Maharashtra launches first Annapurti Grain ATM in Nashik for round-the-clock foodgrain access

Exam-focused facts from the 18 October 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Maharashtra's first advanced 'Annapurti Grain ATM' was inaugurated by State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal in Nashik.
The Grain ATM aims to provide foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries beyond the fixed operating hours of fair-price shops.
Maharashtra has around 54,000 fair-price shops serving approximately 7 to 7.5 crore beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Of three grain ATMs planned in Maharashtra, the first is in Nashik, with the next two proposed in Nagpur and Thane.