18, Aug 2026
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Hands Over Approval for 2.89 Lakh PMAY-G Houses Worth Rs.3,473 Crore in Rajasthan
Baran, August 18: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday handed over approval for 2,89,355 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) to Rajasthan, involving an outlay of ₹3,473 crore.
Chouhan, who was visiting Rajasthan, participated in a state-level PMAY-G programme in Baran along with Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. He also handed over an approval letter for ₹340.59 crore under agricultural development initiatives and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to providing pucca houses to poor families in Rajasthan was being fulfilled.
“Today, approval is being given for 2,89,355 houses at a cost of ₹3,473 crore,” Chouhan said, adding that the initiative would bring a positive transformation in the lives of families living in kutcha houses.
Chouhan said the survey of 29,13,749 new beneficiaries had been completed. Following physical verification, houses would be sanctioned for the remaining eligible beneficiaries.
He directed authorities to display transparent beneficiary lists at district and panchayat levels, hear objections and ensure that eligible families are not excluded because of errors or procedural shortcomings.
The Union Minister announced three significant changes in the eligibility criteria for housing assistance.
Under the revised norms, families owning a two-wheeler will also be eligible for a pucca house. The monthly income ceiling for women has been increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, while small farmers owning up to five acres of unirrigated land or 2.5 acres of irrigated land will also qualify for housing assistance.
Highlighting the government’s focus on women’s economic empowerment, Chouhan said 16 lakh women in Rajasthan had so far become Lakhpati Didis. The target would now be doubled to 32 lakh.
He said women had received ₹13,400 crore through various banks to support entrepreneurial activities.
Referring to the newly introduced Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Yojana, Chouhan said Rajasthan had been given a target of ₹12,000 crore in investment over the next nine months.
He said the programme would extend to every gram panchayat, with an objective of providing approximately ₹80 lakh annually to each panchayat. Development priorities, he said, would be decided locally rather than solely at the state or central level.
“The people themselves will decide development plans at the panchayat level,” Chouhan said.
On urea availability, Chouhan said the government was taking steps to shield farmers from international price fluctuations. Although the cost of a bag of urea is around ₹3,000, farmers would continue to receive it at ₹266, he said.
He also assured farmers that strict action would be taken against black marketing of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.
Chouhan said the existing legal framework was inadequate to tackle the sale of fake pesticides and substandard seeds. He announced that stronger legislation covering pesticides and seeds would be introduced in the next session of Parliament, with provisions for stringent punishment for those involved in such malpractice.
The Union Minister said he would work with agricultural scientists and local farmers to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the Kota-Jhalawar region.
The roadmap would cover the entire agricultural value chain, including crop diversification, processing, marketing and exports, with the aim of improving farmers’ incomes from the farm gate to global markets.
Chouhan also called upon citizens to contribute to social causes, including tree plantation, education for daughters and efforts towards creating a drug-free society. He administered a pledge to those present and urged collective efforts to build a Viksit Rajasthan and Viksit Gaon.
Speaking on the significance of Vande Mataram, Chouhan said the song represents India’s freedom struggle, sacrifice and patriotism. He said respecting Vande Mataram was a duty of every Indian.
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- By Neel Achary
18, Aug 2026
CEC Gyanesh Kumar Calls on Academia to Boost Informed Democratic Participation
Patna, August 18: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday called upon educational institutions to play a greater role in strengthening electoral literacy, building trust in the electoral process and promoting informed democratic participation among young citizens.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELC) 2.0 at a conference on “Electoral Literacy Clubs and ECINet” held at Gyan Bhawan in Patna.
Addressing the conference, Kumar said India’s elections are conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution, laws and instructions issued by the Election Commission. He said the electoral process is carried out transparently, with political parties, candidates and their representatives having opportunities to participate in and audit the process at various stages.
The CEC stressed the need to familiarise students and young voters with India’s electoral system, democratic values, voter registration, polling and counting procedures, as well as the role and functioning of the Election Commission.
“Engaging young citizens and ensuring their trust and informed participation in the electoral process is an investment in the future of democracy,” the CEC said.
