General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - August 2021

Aug 2021

Mar 31, 2026

India to Ban Sale of Non-Certified Internet-Connected CCTV Cameras from 1 April 2026

India will ban the sale of non-certified internet-connected CCTV cameras from 1 April 2026. The government will require cameras to meet Essential Requirements (ERs) under the CRO regime and disclose the country of origin for critical components. The certification process includes stringent cybersecurity testing to prevent unauthorised access. An Office Memorandum dated 16 January 2026 from MeitY ends a relaxation for non-ER compliant cameras, meaning only ER-certified cameras will be permitted for sale from 1 April 2026. The CRO regime, with ERs notified on 9 April 2024, aims to strengthen national security and reduce foreign dependency.

From 1 April 2026, sale of non-ER compliant CCTV cameras is banned.
Cameras must disclose country of origin for critical components.
Cameras must pass cybersecurity testing and certification.

India Establishes First Port of Refuge to Strengthen Maritime Safety

India has operationalized its first Port of Refuge (PoR) through the initiative of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ). A PoR is a designated safe location where ships in distress can seek shelter during emergencies such as fire, collision or mechanical failure. This marks a response to a long-standing gap in India's maritime infrastructure along its 11,000 km coastline and busy shipping lanes. Globally, PoRs are standard features that enable quick, coordinated responses to crises, protecting lives, cargo, and the environment. The new framework enhances the safety of crews, safeguards ecosystems, and improves disaster-handling efficiency at sea.

PoR designated shelter for distressed vessels during emergencies.
Operationalized by APSEZ in partnership with Indian authorities.
Aims to strengthen safety along India’s 11,000 km coastline.
Aligns India with international maritime safety practices.
Expected to improve crew safety, cargo protection and environmental safeguards.

Telangana Passes Bill for Elderly Financial Support

The Telangana Assembly passed the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026, to strengthen financial security for senior citizens. The law applies to public representatives, government employees and private sector workers, making financial support to elderly parents a legal obligation. In cases of neglect, authorities can deduct 15 percent of the salary or ₹10,000, whichever is lower, and transfer it to the parents. The Bill aims to enforce accountability and ensure that elderly citizens are not left without support, aligning with social welfare priorities at the state level.

Bill mandates financial support for elderly parents by employees.
Penalties include salary deduction or ₹10,000, whichever is lower.
Applies to public representatives, government and private sector employees.

IndiaSkills National Competition 2025-26 Begins in Greater Noida

The IndiaSkills National Competition 2025-26 began in Greater Noida with over 650 finalists. The event is organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Participants qualified through five regional competitions held across the country and competed across 63 skill categories. IndiaSkills aims to promote technical excellence and build a future-ready workforce aligned with global standards. The competition showcases India’s talent pool, reinforces Skill India objectives, and strengthens the country’s broader skilling ecosystem.

Over 650 finalists across 63 skill categories.
Organized by MSDE with NSDC support.
Finalists selected from five regional competitions.
Part of Skill India to build a future-ready workforce.

Mar 30, 2026

PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) Expands Pension Access

The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) pension scheme continues to help unorganised sector workers. Contributions can be as low as ₹55 per month, with a guaranteed pension of ₹3,000 per month after age 60. The scheme, launched in 2019, requires workers to opt in voluntarily, with the government contributing matching amounts. PM-SYM aims to provide secure retirement income for workers not covered by EPF or NPS, reducing old-age financial stress and promoting financial inclusion and social security.

Target: unorganised sector workers
Pension: ₹3,000 per month from age 60
Employee contribution: as low as ₹55/month
Government: matches worker contributions
Launch: 2019; purpose: social security for informal workers

Mar 29, 2026

PRISM-SG Portal launched to streamline bridge construction

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched the PRISM-SG Portal in New Delhi to streamline processes for building Road Over Bridges and railway bridges. PRISM-SG stands for Portal for Rail-Road Inspection and Stages Management – Steel Girders. The online platform integrates documentation, inspections, and approvals, enabling submission of Quality Assurance Plans, Welding Procedure Specifications, and fabrication stage inspections. Stakeholders can track queries, schedule inspections, and upload reports, with real-time monitoring and a complete audit trail. The portal aims to reduce delays, improve coordination among agencies, and enhance transparency in bridge construction projects.

PRISM-SG Portal introduced by MoRTH in New Delhi.
Aims to streamline ROB and railway bridge projects.
Digitizes QA plans, welding specs, and fabrication inspections.
Online submission, tracking, and real-time monitoring features.
Designed to cut delays and improve inter-agency coordination.

Mar 28, 2026

Gruh Sugam Portal launches on 26 March 2026 to simplify housing loans for defence and government ...

The National Housing Bank launched the Gruh Sugam Portal on 26 March 2026 to simplify home loan access for defence, paramilitary, and government personnel. The portal acts as a centralized digital marketplace where eligible personnel can apply for housing loans from posting locations, avoiding in-person bank visits. Registered requests are forwarded to multiple lenders who offer customized terms, enabling applicants to compare offers and select the best option. Gruh Sugam aims to accelerate digital lending and advance the government's Housing for All vision by expanding financial inclusion for defense and public sector employees.

Gruh Sugam Portal launched on 26 March 2026 by National Housing Bank.
Targets defense, paramilitary, and government personnel.
Digital marketplace for housing loan applications from posting locations.
Lenders provide customized offers; applicants can compare and choose.
Aims to boost digital lending and financial inclusion for public workers.

Mar 27, 2026

Rajasthan launches Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026 to attract investment

The Rajasthan state government has unveiled the Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026 to attract investment and create jobs. Led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the policy aims to develop world-class industrial parks and align with national goals such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. It proposes a four-model framework for park development, including fully private ownership, hybrid land-sharing systems, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. The approach emphasizes public and private sector participation and is designed to attract a broad range of investors. The policy seeks to strengthen infrastructure, streamline approvals, and position Rajasthan as a future-ready industrial destination.

Policy named Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026; aims to attract investment.
Led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.
Aligns with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Four development models: private ownership, hybrid land-sharing, PPP, etc.
Aims for public-private participation and broader investor appeal.

DPIIT & MoCI sign agreement with KRAFTON India Pvt. Ltd to support startups

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) signed an agreement with Krafton India Pvt. Ltd to support startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs nationwide. The collaboration focuses on digital entertainment, online gaming, esports, interactive media, and AI-enabled technologies. Startups will gain access to mentorship, industry insights, and curated engagement opportunities, with ecosystem-building through Startup India programs. Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, described the partnership as a vital step toward strengthening India’s digital economy and global competitiveness by enabling startups to innovate, scale, and compete internationally.

DPIIT and MoCI sign agreement with Krafton India Pvt. Ltd.
Focus areas: digital entertainment, gaming, esports, AI tech.
Startup access: mentorship, insights, engagement platforms.
Ecosystem-building via Startup India programs.
Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, calls it a key step for India's digital economy.

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