General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - March 2024

Mar 2024

Mar 26, 2026

Cabinet approves five-year continuation of IVFRT scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme beyond 31 March 2026 for five years, up to 31 March 2031, with a budget outlay of Rs 1,800 crore. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that the objective is to modernize immigration and visa services within a secure, integrated framework. IVFRT aims to facilitate legitimate travellers while strengthening national security, reduce processing times, and improve data sharing among agencies. The decision supports digital governance and streamlined border management at airports and land borders nationwide.

Extension: 5 years to 2031
Budget: Rs 1,800 crore
Objective: modernize immigration and visa services
Outcomes: faster processing, better data sharing
Security and governance emphasis
Widespread implementation across borders

BHASHINI and PFRDA sign MoU to widen pension services accessibility

Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen multilingual capabilities in pension services. The collaboration integrates with BHASHINI, India’s National Language Digital Public Infrastructure, enabling translation tools, multilingual AI models, and voice-enabled technologies within PFRDA systems. The initiative will cover all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, expanding accessibility for subscribers and stakeholders. The MoU aims to boost language inclusivity across pension platforms and improve user experience for diverse linguistic communities.

Parties: BHASHINI Division and PFRDA
Objective: multilingual pension services
Technology: translation tools, multilingual AI, voice tools
Languages: 22 in Eighth Schedule
Impact: increased inclusivity and accessibility
Scope: integration across pension interfaces

Kompella Venkata Ramana Murty named SEBI Whole-Time Member

Kompella Venkata Ramana Murty has been appointed as a whole-time member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India for a three-year term. The appointment, notified on 25 March 2026, strengthens SEBI's leadership as capital markets expand and regulatory complexity grows. Murty previously served as Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts, bringing extensive public-finance experience to the regulator. His inclusion is expected to enhance financial oversight, accounting standards, and market supervision in a rapidly changing environment. The appointment aligns with government priorities to deepen market integrity, safeguard investors, and ensure efficient enforcement across diverse financial sectors. Market participants welcomed the move as a signal of stable regulatory leadership.

Appointed: 25 March 2026
Term: three years
Previous role: Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts
Impact: stronger SEBI oversight
Signal of stable regulatory leadership
Supports expanding and complex markets

Mar 25, 2026

Gujarat digitises 20 citizen services under Sugam Digital Gujarat

On 23 March 2026, the Gujarat state government announced digitisation of 20 high-demand citizen services under the Sugam Digital Gujarat Initiative. The program aims to deliver faceless, cashless and paperless governance via the Digital Gujarat portal. Services use Aadhaar authentication, DigiLocker, eSign and UPI payments to improve transparency and ease of access. Sugam Digital Gujarat focuses on transforming traditional government services into a seamless digital system, reducing in-person visits and paperwork. Citizens can access services from anywhere with minimal effort, while officials expect faster processing, fewer delays and greater transparency in service delivery.

Date: 23 March 2026
20 digitised citizen services under Sugam Digital Gujarat
Aims: faceless, cashless, paperless governance
Technologies used: Aadhaar, DigiLocker, eSign, UPI
Goal: reduce physical visits and delays
Outcome: enhanced transparency and accessibility

DPIIT signs MoU with Blue Star to boost manufacturing innovation

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Blue Star Limited to strengthen India’s manufacturing and startup ecosystem. The collaboration targets startups in HVAC technologies, digital solutions, advanced manufacturing and supply-chain innovation. Under the MoU, participating startups will gain access to mentorship from industry experts, R&D facilities, testing infrastructure and pilot opportunities. The programme supports product validation, proof-of-concept development and integration into industry value chains. It aims to accelerate manufacturing innovation and encourage scalable, market-ready solutions through industry-government partnerships.

