General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - February 2026

Feb 2026

Apr 27, 2026

US imposes preliminary anti‑dumping duty on Indian solar cells and panels

The US Department of Commerce announced a preliminary anti‑dumping duty on Indian solar cells and panels, with rates around 123.04 percent for most exporters and 123.07 percent for some firms. The duties follow an investigation alleging sales below fair value. The final decision is expected within 75 days. The move could dampen US demand for Indian solar products and push exporters to seek alternate markets, potentially affecting export volumes and pricing. Indian manufacturers may respond with pricing adjustments, supply‑chain diversification, or increased policy engagement to address concerns about competition and fair trade in the US market.

Preliminary anti‑dumping duty set around 123.04% for most exporters
Certain firms face 123.07% margins
Final decision due within 75 days
Possible impact: reduced US exports of Indian solar products
Companies may explore alternative markets and pricing strategies

India approves ₹30 billion SAARC currency swap with Maldives

India, through the Reserve Bank of India, approved a currency swap facility of ₹30 billion with the Maldives under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework (2024–2027). The swap falls under the INR Swap Window and aims to provide quick liquidity to member nations during external shocks. The agreement traces to the Maldives president’s visit to India in October 2024, reflecting sustained bilateral financial cooperation. The facility supports balance‑of‑payments resilience and regional financial stability, illustrating India’s role as a reliable partner in SAARC and its use of swap mechanisms to bolster regional stability.

₹30 billion SAARC currency swap with Maldives
Under SAARC Currency Swap Framework (2024–2027)
Falls under the INR Swap Window
Formalized during the Maldives President’s 2024 visit to India
Aims to strengthen regional financial stability

Apr 26, 2026

Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh: MoSJE convenes three-day policy reflection (24–26 April 2026)

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) will organise a three-day Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh from 24 to 26 April 2026. The event, under the theme Antyodaya ka Sankalp, Amrit Kaal ka Pratibimb – Viksit Bharat @2047, brings senior ministers and state functionaries to discuss inclusive policies for vulnerable groups. The programme will feature launches of digital initiatives such as SAMAVESH Portal, NMBA 2.0, SETU and SMILE Apps, aiming to improve governance and service delivery. Union Ministers Virendra Kumar will chair sessions, and the Shivir will focus on policy reforms and interdepartmental coordination. Officials expect enhanced welfare scheme delivery nationwide.

Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh (24–26 Apr 2026)
Theme: Antyodaya... Viksit Bharat @2047
Focus on inclusive policies for vulnerable groups
Launches: SAMAVESH Portal, NMBA 2.0, SETU, SMILE Apps
Chair: Union Minister Virendra Kumar
Goal: improved governance and welfare delivery

Bihar launches first structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission

Under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission, Bihar launched its first-ever structured pulse procurement. The NCCF and NAFED are central players in procurement across the state and in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Bihar has set a target to procure 32,000 metric tons of masoor (lentil). By 22 April 2026, 100.4 metric tons had been purchased, and 59 farmers were onboarded. The move supports India's push for self-reliant pulse production and improved farmer incomes. This structured approach aims to reduce price volatility and promote transparent procurement through a government-led system. NCCF and NAFED spearhead procurement, with linkages to public distribution systems and farmers' welfare schemes.

First structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission in Bihar
NCCF and NAFED central to procurement
Target: 32,000 metric tons of masoor
By 22 Apr 2026, 100.4 MT procured; 59 farmers onboarded
Aims to reduce price volatility and improve farmer incomes
Linkages to PDS and welfare schemes

Apr 25, 2026

Rajasthan Leads e-NAM with 173 Mandis Connected; e-NAM 2.0 Launched

Rajasthan has the highest share of e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) activity in India, connecting 173 mandis to the nationwide digital platform. The system links lakhs of farmers with buyers across the country, enabling transparent price discovery and digital payments. Since its 2016 launch by the Modi government, e-NAM aims to liberate farmers from local market constraints. The 2026 upgrade, e-NAM 2.0 launched on 12 February, introduces automated bidding, analytics, logistics support, and fintech integration. In Rajasthan, more than 15.55 lakh farmers, 87,509 traders, and 27,989 commission agents participate, with 546 Farmer-Producer Organisations registered. The single trading licence across the state expands marketing reach.

173 mandis in Rajasthan connected to e-NAM.
Participation includes about 15.55 lakh farmers, 87,509 traders, 27,989 commission agents.
546 Farmer-Producer Organisations registered in the state.
e-NAM 2.0 launched on 12 February 2026 with automated bidding and analytics.
Benefits include price discovery, real-time auctions, and digital payments.

Apr 23, 2026

Maharashtra launches Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling at IIM Nagpur

As part of its climate resilience drive, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the new Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling (CoE-HRSC) at the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur. Conducted via video conference on 21 April 2026, the centre is planned to become a permanent wing of the State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM). In its initial phase, CoE-HRSC will evaluate and refine Heat Action Plans and Urban Climate Action Plans, and provide implementation support to high-priority cities and districts. It will develop training modules for government officials, healthcare workers, and local communities, and promote eco-friendly construction materials and local cooling solutions to reduce reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning.

Centre named CoE-HRSC inaugurated at IIM Nagpur on 21 April 2026.
Planned as permanent wing of SIDM.
Initial focus: Heat Action Plans and Urban Climate Action Plans.
Will train government officials, healthcare workers, and citizens.
Promotes eco-friendly materials and local cooling to cut energy-heavy AC use.

OGAI to regulate India’s online gaming sector from May 2026

India will regulate online gaming through the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), which becomes operational from 1 May 2026. The authority is established under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, to create a structured and transparent framework for online gaming, including real‑money gaming, fantasy sports, esports, and skill‑based platforms. OGAI will function as a digital office under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and involve officials from several ministries for policy enforcement. Its mandate includes game registration, licensing, consumer protection, and fostering responsible growth in the sector while supporting innovation and taxation clarity.

OGAI becomes operational on 1 May 2026
Established under Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025
Oversight of real-money gaming, esports, and skill games
Digital office under MeitY; cross-ministry involvement
Tasks include game registration and licensing
Aims for responsible growth and regulatory clarity

Apr 22, 2026

RELIEF Scheme Expanded to Egypt and Jordan for Export Facilitation

On 22 April 2026, the Government announced an expansion of the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), adding Egypt and Jordan to the list of eligible destinations. The program, designed to facilitate shipments and reduce trade barriers, seeks to broaden India's export reach amid global headwinds. The expansion complements existing RELIEF coverage and targets sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods. Officials said the move would simplify regulatory procedures, lower transaction costs, and improve logistics efficiency for Indian exporters, especially small and medium enterprises, by offering advisory and logistical support.

RELIEF expansion announced 22 April 2026
Egypt and Jordan added as eligible destinations
Targets textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods
Aims to reduce trade barriers and costs
Support for small and medium exporters

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