• 26 Feb 2026

UP Secures ₹1 Lakh Crore Investment in Singapore Visit

Why in News?

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath concluded his official visit to Singapore, during which Uttar Pradesh secured investment proposals worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore, including MoUs valued at around ₹60,000 crore.

Key Points:

• Investment Commitments: The state attracted investment proposals worth approximately ₹1 lakh crore.
  • Of these, MoUs worth ₹60,000 crore have been formalised through Invest UP, the state’s nodal investment promotion and facilitation agency.
• Sectoral Diversification: Investments are expected in infrastructure, logistics, warehousing, urban development, fintech, data centres, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
• Strategic Focus Areas: Special emphasis was placed on developing an integrated economic ecosystem around the Noida International Airport, including MRO hubs and logistics parks.
  • The delegation interacted with sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, and institutional investors to explore long-term capital partnerships.
• Urban Planning: Discussions included adopting Singapore’s expertise in smart city planning, sustainable urban transport, and industrial township models.
• Ease of Doing Business: The Chief Minister highlighted reforms in single-window clearance systems, improved law and order, and streamlined regulatory mechanisms to attract investors.
  • The proposed investments are expected to create large-scale direct and indirect employment opportunities in manufacturing and services.
• Vision: The outreach forms part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader strategy to emerge as a $1 trillion economy by attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening industrial growth.

Read More: Renewable energy,  MRO hubs, Ease of Doing Business,  Foreign direct investment

Rajasthan Imposes Statewide Ban on Felling of Khejri Tree

Why in News?

The Government of Rajasthan has imposed a statewide ban on the felling of the Khejri tree following sustained agitation by the Bishnoi community demanding stronger legal protection for the species.

Key Points:

• Statewide Ban: An official order issued by the Revenue Department Secretary to all district collectors has prohibited the cutting of Khejri trees across Rajasthan until a comprehensive legal framework for their protection comes into force.
• Community Agitation: The decision follows an 11-day “Khejri Bachao Andolan” (Save Khejri Movement) in Bikaner and other desert districts, where Bishnoi community members and environmental activists raised slogans, held rallies, and fasted to press for a permanent ban.
• Legislative Assurance: The state government has also assured that a dedicated Tree Protection Law will be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the Rajasthan Assembly.
  • Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) is a vital desert species that improves soil fertility, provides fodder, prevents desertification, and supports biodiversity in arid regions.
• Cultural Importance: The Bishnoi community has a historic tradition of environmental conservation, rooted in the teachings of Guru Jambheshwar, making Khejri protection both an ecological and cultural issue.
• Significance: The ban on Khejri tree felling marks an important step in balancing development with ecological preservation in Rajasthan. Backed by strong community mobilisation, the move reinforces India’s tradition of participatory environmental conservation.

Read More: Bishnoi community,  Environmental conservation

UN Launched Road Safety Financing Project in Four Indian States

Why in News?

The United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) has launched a Sustainable Road Safety Financing Project in India, aiming to strengthen financial mechanisms and capacity for road safety interventions in selected states. 

• The project was inaugurated in New Delhi during the visit of the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt.

Key Points:

• Objective: The initiative aims to establish sustainable and coordinated financing mechanisms for road safety programmes at national and state levels.
  • The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), WHO, UNICEF, and non‑profits like the Save LIFE Foundation to provide technical and policy support.
• Focus States: The financing project is being rolled out in four Indian states — Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam — to build capacity for implementing effective road safety action plans.
• Need: India records a high number of road traffic fatalities each year, with road accidents imposing significant health, social, and economic costs, including an estimated loss of around 3 % of GDP due to crashes.
• Sustainable Financing Strategies: The project promotes innovative financing tools such as road safety bonds, dedicated taxes, and public‑private partnerships (PPP) to ensure predictable funding streams for road safety.
• Capacity Building: A core component is strengthening institutional capacity at national and sub‑national levels for planning, budgeting, and monitoring road safety investments.
• Global Alignment: The initiative supports the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which seeks to halve road fatalities and serious injuries worldwide by 2030.

Read More: United Nations,  Road Safety , WHO, UNICEF, PPP

Rob Jetten Becomes Netherlands’ Youngest and First Openly Gay Prime Minister

Why in News?

Rob Jetten has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, making history as both the youngest person and the first openly gay leader of the country. He assumed office in February 2026. 

