Current Affairs For Examinations (CAFE) 2026

May 13, 2026

Explore the latest current affairs of 2026 with daily updates covering important developments from India and across the world. This section provides concise and reliable news on national events, international relations, economy, environment, science and technology, security, and government schemes. Carefully curated for UPSC, SSC, Banking, State PCS, and other competitive exam aspirants, these updates highlight key facts, policy changes, reports, and global developments that are frequently asked in exams. Each topic is explained in a clear and easy-to-understand format, helping readers quickly grasp the significance and exam relevance. From major government initiatives and economic reforms to environmental issues and international agreements, our current affairs coverage ensures you stay informed and exam-ready with accurate, timely, and structured information every day.

National News

1. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – Phase IV (PMGSY-IV)

Summary

• On 10 May 2026, Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – Phase IV (PMGSY-IV) at Bhairunda, Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh.
• The launch marks the silver jubilee (25 years) of one of India’s most transformative rural infrastructure programmes.
• PMGSY was originally launched on 25 December 2000 by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.
• Under PMGSY-IV, Madhya Pradesh received approval for 973 roads covering 2,117.52 km at an estimated cost of ₹1,763.08 crore, alongside a ₹2,055 crore “mother sanction” for rural housing under PMAY-G.

Background & Concept

What is PMGSY?

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a 100% centrally-sponsored scheme launched on 25 December 2000 under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). Its primary objective is to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations in India, thereby transforming rural mobility, market access, and socio-economic development.

The scheme has evolved through multiple phases, with PMGSY-IV being the latest, launched on its silver jubilee (25th anniversary).

Evolution of PMGSY (Phases):

• PMGSY-I (2000): Connected unconnected habitations with population 500+ in plains and 250+ in hilly, tribal, and desert areas through all-weather roads.
• PMGSY-II (2013): Focused on the upgradation of existing rural roads to improve their quality and durability.
• PMGSY-III (2019): Aimed at consolidating 1.25 lakh km of through routes and major rural links connecting habitations to GRAMs (Gramin Agricultural Markets), higher secondary schools, and hospitals.
• PMGSY-IV (2026): Targets the remaining unconnected habitations and continues upgradation with a focus on resilient, climate-friendly, and inclusive rural roads — especially in tribal and aspirational districts.
• Key Highlights of the PMGSY-IV Launch:
• The launch event combined a celebration of 25 years of PMGSY with major rural development announcements. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the following approvals for Madhya Pradesh under PMGSY-IV:
  • 973 roads sanctioned
  • 2,117.52 km of total road length
  • ₹1,763.08 crore estimated cost

In the Vidisha parliamentary constituency, a separate approval was given for 259 roads covering 600.393 km.

Under PM-JANMAN (for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations), road projects worth ₹261.81 crore covering 384.34 km were approved.

A ₹2,055 crore “mother sanction” under PMAY-G (rural housing) was handed over to CM Mohan Yadav.

Several large states were also felicitated for exceptional performance under PMGSY over its 25-year history.

Underlying Theme:

The launch reflects the government’s multi-front rural development push, combining rural roads (PMGSY), rural housing (PMAY-G), and tribal-specific outreach (PM-JANMAN) as converging pillars for inclusive rural transformation.

Significance:

PMGSY has been one of the most successful flagship programmes in rural India, transforming village economies, education access, healthcare reach, and market integration. The silver jubilee marks not just longevity but also a decisive shift from connectivity to quality, resilience, and inclusion.

Challenges:

Despite its successes, PMGSY faces issues like maintenance of existing roads, delayed completion in difficult terrain (LWE-affected and hilly areas), fund-flow constraints, and climate vulnerability of rural infrastructure. PMGSY-IV is expected to address these through green technology and convergence with other schemes.

Keywords & Definitions

• ▸ Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): A 100% centrally-sponsored scheme launched on 25 December 2000 by PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.
• ▸ All-Weather Road: A road that is passable in all seasons of the year, designed with cross-drainage structures to withstand rain, floods, and other climatic conditions.
• ▸ PMGSY-IV (2026): The fourth phase of PMGSY, launched on the scheme’s silver jubilee, focused on remaining unconnected habitations, upgradation, and inclusive, climate-resilient rural roads.
• ▸ Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD): The nodal ministry of the Government of India responsible for rural development programmes, including PMGSY, MGNREGS, PMAY-G, and DAY-NRLM.
• ▸ Shivraj Singh Chouhan: The Union Minister for Rural Development (since 2024), former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, who launched PMGSY-IV.
• ▸ Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The former Prime Minister of India (1998–2004) under whose leadership PMGSY was originally launched in 2000.
• ▸ Silver Jubilee: A commemoration marking the 25th anniversary of a programme, institution, or event.
• ▸ Mother Sanction: A bulk/umbrella sanction of a large amount of funds to a state, against which detailed project-wise sanctions are later issued.
• ▸ PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin): A flagship rural housing scheme launched in 2016 aimed at providing pucca houses with basic amenities to all rural homeless and households living in dilapidated houses.
• ▸ PM-JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan): A scheme launched in November 2023 to ensure the socio-economic welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through saturation of basic facilities.
• ▸ Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): A category of 75 tribal groups in India identified by the government as more vulnerable than other tribal communities, based on indicators like pre-agricultural technology, low literacy, and declining or stagnant population.
• ▸ Sehore District: A district in Madhya Pradesh, near Bhopal, where the PMGSY-IV launch event was held at Bhairunda.
• ▸ Vidisha Parliamentary Constituency: A Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh, historically represented by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sushma Swaraj, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• ▸ Centrally-Sponsored Scheme (CSS): A scheme funded jointly by the Centre and States, but implemented by State governments. PMGSY is unique in being 100% centrally funded initially, with later cost-sharing in subsequent phases.
• ▸ GRAMs (Gramin Agricultural Markets): Rural agricultural markets identified for upgradation to enable direct sale of farm produce by farmers — a key target of PMGSY-III.
• ▸ LWE-Affected Areas: Districts affected by Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalism), where road connectivity has been a special focus under PMGSY.
• ▸ Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP): A NITI Aayog programme launched in 2018 to transform 112 most under-developed districts through convergence, collaboration, and competition — many of which are PMGSY priority areas.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY):

• It was launched on 25 December 2000 by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• It is a 100% centrally-sponsored scheme in its original phase.
• It is implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. The PMGSY-IV was launched in May 2026 to mark which milestone of the scheme?

• (a) Golden Jubilee (50 years)
• (b) Silver Jubilee (25 years)
• (c) Platinum Jubilee (75 years)
• (d) Diamond Jubilee (60 years)

Q3. Under the original PMGSY-I, all-weather road connectivity was to be provided to unconnected habitations with a minimum population of:

• (a) 500 in plains and 250 in hilly/tribal/desert areas
• (b) 1,000 in plains and 500 in hilly/tribal areas
• (c) 250 in plains and 100 in hilly/tribal areas
• (d) 750 in plains and 300 in hilly/tribal areas

Q4. Which of the following schemes is specifically aimed at the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

• (a) PMAY-G
• (b) PM-KISAN
• (c) PM-JANMAN
• (d) DAY-NRLM

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding PMGSY-III (2019):

• It focused on the consolidation of through routes and major rural links.
• It connects habitations to GRAMs, higher secondary schools, and hospitals.
• It was the first phase of PMGSY focused on road upgradation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q6. PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin) is implemented by which Ministry?

• (a) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• (b) Ministry of Rural Development
• (c) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• (d) Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Q7. Which of the following best describes a “mother sanction” in the context of government schemes?

• (a) A special grant for women-headed households
• (b) A bulk/umbrella sanction of funds against which detailed project-wise approvals are later issued
• (c) A one-time disbursal to the Prime Minister’s Office
• (d) A constitutional grant under Article 275

Q8. Consider the following pairs of Rural Development Schemes and their launch years:

• PMGSY — 2000
• PMAY-G — 2016
• PM-JANMAN — 2023

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
• (d) None

Q9. The Vidisha parliamentary constituency, mentioned in the context of PMGSY-IV launch, is located in which state?

• (a) Uttar Pradesh
• (b) Madhya Pradesh
• (c) Chhattisgarh
• (d) Rajasthan

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — PMGSY is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), not the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

▸ Q2 → (b) Silver Jubilee (25 years)

• PMGSY-IV was launched on 10 May 2026 to mark the silver jubilee of the scheme — completing 25 years since its launch on 25 December 2000.

▸ Q3 → (a) 500 in plains and 250 in hilly/tribal/desert areas

• Under PMGSY-I, the connectivity target was set for habitations with 500+ population in plains and 250+ in hilly, tribal, and desert areas — a key benchmark for rural inclusion.

▸ Q4 → (c) PM-JANMAN

• PM-JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) was launched in November 2023 specifically for the welfare of PVTGs through saturation of basic facilities like roads, housing, water, and education.

▸ Q5 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — PMGSY-II (2013), not PMGSY-III, was the first phase focused on upgradation of existing rural roads.

▸ Q6 → (b) Ministry of Rural Development

• PMAY-G is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, while PMAY-U (Urban) falls under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

▸ Q7 → (b)

• A “mother sanction” is a bulk/umbrella approval of a large sum of funds, against which detailed project-wise sanctions are later issued — used for efficient and flexible disbursal.

▸ Q8 → (c) All three

• All three pairs are correctly matched — PMGSY (2000), PMAY-G (2016), PM-JANMAN (2023).

▸ Q9 → (b) Madhya Pradesh

• Vidisha is a Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency located in Madhya Pradesh, historically represented by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sushma Swaraj, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

2. The National Jute Board (NJB) & Jute Crop Information System (JCIS)

Source: PIB

Summary

• The National Jute Board (NJB) has expanded the implementation of the Jute Crop Information System (JCIS) — a technology-driven digital platform developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Jute Corporation of India (JCI).
• The system is designed to modernise crop monitoring in India’s jute sector.
• It replaces fragmented manual reporting with a geo-referenced, satellite-driven, evidence-based monitoring framework.
• The platform integrates ISRO’s satellite imagery, vegetation indices, weather analytics, and smart sampling to deliver accurate estimates of area, yield, and production.
• Key tools include BHUVAN JUMP (mobile app) and PATSAN (web-based analytics platform).

