General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - May 2019

May 2019

Sep 16, 2026

NPCI introduces 0.4% MDR on UPI payments above ₹2,000 from 15 September 2026

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.4% on UPI transactions above ₹2,000 per transaction, effective from 15 September 2026. This MDR applies to merchants and payment processors but excludes person-to-person transfers and small vendors. Transactions up to ₹2,000 made via UPI or RuPay debit cards remain exempt, as do all person-to-merchant payments within ₹2,000. Certain sectors, including Railways, telecom, insurance, fuel and agriculture inputs, will face a flat MDR of ₹5 for transactions over ₹2,000. The MDR regime targets merchants processing high-value payments.

MDR of 0.4% applies to UPI transactions > ₹2,000
P2P and small vendors exempt; up to ₹2,000 per transaction exempt
Flat ₹5 MDR for Railways, telecom, insurance, fuel and agriculture inputs
Effective from 15 September 2026
NPCI circular outlines implementation details

India Electric Mobility Index 2025: Delhi tops state and UT EV adoption

The India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025, published by NITI Aayog, ranks Indian states and union territories on progress toward electric mobility. Delhi tops the list, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chandigarh and Goa. This is the second edition, evaluating 16 indicators across three themes: Transport Electrification Progress, Charging Infrastructure Readiness, and EV Research and Innovation Status. The index informs policy decisions, fosters healthy competition among states, and enables sharing of best practices. NITI Aayog member Rajiv Guaba notes that the shift to electric mobility supports the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047; by 2040, estimates suggest 40 percent of new car sales could be electric. The top score rose from 77 in 2024 to 84 in 2025, signaling faster progress.

IEMI 2025 ranks states/UTs on 16 indicators under three themes.
Delhi is the top performer; Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chandigarh and Goa follow.
Top score increased from 77 (2024) to 84 (2025).
Policy focus includes transport electrification, charging readiness, and EV R&D.

Thailand nationals to receive free 30-day e-Tourist visa to India till 2027

The Embassy of India in Bangkok announced that Thai nationals will be eligible for a free 30-day e-Tourist visa with double entry, valid until December 31, 2027, or until further orders. Applications will be through the official portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. The concession is designed to boost tourism and people-to-people ties with Thailand, with the gratis facility applying specifically to the 30-day e-Tourist visa category and remaining valid through 2027, subject to government orders.

Thai nationals receive free 30-day e-Tourist visa with double entry
Validity until 31 December 2027 or further orders
Applications via official portal
Policy aims to strengthen tourism and people-to-people ties

Sep 14, 2026

IRDAI fines IndusInd Bank ₹1 crore for bancassurance lapses

IRDAI imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on IndusInd Bank in September 2026 for violations related to insurance grievance redressal and regulatory reporting requirements. A recent inspection of the bank's bancassurance operations revealed several compliance gaps. The regulator found that the bank did not have a dedicated mechanism to address insurance complaints, failed to issue renewal notices to policyholders, and did not display its IRDAI registration number properly. In addition, the bank's online insurance grievance facilities were deemed inadequate. IRDAI directed corrective actions and monitoring to ensure customer protection in bancassurance channels, and the bank may face further action if lapses recur.

IRDAI levied ₹1 crore penalty on IndusInd Bank for bancassurance compliance gaps.
Findings included lack of a dedicated insurance grievance mechanism and failure to issue renewal notices.
Registration number display and online grievance facilities were found inadequate.
Bank directed to implement corrective actions; potential further action if gaps persist.

Sep 13, 2026

Nitin Gadkari launches One Tag FASTag portability in Mumbai

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the One Tag facility for FASTag portability in Mumbai in September 2026. The new service allows vehicle owners to transfer their FASTag account when changing banks without removing the physical sticker. Users can keep using the same FASTag by linking it to the new bank account. The change makes toll payments smoother and reduces the need to replace tags during bank changes. The One Tag feature is expected to improve user convenience, reduce transaction friction, and promote seamless cross-bank integration in the nationwide toll network across India.

One Tag FASTag portability launched in Mumbai
Date: September 2026
Transfer FASTag account without replacing sticker
Link FASTag to new bank account after change
Aims to improve convenience and reduce friction in toll payments

Sep 12, 2026

Bihar signs MoU with AIM Global Foundation for dedicated food processing park

In September 2026, the Bihar Industries Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE-based AIM Global Foundation in Dubai to establish a dedicated food processing park in Bihar. The agreement aims to develop an integrated agri-food and food processing cluster in the state, connecting farmers, storage facilities, processing units and logistics. Officials expect the project to attract investments from the UAE and Gulf region, while leveraging Bihar’s agricultural strengths to boost value addition and exports. The initiative seeks technology transfer, skilled jobs and an investment-friendly ecosystem. Details of governance, land use and funding will be finalized in a joint development plan.

MoU signed between Bihar Industries Department and AIM Global Foundation
Location of signing: Dubai, September 2026
Goal: develop an integrated agri-food and processing cluster in Bihar
Expectations of UAE/Gulf investments and Gulf market linkages
Focus on technology transfer, job creation and ecosystem development
Implementation to follow a joint development plan

Sep 10, 2026

Global Dryland Congress 2026 opens in New Delhi

India hosted the Global Dryland Congress 2026 from 10 to 12 September 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi. The three-day event was jointly organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). Scientists, policymakers, farmer representatives, and development experts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas gathered to discuss sustainable solutions for dryland agriculture and climate challenges. Officials outlined research priorities, policy recommendations, and capacity-building measures to improve water use, soil health, and crop resilience in arid regions. The congress highlighted India’s role as a regional hub for agricultural innovation and climate adaptation.

Event dates: 10–12 September 2026, New Delhi.
Organisers: ICAR and ICRISAT. Participants from multiple continents.
Focus: sustainable dryland farming, water use, soil health, climate resilience.
Outcomes expected in policy guidance and research priorities.
India positioned as a regional centre for agri-innovation and adaptation.

PM Modi–Putin bilateral talks ahead of BRICS summit

Ahead of the BRICS summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin were reported to hold bilateral discussions in New Delhi around 9–10 September 2026. Officials indicated talks would cover strategic ties, energy cooperation, and regional security issues. The engagement occurred as BRICS leaders prepared for multilateral meetings and potential announcements on trade, defence collaboration, and technology partnerships. The meeting was framed within India’s broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships and advance common goals on global governance and economic development.

Bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Putin in New Delhi (Sept 9–10, 2026).
Expected topics: strategic ties, energy, regional security.
Part of broader BRICS summit preparations.
Reflects India’s push for diversified international partnerships.
Possible multi‑lateral announcements linked to BRICS agenda.

Uttarakhand launches Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana

Uttarakhand launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana, announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in September 2026. The scheme provides free online coaching facilities to students preparing for competitive examinations, leveraging digital learning platforms to broaden educational access and support youth career development across the state. Officials highlighted scalable delivery, monitoring, and partnerships with educational providers to ensure quality coaching. The program complements existing skill development initiatives and aims to empower youth through expanded opportunities in higher education and public‑sector exams.

Scheme announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Sept 2026.
Provides free online coaching for competitive exams via digital platforms.
Aims to increase educational access and youth career opportunities.
Includes monitoring and partnerships for quality coaching.
Part of Uttarakhand’s broader focus on skill development.

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