• 21 Feb 2026

Uttar Pradesh Establishes State Data Center Authority

Why in News?

The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has announced the establishment of a State Data Centre Authority and unveiled major policy initiatives to position the state as one of India’s foremost hubs for data centres, artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

Key Points: 

• State Data Centre Authority: The Uttar Pradesh government has established the State Data Centre Authority to strengthen data governance, integrate data from across departments, and support evidence-based policy-making. 
  • Uttar Pradesh aims to develop data centre capacity of around 5 GW by 2030, positioning itself among the leading data infrastructure hubs in India.
• Budgetary Allocation: A provision of ₹100 crore has been earmarked for the establishment and operationalisation of the State Data Center Authority to strengthen institutional data governance.
• Data-Driven Governance: The new authority and data infrastructure are expected to strengthen digital governance by facilitating secure storage, real-time data access, and predictive analytics for better planning and service delivery.
• Emerging Technology Ecosystem: The move complements state initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital startups, strengthening the overall digital economy framework of Uttar Pradesh.
  • The development of data infrastructure, allied clusters and digital platforms is projected to generate new job opportunities and attract investment in technology sectors across the state.
• Significance: It strengthens digital governance, promotes data-driven decision-making, and positions Uttar Pradesh as a major data and technology hub in India.

Read More: Data Centre, Artificial intelligence (AI), UP Budget, Emerging Technology

Bela Gram: India’s First Net-Zero Panchayat

Why in News?

Bela Gram Panchayat from Bhandara district, Maharashtra — recognised as India’s first net-zero Panchayat — was showcased at Mumbai Climate Week 2026.

Key Points: 

• First-of-Its-Kind Model: Bela Gram has achieved net-zero status through comprehensive climate action, positioning itself as India’s first net-zero Panchayat.
• Leadership & Vision: Under the leadership of Sharada Gaydhane, Sarpanch of Bela Gram, the Panchayat coordinated extensive local climate initiatives, reinforcing the role of grassroots leadership in combating climate change.
  • Initiatives in Bela Gram included large-scale tree plantation, installation of solar panels on public buildings, adoption of cleaner cooking fuels like LPG, waste segregation at household level, and rejection of single-use plastics — all contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
• Recognition: Bela Gram received the Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar in 2024 for its net-zero achievements and exemplary climate stewardship, reinforcing its national significance as a model Panchayat.
• Community-Led Solutions: The presentation at Mumbai Climate Week also included climate solutions from other Panchayats across India, emphasising renewable energy adoption, land restoration, and community engagement in climate resilience. 
• Significance: The showcase of Bela Gram’s net-zero model at a national climate platform underscores the transformative potential of Panchayat-led climate action in achieving sustainability goals, strengthening local governance, and inspiring nationwide replication of grassroot climate solutions.

Read More: Gram Panchayat, India’s net-zero, Climate change, Renewable energy

North India’s First Semiconductor Unit in Uttar Pradesh

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone of North India’s first semiconductor manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh and inaugurate key infrastructure projects, including the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor and the Meerut Metro.

Key Points:

• First-of-Its-Kind: The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a semiconductor manufacturing unit at Gautam Buddh Nagar in February 2026.
  • Marking a significant step towards developing the state as a high-technology manufacturing hub and strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem. 
• Investment: The semiconductor manufacturing facility is a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn — involves an estimated investment of around ₹3,700 crore.
  • The project is expected to strengthen domestic chip production capacity, generate employment, and attract ancillary industries in the electronics ecosystem.
• Namo Bharat Corridor: In February 2026, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the remaining sections of the 82 km Namo Bharat RRTS Corridor — connecting Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut.
• Meerut Metro Launch: The 23 km Meerut Metro corridor with 13 stations will also be inaugurated, improving urban transport in Meerut and integrating it with the regional transit system.
• Impact: The rapid rail corridor — part of the broader regional transit network — will serve key residential, commercial, and industrial clusters across the National Capital Region (NCR), fostering economic activity and offering faster, modern commuting options.

Read More: Semiconductor manufacturing unit,  RRTS

Odisha Budget 2026-27

Why in News?

