General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - September 2023

Sep 2023

Apr 26, 2026

Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh: MoSJE convenes three-day policy reflection (24–26 April 2026)

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) will organise a three-day Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh from 24 to 26 April 2026. The event, under the theme Antyodaya ka Sankalp, Amrit Kaal ka Pratibimb – Viksit Bharat @2047, brings senior ministers and state functionaries to discuss inclusive policies for vulnerable groups. The programme will feature launches of digital initiatives such as SAMAVESH Portal, NMBA 2.0, SETU and SMILE Apps, aiming to improve governance and service delivery. Union Ministers Virendra Kumar will chair sessions, and the Shivir will focus on policy reforms and interdepartmental coordination. Officials expect enhanced welfare scheme delivery nationwide.

Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh (24–26 Apr 2026)
Theme: Antyodaya... Viksit Bharat @2047
Focus on inclusive policies for vulnerable groups
Launches: SAMAVESH Portal, NMBA 2.0, SETU, SMILE Apps
Chair: Union Minister Virendra Kumar
Goal: improved governance and welfare delivery

Bihar launches first structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission

Under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission, Bihar launched its first-ever structured pulse procurement. The NCCF and NAFED are central players in procurement across the state and in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Bihar has set a target to procure 32,000 metric tons of masoor (lentil). By 22 April 2026, 100.4 metric tons had been purchased, and 59 farmers were onboarded. The move supports India's push for self-reliant pulse production and improved farmer incomes. This structured approach aims to reduce price volatility and promote transparent procurement through a government-led system. NCCF and NAFED spearhead procurement, with linkages to public distribution systems and farmers' welfare schemes.

First structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission in Bihar
NCCF and NAFED central to procurement
Target: 32,000 metric tons of masoor
By 22 Apr 2026, 100.4 MT procured; 59 farmers onboarded
Aims to reduce price volatility and improve farmer incomes
Linkages to PDS and welfare schemes

Apr 25, 2026

Rajasthan Leads e-NAM with 173 Mandis Connected; e-NAM 2.0 Launched

Rajasthan has the highest share of e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) activity in India, connecting 173 mandis to the nationwide digital platform. The system links lakhs of farmers with buyers across the country, enabling transparent price discovery and digital payments. Since its 2016 launch by the Modi government, e-NAM aims to liberate farmers from local market constraints. The 2026 upgrade, e-NAM 2.0 launched on 12 February, introduces automated bidding, analytics, logistics support, and fintech integration. In Rajasthan, more than 15.55 lakh farmers, 87,509 traders, and 27,989 commission agents participate, with 546 Farmer-Producer Organisations registered. The single trading licence across the state expands marketing reach.

173 mandis in Rajasthan connected to e-NAM.
Participation includes about 15.55 lakh farmers, 87,509 traders, 27,989 commission agents.
546 Farmer-Producer Organisations registered in the state.
e-NAM 2.0 launched on 12 February 2026 with automated bidding and analytics.
Benefits include price discovery, real-time auctions, and digital payments.

Apr 23, 2026

Maharashtra launches Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling at IIM Nagpur

As part of its climate resilience drive, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the new Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling (CoE-HRSC) at the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur. Conducted via video conference on 21 April 2026, the centre is planned to become a permanent wing of the State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM). In its initial phase, CoE-HRSC will evaluate and refine Heat Action Plans and Urban Climate Action Plans, and provide implementation support to high-priority cities and districts. It will develop training modules for government officials, healthcare workers, and local communities, and promote eco-friendly construction materials and local cooling solutions to reduce reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning.

Centre named CoE-HRSC inaugurated at IIM Nagpur on 21 April 2026.
Planned as permanent wing of SIDM.
Initial focus: Heat Action Plans and Urban Climate Action Plans.
Will train government officials, healthcare workers, and citizens.
Promotes eco-friendly materials and local cooling to cut energy-heavy AC use.

OGAI to regulate India’s online gaming sector from May 2026

India will regulate online gaming through the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), which becomes operational from 1 May 2026. The authority is established under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, to create a structured and transparent framework for online gaming, including real‑money gaming, fantasy sports, esports, and skill‑based platforms. OGAI will function as a digital office under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and involve officials from several ministries for policy enforcement. Its mandate includes game registration, licensing, consumer protection, and fostering responsible growth in the sector while supporting innovation and taxation clarity.

OGAI becomes operational on 1 May 2026
Established under Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025
Oversight of real-money gaming, esports, and skill games
Digital office under MeitY; cross-ministry involvement
Tasks include game registration and licensing
Aims for responsible growth and regulatory clarity

Apr 22, 2026

RELIEF Scheme Expanded to Egypt and Jordan for Export Facilitation

On 22 April 2026, the Government announced an expansion of the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), adding Egypt and Jordan to the list of eligible destinations. The program, designed to facilitate shipments and reduce trade barriers, seeks to broaden India's export reach amid global headwinds. The expansion complements existing RELIEF coverage and targets sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods. Officials said the move would simplify regulatory procedures, lower transaction costs, and improve logistics efficiency for Indian exporters, especially small and medium enterprises, by offering advisory and logistical support.

RELIEF expansion announced 22 April 2026
Egypt and Jordan added as eligible destinations
Targets textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods
Aims to reduce trade barriers and costs
Support for small and medium exporters

Apr 20, 2026

Punjab rolls out AI-based real-time crime tracking with IIT Ropar

The Punjab government announced a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar to develop an Artificial Intelligence system for real-time crime tracking and analysis. The framework will integrate data analytics, voice recognition, and dashboard monitoring to support policing. It will unify scattered police records, including unstructured data, into a single database to cut investigation delays and improve accuracy. The objective is intelligence-led policing to combat crime and drug networks. The project reflects ongoing modernization of policing in Punjab and potential replication in other states if successful.

Partnership between Punjab government and IIT Ropar.
AI system for real-time crime tracking and analytics.
Includes data analytics, voice recognition, and dashboards.
Aims to digitize structured and unstructured data into one database.
Intended to speed up investigations and enhance policing.

AICTE Launches VAANI 3.0 Scheme to Promote Indian Languages in Higher Education

AICTE has launched the VAANI 3.0 scheme (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) to strengthen the use of Indian languages in technical education and research. The initiative aims to bridge language barriers and foster inclusive knowledge across the country by enabling students to learn complex concepts in their mother tongue. Yogesh Singh, a key figure in the scheme, underscored the importance of making technical knowledge accessible in native languages. Alongside the launch, AICTE introduced a dedicated online portal for applications to simplify participation for institutions. VAANI 3.0 seeks to promote research and publication in Indian languages, encourage academia-industry collaboration, and widen access to modern technology.

Scheme name: VAANI 3.0 (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages).
Purpose: Strengthen use of Indian languages in technical education.
Launch figure: Yogesh Singh.
Key features: Online portal for applications.
Aims: Promote research/publication in Indian languages; academia-industry collaboration.
Impact: Reduce language barriers in higher education.

Vishwa Sutra launched to promote Indian handlooms globally

The Textiles Ministry launched Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World, a scheme to showcase Indian handlooms on a global stage. The program was launched through a designer collection presented at the 61st Femina Miss India in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Vishwa Sutra features 30 distinct handloom weaves from across states, reinterpreted with designs inspired by 30 countries. The effort aims to elevate export potential and present traditional crafts in a contemporary fashion context.

Initiative titled Vishwa Sutra launched by Textiles Ministry.
Showcase includes 30 different state handlooms.
Designed with NIFT and Handlooms Office collaboration.
Unveiled at the 61st Femina Miss India in Bhubaneswar.
Aims to position Indian handlooms in global design frameworks.

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