General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - May 2024

May 2024

Mar 28, 2026

Gruh Sugam Portal launches on 26 March 2026 to simplify housing loans for defence and government ...

The National Housing Bank launched the Gruh Sugam Portal on 26 March 2026 to simplify home loan access for defence, paramilitary, and government personnel. The portal acts as a centralized digital marketplace where eligible personnel can apply for housing loans from posting locations, avoiding in-person bank visits. Registered requests are forwarded to multiple lenders who offer customized terms, enabling applicants to compare offers and select the best option. Gruh Sugam aims to accelerate digital lending and advance the government's Housing for All vision by expanding financial inclusion for defense and public sector employees.

Gruh Sugam Portal launched on 26 March 2026 by National Housing Bank.
Targets defense, paramilitary, and government personnel.
Digital marketplace for housing loan applications from posting locations.
Lenders provide customized offers; applicants can compare and choose.
Aims to boost digital lending and financial inclusion for public workers.

Mar 27, 2026

Rajasthan launches Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026 to attract investment

The Rajasthan state government has unveiled the Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026 to attract investment and create jobs. Led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the policy aims to develop world-class industrial parks and align with national goals such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. It proposes a four-model framework for park development, including fully private ownership, hybrid land-sharing systems, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. The approach emphasizes public and private sector participation and is designed to attract a broad range of investors. The policy seeks to strengthen infrastructure, streamline approvals, and position Rajasthan as a future-ready industrial destination.

Policy named Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026; aims to attract investment.
Led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.
Aligns with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Four development models: private ownership, hybrid land-sharing, PPP, etc.
Aims for public-private participation and broader investor appeal.

DPIIT & MoCI sign agreement with KRAFTON India Pvt. Ltd to support startups

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) signed an agreement with Krafton India Pvt. Ltd to support startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs nationwide. The collaboration focuses on digital entertainment, online gaming, esports, interactive media, and AI-enabled technologies. Startups will gain access to mentorship, industry insights, and curated engagement opportunities, with ecosystem-building through Startup India programs. Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, described the partnership as a vital step toward strengthening India’s digital economy and global competitiveness by enabling startups to innovate, scale, and compete internationally.

DPIIT and MoCI sign agreement with Krafton India Pvt. Ltd.
Focus areas: digital entertainment, gaming, esports, AI tech.
Startup access: mentorship, insights, engagement platforms.
Ecosystem-building via Startup India programs.
Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, calls it a key step for India's digital economy.

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

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