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9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture and Stronger Food Systems

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9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture and Stronger Food Systems

India and ASEAN nations have emphasized enhancing cooperation in the areas of food security, climate-resilient agriculture, digital technology, and sustainable forestry. At the 9th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AIMMAF) held in New Delhi on September 9, 2026, an agreement was reached to give a new direction to cooperation in agriculture and forestry for the 2026–2030 period.

The meeting was co-chaired by Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines, on behalf of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, India’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, on behalf of India.

Boosting Food Security and Agricultural Supply Chains

The meeting emphasized strengthening food and agricultural supply chains amid challenges such as climate change, extreme weather, fluctuating agricultural input prices, and trade barriers. India and ASEAN agreed to ensure the availability of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides; diversifying supply sources; and supporting small farmers and vulnerable sections.

The meeting appreciated the progress made under the ASEAN-India Medium-Term Plan of Action (2021-2025). During this period, cooperation was advanced in areas such as food security, climate-resilient agriculture, soil health, digital agriculture, science and technology, as well as farmer and institutional exchanges.

The ASEAN-India Millets Festivals held in Jakarta and New Delhi in 2023 promoted millets, nutrition, and climate-friendly crops. Meanwhile, under the ASEAN-India Fellowship for Higher Education in Agriculture and Allied Sciences launched in 2024, a provision was made for 50 master’s fellowships for students from ASEAN countries over a period of five years.

AI and Digital Agriculture in Focus

The proposed cooperation programme for 2026–2030 will place greater emphasis on emerging agricultural technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), precision agriculture and smart farming.

The cooperation will also promote low-emission rice cultivation, improved water productivity, soil health, bio-inputs and climate-resilient crops. Other priority areas will include food security, post-harvest management, and reducing food loss and waste.

Officials and implementing agencies were directed to translate the new 2026–2030 action plan into a result-oriented work programme with clear priorities, designated responsible agencies, timelines and measurable outcomes. The meeting also called for the scaling up of successful initiatives and regular monitoring and review of their implementation.

Next ASEAN-India Agriculture Meeting in 2028

Both sides agreed to hold the 10th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry in 2028. The ASEAN side expressed its gratitude to the Government of India for successfully organizing the meeting and for the hospitality extended to participating delegations.

(PIB)

Fisheries Sector Gets Major Boost as Fish Productivity Rises Under PMMSY

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Fisheries Sector Gets Major Boost as Fish Productivity Rises Under PMMSY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on September 10, 2020. It is a scheme focused on the fisheries sector and sustainable development. The PMMSY is being implemented across all states and Union Territories for a period of five years, from the financial year 2020-21 to 2024-25.

The PMMSY is designed to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain—ranging from fish production, productivity, and quality to technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing. Its objective is to modernise and strengthen the value chain, enhance traceability, and establish a robust fisheries management framework, while also ensuring the socio-economic welfare of fishers and fish farmers.

Fish productivity in India increased from 2.3 tonnes per hectare in the financial year 2015 to 3.3 tonnes per hectare in the financial year 2019. This growth was made possible by government initiatives such as the PMMSY and the ‘Blue Revolution,’ which also led to a significant surge in total fish production.

Through the implementation of this scheme, the government aims to reduce post-harvest losses from 20–25% to 10%, double the income of fishers and fish farmers, and generate 55 lakh additional direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Key Objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

-To increase fish production from 13.75 million metric tonnes in the financial year 2019 to 22 million metric tonnes by the financial year 2025.
-To increase fisheries productivity from three tonnes per hectare to five tonnes per hectare.
-To increase domestic per capita fish consumption from 5 kg to 12 kg. The fisheries sector’s contribution to the Gross Value Added (GVA) of agriculture is projected to rise from 7.28% in FY 2019 to approximately 9% by FY 2025.
-The target is to double export revenue from ₹46,589 crore (US$ 6.37 billion) in FY 2019 to ₹1,00,000 crore (US$ 13.68 billion) by FY 2025.
-Reducing post-harvest losses to approximately 10%.
-Generating 55 lakh (5.5 million) direct and indirect employment opportunities across the value chain.
-This scheme is being implemented across all states and Union Territories with an investment of ₹20,750 crore. Among other measures, the scheme provides for various welfare activities for fishers and fish farmers, including:

(i) Group accident insurance cover of up to ₹5.00 lakh in the event of an accident (for death or permanent total disability), ₹2.50 lakh (for permanent partial disability), and ₹25,000 (for accidental hospitalisation); and (ii) Livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backwards traditional fisher families during the fishing ban/lean period for the conservation of fish resources, providing assistance of ₹3,000 per fisher.