A new logo for the Electoral Literacy Club was also unveiled during the programme. The initiative carries the tagline “Learn Democracy. Lead Democracy.”, reflecting its objective of enabling young and first-time voters to understand democratic processes and participate meaningfully in them.
Earlier, Kumar held a meeting with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at the Rajgir International Convention Centre in Nalanda. During his two-day visit to Bihar on August 16 and 17, he also undertook field visits to Madhubani, Vaishali and Nalanda.
ELC 2.0 seeks to transform Electoral Literacy Clubs into structured, visible and digitally enabled platforms across schools, colleges and universities. The programme envisages year-round activities to promote electoral awareness among young citizens and extend awareness to their families, institutions and communities.
The initiative will leverage ECINet, the Election Commission’s digital platform providing election-related services covering the electoral process from roll to poll. A dedicated ELC portal on ECINet will facilitate the creation of a streamlined pan-India network of Electoral Literacy Clubs.
The initiative assumes significance given the scale of India’s education system. The country has around 15 lakh schools with nearly 25 crore students and more than one crore teachers. The higher education sector comprises nearly 1,500 universities and around 70,000 educational institutions, with an estimated enrolment of 4.33 crore students.
Through this extensive institutional network, ELC 2.0 aims to promote factual and experiential electoral education and enhance awareness about the transparency, integrity and credibility of India’s electoral system.
The clubs will also disseminate information on different stages of elections, including voter registration, polling and counting, besides creating awareness about the ECINET App and other key initiatives of the Election Commission.
The ECI expects the expanded network of Electoral Literacy Clubs to help young citizens become informed participants and ambassadors of democratic participation.
17, Aug 2026
Audiobook Fan-Favorite Jeff Hays Joins Peacock’s Dungeon Crawler Carl as Princess Donut
Audiobook Fan-Favorite Jeff Hays Joins Peacock’s Live-Action Adaptation of Audible Bestseller “Dungeon Crawler Carl” as the Voice of Princess Donut
17, Aug 2026
5 Protein Whey Supplements Worth Buying
Protein has become a key part of modern fitness, helping active individuals support recovery, build muscle and meet their daily nutritional needs. As more consumers invest in supplements, they are also becoming more conscious of what goes into their protein shake, looking beyond flavour and protein content to factors such as ingredient quality, digestibility, formulation and third-party testing. With so many options available, choosing the right whey protein can be overwhelming. Here’s a look at five whey protein supplements that stand out for different fitness goals.
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MuscleBlaze: For Advanced Athletic Recovery
Lifting weights needs structure, which can take in a gradual overload; MuscleBlaze has it covered with its primary product, Biozyme Gold 100% Whey, equipped with a proprietary Enhanced Absorption Formula (EAF) and fortified with probiotics to cater to a heavy training regimen. Independent third-party lab-certified, it’s the choice for athletes seeking reliable post-workout recovery.
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AS-IT-IS Nutrition: For Performance-Focused Training and Holistic Health
Whether you’re lifting weights, running, playing a sport or simply trying to meet your daily protein requirements, choosing the right whey protein can make a meaningful difference. ATOM Whey Protein by AS-IT-IS Nutrition combines Global-quality whey with a digestive enzyme blend to support better digestion and nutrient absorption. Backed by independent verification through Trustified and Labdoor, testing platforms widely recognised by performance athletes for quality assurance, it reflects the brand’s focus on ingredient transparency and quality assurance. Developed for athletes and individuals following structured training programmes, it supports muscle recovery, lean muscle development and an active lifestyle, making it suitable for both fitness enthusiasts and those looking to strengthen their overall nutrition routine.
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Avvatar: For Farm-to-Gym Freshness
When you buy protein from raw material direct from milk farms, the protein is manufactured completely differently. Avvatar’s 100% Performance Whey in Cold Coffee is formulated focusing on liquid milk being processed to convert to whey that maintains native protein fractions and goes straight to manufacturing at their facility, ensuring strict quality norms on locally manufactured protein supplements.
