The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of the “Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS” (SARTHAK PDS) as an umbrella scheme, in the 16th Finance Commission cycle award period, with an outlay of Rs. 25,530 crore as Central share.
The CCEA has also decided to revise the norms of Central assistance for meeting expenditure incurred by States/UTs intra-state movement & handling of foodgrains and FPS dealers’ margin and continuation of the existing funding pattern of Central Assistance.
The Scheme is conceived as an umbrella scheme integrating the ongoing schemes: (i) “Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains & FPS dealers’ margin under NFSA” & (ii) “Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART PDS)” to comprehensively strengthen implementation of the National Food Security Act,2013
SARTHAK-PDS Scheme aims to provide (a) assured financial support for intra-State movement, handling and FPS dealer’s margin, and (b) a unified, citizen-centric, intelligent and interoperable PDS architecture that ensures last-mile service delivery,
minimizes leakages and strengthens the nation’s commitment to food security under NFSA, with the merged scheme to operate up to 31.03.2031.
SARTHAK-PDS Scheme seeks to modernize, integrate and intelligently optimize PDS operations through advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Blockchain,
by creating standardized architectures and unified databases for real-time monitoring, AI-driven grievance and analytics systems, State Command Control Centres for data-driven oversight, and ISO-certified process frameworks to ensure transparency, security and sustainability in PDS operations.
Government of India has a social & legal commitment to the people of the nation - a dignified life by ensuring them access to food and nutritional security through the availability of adequate quantities of quality food grains.
The Scheme will work towards fulfilling the Government of India's commitment to 81.35 crore persons covered under NFSA. Building on the statutory and policy framework, SARTHAK-PDS retains and streamlines the financial assistance component while simultaneously embedding it within a modern, technology-driven PDS ecosystem.
Over the past decade, the Government has implemented multiple digitization initiatives such as End-to-End Computerization of TPDS, Integrated Management of PDS (IM-PDS) and SMART PDS, along with citizen-facing applications like Mera Ration, Anna Mitra, Rightful Targeting Dashboard and Anna Sahayata, and since 1st April 2023.
the SMART PDS scheme has acted as the cornerstone of technology-led reforms by enabling complete digitization of ration cards, Aadhaar seeding, FPS automation through e-PoS, online allocation and computerized supply-chain management across 36 States/UTs.
For nearly 80 years, United Nations peacekeepers have delivered tangible change to communities across the globe. From Liberia and Namibia to Cambodia, Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste, their presence has been life-saving and transformative in some of the most volatile political and security contexts, guiding countries from conflict towards sustainable peace.
On this International Day, we honour peacekeepers past and present and reaffirm our shared responsibility to respect and strengthen their work. Observed under the theme “Invest in Peace” this year’s International Day calls for decisive action to ensure civilian and military peacekeepers have the resources to carry out their vital mandates.
Today, more than 51,000 civilians, military, and police personnel serve in 11 UN peacekeeping missions, confronting increasingly complex and interconnected challenges shaped by a shifting geopolitical landscape. In this era of rising tensions, peacekeeping is a proven and cost-effective way to restore stability and hope.
The International Day pays tribute to their unwavering service and sacrifice, as well as the resilience of the communities they support. It also solemnly honors the nearly 4,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of peace, including 59 in 2025 alone.
A book commemorating India’s first-ever Olympic gold by hockey historian K. Arumugam was released here today by Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha.
Titled India’s First Olympic Gold, the book traces the Indian hockey team’s journey in 1928 from selection issues, financial struggles and internal tussles within the hockey fraternity at that time to the final triumph against the host on May 26 in Amsterdam.
Filled with rare pictures, newspaper snippets from back then and historical data, the book also talks about how the game gave a then-colonised India an identity separate from its British rulers and its first-ever international sporting hero, Dhyan Chand.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, present on the occasion, hoped more such work would be done to preserve India’s hockey history and encourage future generations.
