• 14 Feb 2026

West Bengal’s Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026

Why in News? 

The West Bengal Government has advanced the launch of the Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme — a monthly allowance programme for unemployed youth — to 1 April 2026. 

Key Points: 

• Launch: The scheme will commence from 1 April 2026 instead of the earlier projected date of 15 August, aligning with the start of the financial year. 
• Objective: The scheme is designed to provide monthly financial support to educated unemployed youth in West Bengal until they secure employment or for up to five years.  
• Beneficiaries: Unemployed residents of West Bengal aged 21 to 40 years who have passed the Madhyamik (Class X) examination are eligible. 
  • Eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹1,500 per month directly in their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).  
• Interim Budget Allocation: The scheme was announced as part of the interim (vote-on-account) budget, with a proposed allocation of ₹5,000 crore for implementation. 
  • Youth enrolled in scholarships such as Aikyashree, Medhashree, Shikhyashree, and Student Smart Card will also be eligible under this scheme. 
• Significance: Banglar Yuva Sathi provides economic relief to unemployed youth, supports job preparation and skill development, and forms part of the state’s broader social welfare and employment strategy aimed at reducing unemployment challenges

Read More: West Bengal Budget 

Nivedita Dubey First Woman Member of Airports Authority of India (AAI)

Why in News? 

Nivedita Dubey has become the first woman officer to be appointed to the Board of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), marking a significant milestone in the Indian civil aviation sector’s leadership and gender representation. 

Key Points: 

• Historic Appointment: Nivedita Dubey has assumed charge as Member (Human Resources) — the second-highest position — on the AAI Board, making her the first woman officer ever inducted into the board of the Airports Authority of India. 
• Organisation: Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a statutory body responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India.  
• Background: She began her career with AAI in 1995 as a management trainee.  
  • Over the years, she has held diverse roles, including airport manager at Indira Gandhi International Airport and served as Regional Executive Director (Eastern Region).  
• Role & Responsibilities: As Member (Human Resources) on the AAI Board, she will play a key role in policy formulation, personnel management, industrial relations and administration for the organisation. 
• Significance: Her appointment is being widely hailed as an inspiring achievement for women and youth in India, especially within the aviation sector, which has historically seen limited female representation at senior governance levels.  

Read More: Airports Authority of India (AAI) 

Dedicated Dog Crematorium for Strays in Haryana

Why in News? 

The Faridabad Municipal Corporation (FMC) in Haryana has established a dedicated dog crematorium to ensure a dignified and scientific disposal of deceased stray and pet dogs — addressing public health, sanitation concerns and humane treatment of animal remains.  

Key Points: 

• Purpose: The facility provides a structured place for honouring the last rites of both stray and pet dogs, replacing ad-hoc dumping of carcasses that previously caused unhygienic conditions, foul smell, health risks and environmental issues. 
• Construction & Operation: The crematorium has been prepared under the health department of the Municipal Corporation with cooperation from local stakeholders, and is expected to be operational soon. 
  • This facility enables dogs’ bodies to be cremated using traditional pyre methods, which is viewed as both hygienic and respectful for the animals. 
  • A mortuary van service has been arranged to transport deceased animals safely from the site of death to the crematorium, ensuring timely and safe handling of carcasses.  
• Impact: The absence of such a facility earlier led to stray dog carcasses decomposing in open areas, causing foul odour and increasing risks of disease spread and environmental contamination. 
• Significance: The establishment of a dedicated dog crematorium in Faridabad is an important step toward improving civic hygiene, animal welfare and public health.  
  • It institutionalises the humane and scientific handling of animal carcasses, reducing health hazards and supporting respectful last rites for companion and stray animals alike. 

Read More: Municipal Corporation 

India Hosts First BRICS Sherpa Meeting 2026

Why in News? 

India hosted the first BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting in New Delhi as part of its 2026 chairmanship of the BRICS grouping. 

Key Points: 

• Chair & Representatives: The meeting was chaired by Sudhakar Dalela, India’s BRICS Sherpa and Secretary (Economic Relations), along with Shambhu L. Hakki, India’s BRICS Sous-Sherpa. 
  • Participants: Senior officials and sherpas from BRICS member and partner countries — including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE — took part in the discussions. 
• Theme: The priorities were presented under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflecting India’s people-centric approach to its BRICS leadership. 
• Focus: Emphasising cooperation across sectors such as health, agriculture, labour, disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy, innovation, ICT, security and economic and financial domains.  
• Significance: The meeting laid the foundation for India’s 2026 BRICS agenda by promoting cooperation, resilience, innovation, and sustainability ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit. 

