2nd JULY 2026 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS
Union Cabinet Approves Supply of Improved Quality Rice under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a significant reform to supply improved quality rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes. This move will benefit over 80 crore people by ensuring they receive superior quality rice.
- For the first time in 30 years, the Central Government has revised the quality specifications for rice distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS). This ensures a substantial reduction in the percentage of broken grains supplied to beneficiaries.
- Under the PMGKAY, the limit for broken grains in raw rice will be reduced from the current 25% to 10%. Similarly, the limit for broken grains in parboiled rice will be reduced from 16% to 5%.
- Procurement of this improved quality rice will begin immediately, and supplies will be gradually extended to all states by the 2027-28 Kharif marketing season.
- A pilot phase of this initiative will be implemented in the states of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh.
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, currently visiting India, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for discussions. Several agreements were signed between the two nations during this meeting. Following the meeting, both leaders addressed the press jointly.
- At the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Delhi today, several historic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with the aim of strengthening trade, technology, and defense ties between the two countries.
- A major joint initiative aimed at boosting India's rural economy and clean energy sector has been announced as a key highlight of this summit. Japan has signed a final agreement to set up 1,000 biogas and organic fertilizer plants across India. These plants will be established using Japan's cutting-edge technology and financial investment.