The Indian cities of Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar were today awarded hosting rights of next year’s Asian Relays and the 2028 Asian Indoor Championships by the continent’s athletics governing body during its executive council meeting in Hong Kong.
The Asian Athletics Association’s (AAA) council meeting was held ahead of the Asian U20 Championships from May 28 to 31. World Athletics Vice-President Adille Sumariwalla, who attended the AAA council meeting in Hong Kong, said that India will host the Asian Relays in 2027 to be held in Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar will host the Asian Indoor Championships in 2028.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) had last year submitted the bids to host both the events.
Fintech firm MobiKwik said it had received the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s in-principle approval for a Payment Aggregator-Physical (PA-P) licence.
The company said it had identified small businesses, oil and gas outlets, and organised retail as three focus areas over the next two years with an aim to expand its market share across these sectors.
MobiKwik plans to further scale deployments of soundboxes and electronic data capture (EDC) machines as it targets tenfold growth in its merchant business by 2027-28 (FY28).
The company said offline merchant acquisition offers a ‘stronger merchant discount rate (MDR) opportunity, subscription and device rental economics’.
MobiKwik had more than 4.92 million merchants as of the fourth quarter of FY26 (Q4FY26).
The company also holds an online payment aggregation licence under the Zaakpay brand.
In April, the banking regulator approved its application for a non-banking financial company (NBFC) licence, enabling the launch of its lending arm, MobiKwik Financial Services Private Ltd (MFSPL), a wholly owned subsidiary.
The Gurugram-based firm reported a consolidated net profit of ₹4.38 crore for Q4FY26 compared to a loss of ₹56 crore in Q4 FY25. Sequentially, its net profit grew 8.3 per cent from ₹4.04 crore in Q3 FY26.
India and the United States on Tuesday signed a bilateral framework aimed at securing the supply, mining, and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the landmark agreement, highlighting its strategic importance in a highly contested global landscape following bilateral discussions and the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting.
Emphasising that the issue was also a key point of discussion during the Quad meeting, the minister noted that securing these resources is "very timely and critical," regardless of whether it is pursued bilaterally, through the Quad format, or within a larger gathering of like-minded nations.
The framework is designed to deepen comprehensive cooperation across the entire critical minerals and rare earth supply chain. According to Jaishankar, the scope of the partnership will encompass mining, processing, recycling, and related investments.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the importance of India for the United States and said and said that the signing of the agreement is a tangible example of it.
Critical minerals and rare earth elements are crucial components for high-tech electronics, clean energy technologies, defense systems, and electric vehicles. The move to diversify these supply chains comes amid global efforts to reduce reliance on single-source suppliers, particularly China, which currently dominates the global processing market.
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan released the Third Advance Estimates of production of major agricultural crops for 2025–26 and said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government has been consistently working towards farmers’ prosperity and the growth of the agriculture sector,
According to the Third Advance Estimates, the country’s total foodgrain production is estimated at 376.563 million tonnes, which is nearly 18.8 million tonnes (5.3%) higher than last year’s production of 357.732 million tonnes. This marks the highest-ever foodgrain production in the country’s history.
The Ministry of Defence on (May 27, 2026) issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to three shortlisted bidders, marking a major step forward in India’s push for self-reliance in advanced combat aviation.
The shortlisted entities include the Larsen and Toubro-Bharat Electronics Limited combine, Tata Advanced Systems, and the Bharat Forge-BEML consortium.
After the shortlisted companies submit their responses to the RFP, the selection process is likely to be completed within four to five months based on technical and commercial evaluations.
Under the programme, the government plans to build five prototypes of the AMCA, a stealth fighter aircraft being developed to meet the Indian Air Force’s long-term operational requirements.
The selected private defence entity will work in partnership with the Aeronautical Development Agency, functioning under the Ministry of Defence, for the development of the prototypes.
The AMCA programme is considered one of India’s most ambitious indigenous aerospace projects aimed at developing a fifth-generation stealth combat aircraft with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and reduced radar signature.
