• 11 Feb 2026

Haryana to Frame India’s First Policy for Regulation of Fair and Adventure Rides

Why in News? 

The Haryana government has announced plans to formulate the country’s first comprehensive policy to regulate fair rides and adventure attractions, aimed at preventing similar accidents and strengthening public safety. 

Key Points: 

• Background: A high-speed pendulum ride (‘Tsunami’ swing) collapsed at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad, Haryana, killing a police inspector and injuring at least twelve people, prompting urgent safety concerns. 
• Policy Initiative: The Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has announced the formulation of the first-of-its-kind policy in India to regulate and ensure safety standards for fair rides and adventure attractions at public events.  
• Objective: The proposed policy aims to establish clear safety protocols, improve inspections, and enforce appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent recurrence of such accidents. 
  • The policy will likely mandate daily inspections, training and qualification requirements for ride operators, use of certified safety equipment, and ensure appropriate insurance coverage for participants. 
• Regulatory Gaps: Currently, there is no uniform national protocol for fair ride safety. 
  • Permissions often rely on vendor affidavits and reputation instead of standardized procedures. The new policy seeks to fill this regulatory vacuum. 
• Significance: This initiative highlights the importance of public safety in mass gatherings and cultural fairs and may serve as a model for national standards for fair and adventure ride safety. 

Read More: Surajkund International Crafts Mela 

India Designated ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026 in Germany

Why in News? 

India has been conferred the prestigious title of ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products, being held in February 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany. 

Key Points: 

• Event: BIOFACH 2026 is the world’s largest international trade fair for organic products, taking place in Germany. 
  • India has been officially designated as the ‘Country of the Year’, recognising its organic agriculture strength and export potential on a global platform. 
• Organising Authority: India’s participation is organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
  • Pan-India Representation: Exhibitors from over 20 States and Union Territories are participating, showcasing India’s agricultural and regional diversity. 
  • Products: It displays a wide range of organic products such as rice, oilseeds, pulses, spices, herbs, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, essential oils, and other value-added organic items.  
• Export Boost: The event provides a major international platform for Indian organic exporters to engage with global buyers, enhance market access, and reinforce India’s position in the global organic market. 
• Significance: India’s recognition as Country of the Year at BIOFACH reflects its leadership in organic agriculture, growing export footprint, and commitment to sustainable farming practices that meet international standards. 

Read More: APEDA, Agriculture , Sustainable farming practices 

Santosh Trophy 2025-26 in Assam

Why in News? 

Services football team lifted the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 in Assam. 

Key Points: 

• Event: The 79th Santosh Trophy National Football Championship final was contested between Services and Kerala at Dhakuakhana, Assam. 
  • Services beat Kerala 1-0 to lift the Santosh Trophy title for the eighth time in their history. 
  • Runner-up: Kerala, a seven-time champion. 
• Organised by: All India Football Federation (AIFF) 
• Nature of Tournament: Senior men’s inter-state / institutional football championship. 
  • First Held: 1941 
• Named After: Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary of Santosh (then Maharaja of Santosh) 
• Winning Goal: Abhishek Pawar scored the decisive goal in the 109th minute of extra time to secure the victory. 
• Significance: The Santosh Trophy is one of India’s premier senior men’s inter-state football championships with a rich legacy. 

Read More: All India Football Federation 

Sharda River Corridor in Uttrakhand

Why in News? 

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami laid the foundation stone for the Sharda River Corridor at Tanakpur in Champawat district. 

Key Points: 

• Location: The project is situated along the Sharda (Mahakali/Kali) River in Champawat district, near Tanakpur in Uttarakhand. 
  • The total proposed investment for the Sharda River Corridor is about ₹3,300 crore. 
• Sharda Ghat Redevelopment: The project includes redevelopment of Sharda Ghat to improve riverfront infrastructure and public amenities. 
  • It provides for Tanakpur drainage system development, construction of multi-storey parking, and a helipad at Chuka to enhance civic facilities and connectivity. 
• Tourism: Plans include river rafting on the Sharda River and development of paragliding facilities to promote adventure tourism. 
  • The corridor aims to strengthen pilgrimage tourism linked to the Purnagiri Temple and nearby sacred sites. 
  • The government intends to convert the three-month Purnagiri Mela into a year-round tourism attraction. 
• Objectives: The initiative seeks to promote tourism-led economic growth, create employment opportunities, and improve regional infrastructure. 
• Significance: The project represents an integrated river-corridor development model supporting regional development, tourism diversification, and local livelihoods in Uttarakhand. 

Read More: Sharda River,  Tourism, 

Historic Maritime Convergence in Visakhapatnam

Why in News? 

For the first time, India is simultaneously conducting three major international maritime events i.e. the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs.  

