July 24, 2026
NEW DELHI: Centre Wednesday approved a hike in minimum support prices (MSP) of 14 kharif crops for the marketing season 2026-27, with the most-popular kharif crop paddy getting an increase of Rs 72 per quintal (3%) to reach Rs 2,441 per quintal.Highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for sunflower seed (Rs 622 per quintal), followed by cotton (Rs 557 per quintal), niger seed (Rs 515 per quintal) and sesamum (Rs 500 per quintal), signalling farmers to primarily opt for oilseeds over other crops to reduce edible oil import bill.The expected margin to farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be highest in case of moong (61%), followed by bajra (56%), maize (56%) and tur/arhar (54%), in continuation with govt’s focus on crop diversification to bring pulses and millets to the forefront of farmers’ choice. In percentage as well as absolute terms, the hike in MSP of maize and moong figured at the bottom of the list.The hike, approved by the cabinet, will come into force from the marketing season beginning Oct 1. Kharif crops are sown during monsoon season (June-Sept) and harvested in Oct-Nov. Govt estimates the total payout to farmers at Rs 2.6 lakh crore, factoring in projected annual procurement at 824.4 lakh tonne.Union I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the new MSPs have been fixed to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and are at least 50% above the cost of production across all 14 crops — jowar, sunflower seed, cotton, soybean, ragi, tur/arhar, niger seed, urad, sesamum, bajra, groundnut, paddy, maize and moong. All-India weighted average cost of production includes costs such as hired labour, rent for leased land, expenses on seed, among others.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVijay Targets NEET Again, Says Medical Admissions Should Depend On Class 12 MarksCongress Claims Assam FIR Row Is Linked To Questions Over Himanta Sarma Assets | WatchCBI Arrests Five In NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case As Probe Expands Nationwide | WatchEx-Army Chief Naravane Backs People-To-People Ties To Improve India Pak RelationsAir India Cuts 29 International Routes As West Asia War Drives Up Fuel Costs And DisruptionsVijay Reverses Astrologer Appointment; PM Modi Orders Nearly 50% Convoy | Headlines@9EPS Removes Rebel Leaders Backing Vijay Government As AIADMK Internal Crisis DeepensPostmortem Reveals Massive Blood Clot In Lungs Caused Prateek Yadav’s Death | WatchHimanta Biswa Sarma Announces UCC Bill For Assam As State Moves Towards Uniform Civil LawNEET UG 2026 Cancellation Sparks Rajasthan Political Storm As BJP And Congress Clash Over Leak123Photostories10 soft celestial baby boy names inspired by the moonTara Sutaria’s Cannes debut look is giving ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ vibe, but make it Bollywood editionTop US states with most lightning strikesAlia Bhatt stuns in an icy blue gown at Cannes 2026; fashion fans say, “Elsa who?”Inside 15 years of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales’s most talked-about royal looksFigs are more powerful than you think: Here’s what happens when you eat them regularly and how to eat it properlyStop throwing away mango peel: 6 delicious ways to use them in your kitchen5 weird things people do in love and why, as per psychologyWhy these 5 vegetable DIY remedies are harmful for your skin8 Indian states where women can travel free on government buses; West Bengal becomes the latest to join the list123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingNashik AstrologerTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeIPL Match TodayHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026Aparna YadavAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

