State PCS - Jharkhand (JPSC)

• 07 May 2026

Hazaribag Becomes India’s First Pearl Farming Cluster

Why in News? 

Hazaribag district in Jharkhand has been declared India’s first pearl farming cluster aimed at promoting aquaculture-based rural livelihoods and sustainable income generation. 

Key Points 

• First Pearl Cluster: Hazaribag has been officially developed as India’s first pearl farming cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), marking a major step in the fisheries sector. 
• Objective: The project aims to promote scientific pearl cultivation, strengthen rural employment, and develop a structured ecosystem for production, training, and marketing. 
• Training: Farmers, including women self-help groups, are being trained in advanced pearl farming techniques to enhance productivity and entrepreneurship. 
• Impact: The initiative is expected to generate high-value rural income, with pearl farming offering significant profit potential compared to traditional agriculture. 
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
  • Launched on 10 September 2020. 
  • Implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. 
  • The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) is the nodal agency for implementing training, awareness, and capacity-building programmes under PMMSY. 

Read More: PMMSY

India’s First Barrier-Less Toll System Launched in Gujarat

Why in News?

India has launched its first barrier-less tolling system based on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology in Gujarat, marking a major shift in highway toll collection. 

Key Points 

• System: India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less toll system has been operationalised on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH-48 in Gujarat. 
  • The system removes toll booths and physical barriers, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping at highway speeds. 
• Technology Used: It uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag integration for automatic toll deduction. 
• Objective: The system aims to reduce congestion, cut travel time, improve fuel efficiency, and lower emissions on busy highway corridors. 
  • The barrier-less system will improve “Ease of Living” and promote “Ease of Doing Business” by facilitating quicker movement of passengers and goods. 
• Institutional Role: The initiative is implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 

Read More: Ease of Doing Business, NHAI

Two Indian Journalists Win Prestigious Pulitzer Prize

Why in News?

Indian journalists Anand RK and Suparna Sharma have won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category for their project “trAPPed”, produced with Natalie Obiko Pearson for Bloomberg.

Key Points

• Award-Winning Project: The project “trAPPed” highlights the growing menace of digital surveillance, cyber fraud, and “digital arrest” scams in India.
  • It narrates the story of an Indian neurologist allegedly trapped through her phone by cybercriminals using intimidation and surveillance tactics.
  • The Pulitzer Board described it as a “riveting account” that effectively combines visual storytelling and investigative journalism to expose emerging technology-driven crimes.
• Global Recognition of Indian Journalism: The award underlines the increasing international recognition of Indian investigative and visual journalism.
• Focus on Cybercrime: It highlights the global challenge posed by digital scams, online surveillance, and cyber fraud networks.
• Rise of Visual Storytelling: The project showcases how graphic narratives and illustrated reporting can simplify complex technological and social issues.
• Press Freedom & Investigative Journalism: The award reinforces the importance of independent journalism in exposing emerging threats in the digital age.

Read More: Pulitzer Prize