State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 07 Feb 2026

Jammu & Kashmir Budget 2026-27

Why in News?

On 6 February 2026, Jammu and Kashmir Government Chief Minister and Finance Minister Omar Abdullah presented the Union Territory’s annual budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 in the Legislative Assembly. 

Key Points:

• Macro-Economic Aggregates & Fiscal Position: The total budget outlay for 2026-27 is estimated at ₹1,27,767 crore. 
• Gross Budget Estimates: ~₹1,27,767 crore (including advances and overdrafts). 
• Net Budget Estimates: ₹1,13,767 crore (excluding overdrafts/Ways & Means). 
  • Revenue Expenditure: ~₹80,640 crore. 
  • Capital Expenditure: ~₹33,127 crore. 
• Revenue Structure 
  • Own Revenues: ~₹31,800 crore estimated from tax and non-tax sources. 
  • Central Assistance: ~₹42,752 crore, plus ₹13,400 crore under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). 
  • Projected GSDP Growth: ~9.5%.  
• GSDP Growth: Projected at 9.5%, with the nominal GSDP expected to reach ₹3,15,822 crore. 
• Fiscal Deficit: Targeted at 3.69% of GSDP, aligning with the FRBM Act guidelines. 
• Sectoral Allocations (Top Priorities):The budget follows a "Bottom-Up" approach, prioritizing rural infrastructure and human capital. 
  • Infrastructure & Roads: Allocated ₹6,528 crore. Key projects include the Z-Morh Tunnel and connecting "unconnected" habitations under PMGSY. 
  • Health & Medical Education: Allocated ₹1,866 crore (Capital). A major milestone is the scheduled commissioning of AIIMS Awantipora (Kashmir) by June 2026. 
  • Agriculture & Allied Sectors: Allocated ₹1,878 crore. The focus remains on the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), aiming to create 2.87 lakh jobs in the sector. 
  • Education: Earmarked ₹1,513 crore (Capital) to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and upgrade 2,000 schools into "Smart Schools." 
• Major Welfare Initiatives & Social Security:The Chief Minister announced 32 New Welfare Measures aimed at the most vulnerable populations. 
  • AAY Support: Six free LPG cylinders per year for Antyodaya Anna Yojana families. 
  • Education for All: Full tuition fee waiver for AAY students in Classes 9–12 and Government Degree Colleges. 
  • Marriage Assistance: The State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) grant increased to ₹75,000. 
  • Orphan Support: A monthly stipend of ₹4,000 for orphans under non-institutional care via DBT. 
  • Transit Accommodation: Completion of 6,000 transit flats for Kashmiri Migrant employees under the PM Development Package. 
• Power Sector Reforms: J&K faces significant challenges in Transmission & Distribution (T&D) losses. 
  • Smart Metering: The budget aims for 100% smart metering in urban areas by December 2026 to curb AT&C losses. 
  • Generation: Funding provided to expedite the 850 MW Ratle and 624 MW Kiru hydroelectric projects via the Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPPPL). 
• Tourism as an Economic Pillar: Tourism is recognized as a key driver of economic growth and employment: 
  • Proposals for Rs 180 crore allocation for Amarnath Yatra infrastructure.

Jammu & Kashmir Budget 2026-27

Why in News? 

On 6 February 2026, Jammu and Kashmir Government Chief Minister and Finance Minister Omar Abdullah presented the Union Territory’s annual budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 in the Legislative Assembly.  

Key Points: 

• Macro-Economic Aggregates & Fiscal Position: The total budget outlay for 2026-27 is estimated at ₹1,27,767 crore. 
• Gross Budget Estimates: ~₹1,27,767 crore (including advances and overdrafts). 
• Net Budget Estimates: ₹1,13,767 crore (excluding overdrafts/Ways & Means). 
  • Revenue Expenditure: ~₹80,640 crore. 
  • Capital Expenditure: ~₹33,127 crore. 
• Revenue Structure 
  • Own Revenues: ~₹31,800 crore estimated from tax and non-tax sources. 
  • Central Assistance: ~₹42,752 crore, plus ₹13,400 crore under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). 
  • Projected GSDP Growth: ~9.5%.  
• GSDP Growth: Projected at 9.5%, with the nominal GSDP expected to reach ₹3,15,822 crore. 
• Fiscal Deficit: Targeted at 3.69% of GSDP, aligning with the FRBM Act guidelines. 
• Sectoral Allocations (Top Priorities):The budget follows a "Bottom-Up" approach, prioritizing rural infrastructure and human capital. 
  • Infrastructure & Roads: Allocated ₹6,528 crore. Key projects include the Z-Morh Tunnel and connecting "unconnected" habitations under PMGSY. 
  • Health & Medical Education: Allocated ₹1,866 crore (Capital). A major milestone is the scheduled commissioning of AIIMS Awantipora (Kashmir) by June 2026. 
  • Agriculture & Allied Sectors: Allocated ₹1,878 crore. The focus remains on the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), aiming to create 2.87 lakh jobs in the sector. 
  • Education: Earmarked ₹1,513 crore (Capital) to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and upgrade 2,000 schools into "Smart Schools." 
• Major Welfare Initiatives & Social Security:The Chief Minister announced 32 New Welfare Measures aimed at the most vulnerable populations. 
  • AAY Support: Six free LPG cylinders per year for Antyodaya Anna Yojana families. 
  • Education for All: Full tuition fee waiver for AAY students in Classes 9–12 and Government Degree Colleges. 
  • Marriage Assistance: The State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) grant increased to ₹75,000. 
  • Orphan Support: A monthly stipend of ₹4,000 for orphans under non-institutional care via DBT. 
  • Transit Accommodation: Completion of 6,000 transit flats for Kashmiri Migrant employees under the PM Development Package. 
• Power Sector Reforms: J&K faces significant challenges in Transmission & Distribution (T&D) losses. 
  • Smart Metering: The budget aims for 100% smart metering in urban areas by December 2026 to curb AT&C losses. 
  • Generation: Funding provided to expedite the 850 MW Ratle and 624 MW Kiru hydroelectric projects via the Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPPPL). 
• Tourism as an Economic Pillar: Tourism is recognized as a key driver of economic growth and employment: 
  • Proposals for Rs 180 crore allocation for Amarnath Yatra infrastructure. 

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.