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented the Odisha Budget 2026-27 in the State Legislative Assembly, setting an ambitious nominal GSDP growth target of 12 % aimed at taking the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to around ₹11.07 lakh crore in the coming financial year.

Key Points:

• Budget Size: Odisha’s ₹3.10 lakh crore annual budget for 2026-27 focuses on strengthening welfare programmes, accelerating infrastructure development, and promoting balanced socio-economic growth. 
• Key Provision of Budget (₹ in Crore):

  • Revenue Receipt: 248500

  • Capital Receipt: 48500

  • Total-Receipts: 310000

  • Revenue Expenditure: 215500

  • Capital Expenditure: 94500

  • Total - Expenditure: 310000

  • Revenue Surplus: 33000

  • Fiscal Deficit: 38800

  • Primary Deficit: 30600

• Sector Wise Allocation (₹ in Crore):

  • Agriculture & Allied: 42,492

  • Public Health Care: 23,182

  • Education: 42,565

  • Women & Child Welfare: 16,152

  • Disaster Management: 13,472 

  • Urban Development: 10,737

  • Rural Development: 10,204

  • School and Mass Education Department: 31,997

  • Tourism Department: 1,022

  • Energy Department: 4596 

  • Capital Outlay: 72,100  (≈6.5% of GSDP)

• Inclusive Welfare Boost: Enhanced allocations were made for employment generation schemes, nutrition programmes, and women and child welfare initiatives, indicating a focus on inclusive socio-economic development.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects: Major road projects, including new expressways and rural bridge networks — along with investments in urban and rural development.
  • Mega Rural Connectivity Push: Under the Mission PoWaR initiative — Power, Drinking Water and Roads — the government announced a new rural infrastructure programme aimed at providing reliable electricity, piped drinking water and all-weather road connectivity to every revenue village.
• Inclusive Growth Focus: The budget emphasises welfare schemes such as the Chief Minister Smart City Mission and support for rural livelihoods to foster equitable development.
  • Emphasis on holistic development aligning with national and long‑term state goals (Vision Odisha 2036 & 2047).
• Social Welfare: 
  • Introduces ‘DALKHAI’ initiative to eliminate bonded labour via livelihood and infrastructure support.
  • Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana: A new flagship scheme was announced to promote girls’ education.
    • ₹20,000 savings instrument for girl child at birth.
    • Up to ₹1,01,001 support upon graduation (subject to conditions). 
  • Pension Saturation: Over six lakh previously excluded beneficiaries will now be covered under the Madhubabu Pension Yojana, ensuring social security for vulnerable senior citizens.
• Agriculture & Allied Sectors: The agriculture sector received enhanced resources, with ₹42,492 crore in funding.
  • This included ensured paddy procurement under the Samruddha Krushak Yojana and creation of a revolving fund to support timely farmer payments.
  • Continued support under CM‑KISAN and crop diversification initiatives like Shree Anna Abhiyan.
• Education: ₹42,565 crore for education sector, including school and higher education.
  • Includes allocations for free textbooks, uniforms, model schools, scholarships for students from disadvantaged communities. 
  • Establishment of four new greenfield universities in different districts.
  • Modernisation of public universities and skill centres; scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EBC students.
• Health: ₹23,182 crore for healthcare services and capacity strengthening.
  • Funds for emergency response, forensic labs and digital policing infrastructures were also announced (e.g., cyber security centre).
  • Expanded nutrition programmes through PM Poshan and state initiatives.
• Human Capital & Institutions: Proposes setting up of 4 new universities, 3 Ayurvedic medical colleges, and 1 Homoeopathic medical college in the State. 
• Livelihood & Employment: Schemes such as Viksit Gaon Viksit Odisha Yojana, VB G-RAM G Yojana, completion funds for MGNREGS, and anti-migration measures received significant funding to strengthen rural livelihoods.
• Sectoral Development Initiatives: 
  • Tourism Land Bank for boosting tourism infrastructure.
  • Launch of a State Artificial Intelligence Mission to integrate modern technology in governance and industry.
  • Focus on improved citizen services and balanced regional development.
• Significance: The Odisha Budget 2026-27 combines fiscal discipline with strategic investments across rural and urban development, women and child welfare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, positioning the state on a strong growth path with inclusive development and socio-economic transformation.

