Government Schemes
Cabinet approves Kharif MSP for 2026-27: paddy (common) at Rs 2,441 per quintal
13 May 2026 | Press Information Bureau
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved on 13 May 2026 an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for Marketing Season 2026-27, PIB said. The highest absolute increases over the previous year are for sunflower seed (Rs 622 per quintal), cotton (Rs 557), nigerseed (Rs 515) and sesamum (Rs 500).
From PIB's table, paddy (common) MSP is Rs 2,441 per quintal against Rs 2,369 in 2025-26, an increase of Rs 72, and tur/arhar is Rs 8,450 per quintal. The table also shows each crop's cost, margin over cost and the increase over 2013-14.
Key facts- Approved by: CCEA, 13 May 2026; 14 Kharif crops; Marketing Season 2026-27
- Paddy (common): Rs 2,441 per quintal (up Rs 72 from Rs 2,369)
- Tur/Arhar: Rs 8,450 per quintal
- Highest increase: sunflower seed, Rs 622 per quintal
Exam takeaway: MSP is the price at which the government is willing to buy a crop, announced for Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Quick revision: Kharif MSP 2026-27: 14 crops; paddy common Rs 2,441; highest rise sunflower Rs 622 (PIB, 13 May).
Press Information Bureau original sourceGovernment Schemes
Cabinet approves Rs 37,500 crore scheme for surface coal and lignite gasification
13 May 2026 | Press Information Bureau
The Union Cabinet approved on 13 May 2026 a Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects with a financial outlay of Rs 37,500 crore. PIB said the scheme advances the national target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 and aims to cut import dependence on LNG (more than 50% imported), urea (about 20%), ammonia (about 100%) and methanol (about 80 to 90%).
As an accompanying reform, the Government extended coal linkage tenure up to 30 years under the 'Production of Syngas leading to Coal Gasification' sub-sector in the Non-Regulated Sector linkage auction framework.
Key facts- Outlay: Rs 37,500 crore
- Target: gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030
- Reform: coal linkage tenure up to 30 years for syngas projects
- Aim: reduce imports of LNG, urea, ammonia and methanol
Exam takeaway: Syngas, produced by gasifying coal, can be converted into fertiliser, methanol and other products that India now partly imports.
Quick revision: Coal gasification scheme: Rs 37,500 crore; 100 MT target by 2030; linkage up to 30 years (PIB, 13 May).
Press Information Bureau original sourceNational and International Affairs
Cabinet approves Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera semi high-speed rail line costing Rs 20,667 crore
13 May 2026 | Press Information Bureau
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved on 13 May 2026 the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project of the Ministry of Railways at an estimated cost of about Rs 20,667 crore, to be completed up to 2030-31, PIB said.
It will be Indian Railways' first semi high-speed project, planned with indigenously developed technology. It will connect Ahmedabad with Dholera SIR, the upcoming Dholera Airport and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.
Key facts- Project: Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line
- Cost: about Rs 20,667 crore; completion up to 2030-31
- First: Indian Railways' first semi high-speed project
- Links: Dholera SIR, Dholera Airport, Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex
Exam takeaway: Dholera is a Special Investment Region in Gujarat, and Lothal is the site of an ancient Harappan port city.
Quick revision: Cabinet 13 May 2026: Ahmedabad-Dholera semi high-speed rail, Rs 20,667 crore, India's first (PIB).
Press Information Bureau original source