General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - October 2024

Oct 2024

Apr 17, 2026

India targets cocoa self-reliance by 2040 with new roadmap

A knowledge paper prepared by Grant Thornton Bharat in collaboration with FICCI outlines a long-term strategy to boost cocoa production by 2040. The plan aims to reduce cocoa imports, improve farmer incomes, and strengthen domestic supply. Key proposals include establishing a National Mission on Cocoa, creating a Centre of Excellence, expanding R&D, policy and financial support, and promoting digital transformation and traceability. India currently produces less than 20 percent of its cocoa needs, creating a substantial supply-demand gap. The roadmap envisions a robust ecosystem to achieve self-reliance within two decades.

Knowledge paper outlines cocoa strategy to 2040.
National Mission on Cocoa and Centre of Excellence proposed.
Emphasis on R&D, policy support, and digital traceability.
India currently produces less than 20% of its cocoa needs.

Centre notifies Tata Semiconductor SEZ in Dholera; logistics role clarified

Following petitions and approvals, the Centre notified a 66.166-hectare Tata Semiconductor SEZ at Dholera on 9 April 2026, with inland container depot status to facilitate logistics. The notification supports a ₹91,000 crore investment plan to establish India’s first chip fabrication unit and broader electronics ecosystem in Gujarat. Board of Approval decisions and Commerce Secretary oversight underpin the SEZ, signaling a strong policy push for domestic semiconductor manufacturing and export-oriented growth. The development complements ongoing national efforts to attract investment in high-tech manufacturing and strengthen supply chains.

Centre notified Tata Semiconductor SEZ at Dholera on 9 April 2026.
66.166 hectares; ₹91,000 crore investment; inland container depot designation.
Aims to establish India’s first chip fabrication unit in Gujarat.
Part of broader government push to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

Tata Semiconductor SEZ in Dholera cleared with ₹91,000 crore plan

The government cleared a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited at Dholera, Gujarat. The project envisions a ₹91,000 crore investment and will house India’s first chip fabrication unit. The SEZ, spanning about 66.166 hectares, focuses on electronic hardware, software, and IT/ITeS services, and will be designated as an inland container depot to ease logistics. Notification by the Department of Commerce on 9 April 2026, following Board of Approval clearance, marks a key milestone in India’s semiconductor ambitions and domestic manufacturing push, with expected job creation and a boost to the tech ecosystem in Gujarat.

SEZ for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing notified in Dholera (April 9, 2026).
66.166 hectares; ₹91,000 crore investment envisaged.
Zone focuses on electronic hardware, software, IT/ITeS.
Inland container depot designation to streamline logistics.

Apr 16, 2026

GSRTC launches QR-based passenger feedback system

Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has introduced a QR code-based passenger feedback system to improve the travel experience. Commuters can scan a QR code displayed near seats to register complaints, share feedback, or rate services in real time. The system aims to speed up issue redressal and raise overall service quality. Recently, passengers on AC and Volvo buses reported odors, and GSRTC responded by installing air fresheners across these buses. The March 2026 Passenger Feedback Rating showed 4.5 out of 5 from 1,702 responses, with safety scoring 4.7, staff behavior 4.6, and cleanliness 4.5, reflecting largely positive experiences across routes.

QR-based feedback system launched by GSRTC.
Passengers can report issues and rate services in real time.
Air fresheners installed in AC/Volvo buses after odor complaints.
March 2026: 4.5/5 overall from 1,702 responses.
Safety highest at 4.7; staff behavior 4.6; cleanliness 4.5.

Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility launched to boost India's quantum ecosystem

On 14 April 2026, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unveiled the Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility (AQRF), India’s first indigenously built open access quantum computing platform. The facility is part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative and aims to develop a sovereign quantum hardware ecosystem while accelerating domestic innovation across universities, research institutions, and industry. AQRF was designed, assembled, and tested entirely within India, reflecting a push for self-reliance in high technology. It supports quantum research, testing, and manufacturing, and hosts India’s first indigenously developed quantum computers, Amaravati 1S and Amaravati 1Q. The project seeks to position India as a global leader in quantum technology.

AQRF launched on 14 April 2026 by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
First open access, indigenously built quantum platform in India.
Part of Amaravati Quantum Valley to foster sovereign hardware.
Houses India’s first quantum computers Amaravati 1S and 1Q.
Designed and tested entirely in India, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Apr 14, 2026

India shifts to digital toll payments; cashless system becomes mandatory

India moved to a fully digital tolling system across national highways from 11 April 2026. All toll payments are now processed via FASTag and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), eliminating cash transactions. The rollout aims to reduce congestion, increase transparency, and improve user convenience. Officials note that the transition may be temporarily tempered by ongoing elections. The change reflects a broader push toward cashless infrastructure and smarter transport networks as part of national development goals.