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Nakpro: For Multi-Stage Protein Delivery
Human muscles need a supply of amino acids round the clock to keep recovering. Nakpro’s Titanium Tri-Blend protein provides steady nourishment, using a mix of several whey strains and comes with the advantage of clean profile engineering and reliable safety tests. It’s your reliable go-to for every workout.
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Nutrabay: For Customised Stack Integration
Whether looking to bulk, cut, or boost their overall wellness, consumers are increasingly opting for products that align perfectly with their nutrition regime. Nutrabay Gold 100% Whey Protein Concentrate provides a high-quality whey concentrate formulation formulated for daily consumption, an excellent choice for customers looking to complete their supplement stack.
Choosing the right whey protein is about finding a supplement that aligns with your fitness goals while offering quality, transparency and a formulation you can trust. Whether your priority is recovery, performance or everyday nutrition, paying attention to ingredients, testing standards and nutritional profile can help you make a more informed choice. After all, the best supplement is one that complements consistent training, balanced nutrition and long-term fitness habits.
17, Aug 2026
Mayfair Residency’s 20:80 ‘Freedom from Rent’ Campaign Records 200 Home Sales in 30 Days
Noida, 17 August 2026: Mayfair Residency, a residential development by Supercity Developers in Techzone-4, Greater Noida West, has recorded the sale of 200 homes in just 30 days, following a strong market response to its distinctive 20:80 ‘Freedom from Rent’ campaign.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple proposition: pay 20% now and the balance 80% at the offer of possession, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
The strategy emerged through regular discussions between Supercity Developers and Big Bucks India, one of the project’s key channel partners, around the project’s advanced stage of development, its future sales strategy and the changing needs of homebuyers. Rather than structuring the campaign primarily around a price discount, the two teams focused on reducing the financial burden between booking and possession. The resulting proposition became the foundation of the ‘Freedom from Rent’ campaign.
For many homebuyers, particularly those purchasing their first home while currently living on rent, the period between buying an under-construction property and receiving possession can create a financial challenge. Depending on the buyer’s financing structure, rental expenditure and home-loan obligations can overlap.
Mayfair Residency’s 20:80 structure seeks to address this by requiring only 20% at the initial stage and linking the substantial 80% balance to the offer of possession. For buyers financing the balance through a home loan, this can help move a significant part of the loan obligation closer to the stage when they are preparing to move into their new home, subject to individual loan sanction and disbursement terms.
20% Now. 80% at Offer of Possession. Freedom from Rent.
The proposition is particularly distinctive because Mayfair Residency is already at an advanced stage of development, allowing Supercity Developers to structure a large proportion of its future collections around possession rather than collecting most of the consideration much earlier in the construction cycle.
“When we were discussing the next phase of Mayfair Residency with the Big Bucks team, we wanted to create something more meaningful than another discount-led campaign. A homebuyer who is already paying rent should ideally not have to carry the financial burden associated with a new home for a long period before being able to use it. That thought became the foundation of 20:80 — pay 20% today and the substantial 80% balance at the offer of possession.” — Zubin Miglani, Supercity Developers
“It also represents the confidence we have in the stage Mayfair Residency has reached. Our focus today is on execution and taking the project towards possession. A structure like this aligns our interests with those of our customers: we want to complete and offer possession, while the customer keeps a substantial portion of the purchase consideration protected until that milestone.” — Zubin Miglani, Supercity Developers
The structure can also be attractive to investors because it provides exposure to a residential asset with a comparatively limited initial capital commitment during the period leading towards possession. Any future price appreciation, however, remains dependent on market conditions and is not assured.
Big Bucks India has played a major role in translating the strategy into market response. Through extensive broker mobilisation, digital and on-ground marketing, customer engagement, site visits and sales conversion, its team and channel network have been instrumental in facilitating the sale of 200 homes during the campaign period.
