Double metal-insulator peaks and effect of Sm3+ substitution on magnetic and transport properties of hole-doped La0.85Ag0.15MnO3

► Magnetic and electrical transport properties of La0.85−xSmxAg0.15MnO3 (x=0−0.2) were studied. ► Magnetic measurements indicated presence of Griffith's phase indicating Sm3+ substitution may induce minor ferromagnetic clusters in the paramagnetic region. ► Double resistivity peaks Tp1 and Tp2 were observed for all samples. ► The Tp1 was affected by external magnetic field and was accompanied by a magnetoresistance peak. ► The Tp2 peak increased with Sm3+ but changed weakly under magnetic field.