What Happened
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved proposals worth a total of approximately Rs 1.74 lakh crore on April 8, 2026
- Key approvals: HPCL Rajasthan Refinery cost revision to Rs 79,459 crore; Jaipur Metro Phase-2 at Rs 13,037.66 crore; two hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh (~Rs 40,000 crore combined); and Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Kharif 2026
- Jaipur Metro Phase-2 is a 41-42.8 km North-South corridor from Prahladpura to Todi Mod with 36 stations, targeted for completion by September 2031
- The two hydropower projects — Kalai-II (1,200 MW on the Lohit River in Anjaw district) and one additional project — are in Arunachal Pradesh
- Fertiliser subsidy (NBS rates for Kharif 2026) was also approved, providing support for the April–September cropping season
Static Topic Bridges
Jaipur Metro Phase-2 — Urban Metro Policy and Urban Transport
The Jaipur Metro Phase-2 is a 42.8 km North-South elevated-cum-underground metro corridor with 36 stations (34 elevated, 2 underground), being built by the Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited. It will connect Todi Mod in the south to Prahladpura in the north, passing through Sitapura Industrial Area, Jaipur Airport, SMS Hospital, and Ambabari.
- Total project cost: Rs 13,037.66 crore
- Length: 42.8 km; Stations: 36 (34 elevated, 2 underground)
- Executing agency: Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited
- Target completion: September 2031
- Phase-1 (East-West corridor, Mansarovar to Chandpole, 9.63 km) is already operational
- Urban metro policy framework: Metro Rail Policy 2017 — requires metros to be financially viable; mandates state government to meet funding gaps; encourages PPP
- Metro Rail (Construction of Works) Act, 1978 and Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002 govern metro systems in India
- Central government typically funds 20% of metro projects, with the rest from state governments and loans (JICA, ADB, etc.)
Connection to this news: The Jaipur Metro Phase-2 approval reflects the government's push to expand urban mobility infrastructure in Tier-2 cities, reducing vehicular congestion and emissions in a rapidly growing city. The project connects key economic nodes including the airport and industrial areas.
Hydropower in Arunachal Pradesh — Strategic and Ecological Context
Arunachal Pradesh has an estimated hydropower potential of approximately 57,000 MW — the highest of any Indian state — yet only a fraction has been harnessed. The Kalai-II project (1,200 MW) on the Lohit River in Anjaw district is part of the government's push to develop Arunachal's potential. The Lohit River is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra.
- Arunachal Pradesh hydropower potential: ~57,000 MW estimated; currently harnessed: well under 10%
- Lohit River: Originates in Tibet (as Zayul Chu), enters India via Arunachal Pradesh, joins the Brahmaputra near Dhubri in Assam — strategically significant as it flows through disputed border areas near China
- Kalai-II project: 1,200 MW; located in Anjaw district (easternmost district of Arunachal, bordering China); estimated cost Rs 14,000 crore; construction timeline: 78 months
- India's total installed hydropower capacity (as of 2024-25): approximately 47,000 MW — about 10% of total power capacity
- National Electricity Plan 2022-32 targets significant addition in hydro and pumped storage to complement renewable intermittency
- Environmental concerns: Large hydropower in the Brahmaputra basin involves complex EIA processes due to seismically active zone, biodiversity hotspot status, and downstream impacts in Bangladesh
- Under EIA Notification 2006, hydropower projects above 50 MW fall under Category A (requiring EAC-level clearance from MoEFCC)
Connection to this news: Developing hydropower in Arunachal Pradesh serves dual objectives — India's clean energy transition goals and strategic assertion in a border state where China has aggressively built dams on the upper Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo).
Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) for Fertilisers
The NBS scheme, introduced in 2010, provides a fixed subsidy per kilogram of nutrient (N, P, K, and S) present in non-urea fertilisers. Unlike urea (which has a separate administered-price mechanism), NBS fertilisers are priced by manufacturers, with the subsidy directly paid to fertiliser companies that pass it on as a reduction in MRP to farmers.
- NBS Scheme launched: April 1, 2010; administered by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
- Covers: Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Muriate of Potash (MOP), Single Superphosphate (SSP), complex fertilisers — but NOT urea (urea remains under direct price control)
- Urea: Price capped at Rs 242/bag (50 kg); subsidy paid through DBT directly to companies
- Kharif season: April–September; Rabi season: October–March
- NBS rates are revised twice yearly (for Kharif and Rabi) by CCEA based on international prices
- India is the world's second-largest fertiliser consumer; heavily dependent on imports for potash (MOP) and partially for DAP
- PM-PRANAM scheme (2023) incentivises states to reduce chemical fertiliser use and promote alternative nutrients
Connection to this news: CCEA approval of NBS rates for Kharif 2026 ensures fertiliser availability at affordable prices during the critical sowing season (June–August). Higher NBS rates amid elevated global fertiliser prices protect farmers from import cost pass-through while the government absorbs the subsidy burden.
Key Facts & Data
- Total Cabinet approvals on April 8, 2026: ~Rs 1.74 lakh crore
- HPCL Rajasthan Refinery revised cost: Rs 79,459 crore (from Rs 43,129 crore)
- Jaipur Metro Phase-2: Rs 13,037.66 crore; 42.8 km; 36 stations; target completion September 2031
- Kalai-II hydropower project: 1,200 MW; Lohit River, Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh; Rs 14,000 crore; 78-month construction timeline
- Two hydropower projects combined (Arunachal Pradesh): ~Rs 40,000 crore
- Arunachal Pradesh hydropower potential: ~57,000 MW; largely untapped
- Jaipur Metro Phase-1: 9.63 km (Mansarovar to Chandpole), already operational
- Jaipur Metro Phase-2 key connectivity: Sitapura Industrial Area, Jaipur Airport, SMS Hospital, Ambabari, Vidhyadhar Nagar