State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 02 Mar 2026

J&K Clinch First-Ever Ranji Trophy Championship

Why in News?

The Jammu & Kashmir cricket team created history by winning their first Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season.

Key Points:

• Historic Victory: Jammu and Kashmir clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season.
  • The final match ended in a draw, and J&K won the title on the basis of a 291-run first-innings lead over Karnataka.
• Venue: The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final was held at the KSCA Cricket Stadium, Hubballi, Karnataka.
  • Winner: Jammu and Kashmir cricket team
  • Runner-up: Karnataka cricket team
  • Title Won After: 67 years
• Captain: The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team was led by Paras Dogra during their historic 2025-26 Ranji Trophy title-winning campaign.
• Man of the Match: Shubham Pundir — awarded for his crucial century (121 runs) in the first innings of the final, which laid the foundation for Jammu and Kashmir cricket team’s victory. 
• Player of the Tournament: Auqib Nabi Dar — recognised for his exceptional bowling performance throughout the season, finishing as the leading wicket-taker.
• Long Wait Ends: The debut Season of J&K was in the 1959-60 season. 
  • This landmark triumph ends a 67-year wait for the prestigious domestic championship in Indian first-class cricket. 
• Significance: This victory not only marks the first time Jammu and Kashmir have been crowned Ranji champions but also highlights the growth and resilience of cricket in a region long viewed as a peripheral player in Indian domestic cricket.

Read More: Ranji Trophy

Goonj 2026 Launched in Jammu

Why in News?

Recently, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 3rd edition of the multi-genre youth festival, “Goonj-2026,” at the University of Jammu. 

Key Points:

• Guiding Theme: The festival operated under the vision of “Dissolving Boundaries, Evolving Education,” emphasizing trans-disciplinary collaboration and synergy between departments.
• New Addition: A significant new component this year was the Exhibition of Rare and Best-Selling Books, aimed at fostering a reading culture among students.
• Podcast Launch: During the inaugural ceremony, the LG launched the podcast "JU Vaachan," an initiative by the University’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies. 
• Major Segments: The festival comprised three primary pillars:
  • Sports: Promoting physical health and discipline.
  • Cultural Activities: Showcasing creative talents and J&K’s vibrant heritage.
  • Best Practices Showcase: Departments set up exhibition stalls to present research initiatives, academic mandates, and innovative practices.
• Wide Scale: Over 600 students registered from University teaching departments, offsite campuses, affiliated colleges, and neighboring institutions.
• Vision for Youth: LG Manoj Sinha emphasized that the youth are the architects of a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047, urging them to lead through innovation and research.

Iran Appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as Interim Supreme Leader

Why in News?

Following the reported death of Ali Khamenei in a joint United States-Israeli airstrike, the Islamic Republic of Iran has appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as a key member of the interim Leadership Council, effectively positioning him as the acting Supreme Leader during the transitional period.

Key Points:

• Leadership Council: Under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, a three-member interim body now governs the Islamic Republic. 
  • It includes Arafi alongside the President and the Chief Justice, ensuring continuity of authority amid the unprecedented leadership vacuum.
• Role and Authority: The interim Leadership Council assumes the constitutional duties of the Supreme Leader until a permanent successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts.
  • The Supreme Leader in Iran is the highest authority, overseeing the armed forces, judiciary, state broadcasting, and key policy decisions.
• Background of Arafi: He is a senior Shia cleric and has held key positions in Iran’s religious establishment, including membership in both the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts. 
  • He has also led major seminaries in Qom.
  • Qom is Iran’s principal centre of Shia Islamic scholarship, and Arafi’s association with its seminaries strengthens his clerical standing.
• Continuity of Governance: The interim council ensures that executive, military, and judicial authority remains uninterrupted during the transition period.
• Significance: Alireza Arafi’s appointment to the interim leadership council is a key moment in Iran’s political transition, highlighting constitutional procedures for leadership succession amid heightened regional tensions.

Read More: Iran-Israel Conflict