State PCS - Odisha (OPSC)

• 09 Mar 2026

Amit Shah Inaugurated Cooperative Sector Projects in Odisha

Why in News? 

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple cooperative sector and development projects worth over ₹3,770 crore in Odisha during an event held in Bhubaneswar. 

Key Points: 

• Initiatives: Projects of the National Dairy Development Board, Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation, and the Odisha government were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid during the event. 
  • A total of 173 projects of the Odisha government were inaugurated, including 61 completed projects worth ₹1,230 crore and 112 new projects worth ₹2,116 crore. 
• Cooperative Sector Development: The Union government and the Odisha government plan to build a strong cooperative network in every village, particularly in the dairy sector, inspired by the cooperative model of Amul. 
  • A new cooperative policy for Odisha is planned to strengthen dairy, fisheries, and other cooperative activities, aiming to boost rural income and women’s participation in economic activities. 
• Revival of Sugar Mills: The restart of the Badamba Sugar Mill has been completed by Indian Potash Limited, and the government aims to revive other closed sugar mills across the country through cooperative efforts. 
• Sulphuric Acid Plant–III: The third stream of a sulphuric acid plant was inaugurated at Paradip at the facility of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited. 
• Forensic Infrastructure: The foundation stone for a campus of National Forensic Sciences University was laid in Odisha. 
  • Under the new criminal laws, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) visits have been made mandatory for serious crimes punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment, strengthening scientific investigation. 
• Cyber Infrastructure: Specialized cybercrime and economic offences branches have been launched in 20 districts of Odisha to enhance digital and financial crime investigation capabilities.  
• Conviction Rate: Odisha has recorded a conviction rate of more than 87% in FIRs registered under the new criminal laws.  
• Significance: The initiatives aim to strengthen cooperative institutions, forensic infrastructure, agricultural processing, and industrial capacity in Odisha, contributing to rural development, improved law enforcement, and greater self-reliance in fertilizer production. 

Read More: Cooperative sector , Amul, Cyber Infrastructure, New criminal laws 

International Women’s Day 2026

Why in News? 

International Women's Day (IWD) is observed annually on 8 March to celebrate women’s achievements and promote gender equality. The observance in 2026 highlights the role of Nari Shakti in India’s development and the vision of Viksit Bharat. 

Key Points: 

• About: International Women's Day is celebrated every year on 8 March across the world to recognise women’s contributions in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres and to promote gender equality. 
  • The day originated from early 20th-century labour movements in North America and Europe advocating for women’s rights.  
  • It gained global recognition when the United Nations officially recognised the observance in 1977. 
• Reason for 8 March: The date is linked to 1917 protests by women workers in Russia demanding “bread and peace.”  
  • The strike began on 23 February (Julian calendar), which corresponds to 8 March in the Gregorian calendar used internationally. 
• Theme: The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”  
  • It emphasises strengthening women’s rights, ensuring access to justice, and accelerating gender equality worldwide. 
• Global Campaign: A global campaign titled “Give to Gain” highlights the importance of collective support, mentorship, and resource sharing to empower women and achieve gender equality. 
  • India’s development approach has evolved from “development for women” to “women-led development,” recognising women as drivers of economic and social progress through entrepreneurship, education, and participation in governance. 
• Initiatives: Various initiatives related to financial inclusion, education, health, safety, self-help groups, and skill development are strengthening the ecosystem for women’s empowerment in India. 
  • Programmes such as “Shakti Walk – #SheLeadsBharat” along Kartavya Path in New Delhi, symbolising women’s leadership and participation in national development.  
• Significance: The day serves as a global platform to celebrate women’s achievements, promote gender equality, and accelerate progress toward inclusive and sustainable development.

Read More: Viksit Bharat, United Nations,  Financial inclusion, Gender equality, Sustainable development 

‘Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion’ (OTEC) Project in Lakshadweep

Why in News? 

Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh inspected the upcoming Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) project in Lakshadweep, which is being developed as the world’s first OTEC-based desalination plant using deep ocean water. 

Key Points: 

• Location: Kavaratti Island, the capital of Lakshadweep. 
• Developed By: It will be developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. 
• Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): It is a renewable energy technology that generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater. 
• Mechanism: The plant harnesses the thermal gradient (temperature difference) between warm surface seawater (approx. 29°C) and cold deep-sea water (approx. 5°C) drawn from depths of about 1,000 metres. 
  • The technology works best in tropical oceans, where the temperature difference between surface and deep water is significant. 
• Dual Output: 
  • Electricity: Expected to generate approximately 60-65 kilowatts (kW) of power. 
  • Freshwater: Will produce about 1 lakh litres (100 cubic metres) of potable water daily via Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD). 
• Infrastructure: The project involves a complex 3.8 km long pipeline made of high-density polyethylene to reach the deep cold-water layers. 

India Wins Third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Title

Why in News?

India are the champions of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, securing their third title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final held on 8 March, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Key Points: 

• Organized by: International Cricket Council (ICC) 
• Hosts: Jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. 
• Champions: India defended their title, becoming the first team to win three T20 World Cups and the first to win it on home soil. 
  • The captain of the Indian team (2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup) was Suryakumar Yadav. 
• Runner-up: New Zealand. 
  • The captain of the New Zealand team was Mitchell Santner. 
• Format: 20 teams divided into four groups, followed by a Super 8 stage and knockouts. 
• Key Statistics & Awards 
  • Player of the Tournament: Sanju Samson (India), who scored 321 runs at an average of 80.25. 
  • Man of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah (India) for his spell of 4/15. 
  • Most Runs: Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) with 383 runs. 
  • Most Wickets: Jointly held by Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy (India) with 14 wickets each.  
• Final Match Summary: 
  • India: 255/5 in 20 overs. 
  • New Zealand: 159 all out in 19 overs .  

Read More: Record