General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - February 2026

Feb 2026

Jul 27, 2026

Six-Member Task Force on Examination Reforms to be Led by Nandan Nilekani

Six-member High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms was constituted by the Union Government in July 2026. The panel is headed by technology expert and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. It will examine the conduct, evaluation, and credibility of competitive examinations and propose measures to strengthen the system. Officials say the task force will explore digitization, security enhancements, and streamlined processes to prevent malpractices. It will consult education boards, universities, and regulatory bodies to ensure broad-based acceptance of reforms. The government hopes the recommendations will raise public trust in examinations and reduce delays in result declarations. The initiative is part of a broader push to modernize assessment in India.

Six-member High-Powered Task Force constituted in July 2026.
Nandan Nilekani appointed to head the task force.
Focus on credibility, security, and modernization of exam processes.
Review of conduct, evaluation, and use of technology in exams.
Stakeholder consultations with boards, universities, and regulators.

Education Ministry Gets Reshuffle as Part of NEET Controversy Fallout

In a rapid development over the last 48 hours, Naresh Pal Gangwar was named Higher Education Secretary, with Vineet Joshi moving to Panchayati Raj and TK Anil Kumar taking over School Education and Literacy. Pralhad Joshi, currently a Cabinet Minister, was assigned the additional charge of the Education Ministry. The moves follow ongoing protests over NEET paper leaks and broader calls for robust exam reforms. Officials say the reshuffle aims to stabilize administration and accelerate NEP 2020 implementation while ensuring continuity in governance. Reported by Indian Express and PIB as part of a broader cabinet adjustment during July 2026.

Naresh Pal Gangwar appointed Higher Education Secretary.
Vineet Joshi reassigned to Panchayati Raj; TK Anil Kumar to School Education.
Pralhad Joshi given additional charge of Education Ministry.
Reshuffle arises amid NEET paper leak protests.
Goal: stabilize administration and advance NEP 2020 reforms.

Jul 26, 2026

Rajasthan Launches Mukhyamantri Yuva Suyog Platform to Aid Youth

The Rajasthan government launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Suyog platform in July 2026, announced from the Chief Minister's official residence in Jaipur. The platform aims to promote youth participation in sports, skill development, and employment opportunities, while encouraging community engagement at the panchayat and ward levels. It will provide guidance, mentorship, and connections to local internships and training programs. The state will interface with district authorities to identify local skill gaps and track employment outcomes. Officials expect the platform to empower young people, support entrepreneurship, and advance rural development through targeted programs and local partnerships.

Platform launched in July 2026 from Jaipur residence
Aims: youth participation in sports, skill development, employment
Encourages engagement at panchayat and ward levels
Provides guidance, mentorship, and internship opportunities
Collaboration with district authorities to identify skill gaps
Supports entrepreneurship and rural development

PM Modi Announces High-Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms

On 26 July 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the constitution of a high-powered task force on examination reforms, to be led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. The panel follows weeks of student protests over NEET-UG paper leaks and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The task force will study ways to improve exam security, transparency, and efficiency through technology, data analytics, and policy reforms. It will draft recommendations for Parliament and education authorities. The government signalled fast action, including legislative measures, to reduce leak risks and restore public trust in exams. The move aims to strengthen the credibility of India’s examination system.

26 July 2026: task force on examination reforms announced
Led by Nandan Nilekani of Infosys
Response to NEET-UG paper leaks and Pradhan's resignation
Focus on technology to improve security, transparency, efficiency
Will draft recommendations for Parliament and education bodies
Possible legislative measures to address leaks and trust

Income Tax Day (Aaykar Diwas) Observed on 24 July 2026

Income Tax Day, or Aaykar Diwas, is observed annually in India on 24 July to mark the introduction of income tax in 1860 by Sir James Wilson. The day highlights the development and importance of India's taxation system, its role in funding public services, and the need for voluntary tax compliance. Government agencies, educational institutions, and citizen groups run awareness campaigns about tax obligations, refunds, and e-filing. In 2026, celebrations emphasized digital governance, faster refunds, and clearer guidance for taxpayers through online portals. The event also recognises the contribution of diligent taxpayers and the dedicated staff of tax departments. Citizens are encouraged to file returns on time and verify their tax accounts.

Aaykar Diwas observed on 24 July 2026
India's income tax system originated in 1860 by Sir James Wilson
Celebrations highlight digital tax administration and voluntary compliance
Campaigns explain tax obligations, refunds, and e-filing
Encourages timely filing and verification of tax accounts
Recognises contributions of taxpayers and tax staff

Jul 25, 2026

Mee Bhoomi blockchain pilot launched to secure digital land records in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh launched the Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain pilot project in July 2026 to improve the security and transparency of digital land records. The platform uses blockchain technology to create a tamper-resistant repository for land information, integrating data from revenue, survey and registration departments. This initiative aims to reduce fraud, enhance verification speed and streamline land transactions for citizens. It aligns with broader e-governance goals and the push for transparent public services in the state. The project is part of ongoing reforms to modernize land administration and governance in Andhra Pradesh.

Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain pilot launched in July 2026.
Aims to secure digital land records with blockchain.
Data integrated from revenue, survey and registration departments.
Targets reduced fraud and faster verification.
Part of broader e-governance and land reform efforts.

Jharkhand to establish first Film and Television Institute in Ranchi under SRFTI MoU

The Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited signed an MoU with the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in July 2026 to establish Jharkhand’s first dedicated Film and Television Institute in Ranchi. The institute will offer professional training in filmmaking, television production, script writing and related creative fields. It will commence operations from Suchna Bhawan in Ranchi and progressively expand with improved facilities, equipment and faculty. The partnership highlights government emphasis on skill development, local industry growth and youth employment in the media sector, aligning with national skill initiatives. Must-know: SRFTI operates as a premier national institute shaping media education in India.

MoU signed between Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited and SRFTI in July 2026.
First dedicated Film and Television Institute planned for Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Initial operations from Suchna Bhawan with future expansion.
Focus on filmmaking, TV production, script writing and related fields.
Governance aligns with national skill development schemes.

Jul 23, 2026

Anurag Jain named NITI Aayog CEO; term to August 2028

Anurag Jain, a senior IAS officer from the 1989 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet in July 2026. He is expected to serve until August 31, 2028. The appointment, part of leadership changes at India’s premier public policy think tank, brings a governance expert with experience in development planning to steer policy analysis and strategic planning. Jain’s tenure signals continuity in policy direction while potentially introducing new priorities in economic reforms, governance, and data-driven program evaluation.

Anurag Jain appointed CEO of NITI Aayog (July 2026).
1989-batch IAS officer, Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Term until 31 August 2028.
Applies leadership changes at India’s policy think tank.

Centre approves two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters in Tamil Nadu

The Centre approved two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters in Tamil Nadu with a combined investment exceeding Rs 1,012 crore. The clusters are planned at Manallur and Pillapaikkam and are expected to enhance electronics manufacturing capacity, attract additional investment and support India’s broader push for domestic production. Officials say the projects will strengthen supply chains, provide employment opportunities and bolster technological self-reliance in the sector. The announcement aligns with government policies to expand manufacturing ecosystems and promote advanced electronics across the country, particularly in southern India.

Two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters approved in Tamil Nadu.
Combined investment: over Rs 1,012 crore.
Locations: Manallur and Pillapaikkam.
Aims: expand manufacturing capacity, attract investment, create jobs.

Jul 22, 2026

Coal-sector technical cooperation with GIZ to support mine closure and redevelopment

India's Ministry of Coal signed an Implementation Agreement with Germany's development agency, GIZ, for technical cooperation in the coal sector. The partnership focuses on scientific closure and redevelopment of coal mines, institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, and post-mining development. The agreement aims to promote sustainable and responsible practices in India's coal sector, including environmental safeguards, land rehabilitation, and community development. The collaboration is expected to enable technical training, data sharing, and joint pilots in several coal regions, with a focus on long-term reclamation and livelihoods.

MoC signs agreement with GIZ for coal-sector cooperation.
Focus on mine closure, redevelopment, and capacity building.
Emphasis on environmental safeguards and post-mining development.
Includes training, data sharing, and pilot projects in multiple regions.
Aims for sustainable, responsible practices in coal mining.

Mission Golden Spice to strengthen Lakadong turmeric value chain in Meghalaya

The Centre launched Mission Golden Spice in July 2026 to strengthen the value chain of Meghalaya's GI-tag Lakadong turmeric. The ₹175.45 crore initiative aims to improve cultivation, processing, branding and exports, with a five-year timeline from 2026 to 2030 in two phases. It seeks to raise farmers' incomes and promote Lakadong turmeric as a premium global spice. The program will support better seeds, extension services, post-harvest handling, quality testing, packaging and market access. It also includes capacity building for farmers and cooperatives, development of branding and traceability, and export-readiness activities to integrate Lakadong turmeric into international supply chains. The initiative also envisions monitoring and evaluation.

Initiative launched in July 2026; budget ₹175.45 crore; duration 2026–2030 in two phases.
Aims to boost cultivation, processing, branding and exports of Lakadong turmeric (GI-tag).
Targets higher farmer incomes and premium positioning in global markets.
Focus areas include seeds, extension services, post-harvest, packaging, branding, and traceability.
Emphasizes capacity building, market linkages, and export-readiness; includes monitoring.

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