General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - September 2023

Sep 2023

Apr 10, 2026

ICAR forms task force to strengthen agricultural resilience

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has formed a high-level Special Task Force to develop mitigation strategies for the agricultural sector amid climate variability and resource constraints. ICAR operates under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and traces its origins to 16 July 1929, following recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture. The STF will coordinate research priorities across crop science, horticultural science, natural resource management, agricultural engineering and animal and fisheries sciences.

Organization: ICAR under DARE, Ministry of Agriculture
Formation: Special Task Force for agricultural resilience
Established: 16 July 1929; role in coordinating research and education

Odisha approves Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana expansion

The Odisha government approved the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana (MAPY) for the 2026-27 year, providing beneficiaries with an additional 5 kg of rice per person per month, free of charge, beyond existing quotas. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the scheme will operate for NFSA and SFSS beneficiaries, aiming to strengthen food security and support vulnerable families. The cabinet decision accompanies earlier welfare measures and sets the year’s outlay to broaden coverage and impact across districts.

Scheme: Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana (MAPY) 2026-27
Benefit: extra 5 kg rice per person per month; free of cost
Target: NFSA and SFSS beneficiaries; broader district coverage

Apr 09, 2026

Maharashtra launches Majha Gaon, Arogyasampann Gaon rural health scheme

On World Health Day, 7 April 2026, the Maharashtra government launched the Majha Gaon, Arogyasampann Gaon scheme with a budget of Rs 65.25 crore to strengthen rural healthcare. The program, launched in Mumbai by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to improve access to quality medical services in villages and reduce disease burden. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, and Sunetra Ajit Pawar attended the event, during which a short film and booklet were released to explain targets. The initiative seeks to empower villages to manage health issues locally, expand preventive and curative services, and ensure timely treatment.

World Health Day launch of Majha Gaon, Arogyasampann Gaon scheme on 7 April 2026.
Budget: Rs 65.25 crore to strengthen rural health services.
Aim: improve village-level access to quality medical care.
Attendees included CM Fadnavis, Deputy CM Shinde, and Health Minister Abitkar.
Includes promotional material to explain scheme goals.

Apr 08, 2026

PGIMER Chandigarh hosts World Health Day workshop

On World Health Day 2026, PGIMER Chandigarh organized a workshop to promote the themes of health for all and science led policy. Held at Govt Model High School in Chandigarh, the event featured talks on evidence based health decisions, nutrition and public health communication. Organisers emphasised the importance of science trust and community engagement in improving local health literacy. The workshop included student participation, expert discussions, and practical demonstrations aimed at reinforcing the message that science informs policy and everyday health choices.

Workshop held in Chandigarh on 7 April 2026
Part of World Health Day activities at PGIMER Chandigarh
Focused on evidence based health decisions and science in policy
Sessions on nutrition and health communication
Emphasis on health literacy and community engagement
Includes student participation and expert talks

NSO launches ASISSE to map services sector data

The National Statistical Office has launched the first ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises, ASISSE, to strengthen India’s statistical framework. The survey aims to generate a robust database on the country’s incorporated services sector, crucial for growth and employment analysis. Conducted by NSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, ASISSE will focus on organised service enterprises including Companies Act and LLP Act entities. It will cover over 1.21 lakh enterprises, making it one of the largest sector surveys in India. Findings will support policy formulation and evidence based governance across states.

ASISSE launched as first annual survey of services sector
Aims to strengthen India’s statistical framework
Covers over 1.21 lakh enterprises
Includes companies and LLP entities under relevant acts
Under NSO and Ministry of Statistics
Supports policy formulation with new data

Apr 07, 2026

UP Government launches Safe Mobility Program for women SHG drivers

Uttar Pradesh government launched the Safe Mobility Program to empower women and improve safety in travel. The scheme trains women from Self-Help Groups as e-rickshaw pilots, aiming to provide safe, affordable transport for girls and women commuting to schools, workplaces, and essential destinations. About 1,000 e-rickshaws will be given to SHG members in the initial phase. The service started in Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kaushambi, and Jhansi and will be rolled out in Lucknow, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Sonbhadra, Deoria, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Sitapur. Officials say the program promotes women’s safety and economic participation, while showcasing the potential of women-led mobility solutions in rural and urban districts.

