• 11 Mar 2026

Uttarakhand Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026

Why in News? 

The Cabinet of Uttarakhand has approved the Uttarakhand Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026 to curb illegal gambling and betting activities in the state. The proposed law aims to replace the colonial-era Public Gambling Act, 1867 with stricter provisions and penalties.  

Key Points: 

• Objective: The bill seeks to control illegal gambling, betting networks and gambling houses by introducing stricter legal provisions and enhanced penalties across the state. 
  • The legislation will replace the Public Gambling Act, 1867, which was considered outdated and ineffective in dealing with modern betting and organised gambling activities. 
• Penalties for Gambling: 
  • Gambling in public places such as streets or lanes may lead to up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of ₹5,000, or both. 
  • Organising gambling activities inside a residence may result in up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine of ₹10,000. 
  • Running gambling dens may lead up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh, while organised betting networks may face 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh. 
• Enforcement Powers: The bill empowers the police to take stricter action against gambling activities, including raids, arrests, and seizure of illegal assets linked to betting operations.  
  • The legislation covers both physical gambling houses and modern organised betting networks, ensuring broader regulatory coverage. 
• Focus: The government aims to reduce social problems such as financial distress, crime, and exploitation associated with gambling activities. 
• Significance: The proposed law aims to strengthen law enforcement, curb organised betting syndicates, and address the social and economic issues associated with gambling in the state. 

Read More: Online Gaming Act, 2025 

Bihar to Establish Third Zoological Park in Gaya

Why in News? 

The Government of Bihar has given in-principle approval for establishing a new zoological park in Gaya district.  

Key Points: 

• New Zoo Project: The proposed zoological park is planned near Jamari on the Gaya–Dobhi road and is expected to strengthen wildlife conservation and tourism infrastructure in the region. 
  • The state government has granted in-principle approval, while final construction will start only after receiving permission from the Central Zoo Authority, which regulates zoos in India.  
• Third Zoo: The Gaya zoo will become Bihar’s third major zoological park, after the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna and the Rajgir Zoo Safari in Rajgir.  
  • The zoo is expected to boost eco-tourism and nature tourism in the region, particularly due to Gaya’s proximity to major religious destinations such as Bodh Gaya.  
  • It is also likely to generate employment opportunities for local communities.  
• Importance: The project is part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, and environmental awareness. 
  • The proposal was discussed alongside the state’s Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign, which focuses on water conservation, ecological balance, and climate action in Bihar.  
• Significance: The new zoological park will expand Bihar’s wildlife tourism network, promote conservation awareness, and enhance the state’s environmental infrastructure. 

Read More: Central Zoo Authority, Rajgir Zoo Safari, Bodh Gaya, Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign 

Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

The Government of India has announced the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 to be hosted by Chhattisgarh, aimed at promoting sports among tribal youth and identifying grassroots sporting talent across the country. 

Key Points: 

• About: The Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) will be organised from 25 March to 6 April 2026 to promote participation of tribal athletes and strengthen sports development in tribal regions of India. 
• Venues: The inaugural edition will be hosted by Chhattisgarh across three cities—Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja.  
  • The games will feature seven medal sports: athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling.  
  • Additionally, Mallakhamb and Kabaddi will be included as demonstration sports. 
• Participation: Athletes from various states and Union Territories of India are expected to participate, providing a national platform for tribal sportspersons to showcase their talent. 
• Organisation: The event will be jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, national sports federations, and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee. 
  • Mascot: The official mascot of the games is “Morveer”, symbolising courage and pride of India’s tribal communities.  
• Khelo India Scheme: The Tribal Games are part of the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship Central Sector Scheme aimed at promoting mass participation in sports and developing sporting excellence across India. 
• Significance: The initiative aims to identify and nurture sporting talent from tribal communities, promote inclusivity in sports, and integrate tribal athletes into the national sports ecosystem. 

Read More: Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 

Odisha Launches “Go Homestay” Portal

Why in News? 

The Government of Odisha has launched the Go Homestay Portal to promote homestay tourism across the state and provide digital support to local hosts.  

