General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - November 2021

Nov 2021

Mar 21, 2026

PRARAMBH 2026 launched to explain new Income Tax Act provisions

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched PRARAMBH 2026, a nationwide awareness campaign by the Income Tax Department to explain provisions of the Income Tax Act, 2025, which comes into effect from 1 April 2026. The campaign will use print, television, radio, digital and social media to simplify tax rules, provide guidance materials, and encourage citizen engagement. Simultaneously, the Finance Minister unveiled an upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0 to improve usability, navigation, and service delivery as part of the government’s digital transformation. The launch aims to foster compliance and ease during the transition period.

Campaign name: PRARAMBH 2026
Effective date: 1 April 2026
Mediums: print, TV, radio, digital and social media
New: Income Tax Website 2.0 launched
Goal: simplify provisions and aid taxpayer transition

NHAI to deploy AI-powered dashcam monitoring on 40,000 km of highways

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced the rollout of an AI powered dashcam monitoring system for operations and maintenance across approximately 40,000 kilometres of the national highway network. The system uses AI and machine learning to enable data-driven monitoring, remote tracking, and timely road condition assessments. Dashcams mounted on Route Patrol Vehicles will conduct weekly surveys, enabling rapid identification of issues such as damaged lane markings, crash barriers, and non-functional streetlights. The initiative aims to improve asset management, safety, and service delivery by providing real-time insights for planners and field teams.

Scale: ~40,000 km of highways
Technology: AI-powered dashcam monitoring
Method: weekly surveys from Route Patrol Vehicles
Focus areas: lane markings, barriers, streetlights
Outcome: enhanced asset management and safety

Mar 20, 2026

Cabinet Approves ₹2,584 Crore Small Hydro Scheme (FY 2026–27 to 2030–31)

The Union Cabinet approved the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme with an outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore to add about 1,500 MW of capacity. The program targets decentralised renewable energy in hilly and remote regions, supporting projects from 1 MW to 25 MW. Of the total outlay, ₹2,532 crore will fund project implementation, while ₹30 crore will prepare detailed project reports for a future pipeline. The initiative aims to unlock untapped hydro potential in the Himalayan and North Eastern regions, promoting cleaner energy and local employment opportunities while reducing grid constraints.

Small Hydro Power Development Scheme approved for 2026–31
Outlay: ₹2,584.60 crore; ~1,500 MW capacity
Projects ranged from 1–25 MW; focuses on remote/hilly areas
₹2,532 crore for implementation; ₹30 crore for DPRs
Aims to expand renewable energy and rural electricity access

Mar 19, 2026

BHAVYA approved to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks

The Union Cabinet approved BHAVYA, the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna, with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India. Parks will range from 100 to 1,000 acres, with financial support up to ₹1 crore per acre for core infrastructure such as roads, utilities, drainage, and ICT. The scheme also covers value-added facilities, factory sheds, testing labs, and worker housing. BHAVYA aims to boost manufacturing, attract investment, and create large-scale employment, aligning with the Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat visions. Implementation will involve states and private partners to establish ready-to-use industrial ecosystems nationwide.

BHAVYA approved; ₹33,660 crore outlay
100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India
Parks: 100–1,000 acres; up to ₹1 crore/acre
Infrastructure: roads, utilities, ICT; social facilities
Public-private partnership; aims to boost manufacturing

BHAVYA Scheme: key features explained

BHAVYA is designed to develop one hundred plug-and-play industrial parks across India with an outlay of about ₹33,600 crore. Parks will range from 100 to 1,000 acres and will receive up to ₹1 crore per acre for core infrastructure such as roads, utilities, drainage, and ICT. The plan includes ready-to-use factory sheds, testing labs, warehousing, and social infrastructure like worker housing. The scheme aims to reduce setup time and investment barriers, promoting manufacturing growth and attracting private investment through public-private collaboration across states. It builds on NICDP and previous industrial park initiatives to accelerate industrial development.

100 plug-and-play industrial parks targeted
Outlay around ₹33,600 crore
Park sizes: 100–1,000 acres
Up to ₹1 crore/acre for core infra
Public-private collaboration; NICDP alignment

Chhattisgarh launches Gaudham Yojana for stray cattle

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai launched Gaudham Yojana, a scheme to improve care for stray cattle. The inauguration took place at a Gaudham facility in Lakhassar village, Takhatpur block, Bilaspur district. The Gaudham covers about 25 acres, with 19 acres dedicated to green fodder cultivation. The Kamdhenu Gaushala Samiti will manage the facility, providing fodder, drinking water, veterinary care, and grazing land arrangements. The project underscores the state’s focus on cattle welfare and livestock management, linking animal care to rural livelihoods and cultural responsibilities associated with Gau Mata.

