State PCS - Assam (APSC)

• 07 Feb 2026

Odisha Launches Black Swan Summit 2026

Why in News? 

The Government of Odisha has launched the Black Swan Summit India 2026 in Bhubaneswar as part of the BharatNetra initiative. 

Key Points: 

• Partnership: The summit is organised by the Odisha government in collaboration with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) under the BharatNetra initiative. 
  • Aimed at building digital finance infrastructure and workforce capabilities. 
• Objective: Build a future-ready workforce in FinTech, InsurTech, and artificial intelligence (AI). 
  • A five-month hybrid FinTech & InsurTech training programme developed with National University of Singapore’s Asian Institute of Digital Finance (NUS‑AIDF). 
• Global Participation: Delegates and experts from across the world are participating. 
  • Facilitating global discussions on policy, innovation, and investment opportunities in the FinTech and InsurTech sectors. 
• Economic and Strategic Impact: The summit supports Odisha’s vision to become a global hub for digital finance, innovation, and skills development, aligning with broader goals of economic growth, financial inclusion, and technology‑led job creation. 
• AI and Technology Focus: It also covers artificial intelligence, tokenisation, quantum computing, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing the state’s commitment to technology‑driven growth. 

 

Read More: Artificial intelligence, Quantum computing,  Financial inclusion 

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.