Key Points: 

• About: The Go Homestay Portal is an online platform that enables homestay owners to register their properties, obtain approvals, and connect directly with tourists.  
  • It provides a user‑friendly system for listing homestays and improving visibility in the tourism market. 
• Objective: The initiative aims to promote community‑based tourism, support local entrepreneurs, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural and semi‑urban areas. 
• Registration: Homestay owners can register through the portal to get approvals from the tourism department, ensuring standardisation, safety, and quality of services provided to visitors. 
  • The portal is expected to enhance the reach of Odisha’s homestay offerings by making them discoverable to tourists nationwide, thereby increasing tourism inflows and supporting the state’s overall tourism ecosystem. 
• Rural Development: The portal is part of the state government’s broader efforts to promote rural development by transforming local homes into guest accommodations, preserving cultural heritage, and expanding tourism beyond traditional urban centres. 
• Significance: The Go Homestay Portal is expected to strengthen community participation in the tourism economy, diversify tourism products, and contribute to the socio‑economic development of rural Odisha. 

Read More: Tourism, Rural development 

Police Modernisation and Agniveer Reservation in Haryana

Why in News? 

The Government of Haryana, in its Budget 2026‑27, announced measures for police modernisation and introduced a 20% Agniveer quota to strengthen law enforcement and reward bravery among personnel. 

Key Points: 

• Agniveer Quota: A 20 % reservation has been proposed for Agniveers (ex‑servicemen under the Agnipath scheme) in various police posts, along with a special recruitment drive for 1,300 Agniveers in the Haryana Police. 
  • The budget proposes that all police personnel deployed on roads will be equipped with body‑worn cameras over the next three years to record on‑duty activities and improve transparency and accountability. 
• Promotions: Police personnel who display bravery in confronting criminals will be eligible for out‑of‑turn promotions as an incentive for exceptional service. 
• New Police Stations: The budget includes the opening of seven new women’s police stations and three cybercrime police stations in key locations to better address gender‑based crimes and digital offences. 
  • An ATS will be constituted under the leadership of an Inspector‑General of Police, with stations to be set up in Gurugram and Panchkula to enhance counter‑terror capabilities. 
• Modernisation and Infrastructure: Plans include the development of facilities for the Indian Reserve Battalion, procurement of 150 emergency response vehicles, and replacement of outdated colonial‑era police rules with new Haryana Police Rules.  
• Significance: These reforms aim to modernise policing in Haryana, improve crime prevention and detection, incentivise bravery and professionalism, and enhance public trust in law enforcement.  

Read More: Haryana Budget 2026‑27, Agniveers, Cybercrime police stations 

Punjab Budget 2026–27

Why in News? 

The Government of Punjab presented the Budget for FY 2026–27 with a total outlay of ₹2,60,437 crore. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, focuses on women empowerment, social welfare, agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. 

Key Points:  

