♦ The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) on 9 October 2024. This decision extends the program from July 2024 through December 2028. The rice fortification initiative will continue as a central sector initiative with 100% funding by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY (Food Subsidy).

♦ The Union Cabinet also approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. This major project, aimed at preserving and showcasing India’s 4,500-year-old maritime heritage, will be executed in two phases.