On May 15, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the ₹15,803-crore AMCA infrastructure project in Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Sathya Sai district.
Last year, the Defence Minister approved the AMCA Programme Execution Model, under which the Aeronautical Development Agency will execute the project through industry partnership. The model provides equal opportunity to both private and public sector entities, allowing them to participate independently, through joint ventures, or consortia.
The Centre for HR Information Systems, Research and Analytics in Governance (CHIRAG), a Centre of Excellence focused on human resource management training, research, and digital transformation in Indian Railways, was inaugurated at the SCR Grounds, adjacent to the Zonal Railway Training Institute (ZRTI) in Moula-Ali by Additional Member (HR) V.G. Bhooma.
CHIRAG aims to play a pivotal role in enhancing HR capabilities across Indian Railways. It will offer role-based, certified Human Resource Management System (HRMS) training for employees across all cadres and develop a dedicated HRMS–MITRA master trainer cadre for deployment at ZRTI.
In addition, the centre will function as a think tank for HR policy formulation and inter-system integration. It is also set to incorporate advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and predictive analytics to strengthen HR decision-making processes.
The facility will house state-of-the-art computer laboratories and an iGOT recording studio to support nationwide dissemination of training programmes. On the occasion, the foundation stone for a new building at the centre was also laid.
In a big move to encourage deep-tech startups, the Andhra Pradesh government is set to create an "angel fund" to help startups in AI, deep tech, electronics, quantum technologies and advanced manufacturing.
The state is launching a dedicated seed fund, in collaboration with Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi), for emerging technology startups through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH).
The RTIH is expected to play a key role in sectors aligned with the state's larger economic strategy, including AI, electronics manufacturing, clean energy, and quantum technologies.
Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari has approved ₹1,427.61 crore for the construction of a 4-lane Thiruvarur Bypass on the Nagapattinam–Thanjavur section of NH-83 in Tamil Nadu. The project spans 14.9 km and also includes the construction of two additional Road Over Bridges (ROBs) on NH-129A and NH-134A.
In Tamil Nadu, we have approved ₹1,427.61 crore for the construction of a 4-lane Thiruvarur Bypass on the Nagapattinam–Thanjavur section of NH-83, spanning 14.9 km, along with 2 additional ROBs on NH-129A & NH-134A.
This strategic project will strengthen connectivity between key industrial hubs like Tiruchirappalli and Coimbatore with the port towns of Karaikal and Nagapattinam, boosting regional economic activity.
The bypass, starting from Adiyakkamangalam–Thandalai, will pass through key locations including Athipuliyur, Andipalayam, Kidaramkondan, Pallivaramangalam, Perumpugalur, Elavangarkudi, and Anaivadapathy Colony, among others.
Once completed, it will significantly decongest Thiruvarur town, reduce travel time by approximately 15 minutes, and enhance road safety by diverting traffic away from densely populated and commercial areas.
The alignment will also improve connectivity to SH-23, SH-65, and the revered Thyagaraja Swamy Temple, contributing to both infrastructure development and ease of travel in the region.
State-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has emerged as the highest profit-making firm in the Indian financial sector in the March quarter, netting a little over Rs 23,400 crore.
Even among Central Public Sector Enterprises, the Corporation maintained the number one position for fourth-quarter profit for FY26.
Last week, LIC reported a 23 per cent jump in net profit to record Rs 23,420 crore in the just concluded March quarter as compared to Rs 19,013 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.
LIC launched a revamped Jeevan Sathi plan, which offers a combination of savings and protection.
New Jeevan Sathi single premium and New Jeevan Sathi Limited premium were launched by LIC CEO and MD R Doraiswamy.
Both are joint life plans that cover a married individual, along with his/her spouse, in a single policy.
The minimum basic sum assured is Rs 3,00,000. While there is no upper limit, the maximum basic sum assured will be subject to acceptance decision as per board-approved underwriting policy.