• Overall Budget & Economic Projections:  
  • Total Budget Outlay: ₹2,60,437 crore for FY 2026–27. 
  • Projected GSDP: ₹9,80,635 crore with an estimated growth rate of around 10%. 
  • Revenue Receipts: ₹1,26,190 crore. 
  • Revenue Deficit: Targeted at 2.06% of GSDP. 
  • Fiscal Deficit: Estimated at 4.08% of GSDP, remaining within FRBM limits. 
• Flagship Women Empowerment Scheme:   
  • Launch of Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojana. 
  • Provides monthly financial assistance to adult women (18+ years). 
  • Benefit Amount: 
    • ₹1,000 per month to eligible women. 
    • ₹1,500 per month for women belonging to Scheduled Caste communities. 
  • Amount will be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT. 
  • Exclusions: Current or former government employees, MPs/MLAs, and income tax payers. 
  • The scheme is expected to cover around 97% of women in the state. 
• Social Welfare & Women Empowerment: 
  • Total Allocation: ₹18,304 crore (about 96% increase over the previous year). 
  • ₹9,300 crore – Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana. 
  • ₹600 crore – Free bus travel scheme for women. 
  • ₹6,150 crore – Social security pensions for elderly, widows, and other beneficiaries. 
  • ₹932 crore – Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). 
  • ₹65 crore – Free sanitary pads under Navi Disha Scheme. 
• Education Sector:  
  • Total Allocation: ₹19,279 crore (7% increase over previous year). 
  • Major initiatives include: 
  • School infrastructure transformation and modernization. 
    • Collaboration with international institutions such as the World Bank for education reforms. 
    • Launch of Sikhiya Kranti 2.0 programme to improve school infrastructure and education quality. 
    • Large investments in school upgrades and quality improvement programmes. 
•  Agriculture & Allied Sectors: 
  • Total Allocation: ₹15,377 crore. 
  • Key provisions: 
    • ₹7,715 crore – Agricultural power subsidy for farmers. 
    • ₹600 crore – Crop residue management to address stubble burning. 
    • ₹40 crore – Promotion of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) to conserve groundwater. 
    • ₹1,300 crore for climate-resilient horticulture crops. 
    • ₹270 crore for sugarcane payment support. 
    • Additional measures for farmer welfare, crop diversification, and sustainable agriculture. 
• Health Sector & Public Welfare: 
  • ₹6,879 crore allocated for the health sector. 
    • ₹2,000 crore for Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana, providing ₹10 lakh annual health insurance per family. 
    • ₹351 crore for expanding Aam Aadmi Clinics. 
    • ₹750 crore for National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). 
    • ₹175 crore for cancer and drug-de-addiction infrastructure. 
    • ₹1,220 crore for medical education and research. 
  • Budget priorities include: 
    • Improving medical infrastructure. 
    • Expanding public healthcare services. 
    • Strengthening drug de-addiction and anti-drug initiatives. 
• Transport & Public Infrastructure: 
  • Expansion of Public Transport:  
    • 1,279 new buses will be added to the state fleet. 
    • Currently around 2,267 buses are operational. 
    • Deployment of new buses will be completed in phases by November 2026. 
• Road & Bridge Infrastructure:  
  • ₹5,440 crore allocated for urban and rural road development. 
  • Plans include: 
    • Upgradation of 2,570 km of roads 
    • Construction of 31 new bridges. 
• Food Security & Welfare:  
  • Meri Rasoi Scheme:  
  • Budget Allocation: ₹900 crore. 
    Provides free ration kits every three months to about 40 lakh families covered under NFSA and Smart Ration Card schemes. 
• Industrial Policy Initiatives: 
  • Launch of Industrial Policy 2026 to attract new investments. 
  • Provision of fiscal incentives worth about ₹500 crore to industries. 
  • Introduction of the Fast Track Punjab Portal for faster clearances and improved ease of doing business. 
• Cultural & Heritage Initiatives:  
  • 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Anandpur Sahib. 
  • 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas Ji at the state level. 
• Significance: The budget emphasises women empowerment, agricultural sustainability, improved healthcare, and education reforms. Major welfare schemes combined with sectoral investments aim to promote inclusive development and strengthen rural livelihoods in Punjab.

India’s Cheetah Population Surpasses 50

Why in News? 

India's ambitious Project Cheetah achieved a significant milestone on 9th March , 2026, as the total cheetah population in the country crossed the 50-mark. This follows the birth of a fresh litter of five cubs to the Namibian cheetah 'Jwala' at Kuno National Park (KNP), Madhya Pradesh. 

Key Points: 

• New Additions: Namibian cheetah Jwala, a third-time mother, gave birth to five healthy cubs. 
• Current Tally: With this birth, the total number of cheetahs in India has reached 53. 
• India-Born Success: The number of cheetah cubs born on Indian soil has risen to 33. 
• Reproductive Milestone: This marks the 10th successful cheetah litter in India since the project's inception. 
• Recent Translocations: The population boost also includes nine cheetahs (6 females, 3 males) recently translocated from Botswana on 28th February, 2026. 
• Significance: Reintroducing the cheetah as a flagship species helps restore neglected grassland and semi-arid ecosystems. 
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Enhances global cheetah conservation efforts by creating a secure population outside Africa. 
• Project Cheetah:Officially launched on September 17, 2022, by the Government of India to reintroduce cheetahs in India after they were declared extinct in 1952 due to over-hunting and habitat loss. 

