State PCS - Haryana (HCS)

• 04 Apr 2026

India, World Bank Collaborate on Haryana Clean Air Project

Why in News? 

The Government of India, the Haryana government, and the World Bank signed a $300 million deal to implement the Haryana Clean Air Project aimed at improving air quality across the state.  

Key Points 

• Objective: The Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development Operation is designed to tackle air pollution by combining policy interventions, targeted investments, and the enhancement of institutional capabilities. 
  • The programme will expand the air‑quality monitoring network and build a decision‑support system to use high‑quality data in designing effective pollution mitigation strategies. 
• Private Investment: Approximately $127 million in private capital is expected to be mobilised for investments in key areas such as transport, energy, and industry to help implement pollution‑reduction measures. 
  • The initiative is expected to support jobs by expanding clean public transport services. 
• Regional Impact: The initiative aims to improve air quality in Haryana and the wider National Capital Region. 

Read More: Clean Air Strategy, National Capital Region, World Bank 

India Ranks Second Globally in Internet Shutdowns 2025

Why in News? 

According to a recent report by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, India recorded 65 internet shutdowns in 2025, making it one of the top countries globally to enforce connectivity blackouts despite being a democratic nation. 

Key Points 

• Source: The data from the annual internet governance report titled “Rising Repression Meets Global Resistance: Internet Shutdowns in 2025” published by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition.  
• Global Shutdown Trend: In 2025, there were 313 deliberate internet shutdowns recorded across 52 countries, marking the highest number ever documented in a calendar year. 
  • Myanmar topped the world with 95 internet shutdowns. 
• India’s Rank: India ranked second globally with 65 instances of internet crackdowns in 2025 — its lowest since 2017 — deployed mainly during religious events, protests, and communal violence across 12 states and territories. 
• Reason: The disruptions were imposed mainly during protests, conflict situations, communal violence, and religious holidays, reflecting the use of shutdowns as a tool to manage unrest and public order issues. 

Read More: Internet shutdowns 

Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

Why in News? 

Karnataka emerged as the overall champion at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026, while host state Chhattisgarh finished ninth in the final medal tally. 

Key Points 

• KITG Edition: The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 concluded in Chhattisgarh, marking India’s first national multi-sport event dedicated specifically to tribal athletes. 
  • The Games were held from 25th March to 3rd April 2026 across venues in Raipur, Jagdalpur and Surguja in Chhattisgarh.  
• Organised by: The Games are jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association (IOA), various National Sports Federations, and the Government of Chhattisgarh. 
• Mascot: “Morveer” is the official mascot of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026. 
  • The name is rooted in the local cultural ethos, where “Mor” means “our own” and “Veer” represents bravery and strength. 
• Champion: Karnataka secured the top position in the medal tally with 23 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals (Total: 38). 
  • Odisha – Rank 2: 21 Gold, 15 Silver, 21 Bronze (Total: 57) 
  • Jharkhand – Rank 3: 16 Gold, 8 Silver, 11 Bronze (Total: 35) 
  • Maharashtra – Rank 4: 6 Gold, 10 Silver, 4 Bronze (Total: 20) 
  • Assam – Rank 6: 5 Gold, 14 Silver, 12 Bronze (Total: 31) 
  • Chhattisgarh – Rank 9: 3 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze (Total: 19) 
  • Madhya Pradesh – Rank 11: 2 Gold, 3 Silver, 6 Bronze (Total: 11) 
  • West Bengal – Rank 14: 2 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze (Total: 2) 
  • Jammu & Kashmir – Rank 15: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze (Total: 8) 
  • Bihar – Rank 19: 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 0 Bronze (Total: 2) 
  • Rajasthan – Rank 22: 0 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze (Total: 5) 
• Demonstration Sports: Traditional sports such as Mallakhamb and Kabaddi were included as demonstration events to highlight indigenous sporting traditions. 
• Outstanding Athlete: Karnataka swimmer Manikanta L emerged as the most successful athlete, winning eight gold and one silver medal. 
  • Women: Anjali Munda from Odisha bagged five gold medals in swimming. 
• Objective: The Games aim to identify, nurture and promote sporting talent among tribal youth and strengthen grassroots sports under the Khelo India programme.  

Read More: Khelo India Tribal Games