• 07 Mar 2026

54th Shodh Yatra in Jharkhand

Why in News? 

The 54th Shodh Yatra, organised by SRISTI (Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions), concluded in Jharkhand after documenting grassroots innovations, traditional knowledge, and indigenous food practices in rural areas. 

Key Points: 

• Shodh Yatra: It is a grassroots innovation exploration initiative organised by SRISTI, which involves walking through rural and remote regions to identify local innovations, traditional knowledge, and sustainable practices developed by communities. 
  • The yatra was led by Anil Kumar Gupta, the convenor of SRISTI and a pioneer in promoting grassroots innovations. 
  • This was conducted in February 2026, covering a distance of about 125 km from Aurapath in Dumri to Bendor in Chainpur in Jharkhand. 
• Villages Covered: The journey passed through 27 villages, enabling interaction with rural communities and documentation of local practices and innovations. 
  • During the yatra, researchers documented about 53 different species of edible plants, indigenous crops, and traditional food practices used by local communities.  
• Community Recognition: The event also honoured local innovators and centenarians, acknowledging their contributions to preserving traditional knowledge systems. 
• Significance: The Shodh Yatra helps identify grassroots innovations, preserve indigenous knowledge, and promote sustainable development, while connecting rural creativity with researchers, policymakers, and institutions. 

Read More: Sustainable Development 

Karnataka to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

Why in News? 

The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, announced in the 2026‑27 state budget a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16.  

Key Points: 

• Policy: The ban was proposed during the budget presentation in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.  
  • It forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to ensure safe and responsible use of digital platforms among children. 
• Target Group: The regulation will apply to all children under 16 years of age, restricting access to social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok (or any similar digital platforms). 
• Objective: The primary aim is to protect children from exposure to harmful content, reduce the risk of cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health issues, and promote healthy digital habits among the younger population. 
• Implementation: The government plans to work with platform providers, telecom companies, and educational institutions to enforce the ban effectively.  
  • Measures may include age verification systems and parental control mechanisms. 
• Potential Challenges: Experts have raised questions regarding the practicality of enforcement, the role of parental guidance, and the need for digital literacy programs to complement the restriction. 
• Significance: This is the first state-level policy in India targeting social media access by minors. The move reflects increasing concern globally about the impact of social media on mental health, concentration, and overall development of children. 

Read More: Social media impact,  Digital literacy programs 

Toxic Gas Leak at Palghar Chemical Unit in Maharashtra

Why in News? 

A major oleum gas leak occurred at a chemical unit in Palghar district, Maharashtra, prompting the evacuation of over 2,600 people. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident. 

Key Points: 

• Incident: On 2 March 2026, a hazardous oleum gas leak — a fuming form of sulphuric acid — was reported at Bhageria Industries Ltd in Boisar MIDC.  
  • The gas formed a dense white cloud over a 5 km radius, affecting residential and industrial areas. 
• Evacuation: Over 2,600 people were evacuated.  
  • Local disaster teams, fire brigade, and NDRF units were deployed to contain the leak. 
• Impact: At least three people reported minor eye irritation.  
  • Authorities advised residents to stay indoors and follow safety protocols. 
• Cause: Preliminary reports indicate that the leak occurred due to faulty storage or mishandling of oleum, a fuming, highly corrosive chemical used in industrial processes. 
• Administrative Action: The NHRC took suo motu cognisance, directing the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report within two weeks.  
  • Police registered an FIR against the company for negligent handling of hazardous chemicals. 
• Significance: The leak highlights the importance of industrial safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and regulatory oversight to protect public health in chemical industrial zones. 

Read More: NHRC, NDRF 

Nitish Kumar Moves to Rajya Sabha, Ends 20-Year Bihar CM Tenure

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections, marking the probable end of his nearly 20‑year long tenure as Bihar Chief Minister.  

Key Points: 

• Rajya Sabha Nomination: Nitish Kumar filed his nomination papers for the March 16, 2026 Rajya Sabha elections, signalling a shift from state executive leadership to national parliamentary politics. 
• End of Long Tenure as CM: The decision effectively ends his 20‑year tenure as the longest‑serving Chief Minister of Bihar, during which he held office for multiple terms since 2005.  
  • Initial Party: Janata Dal. 
  • Co-founded Party: Samata Party (1994) with George Fernandes. 
  • The Samata Party later merged into the Janata Dal (United) in 2003. 
  • Nitish became Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time in 2000. 
  • On 20 November 2025, Nitish Kumar took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record tenth term. 
• Policy Legacy: During his leadership, Nitish Kumar introduced key reforms, including measures on law and order, prohibition of alcohol, infrastructure development, and social welfare programmes, earning him the title of “Sushasan Babu” for his emphasis on governance and administrative discipline. 
• Support: The nomination was filed in the presence of senior leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah. 
  • Nitish Kumar stated that he has always desired to serve in both Houses of Parliament and sees this move as completing his legislative journey, having previously been a MLA, MLC, and Lok Sabha MP.  
• Significance: The development marks a significant shift in Bihar’s political landscape, ending an era of prolonged leadership while positioning Nitish Kumar for a role in the Upper House of Parliament, potentially shaping future national and state political dynamics. 

Read More: Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, Nitish Kumar 

Rajasthan Scrap Two-Child Norm for Local Body Elections

Why in News? 

Rajasthan has overturned a nearly 30-year-old rule that barred individuals with more than two children from contesting local body elections, along with removing disqualification based on leprosy. 

Key Points:  

• Legislative Change: The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly passed amendments to the state’s Panchayati Raj and municipal laws removing the two-child eligibility criterion and the leprosy-based disqualification for candidates in local body elections. 
  • The two-child policy was introduced in 1995 to promote population control by disqualifying individuals with more than two children from contesting panchayat and municipal elections. 
• Removal of the Provision: The state government argued that the rule was discriminatory and ineffective in population control, and it prevented many capable citizens from participating in grassroots democracy. 
• Leprosy-Based Disqualification: Earlier, people suffering from leprosy were barred from contesting elections.  
  • The amendment removes this restriction in line with modern medical understanding and anti-discrimination principles related to Leprosy. 
• Alignment with Central Law: The change aligns with the spirit of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and public health reforms that discourage discrimination against people cured of or living with leprosy. 
• Impact: The reform is expected to expand democratic participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies, enabling more citizens to contest elections regardless of family size or past disease status. 

Read More: Local body elections, Panchayati Raj, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016