Page 31 - NIS English 16-30 April, 2026

UNION CABINET DECISIONS

n CCI has established a robust procurement network
in 11 major cotton-producing states. It has over
508 procurement centers operating in 152 districts, DECISION: Approval for the Small Hydro Power
ensuring seamless and accessible procurement. (SHP) Development Scheme for the period spanning
Financial Year 2026-27 to Financial Year 2030-31.
n Dissemination of MSP-related information,
implementation of a bale identification and IMPACT: Under this scheme, an expenditure of
traceability system, and the launch of the 'Cott- ₹2,584.60 crore will be incurred on the establish-
Ally' mobile app have streamlined the procurement ment of SHP projects with a combined capacity of
process and improved access to farmers. approximately 1,500 MW.
n Specific benefits for the hilly and North-Eastern states,
n Cotton sustains the livelihoods of approximately 6 which possess immense potential for such projects.
million farmers and supports 40 to 50 million people
engaged in allied activities, including processing, n It is expected that 5.1 million (51 lakh) person-
trade, and the textile industry. days of employment will be generated during the
construction phase of these projects.
DECISION: Approval granted for the construc-
tion of a 4-lane access-controlled National DECISION: Approval for India's Nationally Deter-
Highway-927, extending from Barabanki to Bah- mined Contributions (NDCs)—to be submitted
raich in Uttar Pradesh. to the United Nations Framework Convention
n Length: 101.515 km on Climate Change (UNFCCC)—for the period
n Cost: ₹6,969.04 crore spanning 2031 to 2035.
n Construction Model: Hybrid Annuity Mode IMPACT: India's emission intensity declined by 36%
IMPACT: It will resolve major road construction during the period from 2005 to 2020. The target has
deficiencies, sharp curves, and congestion issues now been set to further reduce emission intensity
within the urban areas of Barabanki and Bahraich by 47% by 2035.
districts. n The country has already achieved a 52.57% share
n Travel time and vehicle operating costs will be of non-fossil fuel-based energy resources in its total
reduced, making journeys safer and faster. installed electricity capacity by February 2026—five
years ahead of the stipulated deadline.
n It will ensure seamless connectivity between
Barabanki and Bahraich, providing multi-modal n The target has now been set to further increase the
linkages to economic and logistics hubs. share of non-fossil fuel-based energy resources to
60% by 2035.
n Connectivity to the Bahraich and Shravasti regions
will be improved, aligning with the strengthening of n India will create a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion
the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti Scheme. tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through forest
and tree cover by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.
n India-Nepal connectivity will be strengthened via the
Nepalganj border, ensuring improved access to the n These commitments by India are aligned with the
Rupaidiha Land Port. national goals of achieving a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047
and 'Net-Zero' emissions by 2070.
Scan the QR code to watch the
press briefing on Cabinet decisions. DECISION: Approval for the continuation of the
Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration, and
Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme.
IMPACT: This scheme has been extended for a
period of five years—from April 1, 2026, to March
31, 2031—with a total budgetary outlay of ₹1,800
crore.
n Main Objective: Modernization and upgradation of
immigration and visa services under a secure and
integrated service system. n

April 16-30, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 29