NEW DELHI: Centre Wednesday approved a hike in minimum support prices (MSP) of 14 kharif crops for the marketing season 2026-27, with the most-popular kharif crop paddy getting an increase of Rs 72 per quintal (3%) to reach Rs 2,441 per quintal.Highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for sunflower seed (Rs 622 per quintal), followed by cotton (Rs 557 per quintal), niger seed (Rs 515 per quintal) and sesamum (Rs 500 per quintal), signalling farmers to primarily opt for oilseeds over other crops to reduce edible oil import bill.The expected margin to farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be highest in case of moong (61%), followed by bajra (56%), maize (56%) and tur/arhar (54%), in continuation with govt’s focus on crop diversification to bring pulses and millets to the forefront of farmers’ choice. In percentage as well as absolute terms, the hike in MSP of maize and moong figured at the bottom of the list.The hike, approved by the cabinet, will come into force from the marketing season beginning Oct 1. Kharif crops are sown during monsoon season (June-Sept) and harvested in Oct-Nov. Govt estimates the total payout to farmers at Rs 2.6 lakh crore, factoring in projected annual procurement at 824.4 lakh tonne.Union I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the new MSPs have been fixed to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and are at least 50% above the cost of production across all 14 crops — jowar, sunflower seed, cotton, soybean, ragi, tur/arhar, niger seed, urad, sesamum, bajra, groundnut, paddy, maize and moong. All-India weighted average cost of production includes costs such as hired labour, rent for leased land, expenses on seed, among others.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVijay Targets NEET Again, Says Medical Admissions Should Depend On Class 12 MarksCongress Claims Assam FIR Row Is Linked To Questions Over Himanta Sarma Assets | WatchCBI Arrests Five In NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case As Probe Expands Nationwide | WatchEx-Army Chief Naravane Backs People-To-People Ties To Improve India Pak RelationsAir India Cuts 29 International Routes As West Asia War Drives Up Fuel Costs And DisruptionsVijay Reverses Astrologer Appointment; PM Modi Orders Nearly 50% Convoy | Headlines@9EPS Removes Rebel Leaders Backing Vijay Government As AIADMK Internal Crisis DeepensPostmortem Reveals Massive Blood Clot In Lungs Caused Prateek Yadav’s Death | WatchHimanta Biswa Sarma Announces UCC Bill For Assam As State Moves Towards Uniform Civil LawNEET UG 2026 Cancellation Sparks Rajasthan Political Storm As BJP And Congress Clash Over Leak123Photostories10 soft celestial baby boy names inspired by the moonTara Sutaria’s Cannes debut look is giving ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ vibe, but make it Bollywood editionTop US states with most lightning strikesAlia Bhatt stuns in an icy blue gown at Cannes 2026; fashion fans say, “Elsa who?”Inside 15 years of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales’s most talked-about royal looksFigs are more powerful than you think: Here’s what happens when you eat them regularly and how to eat it properlyStop throwing away mango peel: 6 delicious ways to use them in your kitchen5 weird things people do in love and why, as per psychologyWhy these 5 vegetable DIY remedies are harmful for your skin8 Indian states where women can travel free on government buses; West Bengal becomes the latest to join the list123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingNashik AstrologerTamil Nadu NewsIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeIPL Match TodayHimanta Biswa SarmaIPL Orange Cap 2026Aparna YadavAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Centre Wednesday approved a hike in minimum support prices (MSP) of 14 kharif crops for the marketing season 2026-27, with the most-popular kharif crop paddy getting an increase of Rs 72 per quintal (3%) to reach Rs 2,441 per quintal.Highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for sunflower…

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AI to settle most cashless claims in 2 years: Star Health

AI to settle most cashless claims in 2 years: Star Health

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MUMBAI: Star Health Insurance, the largest health insurance company in the country, expects most cashless hospitalisation claims to be settled straight through using artificial intelligence within two years. Currently, a fifth of the claims are settled using AI helping the company meet the timelines for pre-admission and post-discharge hospitalisation.A directive from the regulator requires completion…

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‘Balan: The Boy’ box office collections day 1: Chidambaram’s thriller opens with Rs 1.82 Cr India Net

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After delivering the blockbuster ‘Manjummel Boys’, director Chidambaram is back with ‘Balan: The Boy’. The thriller hit theatres on Friday and has opened to good responses from audiences. ‘Balan’ opens with Rs 1.82 crore Nett in India According to Sacnilk, ‘Balan: The Boy’ collected Rs 1.82 crore nett in India on its opening day. The…

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PSU BEL acquires land in UP’s Chitrakoot to manufacture ‘desi Iron Dome’ Kusha system

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NEW DELHI: In a big step towards bolstering India’s indigenous defence capabilities, Navratna PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has acquired 75 hectares of land in the Chitrakoot node of the UP defence industrial corridor to establish a new manufacturing unit for production of next-generation missiles, radar systems and India’s own ‘Iron Dome’.“With an investment of…

