General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - January 2025

Jan 2025

Mar 04, 2026

President Murmu launches four major women welfare schemes in Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu launched four women-centric welfare schemes in Delhi on 2 March 2026 during the Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi programme. Highlights included the Pink National Common Mobility Card, enabling free bus travel and multi-modal transport access for eligible women and transgender residents. A second scheme provides two free LPG cylinders annually to ration card-holding families during Holi and Diwali. Officials noted other announced schemes supporting women’s empowerment, education and healthcare as part of broader social-inclusion goals. The measures align Delhi’s policy with national aims to improve mobility, safety and financial support for women.

Launch date: 2 March 2026; event: Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi
Key items: Pink NCMC for mobility; two free LPG cylinders annually
Target group: Women and transgender residents (Delhi)
Other schemes: Focus on empowerment, education and health
Objective: Enhance mobility, safety and financial inclusion

Madurai Airport gains international status; cabinet approves 10 March 2026

On 10 March 2026, the Union Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport, with formal orders issued by the Airports Authority of India in the days that followed. The upgrade will enable international flights and immigration facilities, broadening connectivity for southern Tamil Nadu. Officials say the status boost could attract foreign tourists, boost trade and generate local employment. Madurai, a major pilgrimage and commercial hub, could gain direct links to West Asia and other regions as bilateral slots are allocated. The move aligns with India’s broader aviation expansion plan and strengthens Madurai’s role as a regional gateway. Sources: PMIndia.gov.in; Economic Times; New Indian Express; Times of India; NDTV.

Approval date: 10 March 2026
Benefits: International flights; customs/immigration; wider connectivity
Expected impact: Tourism, trade and employment growth
Next steps: Notification by AAI and allocation of bilateral slots
Context: Part of national aviation expansion strategy

Mar 03, 2026

Maharashtra launches Divyang Sahayak Portal for disability welfare

Maharashtra state government launched the Divyang Sahayak Portal, described as India's first fully integrated online platform for disability welfare schemes. Announced in February 2026, the portal removes paperwork and in-person visits for persons with disabilities. It enables online applications, real-time progress tracking, automatic approvals for eligible schemes, and AI-based grievance redressal. The initiative aims to strengthen the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and to deliver benefits faster and more transparently. The Divyang Sahayak Portal serves as a one-stop digital platform for persons with disabilities in Maharashtra, allowing citizens to search, apply for, and track welfare schemes without remembering scheme names. Demographic data are used to suggest eligible options.

Maharashtra launched Divyang Sahayak Portal; India’s first integrated online disability-welfare platform.
Announced in February 2026; eliminates paperwork and mandatory in-person visits.
Features online applications, real-time tracking, automatic scheme approvals, AI grievances.
Aims to strengthen implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Uses demographic data to suggest eligible schemes.

Mar 02, 2026

Tripura inaugurates T-Nest Innovation Hub to boost startups

Tripura launched T-Nest, the states premier incubation and innovation hub in Agartala under the Tripura State Innovation Mission. The facility aims to consolidate the startup ecosystem by providing incubation support, mentorship, networking opportunities and access to funding. The hub intends to connect government departments, educational institutions and industry to foster Make from Tripura solutions and nurture local talent for scalable enterprises. Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted the role of T-Nest in creating an innovation-driven economy in the Northeast and supporting entrepreneurs from the region.

T-Nest launched in Agartala under SIM/AIM 2.0
Incubator for startups; mentorship and funding access
Aim to connect government, academia and industry
Supports Make from Tripura initiatives
Part of broader Northeast innovation push

Madurai Airport designated international airport by Union Cabinet

The Union Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport, Tamil Nadu, an international airport. The decision, announced on 10 March 2026 and reported in multiple outlets, enables the Airports Authority of India to notification of customs and immigration posts and to facilitate international flights subject to bilateral slots. Tamil Nadu officials and aviation stakeholders expect increased connectivity to pilgrimage sites and enhanced economic activity in southern districts. Orders are expected to be issued by the Airports Authority of India as part of the enhanced international gateway network.

Decision: Madurai Airport international status
Date: 10 March 2026 (announcement date)
Authority: Union Cabinet and AAI
Impact: greater international connectivity and economic activity
Context: part of expanding regional international gateways

IMMA to host 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo in Mumbai

The Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) will host its 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo on 5–6 February 2026 at the National Stock Exchange, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. The two‑day event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, startups and global experts to discuss policy reforms, innovation and India’s role as a global agri-input manufacturing hub. Under the theme Converge, Collaborate & Co-create, discussions will cover micronutrients, specialty fertilisers, biologicals and precision nutrition, reflecting soil health needs and evolving farming practices. IMMA aims to bolster India’s export and manufacturing capabilities in the agri‑input value chain.