First Indigenous Cadet Training Ship ‘Krishna’ Launched in Chennai

Why in News?

The Indian Navy launched its first indigenously designed and built Cadet Training Ship (CTS) ‘Krishna’ at the L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai in February 2026.

Key Points:

• First Indigenous CTS: ‘Krishna’ is the first of three Cadet Training Ships being constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the Indian Navy under a contract signed with the Ministry of Defence.
  • Krishna’ is a fully equipped sail training and motorised vessel capable of accommodating 150 cadets and officers for training purposes.
  • The ship is named after the Krishna River, one of India’s longest rivers. 
• Launch Ceremony: The Cadet Training Ship was launched by Anupama Chauhan, the spouse of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan.
• Strategic Importance: Enhances India’s blue-water naval capabilities by producing well-trained officers familiar with modern naval operations and life at sea.
  • The ship features modern navigation, communication, and safety systems, providing cadets hands-on experience with state-of-the-art maritime technology.
• Design and Build: The vessel has been indigenously designed and built and is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by the end of 2026.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The project reinforces the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting indigenous defence shipbuilding capabilities.

Read More: Krishna River, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat

European Union Opens First ‘Legal Gateway’ Office in India

Why in News?

The European Union (EU) inaugurated its first European Legal Gateway Office in New Delhi, marking a significant step in facilitating legal and transparent mobility for Indian students, researchers, and professionals—especially in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector—between India and EU Member States.

Key Points:

• First‑of‑Its‑Kind Office: The European Legal Gateway Office in India is the first such facility opened by the EU in a partner country. 
  • It serves as a one‑stop hub to provide clear, reliable information on legal mobility pathways for work, study, and research opportunities across all 27 EU Member States.
• Focus: The initiative aims to support Indian ICT students, professionals, and researchers by guiding them on eligibility criteria, skill and qualification requirements, and opportunities available across the EU. 
  • This is part of broader cooperation under the EU‑India Strategic Agenda adopted at the 16th EU–India Summit.
• Operational Structure: The Legal Gateway Office will function through three interconnected components:
  • A Gateway Office in India
  • A Support Office in the EU
  • A digital tool acting as a central information hub on mobility and visa pathways.
• Strategic Significance: The initiative is expected to deepen India–EU cooperation on migration and mobility, strengthen ties in education and employment, and create mutually beneficial opportunities for both regions’ talent and economies.
• Economic & Skills: The office reflects recognition of India’s large and skilled workforce—particularly in digital, scientific, and emerging technologies—and its contribution to global talent pools, while supporting EU employers and institutions to engage with Indian talent.

Read More: European Union, Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Kerala Declares Tidal Flooding a ‘State-Specific Disaster’

Why in News?

In a pioneering move for climate-sensitive policy, the Kerala government recently declared tidal flooding (sea incursion during high tides) as a State-Specific Disaster. 

Key Points:

• Tidal Flooding Definition: Also known as 'Sunny Day Flooding' or 'Nuisance Flooding,' it occurs when sea levels rise above the local threshold during high tides, even in the absence of storms or heavy rainfall.
• The Kerala Context: In districts like Ernakulam (Kochi), Alappuzha, and Thrissur, seawater enters homes and shops twice a day through the backwaters and drainage systems, leading to chronic waterlogging.
• Why the "Disaster" Tag?: Historically, disaster relief was reserved for "sudden-onset" events like cyclones or landslides. Kerala’s shift is based on several critical factors:
  • Frequency and Intensity: Due to Climate Change and Sea Level Rise (SLR), high tides are reaching further inland. 
    • What was once a minor inconvenience is now a daily threat to life and property.
  • The "Slow-Onset" Crisis: Unlike a tsunami, tidal flooding is a slow-onset disaster. Over time, it destroys foundations of houses, ruins furniture, and renders agricultural land saline.
  • Filling the Policy Gap: Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, standard relief funds could not be used for "regular" tidal events. 
    • By declaring it state-specific, the government can now offer financial aid for house repairs and livelihood loss.
• Significance for Disaster Management: It moves the definition away from "sudden trauma" to "cumulative loss," aligning with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
  • Precedent for Coastal India: Other vulnerable states (Odisha, West Bengal) may follow suit as rising sea levels threaten the entire 7,500 km Indian coastline.