Parties: DPIIT and Blue Star Limited
Focus areas: HVAC, digital solutions, advanced manufacturing, supply chain
Benefits to startups: mentorship, R&D facilities, testing, pilots
Outcomes: validation, PoC, integration into value chains
Strategic aim: boost manufacturing innovation and startup ecosystem
Context: part of India’s broader DPIIT-startup collaborations

Mar 24, 2026

TB Mukt Bharat 100-days campaign and related TB Day events announced

Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda is set to lead India's World TB Day 2026 events on 24 March at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida. The government will launch a series of initiatives, including the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan — 100 Days Campaign, the TB Mukt Bharat App, and the TB Mukt Urban Ward Initiative. These measures aim to strengthen case detection, improve treatment adherence, and enhance last‑mile delivery of TB services, especially in high‑burden areas. The effort aligns with a broader commitment to achieving a TB‑free India through targeted, scalable programmatic actions.

Event: World TB Day 2026 at Gautam Buddha University
Initiatives: TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan — 100 Days Campaign; App; Urban Ward Initiative
Goals: Better case detection, adherence, service delivery
Focus: High-burden areas in India
Theme alignment: Yes! We Can End TB

Manipur launches Ningol Van Initiative to boost forest conservation

On the occasion of the International Day of Forests, the Manipur government renewed its focus on protecting forests, preventing deforestation, and curbing illegal activities, including poppy cultivation. The launch of the Ningol Van Initiative aims to strengthen community participation in forest conservation, highlighting the role of women as custodians of nature and biodiversity. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Anurag Bajpai said similar initiatives would be rolled out across all 16 districts. He noted forests form the backbone of Manipur’s economy, with over 74 percent of the state under forest cover, supporting livelihoods and food security while addressing illegal activities and habitat degradation.

Ningol Van Initiative launched by Manipur government
Focus on community participation and women’s role in conservation
Target: 16 districts across Manipur
74% of Manipur’s area under forest cover
Aims to curb deforestation and illegal activities including poppy cultivation

Mar 23, 2026

Telangana Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme Announced

In the 2026–27 Budget, Telangana unveiled the Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme to provide financial security across the state. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced a universal life cover of ₹5 lakh for each of Telangana’s 1.15 crore families. The scheme, designed to reduce poverty risk after the death of a breadwinner, will be implemented from 2 June 2026. Coverage is intended to be universal, with accessible enrollment and digital processes ensuring broad reach. The initiative aligns with welfare-focused budget priorities and aims to strengthen social protection for households.

Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme announced in 2026–27 Budget.
Universal life cover of ₹5 lakh per family for 1.15 crore families.
Unveiled by Deputy CM and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.
Planned implementation from 2 June 2026.
Aims to reduce poverty risk and boost social protection.

Mar 22, 2026

Har Ghar Jal Under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Expands Rural Water Access

Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, highlighted Har Ghar Jal as a transformative instrument in rural India during MoU signings under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 with Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa. The MoUs aim to ensure every rural household receives a regular, adequate, quality water supply and to reform operation and maintenance of rural water systems. The minister stressed that tap water access improves daily life, reduces women’s drudgery, and empowers communities. The government’s broader objective is long-term water security and improved living standards through structured, scalable reforms.

Program: Har Ghar Jal under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
States involved in MoUs: Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa.
Goals: Regular, adequate water supply; strengthen rural water systems.
Impact: Improved daily life and women’s time for development.
Strategic aim: Long-term water security and governance reforms.

India-Bhutan Sign MoU on Postal Cooperation

India and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Postal Cooperation, establishing a structured framework for collaboration between India Post and Bhutan Post. The agreement covers postal operations, technology development, capacity building, logistics connectivity, philately, and knowledge exchange. The pact was signed during the ongoing Bhutan visit of the Secretary of the Department of Posts and aims to deepen collaboration in postal technology and service delivery, sharing best practices in digital transformation and customer service. The MoU strengthens bilateral relations and cross-border connectivity between India and Bhutan.

MoU: Postal Cooperation between India Post and Bhutan Post.
Scope: Operations, technology, capacity building, logistics, philately, knowledge exchange.
Signatory context: Bhutan visit of Posts Secretary.
Objectives: Deepen postal technology collaboration and service quality.
Impact: Strengthens bilateral connectivity and knowledge exchange.

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