State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 19 Feb 2026

Adoption of New High-Density Apple Rootstocks in Kashmir

Why in News? 

Scientists and horticulture experts have introduced new high-density apple rootstocks in Kashmir Valley, promising early fruiting, higher productivity, and better farm incomes, especially for small and marginal orchardists. 

Key Points: 

• Apple Economy of Kashmir: Jammu & Kashmir is one of India’s leading apple-producing regions. 
  • Apple cultivation contributes ~8–9% to J&K’s GSDP and supports over 3.5 lakh families 
• Traditional Method: Traditional orchards in the region, which often rely on older seedling rootstocks, typically take up to 10 years to produce their first fruits.  
  • In contrast, new systems using dwarf rootstocks like M9 can yield fruit as early as the second year.  
• Rootstock: The root part of a grafted plant onto which a desired apple variety (scion) is grafted. 
  • It determines tree size, yield efficiency, disease resistance and adaptability to soil and climate 
• New Apple Rootstocks: It includes Dwarf and Semi-Dwarf Rootstocks which include M9, M26 and MM series. 
• Benefits:  Enable high-density plantation (HDP) 
  • Yield Increase: High-density orchards can produce 50–70 metric tonnes per hectare, compared to only 10–12 tonnes in conventional systems. 
  • Quality & Price: Fruit grown on these rootstocks often has better color, firmness, and size.  
    • These apples can fetch market prices of ₹100–140 per kg, nearly double the rate of traditional varieties. 
  • Labor Efficiency: Smaller trees simplify labor-intensive tasks like pruning and thinning. 
• Government Support: The Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Department is actively supporting this shift through the High Density Apple Plantation Scheme, which offers a 50% subsidy to farmers switching to these modern systems.

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.