Additionally, since 2019, the Government of India has extended the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to fishers and fish farmers to meet their working capital requirements. To address infrastructure needs in the fisheries sector, the Central Government also established the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) in 2018-19 with a total corpus of ₹7,522.48 crore.

Although no specific survey has been conducted to assess the average income of fishermen over the past five years, various measures taken by the Government of India have led to increased fish production, productivity, and quality. This has met consumer demand and preferences while boosting exports, ultimately resulting in higher incomes for fishermen and fish farmers.

Furthermore, in the 2018-19 financial year, the Government of India extended the ‘Kisan Credit Card’ (KCC) facility to assist fish farmers and fishermen in meeting their working capital requirements. Since the inception of this scheme, a total of 5,01,900 Kisan Credit Cards have been sanctioned to fishermen and fish farmers, with a total disbursement of ₹3,692.73 crore.

The Department of Fisheries under the Central Government is implementing the ‘Climate-Resilient Coastal Fishermen Village’ (CRCFV) program, aimed at creating sustainable economic and livelihood opportunities for coastal fishermen. Under this program, fisheries-related infrastructure is developed, climate resilience is fostered, safety and security are enhanced, tourism is promoted, local communities are empowered, and the overall quality of life in coastal villages is improved.

UIDAI Strengthens Digital Authentication Ecosystem With Face Authentication SDK, Sandbox and BFSI Playbook

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UIDAI Strengthens Digital Authentication Ecosystem With Face Authentication SDK, Sandbox and BFSI Playbook

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched the Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK (Software Development Kit) and Face Authentication Sandbox at the Global Fintech Fest 2026. This initiative aims to make Aadhaar-based face authentication easier and faster within the mobile apps of banks, fintech companies, government departments, and other entities.

With the help of the new SDK, Aadhaar face authentication can be integrated directly into Android and iOS apps. This means users will not need to switch to a separate app for authentication, and the onboarding process for banking, insurance, broking, and other digital services is expected to become smoother.

Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK

Through the new SDK, Aadhaar face authentication can be directly integrated into Android and iOS apps. This eliminates the need for users to switch to a separate FaceRD app for authentication and makes the onboarding process for services like banking, insurance, and broking faster and simpler.

The SDK includes AI/ML-based liveness detection and anti-spoofing features. It also supports secure data encryption and works on smartphones, helping organisations deploy Aadhaar Face Authentication services more efficiently.

Aadhaar Face Authentication Sandbox

UIDAI has also introduced the Aadhaar Face Authentication Sandbox along with an SDK; this is a controlled testing environment where organizations can evaluate the entire authentication process before deploying their apps for actual use.

With the help of the sandbox, developers will be able to test processes such as face capture, liveness checks, authentication, and error handling. It will also allow for the testing of scenarios like network failures, timeouts, and spoofing. Notably, no external biometric device will be required for this.

UIDAI releases ‘Playbook on ease of Onboarding’

UIDAI also launched the ‘Playbook on Ease of Onboarding’, a guide to help BFSI organisations connect with the UIDAI authentication ecosystem for identity verification of customers, employees and business partners.

According to UIDAI, its AI/ML-based face authentication system, launched in 2021, has processed over 500 crore transactions to date. Around 200 entities are utilizing this technology, including central and state government departments, banks, NBFCs, telecom companies, brokerage firms, and certification authorities.

Face authentication is being used for various services such as Digital Life Certificates, Ayushman Bharat beneficiary registration, DBT, Aadhaar-enabled payments, e-KYC-based SIM activation, and PM-Kisan.

UIDAI believes that the SDK and Sandbox will simplify the process of integrating Aadhaar face authentication into digital services and provide users with a more seamless authentication experience within a single mobile app.

Goyal Calls for More Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in BRICS Economies

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Goyal Calls for More Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in BRICS Economies

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has called upon BRICS nations to collaborate in expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses in international trade. He emphasised that women require easy access to credit, markets, and clear, reliable trade regulations to grow their businesses.

