UNION CABINET APPROVAL
SC issues pan-India directions for road safety, says expressways should not become corridor of peril
The Supreme Court has mandated new nationwide road safety rules. Heavy vehicles are now banned from parking on expressways, except at designated spots. This move aims to prevent accidents and save lives. Authorities must implement these directives within 60 days. New commercial structures near highways are also prohibited.
Cabinet clears Rs 12,980 crore maritime insurance pool to cut costs
India is launching the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool, backed by a substantial sovereign guarantee of over ₹12,980 crore. This strategic initiative aims to offer unwavering maritime insurance coverage for Indian vessels, encompassing all maritime risks and significantly decreasing dependency on international insurers.
Cabinet approves DA increase, extends PMGSY-III timeline
Central government employees and pensioners will receive a 2% dearness allowance and dearness relief increase. This move aims to offset rising inflation. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III has also seen its validity extended. An increased outlay of over ₹83,000 crore will support rural road development. These initiatives are set to boost the rural economy and improve connectivity.
Cabinet approves ₹12,980 crore sovereign-backed maritime insurance pool
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, on Saturday approved a Sovereign Maritime Fund to provide insurance cover for Indian-flagged, India-bound and India-originating vessels. The move aims to strengthen maritime trade resilience, reduce reliance on foreign insurers, and safeguard shipping operations amid rising global uncertainties.
DA hike announcement: How salaries of Level 1-18 employees will rise after 2% dearness allowance hike
DA hike for central government employees: A 2% hike in DA will take it from its current rate of 58% to 60%. With this hike, dearness relief (DR) for pensioners has also been increased to 60%. The announcement is for January 2026 and central government employees and pensioners will get arrears from the back date.
Cabinet clears 2% DA hike as pay demands build ahead of 8th Pay Commission
Central government employees will see a 2% Dearness Allowance increase. This modest salary boost comes as employee unions push for significant pay restructuring. The National Council–Joint Consultative Machinery has proposed a higher fitment factor. This could substantially increase the minimum basic pay, impacting the overall salary structure.
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Cabinet meeting key decisions: Maritime insurance pool, DA hike for 1.18 crore government staff, new rail corridor among others
The Union Cabinet has approved significant decisions impacting infrastructure and social security. A new Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool will boost domestic capacity. Central government employees and pensioners will see a Dearness Allowance and Relief hike. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III receives an extension. A new rail corridor in Uttar Pradesh is also cleared, enhancing connectivity.
8th Pay Commission salary hike: Why NC-JCM wants minimum basic pay to rise from Rs 18,000 to Rs 69,000
8th Pay Commission pay hike: Employee unions calculate the minimum pay for an employee based on the rates of a food basket for a month. The food basket includes protein sources, dairy consumption, fruits, vegetables, spices and the things of daily use. The drafting committee of NC-JCM has also recommended for five family units instead of three.
BJP issues whip for MPs ahead of special parliament session
The BJP has issued a three-line whip to its MPs for a special three-day parliamentary session from April 16-18. The government is expected to introduce draft bills to implement the Women's Reservation Act before the 2029 polls. These bills aim to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816, with 273 reserved for women, making attendance mandatory for all MPs.
Digital First: Over 5.72 lakh households embrace self-enumeration as Census 2027 gains momentum
The landscape of data collection in India is evolving with the first digital census showing remarkable engagement. A staggering 5.72 lakh households have embraced the self-enumeration feature for Census 2027, marking a significant shift towards a more user-friendly means of participation.
Cabinet nod to Arunachal hydro projects, Jaipur metro
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for significant investments. Two major hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh will receive ₹40,150 crore. The Jaipur Metro Project Phase-2, a 41-km corridor with 36 stations, is cleared at over ₹13,000 crore. Additionally, the Rajasthan oil refinery project's cost has been increased to ₹79,459 crore.
Cabinet clears Rs 41,534 crore fertiliser subsidy for kharif 2026
The Union cabinet has approved nutrient-based subsidy rates for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the upcoming kharif 2026 season. An allocation of Rs 41,534 crore has been made to support farmers. This move aims to insulate farmers from global price volatility and ensure adequate fertiliser availability. The government is committed to maintaining a steady supply of fertilisers at reasonable prices.
Union Cabinet clears draft bill for amendments to Women Reservation Act
The Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill to amend the Women's Reservation Act. This amendment will increase Lok Sabha seats to 816, with 273 reserved for women. The new law is set to be implemented in the 2029 general elections. This move aims to enhance women's representation in Parliament and state assemblies.
Cabinet clears Rs 1.74 lakh crore projects; major push for HPCL Rajasthan refinery expansion and Jaipur Metro Phase 2
The Union Cabinet has approved significant proposals totaling Rs 1.74 lakh crore. These include substantial fertiliser support for farmers, expansion of the HPCL Rajasthan refinery, and development of the Jaipur Metro Phase 2. Two major hydropower projects are also cleared. These initiatives aim to boost energy security, urban mobility, and agricultural stability.