Background & Concept

What is the National Jute Board (NJB)?

The National Jute Board (NJB) is the apex body under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, responsible for the promotion and development of the jute sector. It was established under the National Jute Board Act, 2008, and was formally enacted on 12 February 2009. The NJB works for production, marketing, research, and welfare of all stakeholders — from jute farmers to mill workers and traders.

What is the Jute Crop Information System (JCIS)?

The JCIS is a next-generation digital platform for real-time monitoring of India’s jute crop. It was developed by the NJB in collaboration with ISRO and JCI, and it marks a decisive shift from manual, paper-based reporting to a technology-driven, evidence-based system.

The JCIS integrates satellite remote sensing, geo-tagging, vegetation indices, weather data, and smart sampling to provide accurate, location-specific information on jute cultivation.

Aim of JCIS:

The system is designed to improve accuracy of estimates relating to jute area, yield, and production. It also enables targeted policy interventions by the government and ensures rapid response to environmental shocks like floods, droughts, and pest outbreaks. By providing real-time evidence, JCIS supports both farmer welfare and strategic decision-making.

Key Digital Tools:

The BHUVAN JUMP mobile app is used by the I-CARE field network for geo-tagged field data collection at the farm level. It leverages ISRO’s BHUVAN platform — India’s indigenous geospatial portal. The PATSAN is a web-based analytics platform used for surveillance, production assessment, and reporting.

Core Features of the System:

The platform combines several advanced features. It integrates ISRO satellite imagery with vegetation indices like NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) to monitor crop health. It uses smart sampling for Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE), which traditionally form the statistical basis for yield estimation. Real-time weather analytics generate early-warning alerts for floods, droughts, and abnormal temperatures. The platform includes flood impact models for rapid damage assessment, and it enables automated reporting between state and national agencies, reducing lag and human error.

Significance:

India is the largest producer of jute in the world, with West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam as the major producing states. Jute is often called the “Golden Fibre” of India because of its economic and ecological value. The JCIS strengthens India’s agricultural digital infrastructure, supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, and aligns with the Digital India mission. It also helps achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Challenges:

The jute sector still faces challenges like declining acreage, competition from synthetic substitutes, fluctuating prices, climate change vulnerability, and low mechanisation. The JCIS, by improving data accuracy and policy responsiveness, can play a vital role in reviving and modernising the sector.

Keywords & Definitions

• ▸ National Jute Board (NJB): The apex body under the Ministry of Textiles responsible for the development of India’s jute sector. Established under the National Jute Board Act, 2008, formally enacted on 12 February 2009.
• ▸ National Jute Board Act, 2008: The parliamentary legislation that established the NJB for the promotion of jute and jute products in India.
• ▸ Jute Crop Information System (JCIS): A digital, satellite-driven platform for real-time monitoring of jute cultivation, developed by NJB in collaboration with ISRO and JCI.
• ▸ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): India’s national space agency, established in 1969, headquartered in Bengaluru, functioning under the Department of Space.
• ▸ Jute Corporation of India (JCI): A public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Textiles, established in 1971, primarily for Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations in the jute sector.
• ▸ BHUVAN Platform: India’s indigenous geospatial portal developed by ISRO, providing satellite imagery and mapping tools for various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
• ▸ BHUVAN JUMP: A mobile application built on the BHUVAN platform, used by the I-CARE field network for geo-tagged jute field data collection.
• ▸ PATSAN: A web-based analytics platform under JCIS for surveillance, monitoring, and production assessment of jute crops.
• ▸ NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index): A satellite-based vegetation index that measures plant health and density using near-infrared and red light reflection.
• ▸ Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE): Scientific field experiments conducted to estimate the yield of a particular crop in a specific area; the statistical basis for crop production estimates and insurance settlements.
• ▸ Smart Sampling: A technology-driven sampling technique that uses GIS, satellite imagery, and statistical modelling to select representative plots for surveys and CCEs.
• ▸ Geo-tagging: The process of adding geographical coordinates (latitude/longitude) to digital data, ensuring location-specific accuracy.
• ▸ Vegetation Index: A numerical indicator derived from remote sensing to assess vegetation health, biomass, and canopy cover.
• ▸ Early-Warning System (EWS): A monitoring and alert system that provides timely information about natural hazards like floods, droughts, or pest outbreaks to enable proactive response.
• ▸ Jute: A long, soft, shiny natural vegetable fibre spun into coarse, strong threads. Known as the “Golden Fibre” for its economic value and eco-friendly nature.
• ▸ Golden Fibre: A popular name for jute, reflecting its golden colour, economic importance, and sustainable character.
• ▸ Major Jute Producing States in India: West Bengal (largest), Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
• ▸ Ministry of Textiles: The nodal ministry of the Government of India for the textile and apparel sector, including jute, cotton, silk, wool, and handlooms/handicrafts.
• ▸ I-CARE: An initiative for Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise in jute, supporting scientific cultivation practices among jute farmers.
• ▸ Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Government of India’s self-reliance vision, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities and reducing import dependence across sectors.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. Consider the following statements about the National Jute Board (NJB):

• It functions under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
• It was established under the National Jute Board Act, 2008.
• It is a constitutional body.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. The Jute Crop Information System (JCIS) was developed by the National Jute Board in collaboration with which of the following organisations?

• ISRO
• Jute Corporation of India (JCI)
• NABARD
• FAO

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. BHUVAN, used in BHUVAN JUMP mobile app, is a flagship geospatial platform developed by which agency?

• (a) National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under ISRO
• (b) Survey of India
• (c) MeitY
• (d) NABARD

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Jute Corporation of India (JCI):

• It was established in 1971.
• It functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• It is responsible for MSP operations in the jute sector.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q5. Which of the following is the largest producer of jute in India?

• (a) Bihar
• (b) Assam
• (c) West Bengal
• (d) Odisha

Q6. The NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), integrated into the JCIS, is primarily used to measure:

• (a) Soil moisture content
• (b) Plant health and vegetation density
• (c) Rainfall intensity
• (d) Atmospheric pollution levels

Q7. Consider the following features of the Jute Crop Information System (JCIS):

• Integration of ISRO satellite imagery and vegetation indices.
• Smart sampling for Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE).
• Early-warning alerts for floods, droughts, and temperature anomalies.
• Manual paper-based village-level reporting.

How many of the above are core features of JCIS?

• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) Only three
• (d) All four

Q8. Jute is popularly known as the “Golden Fibre” because of its:

• (a) Use in producing gold-coloured currency
• (b) Golden colour, economic value, and eco-friendly nature
• (c) Trade in gold markets
• (d) High market price compared to other crops

Q9. Which of the following ministries is the nodal ministry for the National Jute Board (NJB)?

• (a) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• (b) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• (c) Ministry of Textiles
• (d) Ministry of Rural Development

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — the NJB is a statutory body established under the National Jute Board Act, 2008, not a constitutional body.

▸ Q2 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• The JCIS was developed by the NJB in collaboration with ISRO (for satellite imagery and BHUVAN platform) and the Jute Corporation of India (JCI). NABARD and FAO are not part of the JCIS development.

▸ Q3 → (a) National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under ISRO

• BHUVAN is India’s indigenous geospatial portal developed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a unit of ISRO, providing satellite imagery and mapping tools across sectors.

▸ Q4 → (c) 1 and 3 only

• Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong — the JCI functions under the Ministry of Textiles, not the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

▸ Q5 → (c) West Bengal

• West Bengal is the largest producer of jute in India, accounting for the bulk of the country’s production, followed by Bihar and Assam.

▸ Q6 → (b) Plant health and vegetation density

• NDVI is a satellite-derived index that measures vegetation health and density by analysing the near-infrared and red light reflection from plants. Healthy vegetation reflects more near-infrared light, giving higher NDVI values.

▸ Q7 → (c) Only three

• The first three are core features of JCIS. The fourth — manual, paper-based village-level reporting — is precisely what JCIS replaces with a digital, geo-referenced, satellite-driven system.

▸ Q8 → (b) Golden colour, economic value, and eco-friendly nature

• Jute is called the “Golden Fibre” because of its golden-brown colour, its economic significance to lakhs of farmers, and its biodegradable, eco-friendly nature — increasingly important in a sustainability-focused world.

▸ Q9 → (c) Ministry of Textiles

The National Jute Board (NJB) functions as the apex body under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, which is the nodal ministry for the textile and apparel sector.

3. SEHAT Mission

Source: PIB

Summary

• In May 2026, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan led the groundbreaking and inauguration of the Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site in Naktideul Block of Sambalpur district, Odisha.
• The Government of India has sanctioned over ₹8.30 crore for the site.
• The visit was wrapped around a larger development push for western Odisha, with the Minister inaugurating or laying foundation stones for 304 projects.
• Key flagship project: A new Nursing College at Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital with a ₹580 crore investment.
• The Panchayati Raj Samikshya Portal was launched to promote transparency in rural governance.
• The visit bundled eco-tourism, education, healthcare, governance, and housing into a single integrated push for western Odisha.

Background & Concept

What is the Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site?

The Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site, located in the Naktideul Block of Sambalpur district, is being developed as a dedicated eco-heritage destination in western Odisha. With a central government sanction of over ₹8.30 crore, the site is conceived as a convergence of ecology, heritage, and tourism — aimed at promoting sustainable eco-tourism, conserving the local biodiversity, and showcasing the tribal and cultural heritage of the region.

About the Broader Development Push:

The inauguration was part of a larger integrated development outreach to western Odisha, a region historically associated with tribal communities, agriculture, and natural resources, but often facing developmental gaps compared to coastal Odisha. The Union Minister inaugurated or laid foundation stones for 304 projects, signalling a multi-sectoral push.

Key Projects Announced:

The flagship project is the new Nursing College at Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital, with an investment of ₹580 crore — a significant boost to healthcare manpower and medical education in the region. The college is named after Bhima Bhoi, the revered 19th-century Odia poet, social reformer, and Mahima sect leader.

A major governance reform was the launch of the Panchayati Raj Samikshya Portal, designed to bring transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring to rural governance through digital review of panchayat-level schemes and finances.