Summit & B2B Expo on 5–6 February 2026, Mumbai
Theme: Converge, Collaborate & Co-create
Participants: policymakers, scientists, startups, industry leaders
Focus areas: micronutrients, specialty fertilisers, biologicals, precision nutrition
Goal: strengthen India as a global agri-input exporter/manufacturer

GCWAS 2026 media invitation ahead of President Murmu inauguration on 12 March 2026

The Press Information Bureau issued a media invitation for the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems, GCWAS 2026, to be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu on 12 March 2026. The invitation provides event details and media access information for coverage of the conference, which focuses on women’s roles in agri-food sectors. The event reinforces government emphasis on inclusive development, women’s empowerment and rural livelihoods, aligned with broader agricultural and nutrition objectives. The invitation reflects ongoing public diplomacy and engagement with media ahead of key government forums.

PIB media invitation for GCWAS 2026 on 12 March 2026
Inauguration by President Murmu set; coverage planned
Focus on women in agri-food systems
Supports inclusive development and rural livelihoods
Part of government’s public diplomacy and policy engagement

Tripura launches State Innovation Mission under AIM 2.0 to spur local startups

Tripura launched its first State Innovation Mission under the Atal Innovation Mission 2.0, aligned with NITI Aayog's State Support Mission. The launch took place at Hapania International Exhibition Centre in Agartala and was attended by Chief Minister Manik Saha and key policymakers. AIM 2.0 aims to build robust, context-specific innovation ecosystems, linking government, educational institutions and industry to foster entrepreneurship. The SIM intends to promote Make from Tripura solutions, provide incubation support and access to funding, and position the state as an innovation-driven economy in the Northeast.

First SIM launched under AIM 2.0 in Tripura
Event held at Hapania International Exhibition Centre, Agartala
Attended by CM Manik Saha and others
AIM 2.0 reinforces state-level innovation ecosystems
Focus on Make from Tripura and incubator support

PM Modi shares Sanskrit shloka praising Earth as nation’s strength; posted March 10, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a Sanskrit couplet describing the Earth as the source of national energy and strength in a social media post dated 10 March 2026. The verse attributes power to the land and the sky of truth, resonating with cultural and patriotic themes in official communications. The post circulated on X and was widely discussed in public and political discourse. The message aligns with government emphasis on heritage and national pride during a period of expanding foreign policy and domestic reform initiatives. It reflects the broader use of timeless verses in public diplomacy and policy messaging.

PM Modi posts Sanskrit shloka on 10 March 2026
Verse depicts Earth as source of national strength
Message circulated on X; widely discussed
Connects heritage with current policy narrative
Used as a diplomatic and motivational tool

Assam rolls out Basundhara 3.0 land pattas to indigenous landless families

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched digital land pattas under Mission Basundhara 3.0, distributing to over one lakh indigenous landless families and public institutions. The initiative handed digital land pattas and allotment letters across the state, including 44,700 pattas in Dhemaji district. Basundhara 3.0 seeks to resolve long-pending land disputes through transparent processes and strengthen land rights, housing and livelihoods. The program forms a key part of Assam’s governance agenda to improve land records, reduce disputes and empower citizens with secure legal titles.

Basundhara 3.0 land pattas distributed to 1+ lakh beneficiaries
44,700 pattas in Dhemaji district alone
Digital land pattas issued to indigenous communities
Aims to resolve disputes; improve land records
Supports housing and livelihoods through secure titles

Mar 01, 2026

Cabinet approves Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 with Rs 8.8 lakh crore outlay

The Union Cabinet approved Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, authorizing an outlay of 8.8 lakh crore rupees to enhance rural drinking water services. The new phase emphasizes service delivery over mere infrastructure creation, aiming to improve governance, accountability, and execution across states. The plan supports expanded water distribution networks, better monitoring, and community participation to ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water. This policy alignment with broader rural development goals seeks to strengthen water security amid climate variability and growing demand, with implementation timelines and state-level responsibilities defined to accelerate progress and measure outcomes.

Outlay: Rs 8.8 lakh crore for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
Focus: shift from infrastructure to service delivery.
Objectives: governance improvements, monitoring, accountability.
Scope: rural drinking water across states.
Context: climate variability and water security considerations.

