General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - July 2024

Jul 2024

Jun 05, 2026

UPI Cross-Border Network Expands Across Asia and Beyond

Industry observers note that UPI cross border volumes are expanding as a multi country network grows. By late 2025, live cross border transactions reached nearly 1.5 million across an eight country network, with trials underway in Japan and routine collaboration with Malaysia, Israel and Cambodia. The network has driven greater merchant acceptance and helped Indian travellers carry out quick digital payments abroad. Analysts expect continued expansion into new markets and ongoing regulatory alignment to support rapid growth. The cross border system is increasingly central to India’s fintech diplomacy and international commerce strategy.

UPI cross-border network shows growing volume and reach.
Approximately 1.4–1.5 million cross-border transactions by late 2025.
Japan trial and collaborations with Malaysia, Israel, Cambodia ongoing.
Merchant acceptance points number in the millions regionally.
Fintech diplomacy and international commerce strategy are linked to growth.

First Phase of India Cambodia UPI Connectivity Goes Live

The first phase of India Cambodia payment connectivity went live as part of a government initiative to enable UPI acceptance in Cambodia. The initiative, announced by NPCI International and partner banks, connects India's digital payments framework with Cambodia's payment ecosystem. It aims to facilitate seamless cross border commerce and travel, allowing Indian travellers to pay at local merchants through UPI. The launch aligns with broader digital finance expansions and efforts to promote a two way payment corridor between the two countries. The development follows government announcements and PIB press releases issued in early June 2026.

First phase of UPI cross border connectivity with Cambodia operational.
NPCI International leads implementation with ACLEDA Bank collaboration.
Enables UPI payments for Indian travellers in Cambodia.
Aims to create a two way cross border payments corridor.
Supports broader goals of expanding digital payments internationally.

UPI Acceptance Launched in Cambodia via ACLEDA Bank

NPCI International partnered with ACLEDA Bank to launch Unified Payments Interface UPI acceptance in Cambodia. The service will enable Indian travellers to make QR based digital payments across Cambodia using KHQR compatible terminals. The first phase brings cross border QR payments and is part of a broader plan to extend Indian digital payments infrastructure globally. The move is expected to boost tourism and trade with Cambodia by offering a familiar payment method for Indian visitors, while expanding the reach of India's digital payment ecosystem beyond its borders.

NPCI International partners with ACLEDA Bank in Cambodia.
UPI acceptance enables QR based payments in Cambodia.
KHQR compatibility supports cross border use.
First phase focuses on cross border payments for Indian travellers.
Aims to boost people-to-people and business links with Cambodia.

Jun 04, 2026

Navachar Mantra launched to support grassroots innovators

Navachar Mantra, a national initiative for grassroots innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs, was launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) at IIT Delhi. Jayant Chaudhary, the minister, announced the program, which aims to identify and support innovators from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, rural areas, aspirational districts, and underserved regions. The programme is implemented by NIESBUD, with FITT at IIT Delhi acting as the technical knowledge partner. It will provide mentorship, visibility, and growth opportunities, including guidance on market access, funding, and scaling. The initiative seeks to strengthen India's innovation ecosystem and promote self-reliant entrepreneurship by connecting grassroots ideas with national and global networks.

Navachar Mantra launched at IIT Delhi
Targets grassroots innovators from Tier-2/3 and rural areas
Implemented by NIESBUD; FITT IIT Delhi as knowledge partner
Provides mentorship, visibility, and growth opportunities
Aims to strengthen India's innovation ecosystem

Jun 03, 2026

New CBSE Chairperson Appointed

Prashant Sitaram Lokhande, a senior IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The appointment follows the transfer of former CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh. Secretary Himanshu Gupta has also been moved to a different assignment. The leadership change comes at a time when CBSE's examinations, evaluation processes, and reforms are under heightened public scrutiny, including concerns about the online evaluation mechanism for Class 12 board exams. Lokhande is expected to oversee key policy initiatives, strengthen governance, and guide CBSE’s reforms in the coming years. The country’s largest school board aims for transparent examination practices.

