SNIPPETS 11 APRIL 2026

Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme: Launched: in 2010 by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers+ Objectives: To promote balanced use of fertilizers, reduce the subsidy burden on the Government, etc+ Subsidy is linked to nutrient content, primarily Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S) content+ Cabinet approved 12% hike in Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers for Kharif Season 2026+ It covers 28 grades of P&K fertilizers (including DAP, Urea-SSP).

Skills Outcomes Fund: It is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at unlocking aspirational livelihoods for youth from low-income backgrounds+ It builds on the success of India’s first outcomes-based initiative, the Skill Impact Bond, launched by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in 2021+ Skill Impact Bond used private sector capital and expertise, focusing on job placement and retention rather than merely on training and certification+ It will be also anchored by the NSDC+

Exercise Cyclone-IV: It is a bilateral India–Egypt joint Special Forces military exercise+ Objective: Enhance interoperability & joint operations capability+ An Indian Army contingent will participate in the 4th edition of Exercise Cyclone-IV at Anshas, Egypt.