State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 06 Mar 2026

India’s First Skill Census Launched in Mumbai Suburban

Why in News? 

India’s first AI-powered Skill Census, named “Saksham Skill Census”, was launched in Mumbai Suburban district of Maharashtra to map the skills and employment potential of local youth. 

Key Points: 

• Launch: The Saksham Skill Census was launched at R.D. National College, Bandra West, by Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information Technology and Cultural Affairs of Maharashtra and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban district. 
• First-of-its-Kind Initiative: It is considered India’s first AI-powered skill census, aimed at collecting detailed data on the skills, education, and employment potential of youth in the district. 
  • The census will initially cover around 55,000 households in the H-West Ward of Mumbai Suburban district, which includes areas such as Bandra West. 
• Target Group: The survey focuses mainly on youth aged 18–40 years. 
  • The project uses Artificial Intelligence and GIS mapping to divide the area into hyperlocal zones.  
  • Enumerators will conduct door-to-door surveys using AI-supported digital tools, along with an online self-survey option for residents. 
• Objective: To map the skills, education levels, and employment potential of youth in Mumbai Suburban district in order to connect them with suitable training and livelihood opportunities. 
• Outcome: Authorities aim to train around 15,000 candidates and help at least 5,000 youth become self-reliant through employment or entrepreneurship in the coming years.  
• Significance: The initiative aims to build a data-driven skill development ecosystem, helping policymakers design targeted training programmes and strengthen employment planning at the local level.  

Read More:  AI, Skill development,  GIS mapping 

Maharashtra Economic Survey 2025-26

Why in News?

Minister of State for Finance, Ashish Jaiswal, tabled the Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2025-26 in the State Legislature on March 5, 2026. The report presents a robust picture of the state’s economy, projecting it to grow at 7.9%, significantly outpacing the national growth estimate of 7.4%.

Key Points: 

Macro-Economic Indicators 

• GSDP Growth: The state's economy is expected to expand by 7.9% in 2025-26, up from 7.3% in the previous fiscal year. 
• Nominal GSDP: Maharashtra’s nominal Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is projected to reach ₹51 lakh crore ($615 billion), reinforcing its position as India’s largest sub-national economy with a 14.3% share of the national GDP. 
• Per Capita Income: Estimated to rise to ₹3,47,903 (up from ₹3.17 lakh last year), which remains substantially higher than the national average of ₹2.19 lakh. 
• Fiscal Deficit: Budgeted at 2.7% of GSDP, well within the 3% limit prescribed under fiscal responsibility (FRBM) norms. 
• Debt Stock: Projected at 18.3% of GSDP (approx. ₹9.32 lakh crore), considered manageable within the state's fiscal limits.  
• Vision 2047: The survey outlines the roadmap for Maharashtra to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030 and $5 trillion by 2047. 

Sectoral Performance 

• Services Sector: The primary driver of growth, expected to expand by 9% (up from 8.3% last year), contributing nearly 64% to the state's economy. 
• Industrial Sector: Projected to grow at 5.7% (up from 4.3%), fueled by manufacturing, infrastructure projects, and ease of doing business reforms. 
• Agriculture & Allied Activities: Growth is expected to moderate to 3.4% (compared to a high of 9.1% last year). This slowdown is attributed to a return to normal conditions following an exceptional previous year and some crop damage due to heavy rains in late 2025.  

Investment and Infrastructure 

• FDI Powerhouse: Maharashtra continues to lead India in FDI, attracting 31% of the country's total inflows between October 2019 and March 2025. 
• Key Projects: 
  • Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR): Planned development as an "International Economic Growth Hub" with seven new commercial centres. 
  • Connectivity: Major projects slated for completion include the Mumbai-Pune Expressway "missing link", various Metro lines in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune, and the Vadhavan Port connectivity corridor. 
  • Renewable Energy: Capacity has increased to 14,113 MW, supporting the state's green energy transition.  

Social & Employment Indicators 

• Labour & Employment Trends: Maharashtra continues to see strengthening employment conditions with high participation rates.  
• Unemployment Rate (UR): The state's unemployment rate has significantly declined, reaching 3.3% in 2023-24 (usual status). 
  • Urban UR: Decreased from 7.4% (2017-18) to 5.2% (2023-24). 
  • Rural UR: Decreased from 3.2% (2017-18) to 2.1% (2023-24). 
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): The overall LFPR (aged 15+) rose to 59.0%. 
• MSME Employment: Over 63.85 lakh registered MSME units in the state now provide employment to approximately 2.53 crore people. 
• Gig Economy: The survey notes that gig workers currently represent about 2% of the workforce, with a projected increase to 6.7% by 2029-30.  