Effective date: 11 April 2026
Payment methods: FASTag and UPI only; no cash
Area: National Highways toll plazas
Benefits: reduced congestion and greater transparency
Caveat: temporary holding patterns during elections

Apr 12, 2026

Poshan Pakhwada 2026 observed from 9 to 23 April

Poshan Pakhwada 2026, the eighth edition of the national nutrition campaign, will be observed across India from 9 to 23 April 2026 under POSHAN Abhiyaan. The Ministry of Women and Child Development emphasizes nutrition and early childhood development, focusing on the first 1,000 days of life. The campaign highlights maximizing brain development in the first six years of life, recognizing that substantial brain growth occurs early. Activities will run through Anganwadi Centres with participation from mothers, carers, families, community institutions, and local bodies. Prime Minister Modi has stressed that Poshan Abhiyaan is a people’s movement to ensure holistic nutrition for every mother and child. (Sources: GKToday, PMF IAS)

Poshan Pakhwada 2026 runs 9–23 April 2026 across India.
Theme centers on maximizing brain development in the first six years of life.
Implementing agency: Ministry of Women and Child Development under POSHAN Abhiyaan.
Anganwadi Centres, mothers and communities engage in activities.
PM Modi has framed Poshan Abhiyaan as a people’s movement for nutrition.

RBI to simplify onboarding on TReDS for MSMEs

On 8 April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India announced measures to simplify onboarding of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS). The RBI issued a draft Master Direction consolidating guidelines and proposing easier participation by buyers and sellers, stronger governance, and enhanced risk mitigation. The move aims to speed up invoice discounting and improve MSME access to working capital, as part of the central bank's Payments Vision 2028. The reforms are expected to broaden the TReDS ecosystem and support liquidity for Indian small businesses.

Announcement date: 8 April 2026.
Subject: Onboarding simplification for MSMEs on TReDS.
Policy tool: draft Master Direction with consolidated guidelines.
Objective: faster invoice discounting and better MSME working capital access.
Broader plan: alignment with Payments Vision 2028.
Expected impact: expanded TReDS ecosystem.

Poshan Pakhwada 2026 dates and theme clarified

Poshan Pakhwada 2026 runs from 9 to 23 April 2026, marking the eighth edition of a nationwide effort under POSHAN Abhiyaan to improve child nutrition and early development. The campaign emphasizes the first 1,000 days of life and the brain’s rapid growth in early years. Anganwadi Centres, ASHA workers, and local authorities will organize community activities to promote nutrition, hygiene, and healthy lifestyles. The official theme for 2026 is maximizing brain development in the first six years of life, aligning nutrition with early education. This year’s observance continues a long-standing, government-led push to reduce malnutrition. (Sources: GKToday, PMF IAS)

Poshan Pakhwada 2026 dates: 9–23 April 2026 (eighth edition).
Theme: Maximizing brain development in the first six years of life.
Observance under POSHAN Abhiyaan with Anganwadi involvement.
Focus on nutrition, hygiene, and early education within communities.
Part of ongoing government efforts to reduce malnutrition.

Doordarshan and ICCR sign MoU to expand global reach of Indian culture

Doordarshan (Prasar Bharati) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 7 April 2026 in Doordarshan Bhawan, New Delhi, to expand the global reach of Indian cultural content. Doordarshan Director General K. Satish Nambudiripad and ICCR Director General K. Nandini Singla led the agreement in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. Under the partnership, ICCR will provide cultural content, including performances and events organized by Indian missions abroad as well as programmes across India. Doordarshan will manage production, coverage, and dissemination across multiple platforms, including television channels, radio, OTT platforms, and social media. The MoU seeks to strengthen India's cultural diplomacy through multi‑platform dissemination.

Date and place of MoU signing: 7 April 2026, Doordarshan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Signatories: K. Satish Nambudiripad (DDG) and K. Nandini Singla (ICCR).
Objective: expand global reach of Indian cultural content via multi‑platform dissemination.
Content flow: ICCR supply content; Doordarshan handle production and distribution.
Platforms: television, radio, OTT, and social media.
Overall aim: strengthen India's cultural diplomacy.

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

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