State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 14 Apr 2026

Laser, Light & Sound Show Inaugurated at Smritika War Memorial, Lucknow

Why in News?

The Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath jointly inaugurated a state-of-the-art Laser, Light and Sound Show at the Smritika War Memorial in Lucknow Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Inauguration: The show was jointly inaugurated by Rajnath Singh (Defence Minister) and Yogi Adityanath (Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh).
• Objective: The show aims to present the history, valour, and achievements of the Indian Army through modern multimedia technologies such as laser projection, sound, and lighting systems.
  • The 30-minute multimedia programme showcases key military operations and  major wars including 1947–48, 1962, 1965, and 1971, along with operations such as Operation MEGHDOOT and Operation VIJAY.
• Focus Area: The show also honours the bravery of soldiers and highlights Param Vir Chakra awardees from the Awadh region.
• Implementation: The initiative has been executed by HQ Central Command in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

Arogya Van Initiative

Why in News?

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the Arogya Van initiative to enhance biodiversity and promote ecological sustainability. 

Key Points

• Concept: The initiative aims to develop thematic plantations of medicinal tree species on vacant land along National Highways, creating green corridors.
• Objective: It seeks to enhance biodiversity by introducing medicinal plants that support pollinators, birds and microfauna. 
• Implementation (First Phase): Around 17 land parcels covering about 62.8 hectares have been identified for plantation.
  • Approximately 67,462 medicinal trees will be planted in the initial phase across several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
  • About 36 medicinal species such as Neem, Amla, Jamun, Imli, Lemon, Gular and Maulsari have been selected based on agro-climatic suitability. 
• Traditional Knowledge: The initiative also supports traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and aims to conserve indigenous medicinal flora.

Read More: NHAI, Ayurveda

Amul Becomes First Indian FMCG Company to Cross ₹1 Trillion

Why in News?

Amul has become the first Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in India to cross ₹1 trillion turnover, marking a significant milestone in the country’s cooperative dairy sector. 

Key Points

• Historic Milestone: Amul achieved a brand turnover exceeding ₹1 trillion (₹1 lakh crore) in FY 2025-26, becoming the first Indian FMCG company to reach this mark. 
  • The company recorded around 11% growth compared to the previous year, reflecting strong demand for its products.
  • Amul is marketed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which reported revenue of about ₹73,450 crore in FY26, an increase of 11.4% from the previous year.
• Global Presence: Amul products are currently sold in more than 50 countries. 
• Cooperative Model: The Amul network is supported by over 3.6 million dairy farmers, demonstrating the strength of India’s cooperative dairy model. 
• Amul:
  • Amul was established in 1946 as the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited in Anand, Gujarat.
  • The organisation was founded by Tribhuvandas Patel.
  • Jayen Mehta is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amul.

Read More: Amul, FMCG

Kailash Satyarthi to Receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2026 in Pune

Why in News?

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi has been named the recipient of the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for 2026. The announcement was made by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan, marking the fifth edition of the honour.

Key Points

• Date & Venue: The ceremony is scheduled for 24 April , 2026, at the Ganesh Kala Krida Mandir in Pune.
  • Significance of the Date: The event coincides with the 84th death anniversary of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, the father of the legendary Mangeshkar siblings.
  • Musical Tribute: The evening will feature a special musical programme titled “Mee Lata Dinanath…”, curated by Hridaynath Mangeshkar and featuring renowned artists like Vibhavari Joshi and Savani Ravindra.
• Kailash Satyarthi (Social Service): Selected for his "extraordinary, path-breaking, and exemplary" contribution to the nation, specifically his lifelong crusade against child labour and advocacy for children's rights.
• Other Noted Awardees:
  • Cinema: Raveena Tandon and Prajakta Mali.
  • Music: Classical singer Mahesh Kale.
  • Dance: Veteran Kathak exponent Shama Bhate.
  • Journalism: Sushil Kulkarni.
• Legacy of the Award:The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was instituted in 2022 following the passing of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar. It aims to honour individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of India and its people.
• Distinguished Past Recipients:Satyarthi joins an elite list of previous awardees, which includes:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2022)
  • Asha Bhosle (2023)
  • Amitabh Bachchan (2024)
  • Kumar Mangalam Birla (2025)

Read More: Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

First-Ever Life-Size Statue of Swami Vivekananda Unveiled in Seattle

Why in News?

In a historic moment for the Indian diaspora, the first-ever life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda in the United States was recently unveiled in Seattle. The statue serves as a tribute to the spiritual leader who introduced Indian philosophy and Vedanta to the Western world. 

Key Points

• The Statue: A magnificent life-size bronze installation depicting Swami Vivekananda in his iconic standing posture.
• Location: The statue has been installed at the Vivekananda Cultural Center in the Seattle metropolitan area.
  • Significance: Seattle was chosen due to its vibrant Indian-American community and its growing role as a hub for cultural exchange between India and the U.S. 
• The Chicago Legacy: The unveiling commemorates the spirit of Swami Vivekananda’s landmark speech at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which laid the foundation for yoga and Indian spirituality in America.
  • Cultural Symbolism: Organizers noted that the statue is not just a religious monument but a symbol of universal brotherhood, peace, and the timeless relevance of his message to the global youth. 
• Soft Power: The installation strengthens India’s cultural soft power, projecting the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The World is One Family) on an international stage.
• Global Recognition:The installation of this statue in Seattle marks a milestone in the global recognition of Swami Vivekananda’s intellectual and spiritual contributions. 

Read More: Swami Vivekananda

Gujarat Police Launches 'NARIT AI' to Strengthen NDPS Investigations

Why in News?

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Gujarat Police launched an artificial intelligence-driven tool, 'NARIT AI' (Narcotics Analysis & RAG-based Investigation Tool).

Key Points

• NARIT AI: Developed by the Western Railway Police (Vadodara Division) in collaboration with a Mumbai-based AI startup, the tool aims to enhance the quality of investigations and improve conviction rates in narcotics cases. 
• Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG): NARIT AI operates on a closed, verified database which minimizes "hallucinations" (inaccurate outputs) and ensures that all guidance is grounded in legal reality.
• Data Sources: The system is trained on landmark judgments from the Supreme Court and High Courts, the NDPS Act, 1985, and new criminal laws like the BNS, BNSS, and BSA. 
• Key Functions and Capabilities: Investigating officers (IOs) upload a First Information Report (FIR), and the tool generates a structured report highlighting the case's strengths and weaknesses.
  • Procedural Compliance: It provides step-by-step guidance, evidence checklists, and "do’s and don’ts" to prevent technical lapses that often lead to the acquittal of accused individuals.
  • Predictive Courtroom Strategy: A unique feature allows the tool to anticipate potential defence arguments and suggest rebuttals based on past judicial precedents. 
• Strategic Significance: By providing high-level legal expertise to all ranks, the tool reduces the dependence on a small pool of specialized investigators, speeding up the overall process.
  • Zero-Tolerance Policy: The rollout aligns with Gujarat's strict stance against drug-related crimes, aiming to dismantle narcotics networks through technology-led policing.
  • Private System: In accordance with Gujarat High Court guidelines, NARIT AI is classified as a private system for internal police use and is not accessible to the public. 
• Paradigm Shift:The launch of NARIT AI represents a paradigm shift in Indian law enforcement, moving from manual procedural tracking to tech-augmented prosecution.

Read More: AI