1,000 e-rickshaws allocated to SHG members in the initial phase.
Program began in Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kaushambi, and Jhansi; expansion planned to 13 more districts.
Women SHG members to be trained as e-rickshaw pilots.
Aims to enhance safety and mobility for women and girls.
Part of a broader push for women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment.

Apr 06, 2026

Jiyo Parsi 300 registrations update; Universal Registration Drive continues in 2026

Mumbai reports show the Jiyo Parsi portal logged about 300 new registrations during a Universal Registration Drive as part of ongoing efforts to bolster minority welfare and demographic revival. The Jiyo Parsi scheme, launched in 2013–14, provides medical and health benefits and advocacy to support Parsis. The nationwide drive, extending through March–April 2026, aims to expand the database and improve outreach to Parsis across states, ensuring targeted support for fertility, elderly care, and community empowerment.

Registrations: ~300 in Mumbai
Drive: Universal Registration
Scheme: Jiyo Parsi (launched 2013–14)
Benefits: medical care, health, advocacy
Goal: demographic revival

ECI invites citizen feedback to refine ECINet ahead of January 2026 launch

In March 2026, the Election Commission of India invited public input to refine ECINet ahead of its official January 2026 launch. Citizens were asked to submit suggestions by January 10, 2026, to improve usability and accessibility. ECINet integrates 40 election-related tools, including Voter Helpline, cVIGIL, Polling Trends, and Know Your Candidate. Officials stressed that feedback would inform upgrades before rollout, ensuring accurate candidate data and easier access for voters across states during the 2026 polls. The initiative aligns with broader digital governance goals and aims to reduce information gaps and misinformation.

ECI invites citizen feedback on ECINet by Jan 10, 2026.
ECINet consolidates about 40 election services.
Includes Know Your Candidate, Voter Helpline, cVIGIL, and more.
Feedback will guide pre-launch upgrades for 2026 polls.
Aims to reduce information gaps and improve accessibility.

ECINET launched as single platform for election services

ECINET was launched as a unified digital platform for election information and services, consolidating nearly 40 earlier apps and websites, including the Know Your Candidate (KYC) module. The platform brings together voter registration, electoral roll search, track your application, e-EPIC downloads, polling trends, and grievance redressal in a secure interface. The rollout followed trial deployments in Bihar elections and bye-elections, with full implementation planned for January 2026. Experts expect ECINET to streamline candidate verification, voter education, and service delivery across states during the 2026 polls.

ECINET consolidates about 40 election services.
Includes Know Your Candidate, Voter Helpline, cVIGIL, and more.
Launched by Election Commission of India.
Trials in Bihar elections; full rollout planned for Jan 2026.
Aims to improve transparency and voter convenience.

Sādhana Saptah 2026 strengthens civil services capacity under Mission Karmayogi

Sādhana Saptah 2026, running from 2 to 8 April 2026, is a theme-focused initiative under Mission Karmayogi to strengthen governance capability across ministries, departments, and states. The week combines iGOT digital learning, Samuhik Charcha sessions, and inter-ministerial workshops with sector-specific training conducted by civil services training institutions. The program aims to engage 93 Central Ministries and Departments, 30 States and UTs, and more than 200 training institutions, coordinated by the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat. The Sutras for the week are Technology, Tradition, and Tangible Outcomes, with the National Conclave at the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi marking the launch. The goal is to advance citizen-centric, efficient public service in line with Viksit Bharat 2047.

Dates: 2–8 April 2026
Themes: Technology, Tradition, Tangible Outcomes
Scope: 93 Ministries, 30 States/UTs
Platform: iGOT, Samuhik Charcha, workshops
Goal: Citizen-centric governance

ECI launches ECINet KYC feature to help voters check candidates

Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and by-elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced the ECINet Know Your Candidate (KYC) feature to help voters verify candidates’ backgrounds. The poll schedule covers Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, with 1,955 candidates contesting across constituencies. Voting is slated for 9 April in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, while Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will follow in subsequent phases. ECINet provides access to candidate education, criminal records, assets and liabilities, and other verified data to voters, aiming to enhance informed decision-making at the polls.

ECINet KYC feature launched by ECI.
1,955 candidates contesting across Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal.
Polls scheduled for 9 April in some states; others later.
KYC provides verified data on candidates’ background.
Intended to support informed voting decisions.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

June GK, May GK, April GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26