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NEW DELHI: Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while describing pure electoral rolls as bedrock of democracy, on Saturday said the success of special intensive revision (SIR) process in Bihar was evident from the zero appeals filed against the final roll and the record-breaking 67% turnout recorded in the state assembly election held thereafter.In a televised…

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Work, relationships, and money are no longer one‑size‑fits‑all, and neither are the labels that describe modern lives. Families, careers, and incomes come in different shapes: dual‑income or single‑income, with kids, without kids, with pets, or even split between caring for parents and children. These quirky acronyms—from DINK to SINK, SITK to HENRY—are not just shorthand;…

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NIH study titled “Effect of Neem Leaf Paste Application on Dandruff” confirms that neem leaf paste is an effective natural remedy for reducing dandruff levels. A significant improvement was observed in the experimental group, where most participants experienced no or minimum dandruff after the intervention. How to use: The Participants in the NIH study applied…

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Scientists recreated a dinosaur nest to uncover how eggs stayed warm 70 million years ago

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For decades, palaeontologists have puzzled over a scene preserved in rock across parts of Mongolia and China. Fossilised oviraptor dinosaurs were repeatedly found sitting over nests in a posture that looked strikingly familiar. Their forelimbs spread across the clutch, their bodies positioned above the eggs, almost as if they were brooding like modern birds.The image…

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Prabhas’s ‘Raja Saab’ is nearing the end of its theatrical run, with collections dwindling significantly. The film has garnered approximately Rs 207.73 crore worldwide. While some viewers praised its innovative approach and production, others criticized the direction and editing, leading to mixed audience reception. ‘The Raja Saab’ is moving into its last days now and…

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In a thrilling cinematic showdown, James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ has soared past Rs 100 crore at the Indian box office, despite tough competition from ‘Dhurandhar’. The film’s release coincided with the Christmas festivities, which undoubtedly fueled its remarkable performance. With a global haul of USD 483 million. James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’…

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The Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Madhya Pradesh has once again revised the schedule for the mop-up round of the National Eligibility Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2025 counselling. As per the updated notification, the last date to register for the mop-up round has been extended to October 22, 2025.Eligible candidates seeking admission to…

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BNP’s chairman Tarique Rahman’s adviser Humayun Kabir Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman’s adviser Humayun Kabir on Saturday said that “Hindu extremism and far-right intolerance” are growing in India, describing radicalisation as a wider South Asian concern. He also called for balanced and cooperative ties with New Delhi as the BNP prepares to form the…

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The way people approach travel today has evolved. It’s no longer just about where they go, but how deeply they experience a destination. Now more than ever, travellers are seeking out moments that feel personal—stories and people that allow them to connect to the culture. In Kenya, those moments often unfold quietly, away from the…

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AHMEDABAD: Defying odds in a communally sensitive pocket of Godhra — Ground Zero of the 2002 Gujarat violence — an independent candidate, Apexa Soni, scripted an unlikely victory from Ward 7, where Hindu votes are negligible, underscoring a rare show of social harmony and grassroots support.The ward comprises Satpul, Hayatni Wadi, Vachla Odha, Chuchla Plot,…

