Centre raises MSP for Rabi crops:Wheat MSP increased by ₹25; ₹1.86 lakh crore Green Energy Corridor also approved

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved an increase in the minimum support prices (MSP) of all six Rabi crops for 2027-28. The MSP for wheat was increased by ₹25 per quintal. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision at a Cabinet briefing. Safflower saw the biggest increase, at ₹675. This was followed by rapeseed-mustard at ₹413 and lentils at ₹390 per quintal. The Union Cabinet also approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase III scheme. The scheme will cost ₹1,86,405 crore. Under the scheme, an intra-state transmission system will be developed in the states and Union territories for up to 135 GW of renewable energy. The work is targeted for completion by 2032-33. What is the Green Energy Corridor? The government has taken this decision to ensure an uninterrupted supply of clean electricity generated from solar and wind energy to households across the country. There is often a fear of power cuts when the sun sets or the wind stops, so large-scale batteries will be installed under the scheme to store electricity generated during the day for use at night. In addition, a network of power lines and poles will be built within the states to prevent power losses, end power cuts in homes and ensure a continuous, uninterrupted supply of affordable and clean electricity 24 hours a day. Other major decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting Smart traffic system for Delhi: The Cabinet approved an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) worth ₹1,790 crore to improve traffic management in Delhi. EPFO wage ceiling increased: The Cabinet raised the mandatory monthly wage ceiling for PF contributions under EPFO from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. Subsidy on affordable fertilisers for farmers: The Cabinet approved a ₹41,533 crore subsidy on PK fertilisers to make them available to farmers at affordable prices. How will the smart traffic system work? Signals will change based on traffic: Signal timings will not be fixed in advance; the lights will automatically turn green where there are more vehicles. Smart cameras will monitor traffic: AI-powered cameras and sensors installed on roads will continuously track the number and speed of vehicles. Instant number plate recognition: As soon as a traffic rule is violated, cameras will automatically scan the vehicle’s number plate.