Key Points:

• Historic Leadership: Rob Jetten became the youngest prime minister in Dutch history at 38 and the first openly gay person to lead the Netherlands, highlighting progress in LGBTQ+ representation in politics.
  • He leads a three‑party minority coalition composed of his centrist Democrats 66 (D66) party, the centre‑right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), which together hold 66 of the 150 seats in the lower house. 
• Swearing‑In Ceremony: The new government was sworn in by King Willem Alexander at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. 
• Political Background: Jetten’s political career began in 2010 at the municipal level. 
  • He entered the Dutch House of Representatives in 2017 and later served as Minister for Climate and Energy Policy and as Deputy Prime Minister before becoming PM.
• Significance: Jetten’s leadership is seen as a milestone for inclusion and diversity, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, in a country known for advancing equal rights (the Netherlands was the first to legalise same‑sex marriage in 2001).

Read More: India–Netherlands

Five Northeast Frontier Railway Stations Receive ‘Eat Right Station’ Certification

Why in News?

Five railway stations under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) have been awarded the ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for ensuring safe, hygienic, and nutritious food services for passengers.

Key Points:

• Eat Right Station: The initiative is part of the Eat Right India movement led by FSSAI to promote food safety, hygiene, and nutrition among the public.
• Awarded Stations: Five NFR stations received the certification for maintaining high standards of food hygiene, quality, and safety practices at food outlets within station premises. 
  • Dimapur Railway Station (Nagaland)

  • Alipurduar Railway Station (West Bengal)

  • Kokrajhar Railway Station (Assam)

  • Golakganj Railway Station (Assam)

  • New Mal Junction Railway Station (West Bengal)

• Criteria for Certification: The certification is granted after rigorous assessment of compliance with food safety guidelines, hygiene protocols, proper storage and handling of food, safe water availability, and consumer awareness measures at food vending points.
• Implementation Partners: The certification was facilitated through joint efforts by FSSAI, Northeast Frontier Railway, food vendors, and local health officials to improve food safety infrastructure and passenger awareness.
• Expansion of Initiative: The Eat Right Station programme complements other national efforts to improve public health, such as Swachh Bharat Mission and Safe Water initiatives, and encourages other railway zones to adopt similar standards.

Read More: Eat Right Station,  Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Swachh Bharat Mission

Chhattisgarh Budget 2026-27

Why in News?

• The Government of Chhattisgarh presented the Budget 2026–27 in the State Legislative Assembly, where Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary unveiled a ₹1.72 lakh crore ‘Sankalp Budget’ under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

Key Points:

