• 09 Mar 2026

Amit Shah Inaugurated Cooperative Sector Projects in Odisha

Why in News? 

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple cooperative sector and development projects worth over ₹3,770 crore in Odisha during an event held in Bhubaneswar. 

Key Points: 

• Initiatives: Projects of the National Dairy Development Board, Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation, and the Odisha government were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid during the event. 
  • A total of 173 projects of the Odisha government were inaugurated, including 61 completed projects worth ₹1,230 crore and 112 new projects worth ₹2,116 crore. 
• Cooperative Sector Development: The Union government and the Odisha government plan to build a strong cooperative network in every village, particularly in the dairy sector, inspired by the cooperative model of Amul. 
  • A new cooperative policy for Odisha is planned to strengthen dairy, fisheries, and other cooperative activities, aiming to boost rural income and women’s participation in economic activities. 
• Revival of Sugar Mills: The restart of the Badamba Sugar Mill has been completed by Indian Potash Limited, and the government aims to revive other closed sugar mills across the country through cooperative efforts. 
• Sulphuric Acid Plant–III: The third stream of a sulphuric acid plant was inaugurated at Paradip at the facility of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited. 
• Forensic Infrastructure: The foundation stone for a campus of National Forensic Sciences University was laid in Odisha. 
  • Under the new criminal laws, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) visits have been made mandatory for serious crimes punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment, strengthening scientific investigation. 
• Cyber Infrastructure: Specialized cybercrime and economic offences branches have been launched in 20 districts of Odisha to enhance digital and financial crime investigation capabilities.  
• Conviction Rate: Odisha has recorded a conviction rate of more than 87% in FIRs registered under the new criminal laws.  
• Significance: The initiatives aim to strengthen cooperative institutions, forensic infrastructure, agricultural processing, and industrial capacity in Odisha, contributing to rural development, improved law enforcement, and greater self-reliance in fertilizer production. 

Read More: Cooperative sector , Amul, Cyber Infrastructure, New criminal laws 

Advanced Aadhaar Seva Kendra Inaugurated in Ranchi

Why in News? 

The Advanced Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) was inaugurated in Ranchi, Jharkhand by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth to strengthen Aadhaar enrolment and update services in the region. 

Key Points: 

• Implementing Authority: The centre operates under the Unique Identification Authority of India, the statutory authority responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers and managing Aadhaar-related services. 
  • The day-to-day operations of the Aadhaar Seva Kendra will be managed by Protean eGov Technologies Ltd to ensure efficient enrolment and update services. 
• Expansion of Aadhaar Centres: New centres will be opened in several districts including Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Giridih, Deoghar, Godda, Dumka, Sahibganj, Saraikela-Kharsawan, West Singhbhum, Garhwa, and Palamu in a phased manner. 
• Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU): Parents have been urged to ensure children complete the mandatory biometric update at the ages of 5 and 15 to enable access to government schemes and avoid issues during examinations such as NEET and CUET. 
  • The centre has also introduced Birth Registration Number (BRN)-based child enrollment, enabling easier Aadhaar registration for children linked with birth records. 
• Significance: The initiative aims to enhance transparency, improve service delivery, and expand Aadhaar infrastructure in Jharkhand, ensuring easier access to digital identity services for residents.  

Read More: Aadhaar, Unique Identification Authority of India 

Shiva Temple Tourism Circuit in Bihar

Why in News? 

The Government of Bihar is planning to develop a Shiva temple tourism circuit connecting major temples dedicated to Lord Shiva across the state to promote spiritual tourism beyond traditional destinations such as Patna, Nalanda, and Gaya. 

Key Points: 

• Proposal: The plan to develop a Shiva Circuit was announced in the Bihar Assembly by Road Construction Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal during a discussion on improving connectivity to important Shiva temples. 
• Objective: The initiative aims to boost religious and spiritual tourism, preserve historical and mythological heritage associated with Lord Shiva, and encourage visitors to explore multiple pilgrimage destinations in the state. 
• Preparation of Temple List:  
  • Ajgaibinath Dham 
  • Budhanath Temple 
  • Harihar Nath Temple 
  • Ugna Mahadev Temple 
  • Brahmeshwar Nath Temple 
  • Ashok Dham 
• Inter-Department Coordination: Departments such as Tourism, Transport, and Road Construction will work together to develop roads, tourist facilities, and connectivity between temple sites. 
  • The proposed circuit will be developed on the lines of the existing Buddha Circuit and Ramayana Circuit, which already attract large numbers of pilgrims and tourists. 
• Significance: The Shiva Circuit is expected to strengthen Bihar’s religious tourism sector, improve infrastructure, increase pilgrimage travel, and generate employment and local economic opportunities in temple towns across the state.  

Read More: Tourism, Lord Shiva 

Jammu & Kashmir Artificial Intelligence Mission

Why in News? 

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has initiated steps to establish the Jammu & Kashmir Artificial Intelligence Mission (JK-AIM) to promote the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in governance and public service delivery. 