State-Level Welfare Announcements:

The Chief Minister of Odisha announced several welfare measures, including the issuance of work orders to more than 50,000 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana (AGY) — Odisha’s flagship rural housing scheme. Additionally, 10 lakh new houses were approved for Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) — a major boost for rural housing in the state.

Sectoral Convergence Theme:

The visit reflected a bundled multi-sectoral approach, integrating:

Eco-tourism (Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site), Education (304 projects, Nursing College), Healthcare (Bhima Bhoi Medical College & Hospital), Governance (Panchayati Raj Samikshya Portal), and Housing (AGY & PMAY benefits).

Significance:

This integrated development model signals a shift from siloed scheme implementation to convergence-based area development, especially in aspirational and tribal-dominated districts. It also strengthens India’s commitments under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Keywords & Definitions

• ▸ Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site: A new eco-heritage destination being developed in Naktideul Block, Sambalpur district, Odisha, with a GoI sanction of ₹8.30 crore, aimed at promoting sustainable eco-tourism and heritage conservation.
• ▸ Eco Heritage Site: A protected area that combines ecological conservation with the preservation of cultural and historical heritage, promoting responsible eco-tourism.
• ▸ Sambalpur District: A district in western Odisha, known for the Hirakud Dam, Sambalpuri textiles, and rich tribal culture.
• ▸ Naktideul Block: A community development block within Sambalpur district, where the Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site is located.
• ▸ Dharmendra Pradhan: The Union Minister of Education (since 2021), Government of India, and a senior leader from Odisha.
• ▸ Bhima Bhoi: A 19th-century Odia poet, social reformer, and saint associated with the Mahima Dharma sect, known for his contributions to Odia literature and tribal social reform. The new Medical College and Hospital in western Odisha is named after him.
• ▸ Mahima Dharma: A socio-religious reform movement in 19th-century Odisha, founded by Mahima Swami, emphasising monotheism, equality, and rejection of caste hierarchies.
• ▸ Panchayati Raj Samikshya Portal: A digital platform launched to bring transparency, accountability, and real-time review of panchayat-level governance, schemes, and finances.
• ▸ Panchayati Raj System: India’s three-tier system of local self-government in rural areas, constitutionally formalised through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
• ▸ Antyodaya Gruha Yojana (AGY): Odisha’s flagship state-funded rural housing scheme, aimed at providing pucca houses to the poorest of the poor families not covered under central schemes.
• ▸ Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): The Government of India’s flagship housing scheme with two components — PMAY-G (Gramin) for rural areas (launched 2016) and PMAY-U (Urban) for urban areas.
• ▸ PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin): A centrally-sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development aimed at providing pucca houses with basic amenities to all rural homeless and households living in dilapidated houses.
• ▸ Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital: A medical college and hospital in western Odisha named after the revered saint Bhima Bhoi; now being expanded with a new Nursing College (₹580 crore investment).
• ▸ Western Odisha: A region of Odisha comprising districts like Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, and Sundargarh, historically marked by tribal populations, agriculture, and developmental gaps.
• ▸ Foundation Stone Laying: A symbolic and official ceremony marking the commencement of construction of a public project.
• ▸ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals adopted by all UN member states in 2015 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing poverty, health, education, environment, and inequality.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site:

• It is located in the Naktideul Block of Sambalpur district, Odisha.
• The Government of India has sanctioned over ₹8.30 crore for its development.
• It was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. The new Nursing College inaugurated in western Odisha in May 2026 is attached to which medical institution?

• (a) Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences
• (b) Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital
• (c) AIIMS Bhubaneswar
• (d) SCB Medical College and Hospital

Q3. Bhima Bhoi, after whom the medical college in western Odisha is named, is best known as:

• (a) A freedom fighter from coastal Odisha
• (b) A 19th-century Odia poet, social reformer, and saint of the Mahima Dharma sect
• (c) A 20th-century industrialist of Sambalpur
• (d) A classical Odissi dancer of the Mughal era

Q4. The Panchayati Raj Samikshya Portal, launched during the visit, is primarily aimed at:

• (a) Recruitment of panchayat staff
• (b) Transparency and real-time review of rural governance
• (c) Electoral roll preparation for panchayat elections
• (d) Constructing panchayat buildings

Q5. Antyodaya Gruha Yojana (AGY) is a flagship housing scheme of which state government?

• (a) Madhya Pradesh
• (b) Chhattisgarh
• (c) Odisha
• (d) Jharkhand

Q6. Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):

• It has two components — PMAY-G for rural areas and PMAY-U for urban areas.
• PMAY-G is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• PMAY-U is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q7. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which formalised the Panchayati Raj system in India, was passed in which year?

• (a) 1985
• (b) 1992
• (c) 1996
• (d) 2002

Q8. Consider the following pairs of scheme/portal and focus area:

• PMAY-G — Rural Housing
• Antyodaya Gruha Yojana — Odisha’s rural housing
• Panchayati Raj Samikshya Portal — Transparency in rural governance

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
• (d) None

Q9. Western Odisha, where the development push was launched, comprises districts such as:

• Sambalpur
• Bolangir
• Kalahandi
• Puri

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — the site was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, not the Minister for Tribal Affairs.

▸ Q2 → (b) Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital

• The new Nursing College with a ₹580 crore investment is attached to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital, named after the revered Odia saint-poet Bhima Bhoi.

▸ Q3 → (b)

• Bhima Bhoi was a 19th-century Odia poet, social reformer, and saint associated with the Mahima Dharma sect, which preached monotheism, equality, and rejection of caste hierarchies.

▸ Q4 → (b) Transparency and real-time review of rural governance

• The Panchayati Raj Samikshya Portal is designed to bring transparency, accountability, and real-time digital monitoring of panchayat-level schemes and finances.

▸ Q5 → (c) Odisha

• Antyodaya Gruha Yojana (AGY) is Odisha’s flagship state-funded rural housing scheme, targeting the poorest of the poor families not covered under central housing schemes.

▸ Q6 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — PMAY-U is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, not the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

▸ Q7 → (b) 1992

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was passed in 1992 (came into force in 1993) and formalised the three-tier Panchayati Raj system by adding Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution.

▸ Q8 → (c) All three

• All three pairs are correctly matched — PMAY-G (rural housing), AGY (Odisha’s rural housing), and Panchayati Raj Samikshya Portal (transparency in rural governance).

▸ Q9 → (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

• Sambalpur, Bolangir, and Kalahandi are part of western Odisha. Puri is a coastal Odisha district, not part of the western Odisha region.

Banking and Finance News

1. Retail Inflation Climbs to 13-Month High in April 2026

Source: TH

Summary

• India’s retail inflation rose to a 13-month high of 3.5% in April 2026, up from 3.4% in March 2026.
• April was the first full month after the outbreak of the West Asia conflict, which pushed up global oil prices.
• The uptick was driven primarily by food inflation (4.0%) and a sharp rise in restaurant and accommodation prices (4.2%) — up from 2.9% in March.
• Transport inflation eased to nearly zero (-0.01%) despite goods transportation costs rising 7.6%, due to softer passenger transport-service prices.
• The reading remains comfortably within the RBI’s flexible inflation-targeting band of 4% ± 2%, but upside risks from geopolitics, crude oil, and El Niño loom.

Background & Concept

What is Retail Inflation (CPI)?

Retail inflation in India is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the change in the price level of a basket of goods and services consumed by households. It is officially released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Retail inflation directly affects household purchasing power, interest rate decisions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and overall macroeconomic stability.

Why Is the April 2026 Number Significant?

The April 2026 CPI reading of 3.5% is a 13-month high, marking the highest inflation level since March 2025. While the increase is modest in absolute terms, the direction of movement signals a possible shift in price dynamics, especially because it follows the outbreak of the West Asia conflict and rising crude oil prices.

Sub-Category Breakdown:

The biggest contributors were food and beverages, which rose to 4.0% from 3.7% in March, reflecting higher prices of cereals, pulses, edible oils, and vegetables. The sharpest jump was in restaurant and accommodation services, which surged from 2.9% to 4.2%, as eateries passed on higher fuel costs (LPG, transport) to consumers.

Interestingly, the transport sector recorded a slight deflation of –0.01%, mainly because passenger transport services (taxi, auto, airline) cooled off. However, transportation of goods rose by 7.6%, indicating that input cost pressures are still building up in the supply chain.

Why Was the Reading Softer Than Expected?

The market had anticipated a higher number due to the West Asia conflict and crude prices above $100/barrel. The actual reading came in softer than expected, largely because:

The government’s intervention in essential commodity prices (rice, wheat, onions) helped contain food inflation. The deflation in passenger transport offset the rise in goods transport. The base effect also played a moderating role, since prices a year ago were already elevated.

Upside Risks to Inflation:

Several risks could push inflation higher in the coming months. Geopolitical tensions in West Asia threaten global oil supply chains. Crude oil prices above $100/barrel directly impact petrol, diesel, transport, and food costs. An emerging El Niño pattern raises the risk of a deficient monsoon, which could lead to food inflation spikes, especially in pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables.

Expert Commentary:

Upasna Bhardwaj (Kotak Mahindra Bank) called the print softer than expected but warned that the outlook remains clouded. Madan Sabnavis (Bank of Baroda) echoed similar sentiment. Rajni Thakur (L&T Finance) flagged the divergence between services and goods transport within the transport sub-index, indicating uneven cost transmission across the economy.

RBI’s Inflation Targeting Framework:

Under the Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework introduced in 2016, the RBI is mandated to maintain CPI inflation at 4%, with a tolerance band of ±2% (i.e., 2% to 6%). At 3.5%, India’s inflation remains comfortably within the target, but the trend matters more than the level — sustained upward movement could trigger a monetary policy response, including a pause or reversal of rate cuts.

Significance:

The print is a mixed signal — it offers near-term comfort but warning lights for the medium term. It also showcases the sensitivity of Indian inflation to external shocks, especially oil prices and monsoon performance. Sustained vigilance is needed from both fiscal and monetary authorities to anchor inflation expectations.

