General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - February 2026

Feb 2026

Jul 21, 2026

Delhi approves PARIVARTAN vehicle renewal scheme

In July 2026, the Delhi Government approved the PARIVARTAN Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivisation of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions. The Centre-backed vehicle scrappage scheme targets commercial vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region, including BS-IV or older Light Goods Vehicles, Medium Goods Vehicles, Heavy Goods Vehicles, and buses. The scheme provides incentives for scrapping and replacement under a notified framework, aiming to curb pollution and modernise the fleet. Officials emphasised expected improvements in air quality and efficiency alongside broader transport policy goals.

PARIVARTAN approved for Delhi and NCR commercial fleets.
Targets BS-IV and older LGVs, MGVs, HGVs, and buses.
Centre-backed vehicle scrappage with replacement incentives.
Aims to reduce transport emissions and improve air quality.

QDENGA dengue vaccine approved in India for 4–60 years age group

India's drug regulator, the DCGI, granted market authorisation to Takeda's dengue vaccine QDENGA (TAK-003) in July 2026 for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine protects against all four dengue serotypes and uses a two-dose schedule three months apart, with no prior screening required. The approval marks the first dengue vaccine available in India, aiming to reduce the disease burden in high-risk regions and complement vector-control efforts. Health authorities emphasised the importance of vaccination alongside surveillance and public education to sustain protection across communities.

DCGI approved Takeda's QDENGA for ages 4–60.
Two-dose schedule three months apart; no prior screening needed.
First dengue vaccine authorised for India.
Aims to reduce dengue burden with vaccination plus surveillance.

Jul 20, 2026

Andhra Pradesh launches Common Zoning Regulations 2026

The Andhra Pradesh government notified the Common Zoning Regulations, 2026 to create a uniform framework for land use and urban development. The new system standardises zoning categories and consolidates earlier planning rules into a single, rule-based framework. It aims to simplify development permissions, improve transparency, and reduce delays. Local authorities will apply standardized norms for housing, commercial, and industrial zones, promoting predictable approvals and orderly growth. The regulations aim to balance growth with environmental protections and public amenities, supporting sustainable urban development. Stakeholders from real estate and civic administration welcome the move, while some residents seek transitional guidelines.

New uniform zoning framework: Common Zoning Regulations, 2026
Replaces multiple existing planning rules
Aims: simplify permissions, increase transparency
Standardised norms for housing, commercial, industrial zones
Focus on sustainable, orderly urban growth

White Rabbit IST Network inaugurated for secure time dissemination

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi commissioned the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time Dissemination Demonstration Network in Bengaluru on 16 July 2026. The facility, located at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory, provides highly accurate time signals and secure dissemination. The network aims to strengthen timekeeping infrastructure for banking, telecommunications, power, and transportation sectors. Officials say the system will improve reliability, security, and redundancy of national time standards. The project supports self-reliant digital infrastructure, enabling synchronized operations across the country and reducing dependence on external time sources.

Inauguration date: 16 July 2026
Location: Bengaluru; Regional Reference Standard Laboratory
Purpose: precise time dissemination for critical sectors
Benefits: reliability, security, redundancy
Strategic goal: robust national time standards

Jul 19, 2026

Maharashtra Advances NeVA Digitisation of Legislature

The Maharashtra Legislature advanced plans to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) to digitise legislative proceedings. A high‑level meeting at Vidhan Bhawan, Mumbai, on 16 July 2026 laid out the roadmap for moving to a paperless, transparent and efficient legislative process under the Digital India Programme. Stakeholders agreed to expedite the signing of a memorandum of understanding to enable early rollout and scale across committees, sessions and member access. NeVA seeks to modernise procedural workflows, improve record-keeping, and enhance public accessibility to legislative documents. In the last 48 hours, momentum grew toward MoU signing and formal project initiation in Maharashtra.

Date of meeting: 16 July 2026.
Programme: National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA).
Objectives: paperless, transparent, efficient legislature.
Next step: signing of MoU for early implementation.
Scope: potential rollout across committees and sessions.

