State PCS - West Bengal (WBCS)

• 07 Feb 2026

West Bengal Budget 2026‑27

Why in News? 

The West Bengal government presented its interim Budget 2026‑27 in the State Assembly, outlining a Rs 4.06 lakh crore expenditure plan that emphasizes social welfare schemes, economic support for women and youth, enhanced revenue targets, and expenditure growth amid preparations for upcoming assembly elections.  

Key Points: 

• Budget Outlook: The interim budget for 2026‑27 was tabled at Rs 4.06 lakh crore, with total estimated expenditure pegged at Rs 3.96 lakh crore, reflecting a 14.2 % rise over revised estimates for 2025‑26.  
  • Total Revenue Receipt: 2,87,791 Crore 
  • Total Capital Receipt: 1,08,288 Crore 
  • Total Revenue Expenditure: 3,09,551 Crore 
  • Total Capital Expenditure: 86,533 Crore 
• Budget Expenditure: 
  • General Services: 94,389 Crore 
  • Social Services: 1,80,862 Crore 
  • Economic Services: 73773 Crore 
• Budget Allocation in Important Sectors:  
  • Agriculture and Allied Activities: 24,312.97 Crore 
  • Rural Development: 15,919.76 Crore 
  • Irrigation and Flood Control: 5,858.95 Crore 
  • Energy: 5,372.50 Crore 
  • Industry and Minerals: 2,842.96 Crore 
  • Transport: 14,388.23 Crore 
  • Science Technology and Environment: 155.94 Crore 
  • Education, Sports, Art and Culture: 51,530.62 Crore 
  • Health and Family Welfare: 23,119.21 Crore 
  • Water Supply, Sanitation, Housing and Urban Development: 45,544.00 Crore 
  • Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes: 6,915.37 Crore 
  • Social Welfare and Nutrition: 51,815.03 Crore 
• Social Welfare Priorities: Nearly 46 % of the total expenditure (around Rs 1.80 lakh crore) has been earmarked for social welfare schemes, showing the government’s focus on inclusive development. 
• Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme Expansion: The monthly grant under the Lakshmi Bhandar cash support programme for women was increased by Rs 500, boosting financial assistance to women beneficiaries from February 2026. 
• Dearness Allowance (DA) Hike: The budget proposes a 4 % increase in dearness allowance for West Bengal government employees to help offset inflationary pressures. 
• Support for Unemployed Youth: A new scheme, ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’, was announced to provide Rs 1,500 monthly allowance to eligible unemployed youth (aged 21‑40) until they secure jobs or for up to five years. 
• Tax Revenue Growth: The budget projects own tax revenue to increase by about 6.20 %, with State GST and excise duties constituting major contributors to total tax receipts.  
• Welfare for Gig & Frontline Workers: Budget proposals include bringing gig workers under social security cover and enhancing allowances for Anganwadi and ASHA workers, alongside other welfare measures. 

India’s First Indigenous Green Urea Plant in Andhra Pradesh

Why in News? 

India’s first large‑scale indigenous green urea plant will be developed and operationalized at the Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub in Andhra Pradesh. 

Key Points: 

• Strategic MoU: NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd., and Assago Industries Pvt. Ltd. have signed a MoU. 
  • Under the agreement, NGEL will supply green ammonia, renewable electricity, CO₂, and other utilities to Assago. 
• Objective: To produce green urea using green hydrogen and renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based ammonia. 
  • The initiative marks a significant step towards building a domestic green urea value chain, reducing dependence on imported fertilizers. 
  • Aims to create jobs, strengthen the green energy sector, and contribute to Andhra Pradesh’s industrial development. 
• Environmental Impact: Expected to significantly cut carbon emissions compared to conventional urea plants. 
  • Supports India’s Net Zero 2070 goal and the Green Hydrogen Mission under the National Hydrogen Policy. 
• Innovation: First-of-its-kind indigenous green urea technology in India, promoting self-reliance in fertilizer production. 

Read More: Net Zero 2070 goal,  Green Hydrogen Mission,  NTPC, Green ammonia   

PLASTINDIA 2026 BEGINS IN NEW DELHI

Why in News? 

PLASTINDIA 2026, one of the world’s largest plastics exhibitions, commenced in February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 

Key Points: 

• Event: It is the 12th edition of the triennial mega event of the plastics industry, PLASTINDIA 2026. 
  • The event is structured around five strategic pillars — Trade, Technology, Talent, Tradition, and Tourism, emphasising industry growth, innovation, skill development, and cultural integration. 
• Organisers: Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). 
• Theme : PLASTINDIA 2026 is held under the theme “Bharat Next”. 
  • Aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat , aimed at strengthening the domestic plastics industry and manufacturing ecosystem.  
• Sustainability Focus: For the first time, It is being organised as a Zero Waste Exhibition, ensuring segregation, recycling, and reuse of all solid waste generated at the event. 

Read More:  Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat, MSME 

Kerala CM Launched Invasive Species Detection App

Why in News?  

Kerala has officially launched NeophyteID, an AI-powered mobile application designed to detect and track invasive plant species across the state. 

Key Points: 

• Launch & Developers: Officially launched on 2nd February, 2026, by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the app was developed by the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MBGIPS). 
• AI Technology: Utilizing the YOLOv11 machine learning model, the tool provides real-time identification and geospatial tracking for nearly 98 invasive species in Kerala. 
• Functionality & Access: Users can photograph plants for instant, data-driven identification in both English and Malayalam.  
• Ecological Impact: NeophyteID aims to prevent the destruction of native plants during eradication efforts.  
• Data-Driven Conservation: The use of AI and geospatial tracking provides researchers with data-rich insights into invasive species distribution patterns — critical for planning removal and restoration strategies.