Read More: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

Rajasthan Economic Review 2025-26

Why in News?

The Rajasthan Economic Review 2025–26, released alongside the State Budget, serves as the definitive document for the state's macroeconomic performance. This year's report is pivotal as it formalizes the "Viksit Rajasthan @2047" roadmap, transitioning from traditional departmental reporting to 13 thematic chapters focused on outcomes.

Key Points:

• Macro-Economic Aggregates: According to provisional data, the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is placed amongst the leading states in terms of size and growth, reinforcing its role in the broader national economic framework.
• GSDP Growth: The Gross State Domestic Product at current prices is estimated at ₹18.75 lakh crore, a growth of 10.24% over the previous year.
• Per Capita Income (PCI):
  • Current Prices: ₹2,02,349 (Crossed the ₹2 lakh milestone).
  • Constant Prices: ₹1,03,189.
• Inflation (CPI): Rajasthan’s inflation remained stable at 4.8%, slightly below the national average, attributed to efficient supply-chain management in the agriculture sector.
• Fiscal Deficit: Managed at 4.3% of GSDP, reflecting a commitment to the revised FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) targets while maintaining high capital expenditure.
• Tax Revenue: Significant increase in State GST (SGST) collections due to the "Mission Digitization" of tax compliance.
• Sectoral Composition of GSVA:The structural shift in the economy is evident in the Gross State Value Added (GSVA) at current prices:
  • Services (47.7%): The services sector contributes the largest share to the state’s GSVA, driven by tourism, hospitality, financial services, IT-enabled services and logistics.
    • Tourism remains a growth engine, leveraging Rajasthan’s cultural heritage and connectivity improvements.
    • The dominant sector, fueled by a post-pandemic surge in tourism and the "FinTech" initiatives in Jaipur and Jodhpur.
  • Industry (26.5%): Industrial sector performance has strengthened, supported by MSMEs, investment in industrial parks and the implementation of industrial promotion policies.
    • Rajasthan has been focusing on expanding its manufacturing base, renewable energy industries and downstream sectors, leveraging its strategic location and resource endowments.
    • Driven by the MSME Policy 2024 and Rajasthan’s lead in stone, cement, and hydrocarbon production.
  • Agriculture (25.7%): Agriculture remains a significant contributor, both in terms of employment and value addition, though its share in the GSVA has moderated compared to services.
    • Despite its lower share compared to Services, it employs over 60% of the population. Foodgrain production reached 283.98 lakh MT.
    • The agricultural sector continues to be the backbone for rural livelihoods, even as diversification into allied activities such as horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries gains traction under state schemes.
• Key Pillars of "Viksit Rajasthan @2047":The Review highlights strategic focus areas like-
  • Energy Transition: Rajasthan leads India in Renewable Energy with an installed capacity exceeding 31,500 MW. The review emphasizes the "Green Hydrogen Policy" and the PM-KUSUM scheme.
  • Infrastructure: Focus on the 9 Greenfield Expressways and the completion of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) phases to solve water scarcity in 13 districts.
  • The Gig Economy: Rajasthan is the first state to implement the Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, now covering 2% of the total workforce.
  • Agriculture 2.0: Emphasis on Natural Farming (1 lakh hectares) and the "Rajasthan Millets Promotion Mission" to capitalize on the state's status as the "Millet Bowl of India."
• Social Sector & Human Development:Rajasthan faces the dual challenge of job creation and enhancing the quality of employment opportunities, particularly for youth in urban and rural areas.
  • Labour: State schemes such as the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) have been instrumental in promoting self-employment and micro-enterprise development. 
  • Education: Expansion of Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools and the integration of vocational training in 1,500+ secondary schools.
  • Health: The Ayushman Bharat-MGRBY remains a flagship, providing health cover to 1.36 crore families with a focus on reducing "Out of Pocket Expenditure" (OOPE).
  • Women Empowerment: The Lakhpati Didi scheme has successfully integrated women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs), contributing to a rise in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) to 42%.