• Budget Framework & Vision: The budget is framed around SANKALP, which builds upon the pillars of GYAN (Poor, Youth, Farmers, Women) and GATI (Governance, Infrastructure, Technology, Industry).
  • S – Samaveshi Vikas (Inclusive Development): Ensuring that growth benefits all sections of society, especially women, farmers, youth, tribal communities, and marginalised groups.
  • A – Adhosanrachna (Infrastructure): Expanding physical and digital infrastructure including roads, water resources, education cities, healthcare facilities and connectivity to drive economic activity. 
  • N – Nivesh (Investment): Attracting investment to boost industrial growth, job creation, and economic diversification.
  • K – Kushal Manav Sansadhan (Skilled Human Resources): Prioritising skill development and education to build a future-ready workforce.
  • A – Antyodaya (Upliftment of the Marginalised): Targeting programmes that uplift the poorest and most vulnerable segments, including tribal belts and remote regions. 
  • L – Livelihood: Enhancing rural and urban livelihoods through farm support, MSME growth, tourism development, and employment schemes.
  • P – Policy to Results (Policy se Parinam tak): Ensuring effective implementation and measurable outcomes on ground.
• Fiscal Position (₹ Crore):
  • Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP): 7,09,553
  • Total Receipts: 1,72,000
  • Total Expenditure: 1,72,000
  • Revenue Expenditure: 1,45,000
  • Capital Expenditure: 26,500
  • Capex to Budget: 15.4%
  • Capex to GSDP: 3.7%
  • Revenue Deficit: 2,000
  • Fiscal Deficit: 20,400
  • Fiscal Deficit as % of GSDP: 2.87%
• Flagship Yojna  (₹ Crore):
  • Krishak Unnati Yojana: 10,000
  • Mahatari Vandan Yojana: 8,200
  • Jal Jeevan Mission – 3,000 Crore
  • National Health Mission – 2,000 Crore
  • Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – 1,725 Crore
  • Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan – 1,500 Crore
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) – 825 Crore
  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana – 820 Crore
  • Deendayal Upadhyaya Landless Agricultural Laborer Welfare Scheme – 600 Crore
  • Samagra Vikas Yojana (Rural Development) – 300 Crore
• Provisions for Major Departments:
  • 22,360 Crore for School Education
  • 16,560 Crore for Panchayat and Rural Development
  • 13,507 Crore for Agriculture
  • 12,820 Crore for Food and Civil Supplies
  • 11,000 Crore for Women and Child Development
  • 9,451 Crore for Public Works
  • 9,015 Crore for Energy
• Social Sector & Welfare: 
  • Health, Nutrition & Family Welfare: Over ₹3,500 crore allocated to strengthen healthcare, including major schemes under Ayushman Bharat and National Health Mission.
  • Cashless medical treatment scheme for government employees with ₹100 crore provision.
  • New district hospitals and specialised health institutions (e.g., cancer and cardiac centres) are planned, along with improved rural healthcare infrastructure.
• Women & Child Development: Rani Durgavati Scheme: Girls to receive ₹1.5 lakh on turning 18 as long-term financial support.
  • 50% exemption in property registration fees for women encourages asset ownership.
  • Enhanced pensions and welfare schemes with ₹1,400 crore allocation. 
  • Expansion of maternal and child welfare programs and Anganwadi services strengthen early childhood nutrition.
  • Mahatari Support: Substantial allocation for maternal welfare and nutrition schemes to improve maternity and early childhood outcomes.
    • Construction of 250 Mahatari Sadans and an OBC girls’ hostel in Raipur with 200 seats.
• Education & Skill Development:  
  • Education Cities proposed in sensitive regions like Abujhmad and Jagargunda to improve access and quality.
  • Highest allocations to the School Education Department, including ₹22,000 crore.
  • Funds for university grants, ITIs, and polytechnic modernisation to boost human capital formation.
  • New missions such as AI Mission, Nipun Mission, and Sports Excellence Mission have been introduced to drive innovation, skill building, and competitiveness.
• Infrastructure & Connectivity: 
  • ₹9,450 crore for public works focused on road expansion.
  • ₹200 crore for the Chief Minister’s Rapid Road Connectivity Scheme.
  • Water resources & drinking water schemes totalling ₹3,500 crore for irrigation and rural water supply.
  • Enhancement of regional airports (Bilaspur, Ambikapur, Jagdalpur) with dedicated funds to strengthen connectivity.
  • Power infrastructure expansion with new substations and rooftop solar initiatives.
• Agriculture & Rural Development: 
  • ₹10,000 crore under Krishak Unnati Yojana to boost agricultural productivity and income.
  • Irrigation projects like the Matnar and Deurgaon Barrages (₹2,024 crore) are designed to boost irrigation coverage, especially in previously under-served areas.
  • Support to landless agricultural households enhances livelihood security. 
• Tribal, Bastar & Regional Focus: A major thrust is on inclusive development in historically marginalised areas such as Bastar and Surguja:
  • Targeted upliftment in Bastar and Surguja through infrastructure, livelihoods, education, and culture initiatives like the Bastar–Surguja Olympics.
  • Additional security measures, including 1,500 new Bastar Fighter posts, to promote peace and development.
• Industrial Growth & Economic Expansion: 
  • ₹250 crore provision for establishing 23 new industrial parks to boost investments and employment.
  • Strong push for MSMEs, start-ups, and investment missions to strengthen industrial growth.
  • Tourism development funds and support for Mainpat and other destinations aim to diversify economic opportunities.
  • Focus on sustainable development with environmental and green initiatives integrated into economic planning.
• Fiscal Social Balance: Nearly 40% of the budget is reserved for social sector development, 36% for economic activity, and the rest for administrative and general services. This balanced allocation aims to ensure welfare and growth go hand-in-hand.
• Mission-Led Growth Initiatives: to modernise governance, support innovation, and create jobs in emerging sectors.
  • Chief Minister AI Mission

  • Tourism Development Mission

  • Sports Excellence Mission

  • Infrastructure Mission

  • Startup & Skill Mission

• Environmental & Forest Development: 

  • Allocation for forest conservation with plans for 1,000 forest department jobs and significant funding for sanctuary and eco-tourism development.
  • Emphasis on sustainable and green economic growth initiatives.
• Significance: The Chhattisgarh Budget 2026–27, themed ‘SANKALP’, provides a comprehensive blueprint for socio-economic transformation by strengthening agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, industry, tribal welfare, women empowerment, and sustainable development. With a balanced approach between welfare spending and economic stimulation, the budget aims to propel the state toward inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.