The minimum age at entry is 18 years, LIC said, adding that the maximum age at entry varies depending on the option chosen, as available under the two plans, by the policyholder.
Esha Singh shot a dream final as she clinched gold in the women’s 25m pistol event with world records at the ISSF Munich World Cup. Hyderabad’s Esha shot 43 in the final, one more than the previous seniors world record, and two more than the junior world record.
Esha, 21, broke Korean shooter Kim Ye-ji’s record of 42 shots, set in 2024. The junior record was held by Paris Olympics gold medallist, Yang Ji-in (41) of Korea, also since 2024.
In the final, Esha’s dominance could be gauged from the 5-point gap between gold and silver. The second spot was sealed by seasoned German shooter Doreen Vennekamp (38).
Former world champion Miroslava Mincheva of Bulgaria claimed third place with 31 points.
Indian wrestlers continued their impressive performance at the Asian Under-23 Wrestling Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam today, securing two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal in the men’s freestyle category.
In the 65 kilogram category, Mohit Kumar clinched the gold medal with a dominant 12-4 victory over Kyrgyzstan’s Oskonbai A. Abdisamatov. Chandermohan also struck gold in the 79 kilogram final after edging past Kazakhstan’s Yerkhan Abil in a thrilling 7-6 contest.
Meanwhile, Punit Kumar secured a silver medal in the 92 kilogram category after going down 12-1 to Kyrgyzstan’s Ulukbek Soorombekov in the final. In the 125 kilogram division, Lacky also settled for silver following a 10-0 defeat against Kazakhstan’s Rizabek Aitmukhan in the title clash.
In the 86 kilogram category, Sachin Mor bagged the bronze medal by defeating Uzbekistan’s Boburbek Ruzimboev 4-1 in the bronze medal match.
The Supreme Court has constituted a committee headed by the Union Home Secretary, and comprising the Chief Secretaries of all the States and Union Territories through which the Yamuna river flows, and given them eight weeks to come up with a comprehensive plan to clean up the river, which is considered a lifeline for over 57 million people in the national capital.
A Bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Manmohan issued the direction to the committee to prepare a Yamuna Action Plan, while conveying profound grief that the river has been reduced to “little more than a sewage canal”.
The court said the action plan for Yamuna must clearly state its objectives, implementation strategy, the roles and responsibilities of each agency, budgetary allocations, and timelines. Coordination and monitoring must be entrusted to a single authority.
The Union government had previously suggested that the Union Home Secretary could act as nodal officer to coordinate efforts between States, Union Territories, and the Centre.
The court’s amicus curiae, senior advocate K. Parameshwar, had recommended that the action plan must contain details of the cities and towns discharging effluents into the river; the kinds of industries polluting its waters; geo-tagging of sewage treatment plants, drains, etc. on its banks; uploading of the river’s water quality data; and other measures.
It detailed the manner in which rampant encroachments had marred the fragile Yamuna riverbed along with indiscriminate discharge of toxic effluents from illegal industries, untreated sewage from unauthorised human settlements, and the mixing of sewage in rainwater drains.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the 51st meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled, multi-modal platform aimed at fostering Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, by seamlessly integrating efforts of the Central and State governments, at Seva Teerth.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed seven critical infrastructure projects across the Railways, Power and Road sectors covering nine States worth around ₹30,000 crore.
Piyush Singla (IAS) has been appointed as Director in the National Health Authority–Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Delhi, according to an official order.
He is a 2012 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre. He was recommended for Central deputation by the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been selected for the post under the Central Staffing Scheme.
As per the order, his appointment will be effective from the date he assumes charge and will remain co-terminus with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The tenure may be extended up to the admissible period under the Central Staffing Scheme or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The order also directed that Singla be relieved of his current responsibilities immediately to enable him to take up the new assignment at the National Health Authority under the Department of Health & Family Welfare in Delhi.