Read More: BRICS 

Chhattisgarh Cabinet Approves ₹10,000 Crore for Paddy Farmers

Why in News? 

The Chhattisgarh Government has approved a major financial relief package of ₹10,000 crore for paddy farmers under the Krishak Unnati Yojana. 

Key Points: 

• Decision Authority: The decision was taken by the Chhattisgarh Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Raipur.  
• Scheme: Under the Krishak Unnati Yojana, paddy farmers receive payment for the price differential between the state’s effective procurement rate and the Central Minimum Support Price (MSP). 
  • The state government procures paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal (up to 21 quintals per acre), which is currently the highest support price in the country. 
• Payment Coverage: The ₹10,000 crore payout covers the differential amount above the MSP, ensuring farmers get the enhanced rate promised by the state. 
  • The amount will be transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts as a single payment.  
• Overall Support: The state government’s cumulative payment towards paddy price support under the Krishak Unnati Yojana over the past years is expected to reach around ₹35,000 crore with this disbursement.  
• Significance: To provide financial stability and liquidity to paddy farmers, recognizing their contribution to the state’s agrarian economy and supporting rural incomes. 

Read More: MSP,  Krishak Unnati Yojana 

India Gets Its First ‘Musical Path’

Why in News?

India has unveiled its first-ever ‘musical path’ on the Mumbai Coastal Road, where vehicles driving at a prescribed speed trigger the iconic song Jai Ho.

Key Points:

• Musical Path: A musical path (or musical road) is a specially engineered road stretch where grooves or rumble strips are cut at precise intervals.
  • Location: Mumbai Coastal Road
  • First of its kind: India’s first musical road
  • Music Played: Jai Ho (Oscar-winning song from Slumdog Millionaire)
  • Executing Agency: The project was executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
• Speed Regulation: The music only plays correctly if the driver maintains the prescribed speed limit. 
  • This acts as a psychological speed governor, encouraging safe driving habits.
• Anti-Fatigue Measure: The auditory engagement helps prevent "highway hypnosis" and keeps drivers alert on long, monotonous stretches.
• Tourism & Branding: Following the lead of countries like Japan, South Korea, and the USA, Mumbai aims to enhance its urban infrastructure appeal.

Country’s Second Tulip Garden in Himachal Pradesh

Why in News? 

In a significant boost to hill tourism and floriculture, the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) has officially opened its Tulip Garden in Palampur (Kangra district) to the general public.  

Key Points: 

• Second Tulip garden: This is the country’s second major tulip garden after the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), which is Asia’s largest and most famous tulip garden. 
• Strategic Location: Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,290 metres, the garden leverages the unique agro-climatic conditions of the Dhauladhar range. 
• Variety and Scale: The garden features over 50,000 tulips spanning several varieties and colours, including Red, Yellow, Pink, and White. 
• Research Integration: Unlike purely commercial gardens, this is a research-cum-demonstration plot managed by CSIR-IHBT Palampur.  
  • It serves as a testing ground for indigenous bulb production to reduce India's dependency on imports from the Netherlands.  
• Promotion of Floriculture: The garden serves as a "Technical Hub" for local farmers, showcasing the commercial viability of tulip cultivation as a high-value cash crop in Himachal Pradesh. 
• Tourism Circuit: The garden adds a new dimension to the Kangra tourism circuit, attracting visitors during the "shoulder season" (late winter/early spring) when traditional snow tourism begins to taper. 
• Biodiversity Conservation: The institute uses this platform to educate visitors on the importance of Himalayan floral diversity. 

Read More: CSIR 

Nationwide Campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

Why in News?

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) across 12 endemic States of India. 

Key Points: 

• Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign: To interrupt transmission of LF and achieve elimination as a public health problem. 
• Strategy: Annual administration of anti-filarial medicines to the entire eligible population, excluding pregnant women, infants below a certain age, and seriously ill individuals. 
• Drug Used: Drugs commonly used include Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), Albendazole, and in selected districts, Ivermectin (Triple Drug Therapy – IDA). 
• Target States: The campaign is being implemented across 12 endemic states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. 
• Lymphatic Filariasis (LF):Lymphatic Filariasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by parasitic worms (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi). 
  • It is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. 
  • Chronic infection leads to conditions such as elephantiasis, hydrocele, and long-term disability. 
  • India accounts for a significant global burden of LF. 
• Ahead of Schedule: India's 2027 target reflects the nation's proactive stance in meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3) targets early. 

Read More: SDG