Keywords & Definitions

• ▸ Retail Inflation (CPI): The rate of change in the prices of a basket of goods and services consumed by households, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and released monthly by NSO under MoSPI.
• ▸ Consumer Price Index (CPI): A statistical measure that tracks the change in retail prices of a representative basket of goods and services. CPI (Combined) is the headline inflation indicator used by the RBI.
• ▸ National Statistical Office (NSO): The central statistical agency under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), responsible for CPI, GDP, IIP, and other key indicators.
• ▸ Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI): The nodal ministry for statistical data, surveys, and programme monitoring in India.
• ▸ Reserve Bank of India (RBI): India’s central bank, established in 1935, responsible for monetary policy, currency issuance, financial system regulation, and inflation targeting.
• ▸ Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT): A monetary policy framework adopted in 2016 under the amended RBI Act, where the RBI is mandated to maintain CPI inflation at 4%, with a tolerance band of ±2%.
• ▸ Inflation Targeting Band: The statutory range within which the RBI must keep retail inflation — currently 2% to 6% under FIT.
• ▸ Headline Inflation: The overall inflation rate based on the full CPI basket, including food and fuel, which are typically the most volatile components.
• ▸ Core Inflation: Inflation excluding food and fuel components, used as a measure of underlying price pressures in the economy.
• ▸ Food Inflation: Inflation in the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), covering cereals, pulses, vegetables, milk, eggs, meat, fish, and edible oils.
• ▸ Base Effect: The impact of the comparison base (price level a year ago) on the current inflation rate — a high base year typically produces lower current inflation, and vice versa.
• ▸ El Niño: A climate phenomenon marked by unusual warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, often associated with deficient monsoon rainfall in India and food price volatility.
• ▸ West Asia Conflict: A geopolitical confrontation in the West Asian region (Middle East), which directly affects global oil prices and shipping routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal.
• ▸ Crude Oil Price: The international price of crude oil, typically benchmarked against Brent Crude or WTI. Crucial for India since the country imports over 85% of its crude needs.
• ▸ Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): A six-member statutory committee of the RBI that sets the repo rate to achieve the inflation target. Comprises 3 RBI members and 3 external members.
• ▸ Repo Rate: The rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks; the principal monetary policy tool for influencing inflation and growth.
• ▸ Restaurant and Accommodation Services: A services sub-category of the CPI basket, covering food eaten out, hotels, and lodging. Highly sensitive to fuel and transport costs.
• ▸ Passenger Transport Services: A sub-component of the transport index covering taxis, autos, buses, railways, and airfares.
• ▸ Goods Transportation: A sub-component covering the cost of moving goods by road, rail, sea, and air — closely linked to diesel prices and supply chain efficiency.
• ▸ Inflation Expectations: The public’s anticipation of future inflation, which influences wage demands, pricing decisions, and savings behaviour — a key target of central bank communication.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. Consider the following statements about India’s retail inflation measurement:

• It is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• The data is released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The National Statistical Office (NSO) compiles and publishes the CPI data.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1 and 3 only
• (c) 2 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Under the Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework, the RBI is mandated to maintain CPI inflation at:

• (a) 2% with a tolerance band of ±1%
• (b) 3% with a tolerance band of ±2%
• (c) 4% with a tolerance band of ±2%
• (d) 5% with a tolerance band of ±3%

Q3. The Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework in India was formally adopted in which year?

• (a) 2014
• (b) 2015
• (c) 2016
• (d) 2018

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the April 2026 CPI data:

• The headline retail inflation rose to a 13-month high of 3.5%.
• The sharpest jump was recorded in the restaurant and accommodation services category.
• Transport inflation witnessed a slight deflation despite rising goods transportation costs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q5. Which of the following is not included in core inflation?

• (a) Education services
• (b) Housing
• (c) Food and fuel
• (d) Clothing

Q6. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the RBI consists of how many members?

• (a) 4
• (b) 5
• (c) 6
• (d) 8

Q7. Which of the following can act as an upside risk to India’s retail inflation?

• Geopolitical tensions in West Asia
• Crude oil prices above $100/barrel
• Emerging El Niño pattern
• Easing global supply chains

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q8. El Niño, frequently mentioned in inflation forecasts, is associated with:

• (a) Unusual cooling of the Pacific Ocean
• (b) Unusual warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean
• (c) Warming of the Indian Ocean Dipole
• (d) Cyclonic disturbances in the Bay of Bengal

Q9. Consider the following statements about CPI in India:

• CPI (Combined) is the headline inflation indicator used by the RBI.
• CFPI (Consumer Food Price Index) is a sub-component of CPI focused on food items.
• CPI inflation above the RBI’s 6% upper tolerance band for three consecutive quarters is treated as a failure to meet the inflation target.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (b) 1 and 3 only

• Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong — CPI data is released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), not the RBI. The RBI uses this data for monetary policy decisions.

▸ Q2 → (c) 4% with a tolerance band of ±2%

• Under the Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework, the RBI is mandated to maintain CPI inflation at 4%, with a tolerance band of ±2% — meaning between 2% and 6%.

▸ Q3 → (c) 2016

• The Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework was formally adopted in 2016 through an amendment to the RBI Act, 1934, also establishing the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

▸ Q4 → (d) 1, 2 and 3

• All three statements are correct — retail inflation hit a 13-month high of 3.5%, the sharpest jump was in restaurant and accommodation services (4.2%), and transport inflation turned slightly deflationary (–0.01%) despite a 7.6% rise in goods transportation costs.

▸ Q5 → (c) Food and fuel

• Core inflation is defined as inflation excluding food and fuel components — the most volatile parts of the CPI basket. Education, housing, and clothing are part of the core CPI basket.

▸ Q6 → (c) 6

• The MPC of the RBI is a six-member statutory committee, with 3 members from the RBI (including the Governor as Chairperson) and 3 external members appointed by the Government.

▸ Q7 → (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

• The first three are upside risks. Easing global supply chains would actually be a downside risk to inflation (i.e., it would reduce inflationary pressure), not an upside risk.

▸ Q8 → (b) Unusual warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean

• El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterised by the unusual warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, often associated with deficient monsoon rainfall in India and food inflation spikes.

▸ Q9 → (d) 1, 2 and 3

• All three statements are correct — CPI (Combined) is the headline indicator, CFPI is a sub-component of CPI for food items, and inflation outside the 2–6% band for three consecutive quarters is treated as failure to meet the inflation target, requiring the RBI to submit a report to Parliament explaining the reasons.

2. GARUDA Mechanism

Source: BS

Summary

• In May 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a new regulatory framework — formally christened the GARUDA Mechanism.
• GARUDA stands for Green-Channel: Alternative Investment Funds Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement.
• It aims to accelerate the launch and approval process of Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) schemes in India.
• The framework will streamline the processing of Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs) filed with SEBI and significantly cut the waiting period for AIF scheme launches.
• It marks a shift from upfront regulatory approval to a disclosure-led, risk-based post-launch sample scrutiny model.

Background & Concept

What is the GARUDA Mechanism?

The GARUDA Mechanism is a proposed regulatory framework by SEBI to fast-track the launch of AIF schemes in India. Released through a discussion paper for public comments in May 2026, the framework introduces a “green-channel” route for AIFs to roll out schemes upon document acknowledgement, rather than waiting for multi-week prior approval.

The name itself signals the policy intent: a swift, light-touch, disclosure-led pathway designed to reduce regulatory friction in fundraising and capital deployment.

What are Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)?

Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are privately pooled investment vehicles registered with SEBI under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. Unlike mutual funds, AIFs invest in non-traditional asset classes like private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, real estate, infrastructure, and distressed assets.

AIFs are categorised into three categories:

Category I: Funds investing in start-ups, SMEs, infrastructure, and socially desirable sectors (e.g., Venture Capital, SME Funds, Social Impact Funds).

Category II: Funds that do not undertake leverage other than for day-to-day operations (e.g., Private Equity Funds, Debt Funds).

Category III: Funds employing complex trading strategies and leverage, such as Hedge Funds.

Why Was GARUDA Needed?

AIFs have grown rapidly in India, but regulatory delays in approving Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs) had become a bottleneck for fund managers, investors, and capital deployment. The traditional process took up to 30 working days, slowing down the launch of new schemes and reducing India’s attractiveness as a global alternative investment destination.

The GARUDA Mechanism is designed to align India’s framework with global best practices, where AIFs, being products for sophisticated investors, generally require lower upfront regulatory friction.

Proposed Changes in Waiting Periods:

For Non-Accredited Investor schemes, the waiting period is proposed to be cut from 30 working days to 10 working days. For Angel Funds and Accredited Investor (AI)-Only schemes, launches will be permitted almost immediately after filing, given that these schemes target highly sophisticated investors.

For first-time schemes, launch permission will be granted either from the SEBI registration date or 10 working days after filing — whichever is later.

Background Data on AIF Sector:

The Indian AIF sector has witnessed explosive growth over the past few years. The number of AIFs has grown from 732 in March 2021 to 1,849 in March 2026. Total AIF commitments stand at ₹15.74 lakh crore (over $150 billion). The number of accredited investors has surged from 649 in May 2025 to 2,773 in April 2026 — a 327% rise, reflecting deepening investor sophistication.

This rapid growth has made AIFs a major source of risk capital for start-ups, infrastructure, and high-growth sectors.

Underlying Regulatory Approach:

The GARUDA Mechanism reflects SEBI’s paradigm shift — moving from upfront, prior-approval regulation to a disclosure-based, risk-calibrated post-launch supervision model. This is consistent with how mature jurisdictions like the US (SEC) and UK (FCA) regulate alternative investments.

Significance:

The mechanism is expected to boost AIF growth, deepen Indian capital markets, support start-up funding and infrastructure investment, attract foreign institutional capital, and reduce the time-to-market for fund managers. It also aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions of building a mature, resilient, capital-rich financial system.

Challenges:

The faster launch process will require strong post-launch surveillance, risk-based sampling of PPMs, investor education, and robust grievance redressal to prevent mis-selling. SEBI will also need to ensure that lighter approvals do not translate into lighter disclosures — the core protection for investors.