Addressing the BRICS WBA Women-Led Development Conference in New Delhi, Goyal noted that entrepreneurs entering international trade primarily face three major challenges: access to finance, access to buyers and markets, and the need for reliable, clear business regulations.

Emphasis on Connecting Women to Business and Global Markets

Goyal stated that India wishes to share its experiences with the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance and the broader BRICS business cooperation framework. India has focused on empowering women financially, socially, and educationally, while also improving their skills and standards of living, to enable them to become key partners in the country’s economic growth.

He pointed out that about 12 years ago, a large number of women in rural areas lacked bank accounts, assets in their own names, or credit histories, and struggled to secure loans easily. Subsequently, India undertook measures such as providing homes in women’s names, opening approximately 300 million (30 crore) bank accounts, and offering collateral-free loans.

Today, around 100 million (10 crore) rural women are associated with 9 million (90 lakh) Self-Help Groups (SHGs), small cooperative groups, and other women’s collectives. Furthermore, the number of women earning an annual income exceeding ₹1 lakh has surpassed 30 million (3 crore); they are known as ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

According to Goyal, approximately 560 million (56 crore) loans have been disbursed to small entrepreneurs, with women entrepreneurs receiving over 68 per cent of them. He stated that the objective is to make women economically self-reliant.

He also noted that about a decade ago, female workforce participation in India stood at around 19 per cent. There is potential for further growth in this figure as income, education, and skill levels rise. Greater participation of women in the formal workforce could significantly boost India’s economic growth. Goyal stated that women should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of schemes but as architects of a ‘New India’.

Proposal for a Shared Trade Platform for BRICS

Addressing the challenge of accessing international markets, Goyal referred to the BRICS Commerce and Industry Ministers’ meeting held in Jaipur last month. He noted that a consensus was reached there on voluntary principles for the assessment of small exporters.

He emphasized that business assessment should not be based solely on invoices and payments; the entrepreneur’s potential and the evolution of their business over time should also be taken into account.

Goyal mentioned that under the ‘Jaipur Consensus’, BRICS nations have agreed to explore a shared BRICS platform for international trade. This could assist entrepreneurs in connecting with buyers and accessing new markets.

He suggested that such a platform could facilitate the sharing of information regarding product demand in one BRICS country with other member nations. It could also allow for the sharing of invoice details, enabling financial institutions to provide financial assistance to women and small entrepreneurs for their businesses.

He urged BRICS nations to provide greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs to participate in international exhibitions, conferences, seminars, business forums, and buyer-seller meets.

Goyal also proposed the formation of sector-specific, women-led business delegations. For instance, he suggested sending a textile delegation led entirely by women entrepreneurs from one BRICS country to another. This could help integrate value chains and assist women in accessing markets beyond the BRICS bloc.

He urged BRICS nations to work towards creating a shared platform for electronic trade documents, e-invoices, electronic bills of lading, and e-customs declarations. He also emphasised the importance of advancing voluntary principles to promote cross-border online services.

Proposal for Concrete Initiatives for Women Entrepreneurs by 2030

Goyal asked the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance and the BRICS Business Council to incorporate the specific needs of women exporters into the study regarding the invoice discounting platform. He also urged banks and Exim banks to take such invoices into account when extending credit.

He called for transforming the proposal for a ‘Women’s Advancement Fund’ into a concrete initiative. Furthermore, he suggested increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs in BRICS exhibitions, fairs, and buyer-seller meets, and reviewing progress on this annually.

Citing the example of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Goyal noted that the procurement processes of central, state, and local governments in India have been made transparent. He highlighted that special emphasis is placed on providing opportunities to women-led enterprises in government procurement.

He remarked that today, even a woman entrepreneur located nearly 2,500 kilometres away from New Delhi is able to send small consignments—worth around $100—to the Ministry of Commerce or the Prime Minister’s Office. This demonstrates the growing capability and reach of women entrepreneurs.

He also highlighted the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) initiative, noting that distinct products are being identified and promoted across approximately 780 districts in India. Services are now also being included in this initiative.

He stated that efforts are underway to take products, services, and local cuisines from various districts to global markets and to transform these districts into export hubs.