Feb 28, 2026

Jal Jeevan Mission extended to December 2028

The Union Cabinet on 10 March 2026 approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until December 2028, with a revised total outlay of about Rs 8.69 lakh crore. The policy shift focuses on service delivery and source sustainability, moving from solely infrastructure creation to ongoing rural water service delivery. The mission will adopt a whole-of-government approach, improving coordination among ministries. Gram Panchayats will certify village-level completions and declare Har Ghar Jal only after local operation and maintenance arrangements are in place. States will continue to share costs, while the central government provides oversight, support, and technical guidance.

JJM extended to December 2028
Outlay around Rs 8.69 lakh crore
Shift from infrastructure to service delivery
Whole-of-Government coordination approach
Gram Panchayat certification and Har Ghar Jal criteria
States retain funding responsibilities

RAJMARG PRAVESH portal upgraded to ease NOC process for fuel stations

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal to simplify obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for fuel stations and related sites. The Ministry stated the portal consolidates permissions for access from National Highways to private properties, industries, and wayside facilities into a single online system. Officials said the redesign aims to make the process faster, more transparent, and easier to navigate for citizens and businesses. Online submissions, status tracking, and real-time updates are emphasized. The government sees the upgrade as part of its broader ease-of-doing-business initiative, with plans to add more permit categories in coming months.

NOC process for fuel stations simplified via online portal
Consolidates permissions for access from National Highways
Aims for faster, transparent, user-friendly approvals
Online submissions with real-time status tracking
Part of broader ease-of-doing-business agenda
Expansion to additional permit categories planned

Madurai Airport declared international status by Union Cabinet

On 10 March 2026, the Union Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport. The decision was announced from New Delhi and formal orders were issued by the Airports Authority of India. The upgrade enables customs and immigration facilities and allows international flights as bilateral slots are allocated. Officials say the move will boost tourism and trade in southern Tamil Nadu by expanding air links beyond domestic destinations. Local leaders welcomed the decision as a long-pending demand fulfilled, anticipating new routes and greater regional connectivity, with potential downstream benefits for commerce and travel.

Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport international
Formal orders issued by Airports Authority of India
Customs and immigration facilities to be established
Expected boost to tourism and trade in Tamil Nadu
Regional connectivity with new international routes
Viewed as a long-pending local demand fulfilled

MoCA announces West Asia connectivity plan for 11 March 2026

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced that Air India and Air India Express would operate around 58 flights to and from West Asia on 11 March 2026 to maintain connectivity amid regional disruptions. The update covers major airports in India and West Asia, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve international passenger and cargo links. Officials emphasized coordination with airline partners to manage capacity and schedules during periods of geopolitical tension. The move is part of broader aviation network management to protect routes and ensure reliable cross-border connectivity for travellers and businesses.

Around 58 West Asia flights planned for 11 March 2026
Air India and Air India Express involved
Aims to maintain connectivity amid disruptions
Coverage across major Indian and West Asian airports
Emphasis on partner coordination and schedules
Part of maintaining international routes during tensions

MeitY Launches Blockchain India Challenge to Drive Digital Governance

MeitY, in collaboration with C-DAC, launched the Blockchain India Challenge to promote blockchain-based digital governance solutions. The national program invites Indian startups to develop permissioned blockchain use cases for government services, with prototype, MVP, and deployment stages and a prize pool in crores of rupees. The challenge aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and trust in public services by providing a platform for innovation and government collaboration. Winners will share ownership with MeitY and may scale their solutions through public sector partnerships, reflecting India's push for technology-enabled governance and Web3 growth in administration.

Launch date around February 2026; MeitY and C-DAC organizers.
Open to Indian startups; focus on governance use cases.
Stages include prototype, MVP, deployment with prize pools.
Intended to advance transparency and efficiency in public services.

CBDC-Based Food Subsidy Pilot Launched in Puducherry Under PMGKAY

On 26 February 2026, the Government of India launched a CBDC-based food subsidy distribution pilot under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The pilot uses the Digital Rupee, the RBI issued central bank digital currency, to transfer subsidies directly to beneficiaries' wallets as programmatic tokens. These CBDC tokens can be used only at authorised Fair Price Shops, ensuring purpose-bound purchases. The aim is to improve transparency, reduce leakages, and strengthen India's digital public infrastructure for welfare delivery. The initiative involves RBI, Public Financial Management System, Canara Bank, and Puducherry government. Officials noted secure, traceable transactions and beneficiary empowerment.

Date of pilot: 26 February 2026.
Subsidies delivered as programmable CBDC tokens.
Tokens valid only at approved Fair Price Shops.
Partnership includes RBI, PFMS, Canara Bank, and Puducherry government.

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