India begins its first digital census in 16 years and this time there's a big difference
India begins Census 2027 on April 1, 2026. This nationwide count is the first in 16 years and will be fully digital, using smartphones and online portals. For the first time since 1931, caste will be comprehensively enumerated. The census aims for faster data delivery and improved policy-making. This exercise will also generate significant employment opportunities across the country.
Census: Self-enumeration in Delhi from April 1; Phase 2 to cover fertility, migration data
Census 2027 data collection begins soon. Individual information remains confidential under law. The census will be conducted digitally in two phases. Phase one focuses on housing and assets. Phase two will gather demographic and socio-economic details. Caste enumeration is part of the second phase. Preparations are underway with instruction manuals and training.
CAPF Bill 2026 explained: What is the controversy & why are officers protesting? IPS quota, SC ruling and all you need to know
CAPF Bill 2026 Explained: A new Bill seeks to reserve top leadership roles in CAPFs for IPS officers. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling that recognised CAPF officers as equal to IAS, IPS, and IFS. Retired CAPF officers are protesting, demanding full implementation of the judgment. They argue that the Bill undermines fairness and expertise within the forces.
Unlocking $161 billion: What India must do to boost China exports
China is the world's second-largest importer after the US, with total imports valued at about $2.6 tn in 2024. Yet, India's share in China's imports stands at a mere 0.7%. These numbers point to an underexploited opportunity of considerable magnitude.
Centre releases Rs 1,561.53 core for 5 states under JJM 2.0 after reform-linked MoUs
The Jal Shakti ministry has released over Rs 1,500 crore for five states under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. This funding for the financial year 2025-26 follows states signing reform agreements. Uttar Pradesh receives the largest share. The mission aims for universal tap water access in rural areas by 2028. This initiative focuses on service delivery and sustainability.
Target set, aim, release: India sticks to climate course with NDC 3.0
India has updated its climate targets for 2031-35. The new goals aim for increased non-fossil fuel electricity, reduced emissions intensity, and a larger carbon sink. Despite initial perceptions of modesty, these targets reaffirm India's dedication to global climate efforts. The nation is ready to actively participate in tackling climate change, emphasizing collaboration among all stakeholders.
PM Modi to inaugurate semiconductor OSAT plant in Gujarat's Sanand on March 31
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Kaynes Semicon's OSAT facility in Sanand on March 31. This ₹3,300 crore project will produce 60 lakh chips daily. Sanand is transforming into India's first chip packaging cluster. This development is a significant step towards building a complete semiconductor ecosystem in India, from design to manufacturing.
Centre relaxes Land Border norms for BHEL tenders
India has removed guardrails for companies from neighboring countries bidding on Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) projects. A five-year relaxation from prior registration requirements has been granted for 21 critical items, allowing Chinese bidders to participate. This exemption covers advanced industrial materials not readily available domestically.
Union cabinet extends immigration, visa, foreigners registration & tracking scheme for another 5 years
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) scheme for five more years beyond March 2026, with a budget of ₹1,800 crore. This extension aims to strengthen and modernize the system to manage immigration and foreigners effectively, following the enactment of a new act.
UDAN scheme gets Rs 28,840 crore boost to expand regional air connectivity
The scheme subsidises airlines flying to remote destinations at fares capped by the government. Its performance has been uneven so far. Of the 649 routes where flights had been launched, only about half remain operational as some airlines stopped flights after the threeyear subsidy window closed. Of the viability gap funding, 80% comes from a Rs 6,500 levy imposed on each metro flight.
Cabinet clears Rs 30,640 crore package for connectivity, immigration revamp, climate targets
India is set to boost regional air travel with the revamped UDAN 2.0 scheme. This initiative will develop 100 new airports and 200 helipads, focusing on tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Additionally, the IVFRT 3.0 scheme will modernize immigration and visa processes. These combined efforts aim to improve connectivity and ease of travel for all.
Cabinet clears Rs 1,800 crore plan to modernise India's immigration system
The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,800 crore plan to modernize the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for five years from April 2026. This initiative aims to enhance immigration and visa services, bolster national security, and facilitate travel through advanced technology and streamlined processes.
Cabinet clears UDAN 2.0 with Rs 28,840 crore outlay; 100 new airports planned
The Union Cabinet has given its nod to the modified UDAN 2.0 scheme. This initiative aims to boost regional air connectivity across India. The plan includes developing 100 new airports and 200 modern helipads. This expansion will enhance aviation infrastructure, particularly in hilly and remote areas. The scheme has a significant outlay to drive these developments.
Questions on caste to be notified before second phase of Census 2027: Government
As we look towards the second phase of Census 2027, the government is set to unveil questions regarding caste identity. This extensive undertaking, with a budget allocation of ₹11,718 crore, will adopt a fully digital approach, covering both houselisting and population enumeration. Citizens will also have the convenience of self-enumeration.
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