Cabinet okays MSP funding of Rs 1,718.56 crore to CCI to empower cotton farmers

IANS | March 18, 2026 4:21 PM

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) In a key step towards farmer welfare, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved minimum support price (MSP) funding of Rs 1,718.56 crore to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for the cotton season 2023–24.

'Great year in terms of doing what I could for the team,’ says Mandhana after 'Best International Cricketer' honour

IANS | March 18, 2026 4:17 PM

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) India’s vice captain Smriti Mandhana celebrated a remarkable year after being honoured with the Best International Cricketer (Women) award at the BCCI Naman Awards. The left-handed batter reflected on both her individual contributions and the broader success of Indian cricket, particularly the Women’s ODI World Cup victory.

India donates ship spares to Seychelles Defence Forces

IANS | March 18, 2026 4:13 PM

Port Victoria, March 18 (IANS) India on Wednesday donated ship spares to the Seychelles Defence Forces, highlighting New Delhi's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision for inclusive, cooperative, and sustainable security and growth across regions.