Key Points: 

• Venue: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh — India’s Eastern Naval Command headquarters and strategic maritime gateway. 
• Key Events:This will be the first time India hosts all three major maritime events together. 
• IFR 2026 : President Droupadi Murmu will review a massive assembly of warships on 18 Feb, highlighting India's "Builder’s Navy" with vessels like INS Vikrant. 
• Exercise MILAN 2026: MILAN is a multilateral naval exercise organised by the Indian Navy, involving professional exchanges, tactical drills and collaborative maritime operations. 
• IONS Conclave: India assumes chairmanship (2025–2027), hosting 25+ nations to discuss regional security. 
• Participation:Warships and aircraft from over 50–70 countries are expected to participate, representing major maritime powers and regional partners. 
• Global Presence: Countries such as the United States, Russia, Japan, Australia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Iran, UK, UAE, South Africa and others will take part, highlighting wide diplomatic engagement.  

Read More: Exercise MILAN, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium 

President of India Inaugurates Bastar Pandum 2026 in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated Bastar Pandum 2026 in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. 

Key Points: 

• Cultural Significance: Bastar Pandum marks the cultural ethos of local communities, with celebrations tied to seasonal and agricultural cycles, reflecting the vibrancy of tribal life. 
  • The President highlighted that Bastar’s traditions — such as the famed Bastar Dussehra dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari — remain vibrant and rooted in the region’s history. 
• Challenges: The Bastar region suffered from decades of Maoist insurgency, causing hardship for local inhabitants. 
• Welfare: A significant number of former Maoist participants have surrendered and returned to the mainstream, with government support through welfare schemes and livelihood opportunities. 
  • Government efforts have expanded basic services — including electricity, roads, water, and the reopening of schools — enhancing living standards in rural Bastar. 
  • Programs such as PM-JANMAN Yojana and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are being implemented to reach deprived tribal villages with development benefits. 
• Emphasis: The President emphasised that education is key to community growth. 
  • This led to the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools in tribal areas.  

Read More:  Bastar Pandum, PM-JANMAN Yojana,  Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, Eklavya Model Residential Schools 

Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026-27

Why in News?

On 11th February, 2026, Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented the Uttar Pradesh State Budget for the financial year 2026-27. The budget serves as a strategic roadmap to transform Uttar Pradesh into a USD 1 trillion economy by 2029.

Key Points: 

• Total Budget Estimate for 2026-27: ₹9,12,696.35 crore — an increase of about 12.2–12.9% over the previous year’s budget. 
• Capital Expenditure: A significant shift is noted toward asset creation, with Capital Expenditure pegged at 19.5% of the total outlay (~₹1.78 lakh crore) to strengthen long-term economic growth.  
• Revenue Expenditure: Primarily covers administrative costs, salaries, and interest payments.  
  • For 2026-27, it is estimated at approximately ₹5.83 lakh crore. 
• Fiscal Deficit Cap: 3% of GSDP, aligned with 16th Finance Commission recommendations and effective until 2030-31. 
• Debt-to-GSDP Target: The state aims to reduce the debt ratio to ~23.1 % by the end of the fiscal year, reflecting a focus on fiscal sustainability. 
• GSDP: Estimated ₹30.25 lakh crore with 13.4% growth. 
• Per Capita Income: Grew from ₹54,564 (2016-17) to ₹1,09,844, expected to reach ~₹1,20,000 in 2025-26. 
• Poverty & Employment: Nearly 6 crore people lifted out of multidimensional poverty; unemployment at 2.24%. 
  • These figures underscore the state’s rapid economic expansion and development trajectory. 
• Infrastructure (25% of total outlay): 
  • Northeast Corridor: ₹34,000 crore for a high-speed corridor connecting Gorakhpur to Saharanpur. 
  • Jewar International Airport: Expansion to five runways to boost global connectivity. 
  • Expressways: Continued funding for the Ganga and Bundelkhand expressways to integrate backward regions. 
• Education & Youth Empowerment (12.4%): 
  • Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme: Distribution of 5 million tablets/smartphones. 
  • CM Youth Entrepreneur Scheme: Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for young entrepreneurs. 
  • New Universities: Three new universities and 16 new medical colleges announced. 
• Agriculture & Farmer Prosperity (9-12%): 
  • Irrigation: Continued provision for free electricity for private tube wells. 
  • Sugarcane: Sugarcane prices for 2025-26 raised by ₹30 per quintal, adding ₹3,000 crore to farmer income. 
• Women's Welfare & Social Security: 
  • Kanya Sumangala Yojana: Benefiting over 26.81 lakh girls; grant for daughter's marriage increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. 
  • Safe City Projects: Expansion of CCTV networks and anti-Romeo squads. 
  • The budget includes ₹400 crore allocation for a dedicated scooter scheme for school and working women to enhance mobility and participation. 
  • Establishment of special skill development centres to uplift women economically.  
• Support for Families & Minorities:  
  • ₹150 crore provision for marriage assistance to poor families’ daughters (part of social safety nets). 
  • Social welfare focus aligned with broader inclusive development goals. 
• Industrial & Technological Leadership 
  • Manufacturing Hub: UP now produces 65% of India's total mobile phones and houses 55% of the country's electronics component units. 
  • Employment Mission: Creation of the Uttar Pradesh Employment Mission to expand both domestic and overseas job opportunities for 10 lakh youth. 
  • Energy Transition: Total solar power projects installed reached 2,815 MW, with thermal capacity increasing by over 55% since 2016.