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Sunday, January 4, 2026
TopicDepartment of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj

Topic: Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj

Centre considers ways to use SVAMITVA data to help villages realise their solar power potential

Panchayati raj ministry's assessing 3 villages using SVAMITVA data, which prepares geo-referenced maps of villages. It's also exploring ways to monetise data for other development projects.

Five months after govt set target, more than 65% of panchayats in India are UPI-enabled

In May, Panchayati Raj ministry wrote to states to start UPI payments to ‘enhance ease of living for citizens’. But only 8 states have completed the process so far, it is learnt.

94% MGNREGS budget used in 6 months, rural ministry seeks more funds. Activists worry about less work

Activists representing workers' groups, who opposed slashing of MGNREGS budget, allege govt trying to phase out programme that guarantees minimum 100 days of paid work to rural families.

Parliament panel flags ‘disparity, non-increase’ in MGNREGS wages, calls for revision

Standing Committee on Rural Development & Panchayati Raj recommends exploring possibility of uniform MGNREGS wages across country, highlights issue of pending payments to states.

On Camera

What women want—a man who cooks and doesn’t seek a standing ovation for it

An average Lajpat Nagar playboy knows that women will reply to his Instagram story of the chicken curry he cooked for lunch. And he is proven right, every single time.

Wall Street carries big expectations this year after best run since 2009

The concern is not that 2025’s rally was irrational, but that it may be difficult to repeat. Outlooks remain anchored to AI investment and growth without reigniting inflation.

Greece looking at TATA’s WhAP infantry combat vehicle for army procurement

If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.