General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - August 2020

Aug 2020

Sep 17, 2026

Swachh Seva Aankalan Launched by C. R. Patil

Swachh Seva Aankalan (SSA) was launched in September 2026 by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil. SSA is an annual digital self-assessment framework to monitor sanitation service delivery at the Gram Panchayat level under Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen 2.0. The launch occurred during a virtual meeting with States and Union Territories, reflecting ongoing focus on sanitation and rural development. SSA will collect real-time data on sanitation facilities, water supply, and outcomes, enabling targeted improvements and accountability. Local administrations will use SSA dashboards to drive service delivery and track progress toward open-defecation-free goals.

SSA launched by Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil.
Digital self-assessment for sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen 2.0.
Launch during virtual meeting with States/UTs.
SSA collects real-time sanitation and water data.
Aims to improve governance and track open-defecation-free targets.

First Soil Carbon Payments Made to Farmers in India

India’s first direct benefit transfer payments for soil carbon credits were made to farmers in Punjab and Haryana. More than 2,500 smallholders received payments totaling over ₹2.9 crore on 16–17 September 2026. The payouts are linked to verified carbon credits generated through regenerative farming practices under the Aadi farmer carbon programme. The scheme rewards soil health improvements, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes sustainable farming. Officials emphasize these payments are part of a broader push to integrate climate-smart agriculture with financial incentives. Farmers welcomed the recognition, noting increased resilience and potential reinvestment in soil-improving practices.

First direct soil carbon credit payments to farmers in India.
2,500+ farmers; ₹2.9 crore disbursed on 16–17 September 2026.
Linked to verified carbon credits under Aadi farmer carbon programme.
Aims to reward soil health and promote regenerative farming.
Part of broader climate-smart agriculture finance.

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

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