State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 19 Feb 2026

Madhya Pradesh Budget 2026–27

Why in News? 

The Finance Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Jagdish Devda presented the Budget for FY 2026–27 in the State Legislative Assembly in Bhopal, outlining the government’s priorities in women empowerment, farmer welfare, infrastructure, health, and fiscal discipline. 

Key Points: 

• Record Budget Outlay: The total budget size for FY 2026–27 is ₹4.38 lakh crore, marking a substantial increase over the previous year and reflecting expansionary developmental spending. 
  • The government did not introduce any new taxes and kept existing tax rates unchanged, aiming to promote economic stability and ease the burden on citizens and businesses. 
• Budget Highlight (in ₹Crore):  
  • Total Receipts: 3,89,397 
  • Total Expenditure: 3,88,925 
  • Revenue Receipts: 3,08,703 
  • Revenue Expenditure: 3,08,659 
  • Capital Receipts: 80,694 
  • Capital Expenditure: 80,266 
  • Revenue Surplus: 44 
  • Fiscal Deficit: 3.87% of GSDP 
  • Appropriation Amount: 4,38,317  
  • GSDP-18,48,274  
  • Per Capita Income: ₹ 1,52,615 (2024-25) 
• Sector Wise Provision  (in ₹Crore): 
  • Agriculture Sector: 38,850 
  • Health and Women Welfare: 56,478 
  • Education: 45,358 
  • SC/ST/OBC: 24,024 
  • Infrastructure: 49,084 
  • Urban and Rural Development: 61,665 
  • Cultural Promotion: 2,069 
  • Employment: 6,104 
• Provision for Major Scheme (in ₹Crore): 
  • Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana: 23883 
  • Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar &Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): 10,428 
  • Atal Griha Jyoti Yojana: 6033 
  • National Health Mission (NUHM/NRHM): 4600 
  • Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: 2000 
  • Ladli Laxmi Yojana: 1801 
• Women-Centric Allocation: Around ₹1.27 lakh crore has been earmarked for women-focused schemes, including continued support for flagship programmes such as Ladli Behna Yojana, strengthening financial inclusion and social security for women. 
  • The budget includes construction of 5,700 hostels for working women to support safety and employment access for female workers across the state. 
• ‘Farmers’ Welfare Year’ Declaration: The year 2026 has been declared as “Kisan Kalyan Varsh” (Farmers’ Welfare Year), with enhanced allocations for agriculture, irrigation, crop procurement, and allied sectors. 
• Agriculture and Irrigation Push: Significant investments have been proposed for irrigation expansion, solar pumps for farmers, and strengthening minimum support price (MSP) procurement mechanisms. 
• Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Focus: Increased allocations have been made for rural roads, drinking water supply under Jal Jeevan Mission, and strengthening Gram Panchayats to boost grassroots development. 
• Rural Employment Support: ₹10,428 crore has been allocated for the VB Gram RG scheme to enhance rural employment guarantee, with special provisions like ₹900 crore for PM Janman Scheme for vulnerable tribal groups.  
• Urban Infrastructure Expansion: The budget provides funds for metro rail expansion, urban housing, e-buses, and smart city initiatives to modernise urban centres. 
• Health Sector Strengthening: Approximately ₹23,000 crore has been allocated to health services, including the establishment of new hospitals and medical colleges, expansion of healthcare infrastructure, and improved public health delivery. 
• Education and Skill Development: Enhanced spending on school education, recruitment of teachers, upgradation of colleges, and skill development programmes to generate youth employment. 
  • Special provisions have been made to encourage entrepreneurship, self-employment schemes, and industrial growth for job creation. 
• Industrial and Employment Support: The budget also supports industrialisation and job creation through incentives and infrastructure provisioning for MSMEs, start-ups, and investment promotion to spur economic growth. 
• Inclusive Development Framework: The budget aligns with a six-point developmental framework known as GYANII (Garib, Yuva, Annadata, Nari, Infrastructure, Industry), which seeks to combine poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, agricultural support, women empowerment, infrastructure, and industrial growth. 
• Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Large sums are earmarked for infrastructure development including rural roads, connectivity, irrigation projects like the Ken–Betwa Link, and expansion of public services.  
  • Provisions are also made for capital investment exceeding ₹1 lakh crore in the state’s history. 
• Energy and Renewable Focus: Investments in renewable energy projects and rural electrification aim to improve energy security and sustainability. 
• Fiscal Discipline and Deficit Management: The government projected controlled fiscal deficit levels within FRBM limits and indicated a revenue surplus, signalling commitment to fiscal prudence. 
• Loan and Debt Management: The state sought a ₹5,600 crore loan prior to the budget session, while maintaining that debt levels remain within manageable limits. 
• Economic Growth Indicator: The state’s Economic Survey reported an estimated 8% growth rate, highlighting steady economic expansion. 
• Rolling Budget Innovation: For the first time, the state has adopted a rolling budget framework, a flexible financial planning approach that extends planning beyond a fixed 12-month period to add months or quarters as budgets progress.  
  • This is intended to improve fiscal responsiveness and planning.  
• Significance: Incorporates inclusive welfare priorities in budgetary planning, signalling a shift towards socio-economic support for women, farmers, and the poor. 

Henley Passport Index 2026

Why in News? 

India’s passport has climbed in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, a globally recognised ranking of passports based on visa-free travel access. The rise in rank reflects enhanced global mobility for Indian citizens and strengthened diplomatic relations. 

Key Points: 

• Global Ranking: India’s passport has moved to the 75th position in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, rising 10 places from 85th in 2025. 
  • Indian passport holders can now enter 56 countries without a prior visa, including those allowing visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorisation (ETA), facilitating ease of international movement. 
• Methodology: The index, published by Henley & Partners, ranks 199 passports across 227 destinations using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), based on ease of entry without prior visa approval. 
  • Top-Ranked Passports: Singapore retains the top position with 192 visa-free destinations, followed closely by Japan and South Korea. 
  • Bottom-Ranked Passports: Countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria remain at the bottom of the index, reflecting restricted international mobility due to geopolitical and security challenges. 
• Regional Comparison: India ranks above several South Asian peers such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal, while Maldives ranks substantially higher in the region. 
• Significance: The improved ranking indicates strengthened diplomatic ties, enhanced business and tourism opportunities, and better international recognition of Indian citizens’ travel freedom. 

Read More: Henley Passport Index 2025 

BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025

Why in News? 

Indian women’s cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a prestigious award ceremony in New Delhi, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in sport during the year. 

Key Points: 

• Recognition: Smriti Mandhana was honoured as the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 for her consistently brilliant performances. 
  • Especially in her pivotal role in India’s historic 2025 Women’s World Cup triumph and success in domestic leagues.  
• Sport Honourees: Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh was named Emerging Player of the Year for her historic win at the FIDE Women’s World Cup. 
  • Preethi Pal received the Para‑Sportswoman of the Year title for her two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. 
• Lifetime Achievement: Veteran shooter Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her trailblazing career, including being the first Indian woman shooter to reach an Olympic final. 
• Selection Process: The winners were chosen by a distinguished jury comprising sports figures such as Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George. 
• Promotion of Women’s Sport: The awards ceremony celebrates and spotlights excellence and impact of Indian women athletes, highlighting their contributions in international events and inspiring future generations. 

Read More: 2025 Women’s World Cup, Olympic, FIDE Women’s World Cup.