“The 20:80 proposition came out of continuous discussions with Supercity Developers on how we could create a campaign suited specifically to the stage Mayfair Residency has reached. The strength of the proposition is its simplicity — a customer commits 20% today and the substantial balance becomes payable at the offer of possession. Our teams then focused heavily on communicating that proposition across the market and bringing customers to experience the project on ground. The response of 200 sales in 30 days validates the strength of that collaboration.” — Abhishek Singh, Big Bucks India
The milestone was celebrated on 15 August at a special homebuyers’ event built around the ‘Freedom from Rent’ theme, bringing together customers and their families for an Independence Day celebration of homeownership.
Eligible customers also participated in a grand lucky draw featuring rewards worth approximately ₹1 crore, including cars, motorcycles, consumer electronics and other prizes, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.Mayfair Residency is spread across approximately 5.9 acres and comprises 12 residential towers and approximately 1,050 homes, offering 2, 3 and 4 BHK residences along with a clubhouse, swimming pool, sports facilities and landscaped green spaces.With construction at an advanced stage, Supercity Developers’ immediate focus remains on execution, customer experience and progressing Mayfair Residency towards possession.
17, Aug 2026
Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College Expands Clinical & Research Infrastructure in Modinagar
Modinagar, Aug 17: Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital has expanded its clinical training, research and integrated healthcare ecosystem with strengthened OPD infrastructure, specialised Ayurveda clinics, Panchakarma facilities and research-oriented academic initiatives aimed at supporting growing demand for Ayurveda education and holistic healthcare learning in North India.
The expansion comes amid rising student interest in evidence-based Ayurveda education and increasing patient demand for integrated and preventive healthcare systems. Ranked No. 1 in UP AYUSH Counselling for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, the institution has continued strengthening its academic and clinical ecosystem through practical learning infrastructure, patient-centric training and community healthcare engagement.
Located within the larger DJ Group of Institutions healthcare campus in Modinagar, the institution currently operates a 100+ bedded teaching hospital supported by active OPD and IPD facilities, a dedicated Panchakarma centre and more than 10 specialised clinics focused on areas including skin diseases, joint disorders, pediatric care and lifestyle disorders. The institution currently records over 200 OPD patient visits daily, enabling broader clinical exposure and hands-on learning opportunities for Ayurveda students. The college also continues conducting regular medical outreach and free health camps across rural and urban communities as part of its preventive healthcare initiatives.
Speaking on the expansion, Mr Rhitik Jassar, Chairman, DJ Group of Institutions and Jassar Dental Medical Education Health Foundation, said,
“India is witnessing growing global recognition for Ayurveda and holistic healthcare systems, making it important for educational institutions to strengthen clinical exposure, research capabilities and modern learning infrastructure. At Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, our focus remains on building an integrated ecosystem where traditional Ayurvedic knowledge is supported by scientific learning, patient-centric training, innovation and community healthcare engagement. We remain committed to preparing future Ayurveda professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to both Indian and global healthcare systems.”
Dr. Sharada, Principal, Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, said,
“Quality Ayurveda education is built on the integration of strong academic foundations with extensive clinical exposure and research-oriented learning. At Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, we are continuously strengthening our academic ecosystem through faculty development, research initiatives, practical training and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, enabling students to develop the knowledge, clinical competence and professional skills required to contribute effectively to the evolving healthcare landscape.”As part of its ongoing academic and research expansion, the institution has strengthened its skill-development and research ecosystem through CME programmes, seminars, workshops, institutional collaborations and exposure visits to premier institutions including the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi. The institution is also expanding collaborative learning initiatives, research-oriented academic frameworks and innovation-led activities aimed at strengthening practical healthcare education and industry exposure for students.
Established in 2017, with its associated hospital founded in 2012, the institution offers a 5.5-year BAMS programme approved by NCISM and affiliated to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University. The academic ecosystem is supported by over 110 faculty members, 14 specialised Ayurveda departments, digital learning systems, advanced laboratories, herbal gardens and dedicated student mentorship initiatives focused on continuous academic and clinical development.
With over 500 graduates placed across hospitals, wellness centres and healthcare organisations including Yashoda Hospital, Felix Hospital, Patanjali, Sri Sri Tattva and IMS BHU, the institution continues strengthening its position as a growing centre for Ayurveda education, clinical learning and integrated healthcare training in North India.