Keywords & Definitions

• ▸ GARUDA Mechanism: A proposed SEBI framework (May 2026) — Green-Channel: Alternative Investment Funds Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement — to fast-track the launch of AIF schemes.
• ▸ Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): The statutory regulator of India’s securities and capital markets, established in 1988 and given statutory powers under the SEBI Act, 1992. Headquartered in Mumbai.
• ▸ Alternative Investment Fund (AIF): A privately pooled investment vehicle registered with SEBI under the AIF Regulations, 2012, investing in non-traditional asset classes like private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, etc.
• ▸ AIF Categories (SEBI):
  • Category I: Start-ups, SMEs, infrastructure, social impact (e.g., VC funds).
  • Category II: Private equity and debt funds without significant leverage.
  • Category III: Hedge funds using complex strategies and leverage.
• ▸ Private Placement Memorandum (PPM): A detailed offer document filed by AIFs with SEBI, disclosing investment strategy, risk factors, fee structures, and governance — central to the AIF approval process.
• ▸ Accredited Investor (AI): A category of sophisticated investors with higher net worth and income thresholds, eligible for lighter regulatory protections in specified investment products.
• ▸ Angel Fund: A sub-category of Category I AIFs under the AIF Regulations, 2012, that invests in early-stage start-ups, typically funded by high-net-worth “angel” investors.
• ▸ Venture Capital (VC) Fund: A sub-category of Category I AIFs that invests primarily in early-stage, high-growth start-ups in technology, healthcare, and other emerging sectors.
• ▸ Private Equity (PE) Fund: A fund that invests in established but unlisted companies, typically aiming for value creation and exit through IPOs or strategic sales.
• ▸ Hedge Fund: A pooled investment fund that uses complex strategies — including leverage, derivatives, and short selling — to generate higher returns. Falls under Category III AIF in India.
• ▸ Green-Channel Approval: A fast-track regulatory pathway with minimal upfront scrutiny, used to expedite approvals based on trust, disclosure, and post-launch supervision.
• ▸ Disclosure-Led Regulation: A regulatory philosophy that relies on transparent, full disclosure by issuers to investors and the market, rather than upfront merit-based approval by regulators.
• ▸ Risk-Based Supervision: A regulatory approach that allocates supervisory resources based on the risk profile of regulated entities and products, rather than uniform scrutiny.
• ▸ Post-Launch Sample Scrutiny: A method where regulators review a sample of launched schemes for compliance after launch, instead of pre-vetting every scheme upfront.
• ▸ Capital Deployment: The process of investing pooled funds into target companies, sectors, or projects.
• ▸ AIF Regulations, 2012: The SEBI regulations that govern the registration, categorisation, operations, and disclosures of Alternative Investment Funds in India.
• ▸ SEBI Act, 1992: The statutory law that gave SEBI regulatory powers over the securities market, including enforcement, investigation, and adjudication authority.
• ▸ Capital Markets: The financial markets where long-term securities like equity, debt, and derivatives are traded — divided into primary (new issuance) and secondary (trading) markets.
• ▸ Mutual Fund vs AIF: Mutual Funds are publicly pooled, retail-oriented, and strictly regulated vehicles. AIFs are privately pooled, target sophisticated investors, and follow lighter regulation with higher risk-return profiles.
• ▸ SEC (US Securities and Exchange Commission): The US capital market regulator, often a global benchmark for disclosure-led regulation.
• ▸ FCA (UK Financial Conduct Authority): The UK’s financial markets regulator, which follows a risk-based, principles-based regulatory framework.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. What does the acronym GARUDA in SEBI’s GARUDA Mechanism stand for?

• (a) Government Approved Regulation for Underwriting and Disclosure of Assets
• (b) Green-Channel: Alternative Investment Funds Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement
• (c) General Acknowledgement for Registered Underwriters and Direct Allotments
• (d) Guaranteed Approval Route for Universal Direct Allocation

Q2. Consider the following statements about Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in India:

• They are privately pooled investment vehicles registered with SEBI.
• They are governed by the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.
• Mutual Funds are also a category of AIFs under SEBI regulations.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Under the proposed GARUDA Mechanism, the waiting period for Non-Accredited Investor schemes is proposed to be reduced from:

• (a) 45 days to 15 days
• (b) 30 working days to 10 working days
• (c) 60 working days to 20 working days
• (d) 15 days to 5 working days

Q4. Which of the following are categorised as Category I AIFs by SEBI?

• Venture Capital Funds
• Angel Funds
• Infrastructure Funds
• Hedge Funds

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian AIF sector:

• The number of AIFs grew from 732 in March 2021 to 1,849 in March 2026.
• Total AIF commitments stand at ₹15.74 lakh crore (over $150 billion).
• The number of accredited investors has decreased over the last year.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q6. SEBI, the regulator behind the GARUDA Mechanism, was established as a statutory body under which Act?

• (a) Companies Act, 1956
• (b) SEBI Act, 1992
• (c) Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
• (d) Depositories Act, 1996

Q7. A Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) is best described as:

• (a) A statutory tax filing by AIFs with the CBDT
• (b) A detailed offer document filed by AIFs with SEBI, disclosing investment strategy, risk, and governance
• (c) A stock exchange listing application
• (d) A public advertisement seeking retail investors

Q8. The GARUDA Mechanism reflects a regulatory shift towards:

• (a) Upfront merit-based approval of every scheme
• (b) Disclosure-led, risk-based post-launch supervision
• (c) Complete deregulation of AIFs
• (d) Pre-registration of every accredited investor

Q9. Which of the following is a Category III AIF under SEBI’s classification?

• (a) Angel Fund
• (b) Infrastructure Fund
• (c) Hedge Fund
• (d) Social Impact Fund

Q10. Accredited Investors (AIs) in India are best described as:

• (a) Retail investors with basic KYC compliance
• (b) Sophisticated investors meeting higher net worth and income thresholds
• (c) Foreign portfolio investors only
• (d) Government-owned investment trusts

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (b)

• GARUDA stands for Green-Channel: Alternative Investment Funds Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement — a fast-track AIF approval mechanism proposed by SEBI in May 2026.

▸ Q2 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — Mutual Funds are regulated under the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 and are distinct from AIFs, which are privately pooled vehicles for sophisticated investors.

▸ Q3 → (b) 30 working days to 10 working days

• For Non-Accredited Investor schemes, the proposed waiting period is reduced from 30 working days to 10 working days, while AI-Only and Angel Fund schemes can launch almost immediately.

▸ Q4 → (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

• Venture Capital Funds, Angel Funds, and Infrastructure Funds fall under Category I AIFs, which invest in socially desirable or growth-promoting sectors. Hedge Funds fall under Category III AIFs.

▸ Q5 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — the number of accredited investors has risen sharply from 649 in May 2025 to 2,773 in April 2026, a 327% increase.

▸ Q6 → (b) SEBI Act, 1992

• SEBI was established in 1988 and given statutory powers under the SEBI Act, 1992 to regulate India’s securities market, including stock exchanges, intermediaries, and investment vehicles.

▸ Q7 → (b)

• A Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) is a detailed offer document filed by AIFs with SEBI, disclosing investment strategy, risk factors, fee structures, conflict-of-interest policies, and governance arrangements.

▸ Q8 → (b) Disclosure-led, risk-based post-launch supervision

• The GARUDA Mechanism reflects a paradigm shift from upfront merit-based approval to disclosure-led, risk-based post-launch sample scrutiny — aligning with global best practices.

▸ Q9 → (c) Hedge Fund

• Hedge Funds, which use complex strategies, derivatives, and leverage, are classified under Category III AIFs. The others — Angel, Infrastructure, and Social Impact Funds — fall under Category I.

▸ Q10 → (b)

• Accredited Investors (AIs) are sophisticated investors meeting higher net worth and income thresholds prescribed by SEBI. They are eligible for lighter regulatory protections in specified investment products because they are presumed to understand the risks involved.

3. Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)

Source: PIB

Summary

• Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia — pushing up shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and adjoining maritime corridors — the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has unveiled the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP).
• The pool is backed by a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore.
• It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 April 2026.
• The BMIP aims to provide continuous, end-to-end insurance coverage for Indian-flagged vessels, including hull and machinery, cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), and war-risk covers.
• It marks a major step toward maritime insurance self-reliance, reducing dependence on the International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I).

Background & Concept

What is the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)?

The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) is a domestic, sovereign-backed maritime insurance pool designed to provide comprehensive insurance coverage to Indian-flagged vessels. It is unveiled by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance, with a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore, and was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 April 2026.

The pool is structured to operate as a collective insurance mechanism, where member insurers contribute to a common pool that handles claims, reinsurance, and risk distribution.

Why Was BMIP Needed?

Indian shipping has been heavily dependent on foreign P&I clubs, particularly the International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I) — a London-based consortium that dominates global maritime liability insurance. This dependence has come under stress during the West Asia conflict, with rising shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and Suez Canal.

When foreign insurers either deny coverage, inflate premiums, or pull back from sanctioned/conflict zones, Indian vessels — especially those carrying crude oil, fertilisers, and essential imports — face operational disruptions. The BMIP is designed as a strategic insurance shield to insulate India’s maritime sector from such external shocks.

Coverage Provided by BMIP:

The pool offers end-to-end coverage for all major maritime risks faced by Indian-flagged vessels. Hull and Machinery (H&M) covers physical damage to the ship and its equipment. Cargo insurance protects goods being transported. Protection and Indemnity (P&I) covers third-party liabilities — including pollution, injury, and collision. War-risk insurance covers damage due to armed conflict, terrorism, piracy, and political risks.

Two-Tier Claim Structure:

The BMIP operates on a two-tier claim structure. For claims up to $100 million, the pool handles payouts from its accumulated reserves, member contributions, and reinsurance, without government support. For claims above $100 million, the sovereign guarantee is invoked as a “contingent backstop of last resort” — meaning the government steps in only for extreme, catastrophic losses.

This model ensures fiscal prudence while providing strong protective cover for the maritime sector.

First Policies Issued at Inauguration:

At its inauguration, BMIP issued its first policies. A marine hull and machinery war policy was issued by New India Assurance to Hoger Offshore and Marine Pvt. Ltd.. Marine cargo war policies were issued to Vedanta Sterlite Copper (for cable-wire imports) and Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd. — demonstrating the pool’s commercial readiness.

Strategic Significance:

The BMIP is far more than an insurance instrument — it is a strategic economic-security mechanism. It strengthens maritime sovereignty, reduces dependence on foreign insurers, supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in financial services, and protects India’s energy and trade security during geopolitical disruptions. It also boosts the domestic insurance and shipping sectors, in line with India’s Maritime Vision 2030.

