Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign
Facilities: multimodal connectivity, CETP with ZLD, power substation, water supply

India Rolls Out QR‑Code Verification for Census Enumerators (Census 2027)

India launched QR‑code enabled identity cards for Census enumerators as part of the Census 2027 framework. The system allows residents to verify field staff by scanning QR codes with mobile devices. The initiative accompanies a digital census platform that integrates central portals and mobile apps to improve transparency and efficiency in data collection. Phase one of the Census 2027 began on 1 April 2026, with around 30 lakh enumerators to be issued QR‑coded IDs. A self‑enumeration facility is being tested in selected areas to ease participation in the upcoming census.

QR‑coded identity cards for enumerators issued
Verification via mobile QR scan by residents
Census 2027 phase one started 1 April 2026
Approximately 30 lakh enumerators nationwide
Digital census framework with central portals and apps
Self‑enumeration facility in selected areas

Bihar Launches One‑Time Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme

Bihar announced the Traffic Challan One‑Time Settlement Scheme, 2026, via gazette notification dated 30 April 2026. The scheme offers up to 50% relief on pending traffic e‑challans and remains active through 2026‑27. It applies to e‑challans overdue by more than 90 days, with cut‑offs cited as 31 March 2025 or 31 March 2026 in official references. Effective from 9 May 2026—the National Lok Adalat date—the scheme provides online payments and settlement locations, with vehicle owners notified via mobile within two days. Some offences, including handheld mobile use and dangerous driving, remain fully penalized.

Notification date: 30 April 2026
Effective: 9 May 2026 (Lok Adalat)
Relief: up to 50% on pending e‑challans
Eligibility: e‑challans >90 days old
Offences excluded from relief: mobile use, dangerous driving
Delivery: online payment and settlement locations

Bihar Merges Vigilance Cadre with State Police

On 5 May 2026, the Bihar Cabinet approved the abolition of the Bihar Vigilance Investigation Cadre and its integration into the regular Bihar Police. The restructuring affects Deputy Superintendents of Police, police inspectors, and sub‑inspectors from the vigilance cadre. Officers from the 2014 and 2023 batches will be absorbed into equivalent ranks, with service continuity protected. Seniority will be assigned after the last‑ranked officers of their batches. The move aims to streamline policing administration, reduce parallel structures, and unify command and control under the regular Bihar Police, while preserving ongoing service rules.

Cabinet approval: 5 May 2026
Vigilance Cadre merged into Bihar Police
Affected ranks: DSPs, inspectors, sub‑inspectors
Batches absorbed: 2014 and 2023
Seniority: protected, placed after last‑ranked officers
Goal: unified policing administration

Maharashtra Approves Compressed Biogas Policy 2026

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy 2026 to promote renewable energy through waste management and agricultural residue processing. The policy was approved on 22 April 2026 and officially released on 5 May 2026. The state has allocated ₹500 crore for the 2026‑27 financial year to support CBG projects across all districts. The policy aims to convert municipal solid waste and agricultural residue into clean fuel and aligns with national programmes such as SATAT, GOBARdhan, and Swachh Bharat Mission. CBG is a purified biogas produced via anaerobic digestion and purification, intended to augment India’s clean‑fuel capacity.

Cabinet approval: 22 April 2026; release: 5 May 2026
Funding: ₹500 crore for 2026‑27
Objective: establish CBG plants across districts
Feedstock: municipal waste and agricultural residue
National alignment: SATAT, GOBARdhan, Swachh Bharat Mission
Technical note: CBG is purified biogas from organic waste

May 10, 2026

NITI Aayog Launches Central Prabhari Officer Portal

NITI Aayog formally launched the Central Prabhari Officer (CPO) Portal in a virtual event, with participation from central and state officials. The portal enables real-time submission and tracking of field observations, ensuring ground insights inform policy action and administrative intervention. Central Prabhari Officers can submit observations via mobile, with data going live for Districts, State Planning Secretaries, and relevant ministries to monitor responses. The platform links field inputs with policy action, promoting accountability and faster delivery in Aspirational Districts and Blocks. Officials expect improved governance efficiency and cross‑department coordination through this unified digital interface.

CPO Portal launched by NITI Aayog CEO in a virtual event.
Real-time submission and tracking of field observations enabled.
Central Prabhari Officers submit via mobile; data goes live for districts.
State Planning Secretaries gain a cross‑department overview.
Platform aims to improve Aspirational Districts and Blocks delivery.
Intended to enhance transparency, accountability and responsiveness.

DST Signs Pact to Boost Indigenous Type-IV CNG Cylinder Manufacturing

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has signed an agreement with Delhi‑based NTF Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd to set up a manufacturing facility to commercialise indigenous Type-IV composite CNG cylinders. The project supports India’s clean mobility and domestic manufacturing goals by using locally available raw materials and advanced production processes. TDB’s backing reflects the government’s commitment to next‑generation technologies that strengthen sustainable transportation and energy security under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework. The facility is expected to reduce imports and build a resilient, cost‑competitive clean‑energy supply chain.

TDB signs agreement with NTF Energy Solutions for CNG cylinders.
Facility will manufacture indigenous Type-IV composite cylinders.
Aims to support clean mobility and import substitution.
Locally sourced materials and advanced production processes to be used.
Part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and energy security goals.
Expected to strengthen domestic clean-energy supply chains.

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