Lokhande appointed as CBSE Chairperson
Rahul Singh transferred; Himanshu Gupta reassigned
CBSE examinations and online evaluation under scrutiny
Lokhande to oversee policy initiatives and governance
CBSE aims for transparent examination practices

India–Oman CEPA Enters Into Force

From 1 June 2026, the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, CEPA, entered into force, expanding tariff concessions and trade facilitation with Oman. Government notifications outline rules of origin and transitional arrangements, while officials note that around 95 percent of Indian exports to Oman may enjoy preferential access. The CEPA is expected to diversify supply chains, boost pharmaceutical and chemical trade, and create new business opportunities. The government plans to implement electronic Certificates of Origin filing through Trade Connect to streamline procedures. Analysts view CEPA as a step to deepen economic ties with the Gulf region.

CEPA with Oman effective from 1 June 2026
Tariff concessions and origin rules clarified
Estimated 95% of exports eligible for preferential access
Aims to diversify supply chains and boost trade
Electronic CoO filings to simplify compliance

Jun 02, 2026

₹200-crore MAHA Water Mission launched to boost water solutions

India launched the ₹200-crore MAHA Water Mission to foster innovative solutions for water-related challenges. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the programme, a joint effort of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The mission will support startups, MSMEs, academic institutions and research organisations working in the water sector. It aims to develop technologies for water conservation, purification, recycling and efficient management of water resources. By promoting research-driven solutions, the initiative seeks to strengthen water security as demand rises and climate pressures intensify. Financial and technical assistance will be provided to innovators, with pilot projects and scale-up opportunities planned across the country.

₹200-crore MAHA Water Mission launched by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Joint effort of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Supports startups, MSMEs, academic institutions and research organisations.
Focus on water conservation, purification, recycling and efficient management.
Provides financial and technical support for pilots and scale-up.

Jun 01, 2026

Andhra Pradesh announces ₹22,000 crore Green Energy Corridor to evacuate 18 GW RE

Andhra Pradesh unveiled a ₹22,000 crore Green Energy Corridor plan on 29 May 2026 to strengthen renewable-power transmission. The project aims to evacuate electricity from solar and wind farms and other clean-energy sources, expand grid capacity, and reduce congestion across the state’s power network. Officials said the corridor will facilitate 18 GW of renewable-energy integration, supporting the government's broader objective of turning Andhra Pradesh into a major green-energy hub for eastern India. The plan encompasses new transmission lines, substations, and grid-management upgrades to enhance reliability and resilience against weather-driven demand. The initiative is expected to create jobs and attract investment while aligning with climate targets.

Plan announced on 29 May 2026 with ₹22,000 crore investment.
Aims to evacuate power from solar, wind, and other renewables.
Intends to enable 18 GW of renewable-energy integration.
Includes new transmission lines, substations, and grid upgrades.
Supports Andhra Pradesh's goal to become a green-energy hub.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan Launched in Madhya Pradesh

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Khet Bachao Abhiyan in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, during a month‑long campaign. The initiative promotes balanced fertiliser use, weather‑based agricultural advisories, and active participation by farmers at the grassroots level. Government officials hope the drive will improve soil health, optimise input use, and ensure better delivery of welfare schemes to smallholders. The program emphasizes timely dissemination of advisories, demonstrations of best practices, and the use of local agricultural networks to reach farmers in remote areas. The campaign aligns with broader efforts to enhance farm productivity and climate resilience.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched in Raisen, MP
Aims for balanced fertiliser use and weather advisories
Grassroots farmer participation emphasized
Focus on soil health and welfare scheme delivery
Utilizes local agricultural networks

Kerala Launches Dedicated Senior Citizens’ Welfare Department

Kerala announced the creation of a dedicated Senior Citizens’ Welfare Department, becoming the first Indian state to establish such a unit as of 1 June 2026. The department is backed by the Kerala Elderly Commission Bill and aims to improve protection, services, and legal safeguards for elderly residents. It will oversee welfare schemes, healthcare access, social support networks, and grievance redressal mechanisms. Officials say the move addresses the rising needs of an aging population in Kerala and embodies a whole‑of‑government approach to elder care. The department will coordinate with district administrations, hospitals, and NGOs to deliver targeted assistance and inclusion programs.

Kerala founded the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Department
First state to establish such a unit as of 1 June 2026
Supported by Kerala Elderly Commission Bill
Focus on protection, services, and safeguards for seniors
Coordination with districts, hospitals, and NGOs

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