Social Welfare & Safety Nets 

• Ladki Bahin Yojana: The state's flagship scheme has benefited 2.53 crore women with a total stipend distribution of over ₹33,232 crore. The 2025-26 budget has allocated a further ₹36,000 crore for its continuation. 
• Food Security: 
  • Public Distribution System (PDS): Covers 2.71 crore ration card holders, with 1.55 crore families using Aadhaar-based biometric authentication. 
  • Shivbhojan Scheme: Distributed 4.09 crore subsidised meals through 1,874 centres up to November 2025. 
• Housing: Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), approximately 8.75 lakh urban and 16.05 lakh rural dwelling units have been completed.  

Health & Education Milestones 

• Health Indicators: 
  • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Improved significantly, dropping to 14 per 1,000 live births. 
  • Infrastructure Gaps: The state currently has 528 government hospitals with only 73 hospital beds per lakh population, signaling a push for future capacity expansion. 
• Education: 
  • Schooling: Over 1.04 lakh primary schools (145 lakh students) and 29,641 secondary schools (63.6 lakh students) are operational. 
  • Higher Education: Maharashtra has 87 universities and 5,579 colleges with a total enrollment of 45.31 lakh students. 
  • Jal Jeevan Mission: Over 90.3% of rural households and 98.5% of schools now have functional tap water connections.  
• Welfare Schemes: The Ladki Bahin Yojana has been allocated ₹36,000 crore for 2025-26, benefiting approximately 2.53 crore women. 

Industrial Policies in Maharashtra Economic Survey 2025-26 

• The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights a transformative shift in Maharashtra’s industrial landscape, anchored by the newly unveiled Maharashtra Industries, Investment and Services Policy (MIISP) 2025.  
  • This policy serves as the primary roadmap to achieving a $1 trillion state economy by 2030.  
• Core Industrial Policy Framework (MIISP 2025): The MIISP 2025 moves beyond traditional manufacturing to integrate services and high-technology sectors under a unified incentive structure.  
  • Ambitious Targets: Aims to attract ₹40 lakh crore in total investments and generate 50 lakh new jobs. 
  • Zonal Incentives: Financial benefits are categorized based on regional industrial development (Zones A to D+), with backward districts receiving higher subsidies to promote balanced growth. 
  • Thrust Sectors: Special focus and higher incentives (50% to 100% of project capital) are provided for: 
    • Electric Vehicles (EV) & Components 
    • Semiconductors & Electronics 
    • Aerospace & Defence 
    • Green Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Equipment  

MSME & Entrepreneurship Support 

• The survey emphasizes that MSMEs are critical for local value addition, with over 63.85 lakh registered units providing employment to 2.52 crore people.  
• Enhanced Financial Support: Capital subsidies range from 20% to 40% of Fixed Capital Investment (FCI). 
• Interest & Power Subsidies: MSMEs are eligible for an interest subsidy of up to 5% per annum (capped at ₹10 million) and a power tariff subsidy of ₹1 per unit for three years. 
• Startup Leadership: Maharashtra maintains the highest national share of startups (17%) as of February 2026, supported by dedicated incubation and seed-funding policies.  

Infrastructure as an Industrial Multiplier  

• Industrial growth is being decoupled from Mumbai and tethered to new "Growth Hubs". International Economic Growth Hubs: Seven locations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are being developed as global business centres. 
• Industrial Corridors: The Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) and the newly operational Samruddhi Mahamarg are highlighted as key conduits for attracting ₹2.02 lakh crore in sector-specific investments. 
• Logistics Hubs: A dedicated logistics policy offers up to 50% rental assistance and 100% electricity duty exemptions for new warehousing and supply-chain units.  

Green Energy & Sustainability Transition 

• A significant pillar of the 2025-26 strategy is reducing the operational costs of industry through sustainable energy.  
• Industrial Power Tariff Reduction: By shifting to 100% green energy for agriculture, the state aims to reduce the cross-subsidy burden on industries, lowering tariffs from ₹9.45 to ₹9.14 per unit over five years. 
• Renewable Energy & Storage Policy (2025-2035): Approved in early 2026, this policy targets 100 GW of RE capacity and introduces Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to ensure 24/7 reliable power for industrial zones. 
• 5-Star GHG Rating System: New "Green Subsidies" are provided for industries adopting carbon-reduction technologies and achieving 25% water reuse. 

Ravi Shankar Prasad to Head Lok Sabha Privileges Committee

Why in News? 

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, nominated 15 Members of Parliament to the Committee of Privileges, which became effective from 3 March 2026. 