Goyal also mentioned the rising demand for fresh Indian fruits and vegetables, driven by the presence of around 10 million Indians in the Gulf region. He remarked that small farmers and women entrepreneurs could tap into new opportunities in global markets through improved packaging, design, and food processing.

Over 15% Growth in India’s Exports

Goyal suggested that to simplify business-related regulations and procedures, entrepreneurs should identify the specific documents, certificates, and processes that hinder their operations. He noted that if a potential solution is proposed alongside the problem, it becomes easier for the government and policymakers to take action.

He emphasised the need to boost trade among BRICS nations and maintain engagement with the rest of the world, despite the prevailing challenges in global trade.

Goyal highlighted that, notwithstanding the slowdown in global trade and existing challenges, India’s merchandise exports grew by more than 15 per cent between April and August.

He noted that India’s economy grew at a rate of 7.8 per cent at constant prices during the first quarter (April-June), marking one of the fastest growth rates among major global economies.

Goyal stated that India aims to further open its doors to globalisation and international trade, seeking opportunities in the competitive global market while upholding honest business practices and high ethical standards.

He mentioned that India has set a target to expand its economy from the current level of approximately $4 trillion to $30 trillion by 2047. He expressed confidence that rapid progress towards this goal could be achieved through women-led initiatives.

9th National Nutrition Month Kicks Off, Strengthening Focus on Nutrition and Maternal Health

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9th National Nutrition Month Kicks Off, Strengthening Focus on Nutrition and Maternal Health

The country’s 9th National Nutrition Month (Rashtriya Poshan Maah) begins today (September 9). This year, under the theme ‘Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility,’ special emphasis will be placed on dietary diversity, adequate protein intake, maternal nutrition, early childhood development, and quality nutrition services at Anganwadi centres. The launch event will take place at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The campaign aims to strengthen nutrition, health, and care-related behaviours among pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, adolescents, and their families.

Anganwadi Centres to Become Hubs of Community Action

Under National Nutrition Month 2026, the goal is to transform Anganwadi centres into hubs for community-led activities focused on nutrition, care, and early childhood development. This year’s theme calls upon every citizen to foster a sense of shared responsibility and ownership regarding Anganwadi centres.

Focus on Five Key Priorities

The campaign will be driven by five key priorities: dietary diversity and adequate protein intake; the provision of fresh, hot, cooked meals at Anganwadi centers; community ownership and accountability; nutrition for early childhood development; and the promotion of maternal health through the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.

Emphasis on Local Foods and Protein

Dietary diversity initiatives will promote the consumption of adequate protein alongside cereals and millets, pulses, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and dairy products. Activities such as demonstrations of nutritious dishes made from local and affordable ingredients, nutrition fairs, and awareness campaigns regarding protein-rich foods will be organised at Anganwadi centres.

Promoting Produce from Nutrition Gardens (Poshan Vatikas)

Seasonal food produce from nutrition gardens will be showcased during the campaign. Families will be encouraged to incorporate these foods into their regular home meals and as complementary food for young children. The objective is to foster diverse and balanced dietary habits from an early age. Emphasis on the Quality of Fresh, Hot Meals at Anganwadi Centres

Special attention will be paid to providing fresh, diverse, and nutritious hot cooked meals to children and other beneficiaries under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme. States and Union Territories will be encouraged to implement a rotating weekly menu that incorporates local ingredients, millets, pulses, and seasonal vegetables.

Food Quality Checks in Collaboration with FSSAI

Nationwide quality testing will be conducted in ‘mission mode’ in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure the quality and safety of hot cooked meals. Live demonstrations regarding meal preparation, hygiene standards, and the composition of balanced meals will also be conducted at Anganwadi centres.

Community Monitoring of Meal Quality

Community-based ‘tasting sessions’ for hot cooked meals will be organised with the participation of parents, Panchayats, self-help groups, and Anganwadi Management Committees. The objective is to strengthen community oversight regarding meal quality, quantity, adherence to the menu, and the regularity of service delivery.

Activation of Anganwadi Management Committees

Emphasis will be placed on activating the Anganwadi Management Committees—constituted under the guidelines issued on June 23, 2026—during Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month). A target has been set to hold at least one committee meeting at every Anganwadi centre. These committees will assist in reviewing nutrition services, fostering community participation, and supporting campaign-related activities.

