THE Government on Wednesday announced a subsidy of Rs 62,370 crore on phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers for the 2026-27 rabi season, a 50 per cent increase over the kharif season that just ended, to ensure farmers get crop nutrients at affordable rates amid a sharp rise in the global market. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet cleared the Department of Fertilizers’ proposal to fix Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the period from October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Under the NBS scheme, the Government pays a fixed subsidy per kg of nutrient - nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potash (K) and sulphur (S) - on notified P&K fertilizers, including DAP, MOP, SSP and NPK/NPKS grades. Rates are announced twice a year. For this rabi season, the subsidy has been set at Rs 94.21 per kg for nitrogen, Rs 66.11 per kg for phosphorus and Rs 10.42 per kg for Sulphur, while the rate for potash has been left unchanged at Rs 2.38 per kg. Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said the tentative budgetary requirement for the rabi season is around Rs 62,370.02 crore, about Rs 24,417.73 crore more than that for rabi 2025-26. Vaishnaw attributed the rise in fertiliser prices to the West Asia crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war. “The Modi government has provided a shield to farmers from geopolitical turmoil,” he said. The retail price of DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) will remain unchanged at Rs 1,350 per 50-kg bag. 

 

 

THE Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the extension of the Aqua Line Metro Rail Corridor from Noida Sector 51 to Greater Noida Sector 4 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,390 crore, with a length of 8.449 kilometres and five elevated stations. The project, approved by the Cabinet, represents a significant advancement in the city’s infrastructure development, an official statement said. The Prime Minister listed the advantages of the project, saying it would provide a major boost to connectivity and ease of living. “As Noida and Greater Noida grow, why should daily commutes become longer? Here is some good news for the people of Noida and Greater Noida! The Cabinet has approved an extension of the Aqua Line Metro. “Key advantages: easier access to offices, schools, hospitals and commercial hubs. Less congestion. Shorter commutes. A major boost to connectivity and ease of living indeed,” Modi said in a post on X. The project would be completed over a period of four years, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters at a Cabinet briefing. Govt nod for devpt of Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum THE Union Cabinet approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum through adaptive reuse of the North and South Block complex in Delhi, at an estimated total project cost of Rs 3,230 crore. It is envisaged as a landmark museum showcasing the continuity, diversity and richness of India’s rich civilisational legacy through an integrated narrative of its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, according to officials. The museum will be developed through the adaptive reuse of the historic North and South Block complex, “preserving their architectural character and heritage significance while transforming them into a public cultural institution”, the Government said. Spread over a proposed built-up area of approximately 1,78,509 sq metres, the museum will integrate contemporary museum practices, immersive technologies and visitor-centric interpretation.