17, Aug 2026
Rain, Rides & a Little Magic: Imagicaa’s Baarish Mein Magic Makes a Perfect Case for Monsoon Adventures
Mumbai, Aug 17: Imagicaa, one of India’s largest theme parks, is inviting travellers to look beyond the usual monsoon road trips to scenic hill stations and discover a different kind of rainy-day escape through its latest campaign, ‘Baarish Mein Magic.’ To bring the campaign to life, the brand has launched a new digital film across its social channels, encouraging families, friends and thrill-seekers to step out, embrace the rains and turn an ordinary day into an adventure.
More than a seasonal campaign, ‘Baarish Mein Magic‘ aims to bring theme parks into the monsoon travel conversation by celebrating everything that makes the season special. The idea behind the film is to offer an escape from the everyday chaos that the rains can bring to city life and transport audiences into the magical world of Imagicaa, where the rain becomes part of the experience rather than an inconvenience. The film captures how a regular day can quickly turn into an unexpected adventure through thrilling rides, shared laughter and the simple joy of getting a little drenched. At its heart is a simple idea, sometimes the best memories are the ones you don’t plan for.
Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, said
“Baarish Mein Magic’ comes from a simple observation, people love stepping out and travelling during the monsoon, but a theme park is rarely the first experience that comes to mind. We wanted to challenge that thinking and show people that the rains can make a day at Imagicaa even more exciting and memorable. The campaign is also about giving people a break from the everyday chaos of the city during the monsoon and transporting them into a world of fun, adventure and magic. There is something inherently joyful about experiencing the thrill of a ride, sharing a laugh with your family or friends and simply embracing the season together. Through this campaign, we want to make Imagicaa part of the monsoon travel conversation and encourage people to discover a more spontaneous, adventurous side of the season.”
While monsoon may traditionally be associated with road trips and hill stations, Imagicaa believes the rains can add a whole new dimension to a day of entertainment. Set against the foothills of Lonavala, the destination offers a mix of indoor AC shows, covered zones and a lively atmosphere, alongside appropriate weather-led measures, high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, and safety protocols across the park.
The campaign film brings this idea to life by turning the familiar monsoon experience on its head, replacing the idea of staying indoors with rides, rain, laughter and a day full of unexpected moments. It positions Imagicaa as a place where visitors can step away from the routine, leave the bustle of the city behind and immerse themselves in a world where the monsoon becomes part of the magic.
17, Aug 2026
AR Rahman Launches ‘Tamil Idol’ to Discover Tamil Nadu’s Next Singing Sensation
Mumbai, August 17: Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman has launched ‘Tamil Idol’, a statewide talent hunt aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of singing talent from across Tamil Nadu.
The first-ever Tamil edition of the globally recognised singing competition format was unveiled by Sony Vizha in association with Rahman. The show will seek to bring together promising voices from different parts of the state and provide them with a platform to showcase their musical talent.
Auditions for the show will open from August 18, with aspiring singers invited to register through the Sony LIV app. Participants who cannot attend auditions in person will also be able to submit their entries online.
To audition, participants need to select the Tamil Idol Audition section on the Sony LIV app, complete their registration with personal details and upload three videos demonstrating their versatility across different singing genres.
Rahman said the search for new voices is at the heart of music and that the initiative would help uncover new talent, fresh perspectives and stories from different generations.
“With Tamil Idol, for the very first time, we bring together the extraordinary voices of Tamil Nadu and give them a platform to be celebrated,” Rahman said.
Produced by Fremantle India, Tamil Idol will be available across Sony Vizha and Sony LIV, combining television and digital platforms to reach audiences across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
The initiative is expected to provide a significant platform for emerging singers, particularly those from smaller towns and communities who may not otherwise have easy access to the mainstream music industry.
With Rahman leading the search, the competition aims not only to identify strong vocal performers but also to celebrate the diversity of Tamil Nadu’s musical traditions and contemporary voices.
The auditions will mark the beginning of a statewide search for the first-ever Tamil Idol, with aspiring singers across the state invited to participate.