Enhanced Transparency through SNP Menu Boards

Emphasis will be placed on displaying Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) menu boards at all Anganwadi centres. This will inform beneficiaries about the daily menu for hot cooked meals and ‘Take-Home Rations,’ while also strengthening community monitoring of food quality and service delivery.

Focus on Nutrition and Brain Development in Early Years

The campaign will prominently highlight the deep interconnection between a child’s nutrition and their learning process. Adequate nutrition and responsive care during the first 1,000 days of life are crucial for optimal brain development. Anganwadi workers will provide counselling to families regarding early stimulation, developmental monitoring, and proper care.

Identification and Referral of Children with Developmental Delays

Emphasis will be placed on identifying children with developmental delays and referring them to appropriate health services in coordination with health systems and RBSK teams. Monitoring of developmental milestones for children aged 0 to 3 years and counselling on caregiving practices will be strengthened through a revised home visit schedule.

Special Campaign Marking 10 Years of PMMVY

The completion of 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) will be highlighted during the National Nutrition Month (Rashtriya Poshan Maah) in 2026. The scheme promotes maternal nutrition, health-related behaviours, and income support during pregnancy. A special drive will be conducted to identify and register all eligible pregnant and lactating women.

Awareness Regarding PMMVY Benefits

Public awareness campaigns will be conducted regarding PMMVY eligibility, benefits, instalments, and the application process. There will also be a focus on expediting the processes of verification, approval, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) by reviewing pending cases. Efforts will be made to promote and disseminate the content of the PMMVY toolkit across various languages.

Emphasis on transforming nutrition into a ‘Jan Andolan’ (people’s movement)

The objective of the Poshan Abhiyaan is to transform nutrition improvement into a Jan Andolan rather than limiting it to a mere government program. Community participation is considered crucial for bringing about lasting behavioural changes regarding infant feeding, dietary diversity, prenatal care, hand hygiene, and the demand for institutional health services.

8th Poshan Pakhwada held in April

The 8th Poshan Pakhwada (Nutrition Fortnight) of 2026 was organised from April 9 to April 23. Its central theme was ‘Optimal brain development during the first six years of life.’ The campaign went beyond the basic concept of nutrition for health to emphasise the interlinkages between nutrition, early childhood care, and optimal brain development.

14.33 crore activities conducted in 2025

The 8th National Nutrition Month (Rashtriya Poshan Maah) was launched on September 17, 2025, from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. During this period, emphasis was placed on topics such as nutrition literacy, healthy lifestyles, maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding, early childhood care and education, and reducing the consumption of sugar and oil. A total of 14.33 crore activities were organised across the country with the collaboration of more than 20 ministries.

Real-time monitoring via Poshan Tracker

Launched on March 1, 2021, the Poshan Tracker is a key digital platform for monitoring Anganwadi services and the nutrition delivery system. It provides near real-time data on the opening of Anganwadi centres, daily attendance of children, early childhood care and education activities, and growth monitoring.

Network of 13.99 lakh Anganwadi centres

As of July 31, 2026, there are approximately 13.99 lakh Anganwadi centres in the country, staffed by 13.30 lakh Anganwadi workers. This network reaches approximately 8.94 crore beneficiaries. This includes over 72 million children aged six months to six years, while the number of pregnant women and lactating mothers stands at approximately 11 million.

Goal: A Healthy Family and a Malnutrition-Free India

Through Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month), large-scale community participation and technology-based monitoring are being advanced simultaneously. Under Mission Poshan 2.0, the campaign aims to address gaps in nutrition services, promote dietary diversity, and move towards a healthy, malnutrition-free India by prioritising nutrition and development during a child’s early years.

Rs 10,783 Crore Railway Expansion Push: Cabinet Approves 3 Multitracking Projects

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Rs 10,783 Crore Railway Expansion Push: Cabinet Approves 3 Multitracking Projects

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹10,783 crore. These projects aim to reduce congestion on rail routes, expedite freight movement, and strengthen connectivity across five states.

The approved projects include the Kharagpur–Jharsuguda (Bagdehi) fourth line, the Katni–Pendra Road fourth line, and the Bilaspur (Uslapur)–Pendra Road third line.

These three projects will add approximately 656 kilometers to the Indian Railways network. The projects will cover 14 districts across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Rail connectivity is expected to improve for around 4,790 villages, benefiting approximately 56 lakh people.