Key Points: 

• Proposal: The initiative was discussed in a meeting chaired by Dr. Piyush Singla to create an institutional framework for integrating AI-based solutions in government functioning. 
• Objective: The proposed mission aims to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies across government departments to improve governance, data-driven decision-making, and citizen service delivery. 
  • JK-AIM will support the development of several AI tools such as intelligent chatbots, automated grievance systems, multilingual communication platforms, predictive analytics, and AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions. 
• Institutional Structure: It will function as a mission-mode initiative under the Information Technology Department with a structured governance framework including a Mission Steering Committee for strategic oversight and a Technical Wing for implementation.  
  • The initiative will encourage collaboration with research institutions, startups, and technology partners to foster innovation and develop AI-driven solutions for public administration. 
• Significance: The proposed JK-AIM is expected to strengthen digital governance, improve administrative efficiency, and enhance public service delivery in Jammu & Kashmir through advanced technologies. 

Read More: Artificial Intelligence, Digital governance 

International Women’s Day 2026

Why in News? 

International Women's Day (IWD) is observed annually on 8 March to celebrate women’s achievements and promote gender equality. The observance in 2026 highlights the role of Nari Shakti in India’s development and the vision of Viksit Bharat. 

Key Points: 

• About: International Women's Day is celebrated every year on 8 March across the world to recognise women’s contributions in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres and to promote gender equality. 
  • The day originated from early 20th-century labour movements in North America and Europe advocating for women’s rights.  
  • It gained global recognition when the United Nations officially recognised the observance in 1977. 
• Reason for 8 March: The date is linked to 1917 protests by women workers in Russia demanding “bread and peace.”  
  • The strike began on 23 February (Julian calendar), which corresponds to 8 March in the Gregorian calendar used internationally. 
• Theme: The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”  
  • It emphasises strengthening women’s rights, ensuring access to justice, and accelerating gender equality worldwide. 
• Global Campaign: A global campaign titled “Give to Gain” highlights the importance of collective support, mentorship, and resource sharing to empower women and achieve gender equality. 
  • India’s development approach has evolved from “development for women” to “women-led development,” recognising women as drivers of economic and social progress through entrepreneurship, education, and participation in governance. 
• Initiatives: Various initiatives related to financial inclusion, education, health, safety, self-help groups, and skill development are strengthening the ecosystem for women’s empowerment in India. 
  • Programmes such as “Shakti Walk – #SheLeadsBharat” along Kartavya Path in New Delhi, symbolising women’s leadership and participation in national development.  
• Significance: The day serves as a global platform to celebrate women’s achievements, promote gender equality, and accelerate progress toward inclusive and sustainable development.

Read More: Viksit Bharat, United Nations,  Financial inclusion, Gender equality, Sustainable development 

Maharashtra Budget 2026–27

Why in News? 

Chief Minister and Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the Maharashtra Budget for 2026–27 in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, outlining measures focused on farmers’ welfare, infrastructure development, clean energy, and economic growth. 

Key Points: 