17, Aug 2026
Colorado River Crisis Deepens as Key Reservoirs Hit Historic Lows
Washington, August 17: The Colorado River water crisis has entered a critical phase, with the river’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, falling to historic lows and growing uncertainty over how the water supply will be shared among the seven US states that depend on the river.
Lake Mead, which supplies water to millions across the US Southwest, recently fell to about 1,040.4 feet above sea level, below its previous record low set in 2022. Lake Powell has also reached a record-low elevation, intensifying concerns over water supplies and hydropower generation.
The Colorado River is a critical source of water for more than 40 million people and supports millions of acres of farmland across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, as well as parts of Mexico. The river’s declining flows are being driven by prolonged drought, extremely low snowpack, rising temperatures and decades of demand exceeding available supplies.
The situation has also raised concerns about electricity generation. Lake Powell’s declining water level is approaching the minimum elevation required for Glen Canyon Dam to generate hydropower. A further decline could threaten a major source of electricity for communities and utilities across the region.
States remain divided over water cuts
The crisis has been compounded by a political deadlock among the seven Colorado River Basin states over a new framework for managing the river after existing operating guidelines expire at the end of 2026.
The states have been unable to reach a consensus on how the burden of water-use reductions should be distributed. The Upper Basin states — Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico — and the Lower Basin states — Arizona, California and Nevada — have sharply different positions on future cuts.
In July, the US government proposed a new 10-year framework that could require substantial reductions in water use, particularly in Arizona, California and Nevada. The proposal could reduce Lower Basin water supplies by as much as 3 million acre-feet annually under certain conditions.
The US Bureau of Reclamation has meanwhile moved ahead with plans for post-2026 river operations. Its final environmental impact statement released in July proposes an adaptive framework for managing Lake Powell and Lake Mead through 2036, allowing operating rules to respond to changing water conditions.
Agriculture and cities face mounting pressure
Agriculture accounts for a substantial share of Colorado River water use, making farmers and irrigation districts central to the debate over future reductions. Urban areas, meanwhile, are investing in conservation, water recycling, groundwater management and other measures to prepare for reduced supplies.
Arizona has already taken steps to use stored water to help utilities manage potential reductions in Colorado River supplies, illustrating the growing importance of water banking and conservation strategies.
The crisis has transformed the Colorado River from a long-term environmental concern into an immediate economic and infrastructure challenge. Decisions taken during the coming months will determine how the river’s limited water is allocated among cities, farms, industries and ecosystems.
With reservoir levels continuing to fall and the existing management framework approaching expiration, the Colorado River Basin faces a defining test: finding a sustainable balance between water demand and a river whose supply is increasingly constrained by a hotter and drier climate.
17, Aug 2026
Anurag Jain Assumes Charge as NITI Aayog CEO
New Delhi, August 17: Senior IAS officer Anurag Jain on Monday took charge as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog, marking his return to the Central government after serving as Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh.
Jain, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, was appointed CEO of NITI Aayog by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet in July. His tenure will run for an overall period of two years, or until further orders, subject to the terms specified in the government order.
The appointment comes as NITI Aayog continues to play a central role in policy coordination, economic reforms and Centre-State cooperation. Jain brings extensive administrative experience in infrastructure, industrial policy, finance, logistics, urban development and public administration.
During his career, Jain has held several important positions at both the Centre and in Madhya Pradesh. He has also been associated with major government initiatives, including work related to infrastructure planning and implementation.
As CEO, Jain will oversee the day-to-day functioning of NITI Aayog and coordinate with Union ministries, state governments and other stakeholders on key development priorities. His responsibilities are expected to include supporting policy formulation, monitoring flagship programmes and advancing reforms linked to infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics and inclusive growth.
Jain succeeds Nidhi Chhibber, who had been holding additional charge of the NITI Aayog CEO post following the completion of B.V.R. Subrahmanyam’s tenure in February 2026.
His appointment is being viewed as a move that could strengthen NITI Aayog’s focus on implementation-oriented governance and closer coordination between policy design and execution as India pursues its long-term Viksit Bharat@2047 development agenda.