27 MTPA of Additional Freight Traffic

Increased rail capacity will accelerate the transportation of key commodities such as coal, cement, and iron and steel. According to the Railways, these projects will generate an additional freight-carrying capacity of approximately 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

The projects are being formulated under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. It focuses on multimodal connectivity, improved logistics, and the development of integrated infrastructure.

Improved Tourist Connectivity

The new rail lines will also improve access to major tourist and religious sites such as Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Amarkantak, Taratarini Temple, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple, and the Malhar archaeological site.

According to the government, the increased capacity of rail transport will help reduce dependence on road transport and lower logistics costs. Additionally, the projects are estimated to save approximately 120 million liters of fuel and reduce CO₂ emissions by around 620 million kilograms—an environmental benefit equivalent to planting about 2.48 Crore trees.

(PIB)

Cabinet Approves Five Rail Projects Across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana

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Cabinet Approves Five Rail Projects Across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five railway capacity enhancement projects in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, at a cost of approximately ₹10,021 crore.

The projects will add nearly 540 km of new rail capacity through third- and fourth-line construction and track doubling, helping ease congestion and improve the movement of passengers and freight.

These projects include:

  • Multitracking of Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) – Kazipet – 110 kms
  • Salem – Karur – Dindigul Doubling – 159 kms
  • Whitefield – Bangarapet 3rd and 4th Line – 47 kms
  • Hosur – Omalur Doubling – 147 kms
  • Arakkonam – Renigunta 3rd and 4th Line – 77 kms

According to the Railways, these works will improve train operations and reduce congestion on busy rail routes. The projects are expected to provide better rail connectivity to around 2,121 villages across 17 districts, home to a population of approximately 5.2 million people.

These projects will also strengthen connectivity to Tirupati, Tiruttani, Kodaikanal, Hogenakkal Falls, Yadadrigutta, and other major tourist and religious sites.

According to the government, the upgraded routes could handle an additional 47 million tonnes of freight annually, including coal, cement, steel, automobiles, food grains and petroleum products.

The projects, planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, are also expected to reduce logistics costs and environmental impact. The government estimates savings of around 8 crore litres of oil and a reduction of nearly 42 crore kg of COâ‚‚ emissions.

(PIB)

Doctors’ Retirement Age Extended to 70 in UP, Deputy CM Confirms

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Doctors’ Retirement Age Extended to 70 in UP, Deputy CM Confirms

The state government has taken a major decision to strengthen the healthcare system in Uttar Pradesh. Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak announced that the retirement age for doctors in the Medical and Health Department has been raised to 70 years. The government stated that this decision was taken to ensure the public benefits from the doctors’ extensive experience.

Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak shared details of the decision while speaking to the media. He said, “The retirement age for doctors working in the Medical and Health Department of Uttar Pradesh has been increased to 70 years. This means doctors will be able to serve in government hospitals until the age of 70.”

The Deputy CM added, “We have taken this decision in the public interest so that patients can benefit from the experience of senior and specialist doctors. I congratulate all the doctors and the people of Uttar Pradesh who will benefit from this decision.”

It is worth noting that under the previous system, government doctors in the state could serve only until the age of 65; however, the number of patients in government hospitals, Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) has been steadily rising. In this context, the government’s decision is expected to bring relief to patients.

The Health Department believes that senior doctors possess decades of clinical experience, which is crucial for treating serious and complex illnesses. Raising the retirement age from 65 to 70 years will allow for the continued services of experienced doctors for another five years, thereby further improving the quality of healthcare services. Following the Deputy CM’s directive, the Health Department has initiated the process of issuing a formal order regarding this matter; the official government notification is expected to be released soon.

From Emerging Bloc to Economic Power Centre: BRICS Completes Two Decades

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From Emerging Bloc to Economic Power Centre: BRICS Completes Two Decades

What began as an acronym coined by Goldman Sachs has, two decades later, emerged as one of the most prominent institutional entities in the global economy. Ahead of the 2026 BRICS summit—to be hosted by India—the group is garnering attention for its economic clout, expansion, and evolving role within the global order.

From Concept to Political Platform

According to senior journalist and researcher RN Bhaskar, BRICS was originally a “conceptual construct” by Goldman Sachs, grouping together emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India, and China. However, Russia soon envisioned transforming it into a concrete platform.