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Rahul Gandhi and Nirmala Sitharaman (R) NEW DELHI: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday mounted a strong defence of the Modi government’s record while taking aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of “undermining” India’s achievements in an attempt to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre.Addressing BJP workers at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Samavesha in Bengaluru to mark 12 years of the Modi government, Sitharaman said Rahul Gandhi continued to paint a bleak picture of the country despite India’s economic resilience amid global challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in West Asia.According to her, Rahul Gandhi constantly says that everything is going to crumble in the next few weeks. The LoP keeps saying that there is a big disaster awaiting, but there is no disaster awaiting India.Rahul Gandhi has recently claimed that “economic tsunami” is awaiting India due to West Asia crisis.”Every time the Congress’s leader of opposition speaks in the Lok Sabha, it is only to decry everything, undermine the achievements of the people of India, thinking that he is undermining Prime Minister Modi or the central government,” she said.The finance minister dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s repeated warnings about looming crises, insisting that India’s economic fundamentals remain strong.”On the contrary, quarter after quarter, year after year India is the fastest growing economy,” she underlined.Sitharaman said India’s performance was not a claim made by the government alone but was reflected in GDP figures and acknowledged by international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).She accused the Congress leader of creating a false perception about the country’s economic health by repeatedly suggesting that India was headed for trouble.”Yet the leader of the opposition and his party continue to undermine India. They try to make people believe that India is in trouble. Even amidst crises in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, India continues to move forward.”Highlighting the challenges posed by tensions in the Gulf region, Sitharaman explained how disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz affect not just energy supplies but global trade and shipping costs.”These challenges affect not only crude oil prices and LPG prices but also global shipping. Shipping companies hesitate to send vessels through conflict zones. Insurance premiums increase because ships risk being attacked. Whether a vessel is empty or carrying crude oil, insurance costs rise significantly, and those costs ultimately have to be paid to ensure supplies reach the country.”Despite these challenges, she said, the Modi government had ensured uninterrupted supplies and economic stability.”Unfortunately, none of this seems to matter to the leader of the opposition,” Sitharaman said.Calling on BJP workers to spread awareness about the government’s achievements, the finance minister described the Viksit Bharat campaign as a national mission aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.”India fought for its independence in 1947. It was a great movement—the freedom movement. For us to attain economic freedom, self-respect, self-reliance and true Swaraj, we must work towards Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Therefore, this Sankalp Samavesh is a commitment towards that movement. All of us must participate in it.”Sitharaman highlighted what she described as the Modi government’s twin focus on development and welfare, citing reductions in poverty, expanded sanitation coverage, tap water connections, LPG access and food security programmes.”Twenty-five crore Indians have come out of multidimensional poverty. Extreme poverty has declined from 29.17 per cent in 2013-14 to about 11.28 per cent. Twelve crore household toilets have been built under rural sanitation programmes, achieving near-universal coverage,” she claimed.She also pointed to the expansion of India’s digital public infrastructure, saying the combination of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar and mobile connectivity had transformed governance and service delivery.According to Sitharaman, India today has 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts, 144 crore Aadhaar identities and 125 crore mobile connections, while UPI has emerged as a global benchmark for digital payments.The finance minister also rejected allegations that Karnataka had been neglected by the Centre, citing tax devolution, grants and infrastructure investments received by the state.”The Karnataka government frequently claims that the Centre is not giving the state its due share. Let us look at the facts. Tax devolution to Karnataka between 2014 and 2026 amounted to about Rs four lakh crore—five times more than the Rs 82,000 crore received in the comparable pre-2014 period,” Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, said.She added that Karnataka had also received around Rs 2.71 lakh crore in grants-in-aid and over Rs 18,000 crore under the Centre’s 50-year interest-free loan scheme.Looking ahead to India’s centenary year of independence in 2047, Sitharaman said building a developed nation would require participation beyond governments alone.”We have only 21 years left until 2047. It may sound distant, but it is not. India needs greater innovation. Karnataka is India’s innovation capital. It has led aerospace development, defence manufacturing and biotechnology. Therefore, the responsibility cannot be left to the government alone.””All of us must commit ourselves so that ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ helps India achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” she added.