Challenges:

The pool will need to build reinsurance partnerships, attract adequate domestic insurer participation, price risks competitively, and develop specialised maritime underwriting expertise. Long-term success will depend on scaling reserves, expanding international acceptability of BMIP policies, and integrating with global shipping regulations.

Keywords & Definitions

• ▸ Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP): A sovereign-backed maritime insurance pool approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 April 2026 with a ₹12,980 crore guarantee, to provide end-to-end maritime insurance cover to Indian-flagged vessels.
• ▸ Department of Financial Services (DFS): A department under the Ministry of Finance, responsible for the regulation and policy oversight of banks, insurance companies, and pension funds in India.
• ▸ Sovereign Guarantee: A financial commitment by the government to honour a liability if the primary obligor fails to do so — used to enhance credibility of public-supported schemes.
• ▸ Indian-Flagged Vessels: Ships registered in India under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, entitled to fly the Indian national flag and operate under Indian maritime laws.
• ▸ Hull and Machinery (H&M) Insurance: Maritime insurance covering physical damage to the ship’s hull, equipment, and machinery.
• ▸ Cargo Insurance: Insurance covering loss or damage to goods in transit by sea, air, or land.
• ▸ Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance: Insurance covering third-party liabilities of ship owners — including crew injury, pollution, collision, and wreck removal.
• ▸ War-Risk Insurance: Insurance covering damage or loss caused by armed conflict, terrorism, piracy, mines, and political violence.
• ▸ International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I): A London-based consortium of 13 mutual P&I clubs that together provide about 90% of global P&I cover for the world’s ocean-going shipping fleet.
• ▸ Reinsurance: A practice where one insurance company transfers part of its risk to another insurer to reduce its own exposure and ensure stability.
• ▸ Contingent Backstop: A support mechanism that is activated only if a specific condition occurs — in BMIP’s case, only when claims exceed $100 million.
• ▸ Strait of Hormuz: A narrow strategic waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. A major chokepoint for global maritime trade.
• ▸ Red Sea: A strategic sea between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, connected to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. A key global shipping route.
• ▸ Suez Canal: A 193-km artificial waterway in Egypt connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, carrying around 12% of global trade.
• ▸ New India Assurance: A public sector general insurance company of India, headquartered in Mumbai, and one of the largest general insurers in the country.
• ▸ India’s Maritime Vision 2030: A strategic 10-year roadmap released by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in 2021 to transform India’s maritime sector through investment in ports, shipping, and logistics.
• ▸ Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: The principal legislation governing shipping in India, providing for registration, regulation, safety, and welfare of Indian-flagged vessels.
• ▸ Insurance Pool: A risk-sharing arrangement where multiple insurers contribute premiums into a common pool, used to collectively underwrite high-risk or specialised insurance such as maritime, nuclear, or terrorism risks.
• ▸ Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Government of India’s self-reliance vision, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities and reducing external dependence across sectors, including financial services.
• ▸ Ministry of Finance: The nodal ministry for economic and financial affairs, comprising departments like Economic Affairs, Expenditure, Revenue, Investment & Public Asset Management (DIPAM), and Financial Services (DFS).

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP):

• It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 April 2026.
• It is backed by a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore.
• It is implemented by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. The BMIP provides insurance coverage for Indian-flagged vessels against which of the following risks?

• Hull and Machinery
• Cargo
• Protection and Indemnity (P&I)
• War-risk

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. Under the two-tier claim structure of BMIP, claims above what threshold trigger the sovereign guarantee as a “contingent backstop of last resort”?

• (a) $50 million
• (b) $75 million
• (c) $100 million
• (d) $200 million

Q4. The International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I), frequently mentioned in maritime insurance, is headquartered in which city?

• (a) New York
• (b) London
• (c) Tokyo
• (d) Singapore

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz:

• It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
• Around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through it.
• It lies between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q6. The Suez Canal, which carries around 12% of global trade, is located in which country?

• (a) Saudi Arabia
• (b) Israel
• (c) Egypt
• (d) Turkey

Q7. Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance in maritime operations primarily covers:

• (a) Physical damage to the hull and machinery
• (b) Loss or damage to cargo
• (c) Third-party liabilities like crew injury, pollution, and collision
• (d) Loss of revenue due to delay

Q8. India’s Maritime Vision 2030 was released by which ministry?

• (a) Ministry of Finance
• (b) Ministry of External Affairs
• (c) Ministry of Defence
• (d) Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Q9. Consider the following statements about the Department of Financial Services (DFS):

• It functions under the Ministry of Finance.
• It oversees the regulation and policy of banks, insurance, and pension funds.
• It is the statutory regulator of insurance companies in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q10. Which of the following is a chokepoint in global maritime trade?

• Strait of Hormuz
• Suez Canal
• Bab-el-Mandeb
• Malacca Strait

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — the BMIP is implemented by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (though it works in coordination with maritime stakeholders).

▸ Q2 → (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• The BMIP provides end-to-end coverage for all four major maritime risks — Hull and Machinery (H&M), Cargo, P&I, and War-risk — for Indian-flagged vessels.

▸ Q3 → (c) $100 million

• Under the two-tier claim structure, claims up to $100 million are serviced from the pool’s reserves and reinsurance, while claims above $100 million trigger the sovereign guarantee as a contingent backstop of last resort.

▸ Q4 → (b) London

• The International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I) is a London-based consortium of 13 mutual P&I clubs that together provide about 90% of global P&I cover for ocean-going shipping.

▸ Q5 → (d) 1, 2 and 3

• All three statements are correct — the Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply, and lies between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula (Oman/UAE).

▸ Q6 → (c) Egypt

• The Suez Canal is a 193-km artificial waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, and carrying around 12% of global trade.

▸ Q7 → (c)

• Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance covers third-party liabilities of ship owners — including crew injury, pollution, collision, and wreck removal. It is distinct from H&M insurance, which covers physical damage to the ship.

▸ Q8 → (d) Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

• India’s Maritime Vision 2030 is a 10-year roadmap released by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in 2021 to transform India’s maritime sector through investments in ports, shipping, and logistics.

▸ Q9 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — the DFS is a policy-making department, not a statutory regulator. The IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) is the statutory regulator of the insurance sector in India.

▸ Q10 → (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• All four are major global maritime chokepoints — the Strait of Hormuz (Persian Gulf–Gulf of Oman), Suez Canal (Mediterranean–Red Sea), Bab-el-Mandeb (Red Sea–Gulf of Aden), and the Malacca Strait (Indian Ocean–South China Sea).

Agriculture News

1. SEHAT Mission (Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation)

Source: PIB

Summary

• The Union Government has launched the SEHAT Mission — Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation.
• It is a historic first in formally bringing together India’s agriculture and health sectors under a single scientific framework.
• The mission is jointly anchored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• It represents a strategic pivot from a reactive, treatment-centred healthcare model to a proactive, prevention-through-nutrition approach.
• The mission’s vision is captured in its tagline — “Healthy Food, Healthy Farms, Healthy India.”

Background & Concept

What is the SEHAT Mission?

The SEHAT Mission, formally titled Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation, is a first-of-its-kind national mission that integrates India’s agriculture and health sectors under a unified scientific framework. It is jointly anchored by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The mission was launched in New Delhi with the vision of building a “farm-to-plate” scientific chain for disease prevention and nutritional security.

Why the Mission?

India has long faced a double burden of malnutrition — undernutrition (stunting, wasting, anaemia) alongside a rising tide of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. While the healthcare system has been treatment-focused, much of this disease burden is rooted in dietary and agricultural patterns.

The SEHAT Mission addresses this gap by using food and farming as the first line of defence, instead of waiting to treat illness later. It marks a paradigm shift — from medicine for the sick to nutrition for the healthy.

Strategic Shift:

The mission represents a strategic pivot from a reactive, treatment-centred healthcare model to a proactive, prevention-through-nutrition approach. The traditional model spends massive resources on disease management, while SEHAT redirects focus to dietary, agricultural, and lifestyle drivers of health, embedded in scientific evidence.

This is consistent with the WHO’s principle that “food is the foundation of health”, and with India’s emerging One Health framework.

Key Features:

The mission promotes biofortification of crops — agricultural varieties naturally enriched with zinc, iron, and other micronutrients through scientific breeding. ICAR has already released biofortified varieties of wheat, rice, pearl millet, lentils, and other crops.

It encourages the promotion of traditional grains such as millets — including Kodo, Kutki, Ragi (Finger Millet), Jowar (Sorghum), and Bajra (Pearl Millet). These are climate-resilient, nutrient-rich, and beneficial for managing lifestyle diseases.

It supports integrated farming systems, combining crops, animal husbandry, fisheries, and beekeeping to ensure dietary diversity, sustainable income, and ecological balance at the farm level.

It emphasises farmer health and safety by reducing pesticide exposure and promoting safer agrochemical practices.

It offers dietary solutions for NCDs, recognising food alternatives that act as “medicine” against diabetes, hypertension, and cancer — for instance, whole grains, millets, fibre-rich pulses, and traditional vegetables.

It adopts the One Health approach, ensuring joint planning across human, animal, and environmental health — recognising the interconnections between agriculture, food safety, zoonotic diseases, and human health.

Finally, it provides science-based policy support through real-time dashboards and research databases for evidence-driven decision-making.

Significance:

The SEHAT Mission is a transformative cross-sectoral initiative that aligns with multiple national goals — POSHAN Abhiyaan (Nutrition Mission), Anaemia Mukt Bharat, Eat Right India, International Year of Millets, Mission LiFE, and Ayushman Bharat. It also contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

By building a farm-to-plate scientific chain, SEHAT aims to reduce healthcare costs, enhance nutritional security, and empower farmers as partners in national health.

Challenges:

The mission must overcome challenges like fragmented inter-ministerial coordination, low farmer awareness of biofortified varieties, consumer preference for processed foods, affordability of nutritious food, and need for behavioural change in dietary habits. Strong convergence between ICAR, ICMR, FSSAI, and state agriculture and health departments will be critical.