Key Points: 

• Chairperson: Ravi Shankar Prasad, Lok Sabha MP from Patna Sahib, was appointed Chairperson of the committee. 
  • The Committee of Privileges examines cases related to breach of parliamentary privileges or contempt of the House and recommends appropriate action.  
  • The committee also has the authority to examine complaints, summon individuals, seek documents, and conduct inquiries before submitting its report.  
• Purpose: The committee safeguards the privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament, ensuring that MPs can perform their legislative duties without obstruction or intimidation. 
  • Parliamentary privileges in India are provided under Article 105 of the Constitution of India, which grants certain powers, privileges, and immunities to Parliament and its members. 
• Breach of privilege: It may occur when there is obstruction, intimidation, or interference with the functioning of MPs or the authority of the House. 
  • After investigation, the committee submits its recommendations to the Speaker or the House, which may include warnings, reprimands, or other disciplinary actions depending on the seriousness of the breach. 
• Significance: The committee plays a crucial role in protecting the dignity, authority, and independence of Parliament and maintaining discipline within the legislative system. 

Read More: Parliamentary Privileges, Constitution of India, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Privileges Committee 

Alexander Stubb Chief Guest at Raisina Dialogue 2026

Why in News? 

India hosted the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, as the Chief Guest. 

Key Points: 

• Chief Guest: President Alexander Stubb visited India in March 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  
  • This was his first visit to India after assuming office as President of Finland. 
• Raisina Dialogue: The Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship international conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss major international issues. 
  • The dialogue is organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, India. 
• Theme: The 2026 edition of the dialogue was held in March 2026 with the theme “Saṁskāra: Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.” 
• Focus: To strengthen India–Finland cooperation in areas such as digitalisation, sustainability, clean energy, and advanced technologies. 
• Significance: The visit and participation in the Raisina Dialogue highlight the growing strategic partnership between India and Finland and underline India’s increasing role in global geopolitical discussions. 

Read More: Raisina Dialogue 2025, India–Finland cooperation 

President Approves Governor Reshuffle Across 9 States and UTs (March 2026)

Why in News? 

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, approved a major reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across several states and Union Territories. 

Key Points: 

• Major Constitutional Reshuffle: Rashtrapati Bhavan announced changes in the posts of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across nine states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Ladakh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. 
• Resignation Accepted: The resignation of C. V. Ananda Bose as Governor of West Bengal was accepted by the President before the new appointments were announced. 
• Key Appointments: 
  • R. N. Ravi was appointed Governor of West Bengal (earlier Governor of Tamil Nadu). 
  • Shiv Pratap Shukla appointed Governor of Telangana. 
  • Jishnu Dev Varma appointed Governor of Maharashtra. 
  • Nand Kishore Yadav appointed Governor of Nagaland. 
  • Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd. Lieutenant General) appointed Governor of Bihar.  
• Additional Changes: 
  • Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, given additional charge as Governor of Tamil Nadu. 
  • Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, appointed Governor of Himachal Pradesh. 
• Lieutenant Governor Appointments: 
  • Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. 
  • Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former diplomat, appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. 
• Implementation: The appointments will take effect from the dates the respective appointees assume charge of their offices. 
• Significance: Such reshuffles help reposition experienced administrators and political leaders in key constitutional posts, ensuring effective governance and coordination between the Union and states. 

Read More: Governors , Lieutenant Governors 

Census 2027 Mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ Unveiled

Why in News? 

Amit Shah recently unveiled the official mascots “Pragati” (female) and “Vikas” (male) for Census 2027, alongside the launch of several digital platforms to support India’s first fully digital census exercise. 

Key Points: 

• Symbols: The mascots Pragati and Vikas will act as the public outreach symbols of Census 2027, helping disseminate information about the census in a citizen-friendly manner. 
• Represent Equality: They symbolize the equal participation of women and men in nation-building, aligning with the vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. 
• Objective: Designed as "friendly public ambassadors," they aim to make the census exercise more relatable and citizen-centric. 
• India’s First Fully Digital Census: Census 2027 will be the first digital census in India’s history. 
  • Data collection will be carried out using secure mobile applications and digital platforms instead of traditional paper-based methods. 
• Introduction of Self-Enumeration: Citizens will have the option to submit their household information online through a Self-Enumeration (SE) portal. 
  • After submission, households will receive a Self-Enumeration ID, which enumerators will verify during field visits. 
• Caste Enumeration: For the first time since 1931, the decennial census will include a comprehensive caste enumeration across all communities. 
• Legal Basis: Conducted under the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990. 

Read More: Census Act, 1948