General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - August 2023

Aug 2023

Jan 02, 2026

Market Access Support Scheme to Boost Indian Exports

The government launched the Market Access Support (MAS) scheme with an allocation of Rs 4,531 crore for 2025–2031 to help Indian exporters participate in international fairs, exhibitions, and buyer‑seller meets. For 2025–26, Rs 500 crore is earmarked, with Rs 330 crore to clear pending dues from the earlier Market Access Initiative. MAS covers costs for buyer‑seller meets, trade fairs, and mega reverse meets, with 60 percent government funding and 40 percent private sector. In priority areas, government support can rise to 80 percent, and 35 percent of participation slots are reserved for MSMEs.

MAS scheme announced with Rs 4,531 crore for 2025–2031.
Rs 500 crore allocated for 2025–26; Rs 330 crore to clear pending dues.
Funding share: 60% government, 40% private sector; up to 80% in priority areas.
35% of slots reserved for MSMEs.

National Sports Governance Act Comes Into Effect

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, came into effect on 1 January 2026, governing national sports federations and recognised bodies. Provisions cover the establishment and governance framework of the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, National Sports Federations, and Regional Sports Federations. The act also prescribes compliance requirements, the formation of the National Sports Board and National Sports Tribunal, and central rule‑making powers. Phased implementation aims to promote transparency, accountability, ethical practices, and alignment with Olympic and Paralympic charters, ensuring consistent governance across sports bodies nationwide.

National Sports Governance Act, 2025, effective 1 Jan 2026.
Governs NSFs, NOC, NPCs, and RSFs; creates NSB and NST.
Defines compliance rules and central rule‑making powers.
Aims for transparency, accountability, and Olympic/Paralympic alignment.

Jan 01, 2026

Indian AI Research Organisation to Be Set Up in GIFT City, Gujarat

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved in-principle the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) through a tripartite PPP among the Gujarat government, the Government of India, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The state government notes IAIRO will operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle in GIFT City and is expected to commence on January 1, 2026. The initiative positions Gujarat as a hub for AI-driven research in health and industry, potentially boosting innovation ecosystems, attracting talent, and supporting policy development at both state and national levels through a PPP framework.

IAIRO approved in-principle by Gujarat Chief Minister.
Tripartite PPP among Gujarat, Government of India, and IPA.
IAIRO to operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle in GIFT City.
Operational start date planned for 1 January 2026.
Aims to advance AI research in health and industry.

Dec 31, 2025

Jal Seva Aankalan Launched to Strengthen Jal Jeevan Mission

Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil virtually launched Jal Seva Aankalan to strengthen service delivery and community ownership under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The tool is a Gram Panchayat-led digital drinking water service functionality assessment on the Jal Jeevan Mission portal. It is designed as a community-owned self-assessment, enabling villages to reflect on water delivery systems rather than relying on costly third-party surveys. All Har Ghar Jal Gram Panchayats are expected to complete the exercise by 26 January 2026. The initiative aims to enhance accountability and transparency at the local level.

Launch announced by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil.
Tool: Jal Seva Aankalan for Jal Jeevan Mission.
Designed as a community-owned self-assessment by Gram Panchayats.
Deadline for all Har Ghar Jal Gram Panchayats: 26 January 2026.
Aims to improve accountability and local service delivery.

India Imposes Three-Year Safeguard Tariff on Steel Imports to Curb Cheap Shipments

India has imposed a three-year safeguard tariff on a selection of steel products to curb cheap imports, according to a December 2025 finance ministry order published in the official gazette. The duty begins at 12 percent in the first year, followed by 11.5 percent in the second year and 11 percent in the third year. The move targets lower-cost shipments, particularly from China, and aims to protect domestic steel makers while keeping prices stable for downstream users. The measure excludes imports from some developing countries and stainless steel products. China, Vietnam and Nepal will remain subject to the levy, the government said.

Tariff is a safeguard duty for three years on select steel products.
Rates: 12% (Year 1), 11.5% (Year 2), 11% (Year 3).
Aims to curb cheap steel imports, especially from China.
Excludes some developing countries and stainless steel products.
China, Vietnam and Nepal will be subjected to the levy.

Dec 30, 2025

India to Host AI Impact Summit in February 2026

India will host the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from February 15 to 20, 2026. The event, intended to shape a future for inclusive, responsible and resilient AI, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan noted that participants from more than 100 countries will attend, with leaders from major economies and tech firms confirming their involvement. The summit emphasises people, planet and progress, aiming to democratize AI resources for healthcare, education and agriculture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the expo, highlighting India’s growing role in global AI governance.

India AI Impact Summit scheduled Feb 15–20, 2026
Over 100 countries to participate; PM Modi to inaugurate
Global leaders and CEOs expected to attend
Focus on inclusive AI and democratic access
Three guiding principles: People, Planet, Progress
Event aims to advance AI in healthcare, education, agriculture

Dec 29, 2025

Rajasthan Launches e-Swasthya Samvad Platform

The Rajasthan government launched the digital platform e-Swasthya Samvad to improve governance, transparency, and coordination within the medical education department. The platform connects stakeholders across health services, enabling quicker decision-making and better implementation of health programmes. Officials say it will streamline communication, reduce delays, and support technology-driven reforms in medical education and health delivery. The initiative, announced under the direction of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Medical Education Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, seeks to enhance accountability and public service delivery through a centralized digital interface.

Rajasthan launches e-Swasthya Samvad platform.
Aims to improve governance and coordination in medical education.
Platform connects stakeholders for faster decisions.
Part of technology-driven health reforms.
Led by Chief Minister and Medical Education Minister.

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