Keywords & Definitions

• ▸ SEHAT Mission: Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation — a national mission jointly led by ICAR and ICMR, integrating India’s agriculture and health sectors under a farm-to-plate scientific framework.
• ▸ ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): An autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, established in 1929, responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture across India.
• ▸ ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research): The apex body for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research in India, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• ▸ Biofortification: The process of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value — especially with vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin A — through conventional breeding, agronomic practices, or biotechnology.
• ▸ Millets: A group of small-seeded cereal grains — including Ragi (Finger Millet), Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra (Pearl Millet), Kodo, Kutki, and Foxtail — known for being climate-resilient and nutritionally rich. 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets by the UN at India’s initiative.
• ▸ Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Chronic diseases of long duration and slow progression — including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases — strongly linked to diet and lifestyle.
• ▸ Integrated Farming Systems (IFS): A holistic agricultural approach combining crops, animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping, and agroforestry on the same farm for sustainability, income diversification, and resource efficiency.
• ▸ One Health Approach: An integrated, unifying framework that recognises human, animal, and environmental health as interconnected — central to addressing zoonoses, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance.
• ▸ Farm-to-Plate Approach: A holistic strategy that traces food production from the field to the consumer’s plate, ensuring safety, traceability, and nutritional integrity.
• ▸ POSHAN Abhiyaan: The Government of India’s flagship programme launched in 2018 to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
• ▸ Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): A national initiative to reduce anaemia through a 6×6×6 strategy — 6 interventions, 6 beneficiary groups, and 6 institutional mechanisms.
• ▸ Eat Right India: A flagship campaign by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to ensure safe, healthy, and sustainable food for all Indians.
• ▸ FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India): The statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, set up under the FSS Act, 2006, for regulating and supervising food safety in India.
• ▸ Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): An India-led global initiative launched at COP26 (2021) that promotes sustainable lifestyles and mindful, deliberate consumption.
• ▸ Ayushman Bharat: The Government of India’s flagship health protection scheme, comprising PMJAY (insurance cover) and Health and Wellness Centres.
• ▸ International Year of Millets (2023): A UN-declared year at India’s initiative to promote millets globally as a nutritious, climate-resilient food.
• ▸ Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare: The nodal ministry of the Government of India for agriculture, allied sectors, and farmer welfare.
• ▸ Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: The nodal ministry of the Government of India for public health, family welfare, AYUSH integration, and medical education.
• ▸ Double Burden of Malnutrition: The simultaneous existence of undernutrition (stunting, wasting, anaemia) and overnutrition (obesity, lifestyle diseases) within the same population.
• ▸ Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases that spread from animals to humans — examples include COVID-19, Nipah, Avian Influenza, and Rabies — a key focus of the One Health approach.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. What does the acronym SEHAT stand for in the context of the SEHAT Mission?

• (a) Sustainable Excellence in Healthcare and Agriculture Technology
• (b) Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation
• (c) Social Empowerment for Health and Agricultural Targets
• (d) Strategic Effort for Healthcare, Agriculture, and Trade

Q2. Consider the following statements about the SEHAT Mission:

• It is jointly anchored by ICAR and ICMR.
• It represents a shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention through nutrition.
• It is the first formal convergence of India’s agriculture and health sectors at a national mission scale.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) functions under which ministry?

• (a) Ministry of Science and Technology
• (b) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
• (c) Ministry of Rural Development
• (d) Ministry of Earth Sciences

Q4. Biofortification of crops, a key component of the SEHAT Mission, refers to:

• (a) Adding synthetic vitamins to processed food
• (b) Breeding crops to increase their nutritional value through iron, zinc, or vitamin A enrichment
• (c) Fortifying packaged cereals at the manufacturing stage
• (d) Use of GM (genetically modified) crops only

Q5. Which of the following are traditional millets promoted under the SEHAT Mission?

• Ragi (Finger Millet)
• Jowar (Sorghum)
• Bajra (Pearl Millet)
• Wheat (Common Wheat)

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q6. The One Health approach, integrated into the SEHAT Mission, recognises the interconnection of:

• (a) Human, animal, and environmental health
• (b) Education, employment, and economy
• (c) Soil, seed, and water systems
• (d) Centre, state, and local governance

Q7. Consider the following statements about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):

• They include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers.
• They are strongly linked to diet and lifestyle factors.
• They are acute, short-duration infectious diseases.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q8. 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets by the United Nations at the initiative of which country?

• (a) United States
• (b) China
• (c) India
• (d) Brazil

Q9. Which of the following programmes are associated with nutritional and health goals in India?

• POSHAN Abhiyaan
• Anaemia Mukt Bharat
• Eat Right India
• Mission LiFE

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q10. The “Double Burden of Malnutrition” refers to the:

• (a) Co-existence of undernutrition and overnutrition in the same population
• (b) Burden of food inflation on poor households
• (c) Combined cost of free ration and mid-day meals
• (d) Twin challenge of food storage and distribution

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (b)

• SEHAT stands for Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation — a national mission that integrates India’s agriculture and health sectors under a single scientific framework.

▸ Q2 → (d) 1, 2 and 3

• All three statements are correct. The mission is jointly led by ICAR and ICMR, marks a shift from reactive treatment to prevention through nutrition, and is the first formal convergence of agriculture and health at a national mission scale.

▸ Q3 → (b) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare

• ICAR is an autonomous body established in 1929 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, responsible for coordinating and promoting agricultural research and education in India.

▸ Q4 → (b)

• Biofortification is the breeding-based enrichment of crops with iron, zinc, vitamin A, and other micronutrients, achieved through conventional breeding, agronomic practices, or biotechnology. It is different from food fortification done at the processing stage.

▸ Q5 → (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

• Ragi, Jowar, and Bajra are millets — small-seeded cereal grains promoted under the SEHAT Mission. Wheat is not a millet; it is a major cereal crop but distinct from the millet group.

▸ Q6 → (a) Human, animal, and environmental health

• The One Health approach recognises the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, providing a unified framework to address zoonoses, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance.

▸ Q7 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — NCDs are chronic, long-duration diseases, not acute infectious ones. Communicable diseases (like flu, TB) are the acute infectious category.

▸ Q8 → (c) India

• 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets by the United Nations at the initiative of India, to promote millets globally as a climate-resilient, nutritionally rich food.

▸ Q9 → (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• All four programmes — POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, Eat Right India, and Mission LiFE — are linked to nutritional, health, and sustainable lifestyle goals in India.

▸ Q10 → (a)

• The “Double Burden of Malnutrition” refers to the simultaneous existence of undernutrition (stunting, wasting, anaemia) and overnutrition (obesity, lifestyle diseases) within the same population — a key challenge SEHAT seeks to address.

2. Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM)

Source: Mint

Summary

• With a new government taking charge in West Bengal, the state is expected to soon join the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) — the Centre’s flagship initiative for technology-driven farm reforms.
• Bengal is currently the only state in India yet to join the mission, making its imminent integration a milestone for the AgriStack platform.
• The AgriStack is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture that creates digital identities for farmers, enables crop monitoring, streamlines subsidy delivery, and enhances access to credit and insurance.
• The Centre is also undertaking a comprehensive review of centrally sponsored and central sector schemes in West Bengal following the change of government.

Background & Concept

What is the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM)?

The Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) is the Centre’s flagship initiative for technology-driven farm reforms in India. It was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with a total outlay of ₹2,817 crore — including a central share of ₹1,940 crore.

The mission aims to build a comprehensive digital ecosystem for Indian agriculture, modelled on the success of Aadhaar, UPI, and CoWIN as Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs).

What is AgriStack?

The AgriStack is the core digital public infrastructure for agriculture under the DAM. It is a farmer-centric platform that creates a single, verified digital identity for every farmer — called a Farmer ID — linked to their landholdings, crops, transactions, and entitlements.

The AgriStack rests on three foundational registries:

Farmers’ Registry — a database of all farmers with their Farmer ID.

Geo-referenced Village Maps Registry — digital land records mapped to GIS coordinates.

Crop Sown Registry — real-time data on crops sown in each farm plot, captured through Digital Crop Surveys (DCS).

Why West Bengal’s Inclusion Matters:

Until now, West Bengal had remained outside the DAM/AgriStack ecosystem, due to Centre–state political differences over the terms of data sharing, scheme design, and rollout responsibilities. With a new government taking charge in the state, Bengal is expected to finally join the mission, completing the nationwide rollout of AgriStack.

This is significant because Bengal is a major agricultural state — among the largest producers of rice, jute, potato, and vegetables, and home to lakhs of small and marginal farmers who would benefit from digital identity-led services.

Objectives of the Digital Agriculture Mission:

The DAM aims to create digital identities for farmers through the Farmer ID system, enabling streamlined access to government schemes. It seeks to improve crop monitoring by using satellite imagery, drones, and AI tools to track acreage, growth, and yield. The mission also streamlines subsidy delivery through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) linked to verified Farmer IDs and enhances access to credit and insurance by providing lenders and insurers with reliable farmer and crop data.

It also aims to support evidence-based policymaking through real-time agricultural data.

Parallel Centre–State Developments:

Following the change of government in West Bengal, the Centre is undertaking a comprehensive review of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) and central sector schemes (CS) in the state. This is expected to realign Bengal’s participation in flagship initiatives like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, eNAM, and others, alongside its DAM integration.

Components of the Digital Agriculture Mission:

The DAM rests on three major pillars:

AgriStack — the foundational DPI for farmers, land, and crops.

Krishi Decision Support System (DSS) — a geospatial intelligence platform combining satellite data, soil data, weather, water resources, and crop data for smart decision-making.

Soil Profile Mapping — preparing detailed soil maps at the 1:10,000 scale for scientific land use planning.

Significance:

DAM is a transformative leap for Indian agriculture, equivalent to what Aadhaar did for identity or UPI did for payments. It aligns with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) leadership, supports Doubling Farmers’ Income, and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure).

Challenges:

The mission must overcome issues of digital literacy among farmers, data privacy concerns, state-level participation hurdles, fragmented land records, and interoperability with existing state agriculture databases. Bengal’s inclusion will be a test case for federal cooperation in digital agriculture.