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More TrainsDRDO’s Three Successful Missile Tests Put India Among Nations Capable Of Countering ICBM Threats123PhotostoriesInside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuriesWhat happens when you eat 1 banana daily for 45 days123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Rahul Gandhi and Nirmala Sitharaman (R) NEW DELHI: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday mounted a strong defence of the Modi government’s record while taking aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of “undermining” India’s achievements in an attempt to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre.Addressing BJP workers at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Samavesha in Bengaluru to mark 12 years of the Modi government, Sitharaman said Rahul Gandhi continued to paint a bleak picture of the country despite India’s economic resilience amid global challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in West Asia.According to her, Rahul Gandhi constantly says that everything is going to crumble in the next few weeks. The LoP keeps saying that there is a big disaster awaiting, but there is no disaster awaiting India.Rahul Gandhi has recently claimed that “economic tsunami” is awaiting India due to West Asia crisis.”Every time the Congress’s leader of opposition speaks in the Lok Sabha, it is only to decry everything, undermine the achievements of the people of India, thinking that he is undermining Prime Minister Modi or the central government,” she said.The finance minister dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s repeated warnings about looming crises, insisting that India’s economic fundamentals remain strong.”On the contrary, quarter after quarter, year after year India is the fastest growing economy,” she underlined.Sitharaman said India’s performance was not a claim made by the government alone but was reflected in GDP figures and acknowledged by international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).She accused the Congress leader of creating a false perception about the country’s economic health by repeatedly suggesting that India was headed for trouble.”Yet the leader of the opposition and his party continue to undermine India. They try to make people believe that India is in trouble. Even amidst crises in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, India continues to move forward.”Highlighting the challenges posed by tensions in the Gulf region, Sitharaman explained how disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz affect not just energy supplies but global trade and shipping costs.”These challenges affect not only crude oil prices and LPG prices but also global shipping. Shipping companies hesitate to send vessels through conflict zones. Insurance premiums increase because ships risk being attacked. Whether a vessel is empty or carrying crude oil, insurance costs rise significantly, and those costs ultimately have to be paid to ensure supplies reach the country.”Despite these challenges, she said, the Modi government had ensured uninterrupted supplies and economic stability.”Unfortunately, none of this seems to matter to the leader of the opposition,” Sitharaman said.Calling on BJP workers to spread awareness about the government’s achievements, the finance minister described the Viksit Bharat campaign as a national mission aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.”India fought for its independence in 1947. It was a great movement—the freedom movement. For us to attain economic freedom, self-respect, self-reliance and true Swaraj, we must work towards Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Therefore, this Sankalp Samavesh is a commitment towards that movement. All of us must participate in it.”Sitharaman highlighted what she described as the Modi government’s twin focus on development and welfare, citing reductions in poverty, expanded sanitation coverage, tap water connections, LPG access and food security programmes.”Twenty-five crore Indians have come out of multidimensional poverty. Extreme poverty has declined from 29.17 per cent in 2013-14 to about 11.28 per cent. Twelve crore household toilets have been built under rural sanitation programmes, achieving near-universal coverage,” she claimed.She also pointed to the expansion of India’s digital public infrastructure, saying the combination of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar and mobile connectivity had transformed governance and service delivery.According to Sitharaman, India today has 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts, 144 crore Aadhaar identities and 125 crore mobile connections, while UPI has emerged as a global benchmark for digital payments.The finance minister also rejected allegations that Karnataka had been neglected by the Centre, citing tax devolution, grants and infrastructure investments received by the state.”The Karnataka government frequently claims that the Centre is not giving the state its due share. Let us look at the facts. Tax devolution to Karnataka between 2014 and 2026 amounted to about Rs four lakh crore—five times more than the Rs 82,000 crore received in the comparable pre-2014 period,” Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, said.She added that Karnataka had also received around Rs 2.71 lakh crore in grants-in-aid and over Rs 18,000 crore under the Centre’s 50-year interest-free loan scheme.Looking ahead to India’s centenary year of independence in 2047, Sitharaman said building a developed nation would require participation beyond governments alone.”We have only 21 years left until 2047. It may sound distant, but it is not. India needs greater innovation. Karnataka is India’s innovation capital. It has led aerospace development, defence manufacturing and biotechnology. Therefore, the responsibility cannot be left to the government alone.””All of us must commit ourselves so that ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ helps India achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” she added.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More TrainsDRDO’s Three Successful Missile Tests Put India Among Nations Capable Of Countering ICBM Threats123PhotostoriesInside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuriesWhat happens when you eat 1 banana daily for 45 days123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Rahul Gandhi and Nirmala Sitharaman (R) NEW DELHI: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday mounted a strong defence of the Modi government’s record while taking aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of “undermining” India’s achievements in an attempt to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre.Addressing BJP workers at the Viksit Bharat…

Read More