State PCS - Haryana (HCS)

• 13 Feb 2026

24th Vasant Utsav in Gurugram, Haryana

Why in News? 

The 24th edition of Vasant Utsav was held in February 2026 at Sai Ka Aangan in Gurugram, Haryana. 

Key Points: 

• Theme State: Rajasthan was featured as the theme state. 
• Organisers: The festival was organised in association with the CBS Cultural Foundation. 
• Cultural Performances: 
  • Traditional performances included Rajasthani folk music like Kesariya Balam and dances such as Bhavai and Ghoomar. 
  • The festival also showcased UNESCO-recognised Kalbelia dance and performances blending Indian classical ragas with contemporary music by the Ether Band. 
• Classical & Devotional Arts: Young performers presented Raag Basanti, devotional verses, Odissi-style Basant Pallavi, classical sargams and bhajans, emphasising inter-generational transmission of tradition. 
• Cultural Fusion: The event blended centuries-old Rajasthani traditions with modern artistic expression, showcasing how folk memory and contemporary creativity coexist in cultural celebrations.  
• Significance: The Vasant Utsav provided a platform to preserve and celebrate India’s cultural heritage and to connect them with contemporary artistic expressions, strengthening cultural continuity and appreciation across generations. 

Read More: UNESCO, Kalbelia dance 

Delhi Launches 'Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana'

Why in News? 

The Delhi Government has launched a new social welfare scheme called the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana to strengthen girls’ education by providing structured financial support from birth through higher education. 

Key Points: 

• Launch: The Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana was announced by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and will take effect from 1 April 2026. 
  • Replacing and upgrading the older Ladli Scheme that was launched in 2008 but faced implementation challenges. 
• Objective: The scheme’s primary purpose is to prevent girls from dropping out of school and to promote their educational continuity, financial security, and empowerment.  
  • It aims to support girls from economically weaker households across key educational milestones through phased bank deposits. 
• Financial Structure: Under the programme, financial assistance will be deposited in phased instalments linked to major educational milestones — starting from birth and continuing through graduation or diploma courses.  
  • The cumulative amount deposited will earn interest and is designed to grow to over ₹1 lakh at maturity in the beneficiary’s bank account. 
  • Girls who are already beneficiaries under the previous Ladli Scheme will continue to receive entitlements while new beneficiaries will be enrolled under the revamped Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana. 
• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, the girl child must be born in Delhi, and her family must have resided in Delhi for at least three years with an annual income not exceeding ₹1.20 lakh.  
  • Up to two girl children per family are eligible to be covered under the scheme.  
• Direct Transfers: The payments will be credited directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar‑linked bank account through a fully digital application and disbursement process, ensuring transparency and ease of access.  

Read More: Aadhaar 

World Radio Day 2026

Why in News?

World Radio Day is an international observance, celebrated annually on 13 February, to recognise radio as a powerful medium for communication, access to information, and cultural diversity. 

Key Points: 

• Official Theme: “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice.” 
• Purpose of Theme: The official theme, "Radio and Artificial Intelligence," explores how emerging technologies can support broadcasters without replacing them: 
• Acknowledgement: It honours the founding of United Nations Radio in 1946 and acknowledges the role of radio in building inclusive societies and reaching diverse audiences worldwide.  
• Adoption: The observance was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. 
• World Radio Day Conclave 2026: Akashvani Raipur (Chhattisgarh), in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted a major conclave in Chhattisgarh to deliberate on AI's role in preserving human-centric communication. 
• Significance: World Radio Day celebrates the enduring relevance of radio in a rapidly evolving media environment

Read More: UNESCO