Gaudham Yojana launched in Chhattisgarh
Facility at Lakhassar; 25 acres total; 19 acres fodder
Managed by Kamdhenu Gaushala Samiti
Focus on stray cattle welfare and grazing land
Supports rural livelihoods and cattle conservation

Mar 18, 2026

Himachal signs MoU with NDDB to boost dairy sector

Himachal Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Dairy Development Board on 16 March 2026 to strengthen the state's dairy sector. The agreement aims to enhance milk processing capacity, upgrade infrastructure, and generate employment for farmers. NDDB will support the introduction of modern technology in milk processing and dairy products, and help promote products under the HIM brand. The collaboration targets supply chain modernization, refrigerated transport, and improved dairy-based value chains. Officials expect improved rural livelihoods and greater regional value addition. The MoU aligns with state and national goals to modernize agriculture and advance the dairy industry significantly.

Date of MoU: 16 March 2026.
Parties: Himachal Pradesh and NDDB.
Objectives: processing capacity, infrastructure, employment.
NDDB role: technology transfer and HIM brand promotion.

Himachal Signs NDDB MoU To Boost Dairy Sector

Himachal Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Dairy Development Board on 16 March 2026 to strengthen the state’s dairy sector. The agreement aims to enhance milk processing capacity, upgrade dairy infrastructure, and create employment opportunities for farmers. It supports the ‘HIM’ brand and regional dairy products. The NDDB will introduce advanced technology in milk processing and dairy-based products, improving supply chains across Himachal Pradesh. The collaboration is expected to modernize facilities, expand market reach, and raise productivity while promoting sustainable dairy practices aligned with national agricultural development goals.

Date of MoU: 16 March 2026.
Parties: Himachal Pradesh government and NDDB.
Goals: modernize processing, upgrade infrastructure, create jobs.
Brand focus: promote products under the ‘HIM’ brand.
Technology: NDDB to introduce advanced dairy processing tech.

Mar 17, 2026

Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project Inaugurated in Assam

Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project in Assam, marking a milestone in the region’s renewable energy push. The run-of-river project sits in the Kopili River basin across West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, aligning with national goals to expand clean power. The project enhances electricity access in central Assam and strengthens energy security for the Northeast. Officials expect improved reliability for nearby communities and potential spillover benefits for industrial development and rural electrification in the state.

Capacity: 120 MW run-of-river hydro project.
Location: Kopili River basin (West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao), Assam.
Inauguration: Virtual ceremony by Prime Minister.
Purpose: Expand clean energy and regional electricity access.
Impact: supports Northeast power security and development.

India Post to Launch 24 Speed Post for Next-Day Delivery

The Department of Posts will roll out a premium express service, 24 Speed Post, offering next-day guaranteed delivery across six major cities starting 17 March 2026. The first phase covers Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with 48 Speed Post options and a guaranteed D+1 delivery timeline. Features include OTP-based secure delivery, end-to-end SMS tracking, and a Buy Now, Pay Later option for business customers. The rollout aligns with broader postal modernization efforts and digital service expansion to improve reliability, speed, and customer experience in rapid delivery services.

Launch date: 17 March 2026.
Cities in first phase: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad.
Service: 24 Speed Post with D+1 delivery in major cities.
Features: OTP secure delivery, SMS tracking, BNPL for businesses.
Context: part of postal modernization and enhanced express services.

SATHEE App Launched for Competitive Exam Preparation

The SATHEE App, a free digital learning platform developed jointly by the Ministry of Education and IIT Kanpur, aims to support students preparing for major competitive exams. The platform offers video lectures, mock tests, study materials, and access to previous years’ question papers, with a focus on students who cannot afford expensive coaching. The project emphasizes accessible, quality education and leverages IIT Kanpur’s academic resources to broaden national exam preparation. The app is designed to complement school education and reduce barriers to high-stakes entrance examinations for under-resourced learners.

Developed by: Ministry of Education and IIT Kanpur.
Format: Free digital platform with lectures, mocks, materials, and past papers.
Purpose: Aid affordable preparation for competitive exams.
Focus: Accessibility for students lacking coaching resources.
Outcome: Enhances nationwide access to quality study resources.

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