Keywords & Definitions

• ▸ Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM): The Centre’s flagship initiative for technology-driven farm reforms in India, approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024 with an outlay of ₹2,817 crore.
• ▸ AgriStack: A Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture that creates a single, verified digital identity (Farmer ID) for every farmer, linked to land, crops, and entitlements.
• ▸ Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Foundational digital systems that enable public and private services at scale — examples include Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, CoWIN, and AgriStack.
• ▸ Farmer ID: A unique digital identifier for every farmer under AgriStack, similar to Aadhaar, linking the farmer to land, crops, and government services.
• ▸ Farmers’ Registry: A comprehensive database of all farmers in India, central to the AgriStack ecosystem.
• ▸ Geo-referenced Village Maps Registry: A digital mapping system that links land records to GIS coordinates, ensuring accurate spatial data for every farm plot.
• ▸ Crop Sown Registry: A real-time digital registry of crops grown in each farm plot, populated through Digital Crop Surveys (DCS).
• ▸ Digital Crop Survey (DCS): A field-level digital exercise to record crops grown on each plot using mobile apps and geo-tagging.
• ▸ Krishi Decision Support System (Krishi DSS): A geospatial platform combining satellite, soil, weather, water, and crop data to support scientific and data-driven agricultural decisions.
• ▸ Soil Profile Mapping: A scheme to prepare detailed digital soil maps at the 1:10,000 scale for scientific land use planning and crop suitability assessments.
• ▸ Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare: The nodal ministry of the Government of India for agriculture, allied sectors, and farmer welfare.
• ▸ Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS): Schemes jointly funded by the Centre and States but implemented by State governments — examples include PMFBY, PMAY, MGNREGS.
• ▸ Central Sector Schemes (CS): Schemes fully funded and implemented by the Central Government — examples include PM-KISAN, MISS (Modified Interest Subvention Scheme).
• ▸ PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi): A central sector scheme launched in 2019 that provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible landholding farmer families in three equal instalments.
• ▸ PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana): The flagship crop insurance scheme launched in 2016, providing financial protection to farmers against crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
• ▸ eNAM (electronic National Agriculture Market): An online trading portal for agricultural commodities launched in 2016, designed to create a unified national market for farm produce.
• ▸ Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): A reform initiative that transfers government benefits and subsidies directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, reducing leakages and intermediaries.
• ▸ GIS (Geographic Information System): A technology that captures, analyses, and displays spatial data, used for mapping land, crops, and resources.
• ▸ Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI): A policy goal announced by the Government of India in 2016 aimed at doubling the real income of farmers by 2022 (and continuing as a long-term policy direction beyond).
• ▸ Cooperative Federalism: A principle where the Centre and States work together as partners in policymaking and implementation — central to DAM’s success, especially with state buy-in for AgriStack.
• ▸ West Bengal: A major agricultural state of India, known for being the largest producer of rice, jute, and potato and a leading producer of vegetables and fish.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM):

• It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
• It was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024 with an outlay of ₹2,817 crore.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. The AgriStack, the core of the Digital Agriculture Mission, is best described as a:

• (a) Crop insurance platform
• (b) Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture
• (c) Subsidy-disbursement portal for state governments
• (d) Mobile application for buying farm inputs

Q3. Which of the following are the three foundational registries of the AgriStack?

• Farmers’ Registry
• Geo-referenced Village Maps Registry
• Crop Sown Registry
• Livestock Owners’ Registry

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q4. Which Indian state is currently the only state yet to join the Digital Agriculture Mission?

• (a) Kerala
• (b) Tamil Nadu
• (c) West Bengal
• (d) Punjab

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Krishi Decision Support System (Krishi DSS):

• It is a geospatial platform combining satellite, soil, weather, water, and crop data.
• It is meant to support data-driven agricultural decisions.
• It is part of the Digital Agriculture Mission.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q6. PM-KISAN, frequently mentioned in agricultural policy, is best classified as:

• (a) A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
• (b) A Central Sector Scheme (CS)
• (c) A State Scheme
• (d) A Sub-Mission of the Krishi Vikas Yojana

Q7. Which of the following are objectives of the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM)?

• Create digital identities for farmers
• Improve crop monitoring
• Streamline subsidy delivery
• Enhance access to credit and insurance

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q8. Soil Profile Mapping, a component of the Digital Agriculture Mission, prepares detailed digital soil maps at which scale?

• (a) 1:1,000
• (b) 1:5,000
• (c) 1:10,000
• (d) 1:50,000

Q9. West Bengal, the focus state in the news, is the largest producer of which of the following crops in India?

• Rice
• Jute
• Potato
• Sugarcane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q10. Examples of Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) in India include:

• Aadhaar
• UPI
• AgriStack
• DigiLocker

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — DAM is a Central Sector Scheme (CS), fully funded and implemented by the Centre, not a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

▸ Q2 → (b) Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture

• The AgriStack is a farmer-centric Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) that creates digital identities for farmers and supports crop monitoring, subsidy delivery, and credit access.

▸ Q3 → (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

• The three foundational registries of AgriStack are the Farmers’ Registry, Geo-referenced Village Maps Registry, and the Crop Sown Registry. A Livestock Owners’ Registry is not part of AgriStack — it falls under a separate animal husbandry digitalisation effort.

▸ Q4 → (c) West Bengal

• West Bengal is currently the only state in India yet to join the Digital Agriculture Mission, although it is expected to do so following the change of government.

▸ Q5 → (d) 1, 2 and 3

• All three statements are correct — the Krishi DSS is a geospatial platform integrating multiple data layers, supports data-driven decisions, and is part of the Digital Agriculture Mission.

▸ Q6 → (b) Central Sector Scheme (CS)

• PM-KISAN is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India, providing ₹6,000 per year to eligible landholding farmer families in three equal instalments.

▸ Q7 → (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• All four are core objectives of the Digital Agriculture Mission — digital identity, crop monitoring, subsidy delivery, and credit/insurance access.

▸ Q8 → (c) 1:10,000

• Under the DAM, Soil Profile Mapping is undertaken at the 1:10,000 scale, providing detailed digital soil maps essential for scientific land use planning and crop suitability assessments.

▸ Q9 → (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

• West Bengal is the largest producer of rice, jute, and potato in India. Sugarcane is largely produced in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

▸ Q10 → (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

• All four are examples of Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) in India — Aadhaar (identity), UPI (payments), AgriStack (agriculture), and DigiLocker (document storage and authentication).

One Liner Current Affairs

May 13, 2026

S.No	Topic	Key Highlights
1	PM Modi Visits Gujarat	Participated in Somnath Amrut Mahotsav on May 10–11, 2026
2	Somnath Amrut Mahotsav	PM released commemorative stamp and ₹75 coin
3	Sardar Dham Education Support Yojana	Gujarat launched ₹500 crore scheme for economically weaker students
4	PMGSY-IV Launched	Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched PMGSY-IV in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh
5	PMGSY-IV Allocation for MP	973 roads covering 2,117 km approved at ₹1,763 crore
6	PM-JANMAN Road Projects	₹261.81 crore road approvals handed over under tribal welfare initiative
7	Urban Unemployment Falls	PLFS reported urban unemployment rate at 6.6% in Jan–March 2026
8	LFPR in India	Labour Force Participation Rate estimated at 55.5%
9	Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site	Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated eco heritage project in Odisha
10	Panchayati Raj Samikshya Portal	Odisha launched governance transparency portal
11	SEHAT Mission Launched	ICAR and ICMR launched mission linking agriculture with public health
12	‘One Case One Data’ Initiative	CJI Surya Kant announced unified judicial digital identity system
13	AI Chatbot ‘Su Sahay’	Supreme Court launched AI-based judicial assistance chatbot
14	CII & NUS-ISS Sign MoU	Partnership to strengthen AI governance and digital leadership
15	DYPIU–Dassault Systèmes MoU	Pune to get advanced Digital Engineering Experience Centre
16	IIT Ropar-DRIF & DDS MoU	Partnership for indigenous defence mobility platforms
17	SEBI Proposes GARUDA Mechanism	Faster approval process proposed for AIF scheme launches
18	Moody’s Cuts India GDP Forecast	India’s CY26 GDP growth forecast reduced to 6%
19	Strait of Hormuz Risk Highlighted	Moody’s warned of energy supply disruptions impacting India
20	Dr. Harvansh Chawla Appointed Chairman	Became Chairman of BRISEC Chamber of Commerce & Industry
21	Indian Army Inducts ULPGM	Indigenous loitering munition inducted under Emergency Procurement
22	AGNIKAA VTOL-1 Inducted	India’s first FPV kamikaze drone inducted by Indian Army
23	ULPGM Developed by DRDO & Adani	Indigenous UAV-launched precision guided munition
24	International Day of Vesak 2026	Observed globally on May 1
25	National Technology Day 2026	Celebrated on May 11 with theme “Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth”
26	International Day of Plant Health 2026	Observed on May 12 with theme “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”
27	Punjab Launches Meri Rasoi Yojana	Free food kits for 40 lakh families under NFSA
28	Kitchen Kit Under Meri Rasoi	Includes pulses, sugar, salt, turmeric, and mustard oil
29	Somnath Temple Rituals	PM performed Vishesh Maha Puja and Dhvajarohan
30	Sardardham Hostel Inaugurated	New hostel facility launched in Vadodara
31	Dharamshi Harji Mordiya Girls Chhatralaya	Foundation stone laid virtually by PM Modi
32	PMAY-G Sanction to MP	₹2,055 crore sanction handed over for rural housing
33	Vidisha Road Connectivity Approved	259 roads approved under PMGSY-IV
34	Odisha Receives Additional PMAY Houses	10 lakh extra houses announced under PMAY
35	Su Sahay Developed by NIC	AI chatbot created with Supreme Court Registry collaboration
36	AI Governance Leadership Programme	Certification programme planned under CII–NUS partnership
37	Dassault Experience Centre	Includes VR labs and 3DEXPERIENCE platform
38	Indigenous Defence Mobility Systems	Collaboration focuses on UGVs and Robotic Combat Vehicles
39	GARUDA Mechanism	Proposed green-channel for AIF fundraising approvals
40	AGNIKAA VTOL-1 Features	5 km range, 30-minute endurance, 60 kmph speed
41	International Day of Vesak	Commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana
42	Pokhran-II Remembered	National Technology Day marks 1998 nuclear tests
43	Plant Health Day Theme	Focused on food security through plant biosecurity
44	MARKFED to Distribute Kits	Punjab’s kitchen kits distributed through MARKFED