The group’s character underwent a complete transformation with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010 and the recent addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. It has evolved from a mere forum for informal economic dialogue into an active platform addressing issues such as trade, finance, development, technology, supply chains, and global governance.

Economic Strength Metrics: GDP Growth and Scope for Trade Expansion

According to IMF data, BRICS nations accounted for approximately 40 per cent of global GDP in 2024 based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), compared to the G-7’s share of roughly 29 per cent. Data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reveals that intra-BRICS trade surged from $84 billion in 2003 to approximately $1.17 trillion in 2024—an increase of more than thirteen-fold. Despite this growth, it still represents only 5 per cent of global trade.

BRICS’ share of global merchandise exports also doubled, rising from around 12 per cent in 2003 to 24 per cent in 2024, with the export value climbing from $1 trillion to approximately $6 trillion. However, China remains the largest exporter and importer within BRICS’ internal trade. Expert Perspective: Lack of Deep Integration is the Biggest Challenge

Former IIFT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manoj Pant states, “China is at the centre of global trade.” According to him, while trade has certainly grown, this does not signal the formation of a deeply interconnected economic bloc. A lack of institutional, telecommunication, and business linkages among small industries is limiting the development of an integrated BRICS market.

Pant considers investment a more meaningful metric, as trade alone does not make economies structurally interdependent. RN Bhaskar links India’s initial participation to its long-standing ties with the Global South and its aspiration for leadership among developing nations. He notes that the BRICS platform remains functional despite US sanctions, with more countries preparing to transact in non-dollar currencies.

The New Development Bank and the Path to Alternative Finance

BRICS’ most tangible institutional contribution has been the New Development Bank (NDB), established in 2014. It offers an alternative to development financing outside the traditional Bretton Woods framework. The 2025 summit in Rio advocated for local currency financing and the diversification of funding sources. Rather than dismantling the existing global order, the group seeks greater representation for emerging markets within it.

India’s 2026 Presidency: Emphasis on Pragmatic Cooperation

Under India’s chairmanship, the approach has focused on pragmatic economic cooperation rather than confrontation with the existing order. The 16th BRICS Trade Ministers’ meeting in Jaipur emphasised the WTO-centric multilateral trading system, robust value chains, MSME internationalisation, trade finance, and digital services. The “BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy 2030″—covering trade, investment, the digital economy, innovation, and sustainable development—was advanced.

The Challenge Ahead: Forging Relationships Commensurate with Size

BRICS has already demonstrated the sheer scale of its economies. The true test for the coming decade will be whether it can forge deep economic ties that match its size. The group has contributed to the rise of a multipolar global economy and enhanced its visibility and bargaining power. The need now is to strengthen the institutional linkages that can transform trade into genuine economic integration.

India-Japan Strengthen Forest Cooperation at 7th Joint Working Group Meeting

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India-Japan Strengthen Forest Cooperation at 7th Joint Working Group Meeting

The 7th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) to strengthen cooperation in the forestry sector between India and Japan was held in Bengaluru on September 8, 2026. The Indian delegation, led by Mr. Ramesh Kumar Pandey, and the Japanese delegation, led by Mr. Shimizu Kotaro, discussed key issues related to sustainable forest management and conservation.

Both sides shared experiences regarding the assessment, management, and genetic improvement of Trees Outside Forests (TOFs) resources. Special emphasis was placed on genetic resource conservation, tree breeding, and improved planting material within the scope of Forest Genetics.

The meeting also included discussions on forest inventory, forest stock assessment, and the use of geospatial and modern monitoring technologies. Both countries expressed their commitment to advancing sustainable forest management and technical cooperation.

Both countries endorsed the 2027–2031 roadmap under the cooperation agreement signed in 2015. They also reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of forest conservation, biodiversity, research, and capacity building. The meeting concluded with both sides signing the minutes of the 7th Joint Working Group (JWG)

Under this program, the delegations visited the Institute of Wood Science and Technology in Bengaluru and interacted with officials from the Karnataka Forest Department. On September 9, they will visit sandalwood plantations, a sandalwood depot, and a processing unit in Mysuru, followed by a visit to the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on September 10. The objective of these visits is to exchange experiences related to sandalwood cultivation and wildlife conservation.

(PIB)

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