Daily filter — 13 May 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
🌾 Economy · UPSC track
Cabinet Approves Increased MSP for 14 Kharif Crops 2026-27
The **CCEA** approved higher Minimum Support Prices for **14 Kharif Crops** for the Marketing Season **2026-27**, ensuring remunerative prices for farmers.
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved increasing MSP for 14 Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2026-27.
- The highest absolute MSP increase is for Sunflower Seed (₹ 622 per quintal).
- Moong offers the highest estimated margin to farmers over cost of production, at 61%.
- This aligns with the Union Budget 2018-19 aim of MSP at least 1.5 times the cost of production.
- Government promotes pulses, oilseeds, and nutri-cereals through higher MSP.
💡 The CCEA boosted Kharif MSP for 2026-27, notably Sunflower Seed, aligning with the 1.5 times cost objective.
Source: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) · PIB PRID 2260617
💰 Economy · UPSC track
Cabinet Approves MSP Hike for 14 Kharif Crops (2026-27)
The **Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)** has approved increased **Minimum Support Prices (MSP)** for 14 Kharif crops for the Marketing Season 2026-27.
- The CCEA, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the MSP increase.
- The highest absolute MSP increase is for Sunflower Seed (₹ 622 per quintal).
- The MSP for Paddy (Common) is ₹ 2441 per quintal for 2026-27.
- Moong has the highest estimated margin over cost for farmers at 61%.
💡 For the exam: Remember CCEA approval, highest hike for Sunflower Seed, and Moong's highest margin.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare · PIB PRID 2260618
🏛️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
First Installment Released for Court Infrastructure Development Scheme
The first installment of Rs 401.50 crore was released for FY 2026-27 under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to enhance district and subordinate court infrastructure.
- Union Minister Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal released Rs 401.50 crore for FY 2026-27.
- The scheme aims to strengthen court infrastructure for 'ease of justice'.
- The scheme, extended to September 30, 2026, proposes 'Waiting Halls for Litigants'.
- A Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee formed on May 12, 2026 by CJI.
- Since inception, Rs 12844.72 crore has been released.
- 6,345 Court Halls and 4,023 Residential Units constructed by March 31, 2026.
💡 Remember: The first installment of 401.50 crore for FY 2026-27 under the CSS for court infrastructure was released on May 13, 2026, with a proposed 'Waiting Hall' component.
Source: Ministry of Law and Justice · PIB PRID 2260728
💰 Economy · UPSC track
Scheme for Promoting Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects Approved
The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme with a significant financial outlay to promote surface coal/lignite gasification projects across India.
- The scheme has a financial outlay of Rs.37,500 crore to promote new surface coal/lignite gasification projects.
- It targets gasifying approximately 75 Million Tonne of coal/lignite.
- Financial incentives are capped at Rs.5,000 crore for a single project.
- The government extended coal linkage tenure up to 30 years for coal gasification projects.
- The scheme advances India's goal of gasifying 100 Million Tonnes of coal by 2030.
💡 For the exam: Remember the Rs.37,500 crore outlay, 75 MT target, 30-year linkage tenure, and 2030 coal gasification goal.
Source: Cabinet · PIB PRID 2260621
💰 Economy · UPSC track
Cabinet Approves Scheme for Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects
The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme with a significant financial outlay to promote surface coal/lignite gasification.
- Approved Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects with Rs.37,500 crore outlay.
- Targets gasifying 75 Million Tonne of coal/lignite to produce syngas.
- Provides maximum 20% of Plant and Machinery cost as financial incentive.
- Aims to gasify 100 Million Tonnes of coal by 2030, boosting energy security.
- Extends coal linkage tenure up to 30 years for long-term policy certainty.
💡 For the exam: Remember the Rs.37,500 crore outlay, 75 MT target for gasification, and 30-year coal linkage for this coal gasification scheme.
Source: Ministry of Coal · PIB PRID 2260622
👷 Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC Core Group Meeting: Protecting Migrant Workers' Rights
The **NHRC** organised a core group meeting to discuss challenges and solutions for protecting the rights of migrant workers in India.
- NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian stressed systemic reforms like interstate coordination.
- Member Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi highlighted the issue of non-payment of timely remuneration.
- Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal lauded the One Nation One Ration Card scheme.
- Discussions emphasised uniform, timely wages and access to essential public services for migrants.