• Total Budget Outlay: The total budget outlay for FY 2026–27 is ₹7,69,467 crore, making it one of the largest budgets in the state’s history. The budget projects revenue receipts of about ₹6.16 lakh crore and revenue expenditure of about ₹6.56 lakh crore, leading to a revenue deficit. 
• Fiscal Provision: 
  • Revenue Receipts: ₹6,16,099 crore 
  • Revenue Expenditure: ₹6,56,651 crore 
  • Revenue Deficit: ₹40,552 crore 
  • Fiscal Deficit: ₹1,50,491 crore 
  • Total Outstanding Debt: ₹11,02,654 crore 
• Sector Wise Allocation:  
  • Scheduled Castes (SC): ₹23,150 crore. 
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST): ₹21,723 crore. 
  • Wainganga–Nalganga River Linking Project: ₹94,968 crore. 
  • Damanganga–Vaitarna–Godavari River Linking Project: ₹13,497 crore. 
  • Urban Water Supply & Wastewater Management Projects (with World Bank support): ₹5,860 crore. 
  • Mukhyamantri Baliraja Mofat Veej Yojana: ₹23,000 crore. 
• Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare:  
  • Farm Loan Waiver Scheme: The government announced the “Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmers’ Loan Waiver Scheme”, under which crop loans up to ₹2 lakh per farmer taken till 30 September 2025 will be waived. 
  • Incentive: Farmers who regularly repay loans on time will receive an additional incentive of ₹50,000. 
  • Natural Farming Mission: The state plans to bring around 5 lakh hectares under natural farming to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce chemical input costs.  
  • Irrigation Development: Major irrigation projects such as the Wainganga–Nalganga irrigation project have received large allocations to improve water availability in drought-prone regions. 
  • Free Electricity for Farmers: Around ₹20,000 crore has been allocated for providing free electricity to farmers, reducing agricultural input costs. 
• Women and Social Welfare:  
  • Ladki Bahin Scheme: The government allocated ₹26,500 crore for the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, aimed at supporting women through financial assistance. 
  • Women Farmers: The budget includes initiatives to promote women’s participation in agriculture and entrepreneurship. 
• Infrastructure and Connectivity:  
  • Capital Expenditure: The state government has proposed capital expenditure of about ₹1.2 lakh crore to strengthen infrastructure and boost economic growth. 
  • Expressway Development: ₹14,886 crore has been allocated for the second phase of the Shirur–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Greenfield Expressway, which aims to improve connectivity between key industrial hubs. 
  • Metro and Urban Infrastructure: Metro Line 11, a fully underground corridor connecting Wadala to the Gateway of India, with an estimated cost of ₹23,487 crore. 
• Energy and Green Development:  
  • Renewable Energy Push: The state is expanding renewable energy initiatives and solar projects to increase clean power generation and reduce carbon emissions. 
  • Environmental Initiatives: The government has proposed ₹300 crore for a tree plantation drive as part of climate and environmental conservation efforts. 
• Health Sector: 
  • Health Budget Allocation: The health budget has been reduced to about ₹33,653 crore, which is lower than the previous year’s allocation.  
  • Preventive Health Initiative: A proposed Pragati Yojana aims to provide large-scale screening for diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease in rural areas. 
• AI & Digital Agriculture: 
  • Mahavistar AI Chatbot: AI-based digital tools will provide farmers with weather updates, crop disease alerts, and market price information. 
  • Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: A pilot project in 75 villages will use AI to provide farmers with real-time information on weather, crop conditions, and soil health. 
  • AgriStack & Farmer ID: Digital farmer identification through AgriStack is being implemented to ensure targeted delivery of government schemes. 
• Industrial Growth: Special focus has been placed on strengthening industrial clusters and logistics hubs in cities like Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. 
• Start-up and Innovation: The state plans to promote start-ups, innovation hubs, and digital technology sectors to boost employment and entrepreneurship. 
• Vision for Development: The budget aims to transform Maharashtra into a $1-trillion economy by 2030 under the broader vision of “Viksit Maharashtra 2047.” 
• Significance: The Maharashtra Budget 2026–27 focuses on farmer relief, welfare schemes, and infrastructure development, while laying a long-term roadmap for sustainable economic growth and the vision of Viksit Maharashtra 2047. 

President Droupadi Murmu to Inaugurate Darjeeling Hill Festival in West Bengal

Why in News? 

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will inaugurate the Darjeeling Hill Festival at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, which has recently been rechristened as Lok Bhavan.  

Key Points:  

• Venue: The festival will be held at the historic Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan in Darjeeling, located in West Bengal. 
• Focus: The event aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of the Darjeeling hills. 
  • The event highlights the unique multicultural identity of the Darjeeling region, which includes communities such as Gorkhas, Lepchas, and Bhutias. 
• Key Exhibition: Features a special exhibition titled 'Roots and Rhythm', curated by the Indian Museum, Kolkata, showcasing rare tribal artefacts like Adi cane helmets, Naga warrior sculptures, and Santhal jewellery. 
• Collaborators: The event is a joint initiative involving the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Victoria Memorial Hall, and various universities and NGOs.

‘Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion’ (OTEC) Project in Lakshadweep

Why in News? 

Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh inspected the upcoming Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) project in Lakshadweep, which is being developed as the world’s first OTEC-based desalination plant using deep ocean water. 

Key Points: 

• Location: Kavaratti Island, the capital of Lakshadweep. 
• Developed By: It will be developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. 
• Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): It is a renewable energy technology that generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater. 
• Mechanism: The plant harnesses the thermal gradient (temperature difference) between warm surface seawater (approx. 29°C) and cold deep-sea water (approx. 5°C) drawn from depths of about 1,000 metres. 
  • The technology works best in tropical oceans, where the temperature difference between surface and deep water is significant. 
• Dual Output: 
  • Electricity: Expected to generate approximately 60-65 kilowatts (kW) of power. 
  • Freshwater: Will produce about 1 lakh litres (100 cubic metres) of potable water daily via Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD). 
• Infrastructure: The project involves a complex 3.8 km long pipeline made of high-density polyethylene to reach the deep cold-water layers. 

India Wins Third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Title

Why in News?

India are the champions of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, securing their third title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final held on 8 March, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Key Points: 

• Organized by: International Cricket Council (ICC) 
• Hosts: Jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. 
• Champions: India defended their title, becoming the first team to win three T20 World Cups and the first to win it on home soil. 
  • The captain of the Indian team (2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup) was Suryakumar Yadav. 
• Runner-up: New Zealand. 
  • The captain of the New Zealand team was Mitchell Santner. 
• Format: 20 teams divided into four groups, followed by a Super 8 stage and knockouts. 
• Key Statistics & Awards 
  • Player of the Tournament: Sanju Samson (India), who scored 321 runs at an average of 80.25. 
  • Man of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah (India) for his spell of 4/15. 
  • Most Runs: Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) with 383 runs. 
  • Most Wickets: Jointly held by Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy (India) with 14 wickets each.  
• Final Match Summary: 
  • India: 255/5 in 20 overs. 
  • New Zealand: 159 all out in 19 overs .  

Read More: Record