Read More: Project Cheetah,Kuno National Park 

UP Government Signs MoU with Hinduja Group for Project GANGA

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission (STC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 9 March 2026, with OneOTT Intertainment Ltd, the broadband vertical of Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS), to bridge the digital divide in the state. 

Key Points: 

• Target: The initiative aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to 2 million (20 lakh) households over the next 2 to 3 years. 
• Focus: Priority will be given to rural and semi-urban areas, particularly aspirational and border districts such as Shravasti, Bahraich, and Balrampur. 
• Employment Generation: The project is expected to create over 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs across Uttar Pradesh. 
• Digital Entrepreneurship: The project will train 8,000 to 10,000 local youths as "Digital Service Providers" (DSPs) at the Nyaya Panchayat level. 
  • A significant focus is placed on gender inclusivity, with a target of 50% women participation among these local entrepreneurs. 
• Significance: Enhances the state's digital backbone to support e-governance and the "Digital India" mission. 
  • Social Impact: Facilitates remote access to essential services including telemedicine, online education, and e-commerce for rural populations. 
• Economic Empowerment: Provides a platform for local youth to become independent service providers with technical and financial support from the Hinduja Group. 

Balendra Shah Set to Become Nepal’s Youngest Prime Minister

Why in News? 

In a historic shift in Nepal's political landscape, 35-year-old structural engineer and former rapper Balendra Shah (popularly known as Balen) is set to become the youngest Prime Minister of Nepal.

Key Points: 

• Decisive Mandate: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) achieved a landslide victory, securing 125 of the 165 directly elected seats in the House of Representatives. The party is projected to command a two-thirds majority in the 275-member parliament. 
• The "Balen Wave": Shah defeated veteran politician and four-time Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in his traditional stronghold of Jhapa-5 by a margin of nearly 50,000 votes. 
• Historic Firsts: Balendra Shah will be the first Prime Minister from the Madhesi community and the first non-traditional political figure to lead the nation. 
• Catalyst for Change: The election followed intense youth-led protests in late 2025 against corruption, unemployment, and digital censorship. These protests led to the dissolution of the previous government and the installation of an interim administration. 
• Rise of RSP: Founded in 2022, the RSP campaigned on a platform of "Generation Change," focusing on technocratic governance, transparency, and economic revival. 
• Diplomatic Significance: The victory marks a departure from the traditional rotation of power between the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML, and the Maoists.  
• Core Policy Objectives: Pledges to increase Nepal’s GDP to $100 billion and double the per capita income to $3,000. 
  • Employment: A commitment to create 1.2 million jobs over five years to address the high rate of youth out-migration.

WHO Verifies Chile as First Country in the Americas to Eliminate Leprosy

Why in News? 

In a historic public health achievement, Chile has officially become the first country in the Americas to be verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the elimination of leprosy (Hansen's Disease) as a public health problem. 

Key Points: 

• WHO Verification: The announcement was made on 10th March, 2026, following a rigorous evaluation by an independent international commission. 
• Regional First: Chile is the first nation in the Region of the Americas (PAHO/WHO) to reach this milestone, setting a precedent for other nations in the Global South. 
• Definition of Elimination: Elimination is defined by the WHO as reaching a prevalence rate of less than 1 case per 10,000 inhabitants at the national level. 
• Sustained Effort: The verification follows years of robust surveillance, early diagnosis, and free multi-drug therapy (MDT) provided through Chile's public health system. 
• Global Leprosy Strategy (2021–2030): Aims for "Towards Zero Leprosy," focusing on zero infection, zero disease, and zero stigma/discrimination. 
• Validation of Public Health Infrastructure: Chile’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating leprosy services into the general primary healthcare framework. 
• Reduction of Stigma: Verification helps dismantle the ancient social stigma associated with the "Leper" label, promoting human rights. 

Read More:Leprosy