Jul 18, 2026

Harjit Singh Grewal appointed NCM Chairperson

The central government appointed Harjit Singh Grewal as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on 17 July 2026, for a three‑year term, succeeding Iqbal Singh Lalpura. S. Munavari Begum was named Vice‑Chairperson, and Glen E. Suze Ticklo was appointed as a member. The move aims to strengthen minority rights protection and representation in policy processes. The appointments were announced by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and reflect ongoing governance efforts. Must‑know in India in the last 48 hours: Grewal’s appointment to lead the NCM and the new leadership team were announced on 17 July 2026.

Position: Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities (NCM).
Term: Three years.
New appointees: S. Munavari Begum (Vice‑Chairperson), Glen E. Suze Ticklo (Member).
Purpose: Strengthen functioning and minority representation.
Context: Government oversight of minority welfare.

Jul 17, 2026

Delhi Government Approves Start‑Up and Innovation Policy with Rs 400 Crore Fund

The Delhi government approved a Start‑Up and Innovation policy, earmarking more than Rs 400 crore over five years to support startup incubation, mentorship, and related ecosystem activities. The policy, announced on 16 July 2026, aims to spur entrepreneurship, encourage investment, and create job opportunities in the national capital. The package includes grants, seed funding, and potential tax incentives, along with a structured framework for government collaboration with universities and industry partners. Officials emphasised transparency, outcome monitoring, and scalable support to help start‑ups transition from idea to market.

Delhi Start‑Up and Innovation policy approved
Funding pool of over Rs 400 crore for five years
Focus on incubation, mentoring, and investment
Includes grants, seed funding, and potential incentives
Aims to strengthen Delhi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

Guidebook for Indian MSMEs to Go Global Launched

The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), released a guidebook titled Going Global: A Practical Guide for Indian MSMEs. The publication helps Indian micro, small and medium enterprises explore international markets and make informed export decisions. It covers market analysis, standards and certification requirements, and methods for identifying potential buyers. The guide also highlights freely available tools to reduce the cost of international market research. By outlining practical steps, templates, and best practices, the publication aims to empower MSMEs to plan and execute export ventures more efficiently.

CTIL and CII co‑publish Going Global for Indian MSMEs
Covers market analysis, standards, and certification
Guides on identifying international buyers
Highlights cost‑reducing tools for market research
Aims to boost MSME exports and global reach
Practical templates and step‑by‑step guidance

UP Launches Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi Portals for Skill Development (World Youth Skills Da...

Uttar Pradesh marked World Youth Skills Day 2026 by launching Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi portals to digitalise skill development. Kaushal Setu enables online registration and empanelment of training partners, while Kaushal Sarathi provides information on training centres, courses and opportunities, aiming to improve accessibility and transparency in vocational training across the state. Officials emphasised streamlined onboarding, better alignment with industry needs, and easier monitoring of outcomes through these platforms. The rollout aligns with UP’s broader aim to build a robust, tech‑driven skilling ecosystem.

World Youth Skills Day 2026 launch date linked to UP portals
Kaushal Setu: online registration and empanelment
Kaushal Sarathi: info on centres, courses, opportunities
Intended to improve accessibility, transparency, and outcomes
Supports UP’s deep‑tech skilling and industry alignment
Sources: Free Press Journal, Srishti IAS, Invest UP

Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi Portals Launched in Uttar Pradesh

In July 2026, the Government of Uttar Pradesh launched the Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi portals to strengthen the state’s skill‑development ecosystem. Kaushal Setu digitalizes registration and empanelment of training partners, while Kaushal Sarathi provides information on training centres, courses, and opportunities. The portals aim to improve transparency, accessibility, and coordination in vocational training across UP, linking stakeholders with government schemes and industry needs. The initiative forms part of UP’s broader push to accelerate deep‑tech and industry‑relevant skilling in a fast‑growing economy.

Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi portals launched
Digital registration and empanelment for training partners
Info on training centres, courses, opportunities
Aims to improve transparency and coordination in UP skilling

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