General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - May 2026

May 2026

Aug 13, 2026

AP signs with CSIR-NGRI for critical minerals in Kadapa Basin

The Government of Andhra Pradesh signed an agreement with CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to explore critical minerals such as lithium and gallium in the Kadapa Basin. The Department of Mines and Geology aims to map and assess mineral deposits to support clean energy technologies, electronics manufacturing and advanced industries. The collaboration will involve geophysical surveys, exploratory drilling, and data sharing to strengthen India’s critical mineral supply chain. Officials say the project aligns with national policies to secure strategic minerals, attract investment, and enhance regional development while promoting sustainable extraction practices and environmental safeguards. The initiative forms part of a broader push to diversify India's mineral sources and reduce import dependency.

AP signs agreement with CSIR-NGRI to explore critical minerals in Kadapa Basin.
Focus on lithium and gallium for clean energy and electronics.
Involves geophysical surveys, drilling and data sharing.
Aims to strengthen India’s critical mineral supply chain.
Part of broader policy to diversify minerals and reduce imports.

India expands e-visa entry points to 88 designated points

India expanded its designated entry network for foreign nationals holding e-visas by adding 11 new entry points in August 2026. The expanded network now totals 88 designated e-visa entries, comprising 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports. The newly added points include Bhopal and Tirupati airports, along with nine land ports across multiple states. The expansion aims to improve travel convenience and enhance tourism connectivity across states. The update comes as part of ongoing efforts to liberalize visa processes and support inbound tourism, with officials citing smoother customs and faster entry for eligible foreign visitors.

India added 11 new e-visa entry points in August 2026, reaching 88 total.
Total breakdown: 37 airports, 38 seaports, 13 land ports.
New entries include Bhopal and Tirupati airports; nine land ports added.
Aims to ease travel and strengthen tourism connectivity.
Part of visa liberalization and inbound tourism measures.

Karnataka launches Tathyakosh public data portal

Karnataka launched the public data portal Tathyakosh.in in Bengaluru in August 2026. Developed by the ACSEL Technology Forum in collaboration with the IIT Alumni Centre Bengaluru, the platform functions as an open-source digital public good. It provides access to more than 1.5 million datasets from hundreds of public repositories. The portal aims to improve data discovery and accessibility for citizens and institutions, enabling researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze trends and inform decisions. It also supports transparency and evidence-based governance by centralizing diverse data sources in a single interface. The launch is part of Karnataka's open data initiative to empower local governance. More datasets are planned in the coming months.

Tathyakosh.in launched in Bengaluru as an open-data portal.
Developed by ACSEL Technology Forum with IIT Alumni Centre Bengaluru.
Provides access to over 1.5 million datasets from many repositories.
Aims to enhance data discovery and governance transparency.
Part of Karnataka’s open data initiative; more datasets planned.

Aug 12, 2026

RCF Delivers 19 LHB Coaches to Bangladesh Railway

Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, prepared its first rake of 19 LHB broad-gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway in August 2026. The coaches form part of a larger contract to supply 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh. Indian Railways PSU RITES Limited is overseeing the supply under the project. The initiative supports the modernization of Bangladesh's passenger railway services and strengthens India-Bangladesh railway cooperation. The contract highlights growing regional manufacturing linkages in South Asia and demonstrates India's capability to export rolling stock and related technology while building durable transport ties with neighbouring countries.

RCF delivered 19 LHB coaches for Bangladesh Railway.
Part of a 200-coach contract to Bangladesh.
RITES Limited oversees the project.
Aimed at modernizing Bangladesh rail services.
Strengthens India-Bangladesh railway cooperation.

Aug 11, 2026

Amit Shah launches Bank in a Box and SOC for Urban Co-operative Banks

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the Bank in a Box and Security Operations Centre initiatives for Urban Cooperative Banks in August 2026. Bank in a Box provides core banking, digital payments, cloud facilities and regulatory compliance support to smaller banks, aiming to modernise operations and broaden financial inclusion. The Security Operations Centre will strengthen cybersecurity and provide monitoring to safeguard banking networks. Officials emphasised that the package will upgrade digital infrastructure, simplify regulatory processes and improve customer services across urban cooperative banks. The schemes reflect a government push to enhance financial stability and resilience at the grassroots level while integrating new technology into public banking systems.

Bank in a Box offers core banking, digital payments and cloud facilities
Security Operations Centre enhances cybersecurity for cooperative banks
Initiatives launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Aims to modernise smaller Urban Cooperative Banks
Focus on digital infrastructure and regulatory compliance

Aug 10, 2026

E-Samudra strengthens digital maritime governance

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has led the rollout of the e-Samudra digital platform to modernise India's maritime governance. Developed by the Directorate General of Shipping, the cloud-based system is designed to bring ship registration, regulatory approvals and stakeholder services onto a single digital interface. The modules aim to streamline licensing, vessel tracking, inspections and compliance, while reducing processing times and human error. Officials say e-Samudra will improve transparency, efficiency and data-sharing across ports and agencies, enabling better risk management, faster approvals and stronger maritime security. The platform aligns with the government's digital governance push for the blue economy.

Digital platform e-Samudra launched by DG Shipping
Cloud-based system for ship registration and approvals
Modules include licensing, tracking, inspections
Aims to reduce processing times and errors
Boosts transparency and inter-agency data sharing

Aug 09, 2026

GVMC Signs MoC with Moscow for Urban Transport Upgrade

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Government of Moscow to develop a modern, technology-driven urban transportation system. The agreement was announced during the 5th International Transport Summit held in Moscow. The partnership aims to introduce advanced transport solutions and improve urban mobility in Visakhapatnam, including last-mile connectivity, smart ticketing, and data-driven planning. The MoC was signed by GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and Moscow Deputy Mayor Maksim Liksutov. Officials emphasized potential collaboration on electric buses, tram networks, and city-wide ITS, aligning with India's broader push for sustainable, technology-enabled urban infrastructure.

GVMC signed an MoC with Moscow during the 5th International Transport Summit.
Aim is to develop a modern, technology-driven urban transport system in Visakhapatnam.
MoC signed by GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and Moscow Deputy Mayor Maksim Liksutov.
Potential collaboration on electric buses, tram networks, and ITS.
Part of India's broader focus on sustainable urban mobility.

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