💡 For the exam: Remember NHRC focuses on systemic reforms, timely wages, and schemes like One Nation One Ration Card for migrant workers.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2260515
✈️ Economy · UPSC track
Nagpur Airport Modernisation: PPP Model for Regional Aviation Hub
Cabinet approved extending the lease for Nagpur International Airport to enable its modernization and operation by a private partner under a PPP model.
- Cabinet extended AAI land lease to MIL beyond 06.08.2039.
- This allows MIL to license Nagpur Airport to GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) for 30 years.
- This is part of the MIHAN project to make Nagpur an aviation hub.
- GNIAL will develop the airport to handle 30 million passengers annually.
💡 For the exam: Nagpur Airport's 30-year lease extension to GNIAL (GMR) under PPP aims for a 30M passenger capacity regional aviation hub.
Source: Cabinet · PIB PRID 2260629
🚄 Economy · UPSC track
Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project Approved by CCEA
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved India’s first indigenously developed semi high-speed double line project in Gujarat.
- The Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) – Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project costs Rs. 20,667 crore.
- It will add approximately 134 Kms to the Indian Railways network.
- Completion is targeted for 2030-31.
- This is Indian Railways' 1st semi high-speed project using indigenous technology.
- The project is planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
💡 Remember: Ahmedabad-Dholera is India's 1st indigenous semi high-speed rail, 134 Kms, costing Rs. 20,667 crore.
Source: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) · PIB PRID 2260624
✈️ Economy · UPSC track
Nagpur Airport Modernization Under PPP Model Approved
The Union Cabinet approved the lease extension for **Nagpur Airport**, enabling its modernization through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
- Cabinet extended AAI's land lease to MIL beyond 06.08.2039.
- This allows MIL to license Nagpur Airport to GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) for 30 years.
- In 2009, MIL was formed by AAI and Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd. (MADC).
- GNIAL will transform Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport to handle 30 million passengers annually.
💡 For the exam: Nagpur Airport (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar) is modernizing via PPP with GNIAL for 30 years, involving AAI and MIL.
Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation · PIB PRID 2260630
🤝 Science & Tech · UPSC track
IndiaAI Mission Partners Karya for Inclusive AI Ecosystem
The **IndiaAI Mission** has partnered with **Karya** to foster an inclusive AI ecosystem in India.
- IndiaAI Mission signed an MoU with Karya, a nonprofit.
- Collaboration focuses on data, technology, and capacity building.
- Partnership aims to develop high-quality language and multimodal datasets.
- Support for AIKosh data infrastructure and model evaluation frameworks.
- Initiatives include training programs and knowledge-sharing.
- Ms. Kavita Bhatia (MeitY) highlighted the need for diverse data.
💡 For the exam: IndiaAI Mission (MeitY) teamed with Karya (nonprofit) to enhance AIKosh with diverse data and build capacity for an inclusive AI.
Source: Ministry of Electronics & IT · PIB PRID 2260790
💡 Science & Tech · UPSC track
MeitY launches IP Catalyst for IP commercialization in Electronics & IT
MeitY launched **IP Catalyst** and a digital platform to accelerate IP commercialization and bridge the gap between R&D and industry adoption.
- IP Catalyst initiative, implemented by CDAC Pune, supports the innovation lifecycle from creation to market deployment.
- It offers financial support for IP filing, international patent filing for startups and MSMEs, and IP advisory services.
- The cipie.in platform acts as a unified gateway for IP services and a national repository of MeitY-supported technologies.
- India's patent filings reached 1,43,729 in FY 2025–26, with 52% from Electronics & IT.
💡 For the exam: IP Catalyst (MeitY/CDAC Pune) boosts Electronics & IT patents (52% of total filings in FY 2025–26) from 'Patent to Product' for 'Viksit Bharat' vision.
Source: Ministry of Electronics & IT · PIB PRID 2260532
🚄 Economy · UPSC track
Cabinet approves India's 1st semi high-speed rail project
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej) – Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project.
- The project cost is Rs 20,667 crore and completion is by 2030-31.
- It will be Indian Railways' 1st semi high-speed project.
- The line will increase the network by approximately 134 Kms in Gujarat.
- It uses indigenously developed technology and is on PM-Gati Shakti plan.
💡 Remember: Ahmedabad-Dholera is India's 1st semi high-speed rail, 134 Km, costing ₹20,667 Cr, by 2030-31.
Source: Ministry of Railways · PIB PRID 2260626