State PCS - Assam (APSC)

• 17 Mar 2026

Common Incubation Centre Under PMFME Scheme in Assam

Why in News? 

Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated a modern Common Incubation Centre at Tezpur University in Sonitpur district of Assam in March 2026 under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, aimed at boosting innovation and entrepreneurship in the food processing sector. 

Key Points: 

• PMFME Scheme: The PMFME Scheme encourages the formalisation of micro food processing enterprises by providing credit‑linked subsidies, capacity building, and market access, targeting to benefit lakhs of small food processors across the country. 
• Incubation Centre: A state‑of‑the‑art Common Incubation Centre was inaugurated at Tezpur University with 100% financial assistance from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, making it a hub for food processing innovation and enterprise development. 
• Objective: The facility is designed to support micro food processing units, Self‑Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups, and prospective food entrepreneurs by providing technical guidance, packaging, branding, and compliance support. 
  • The centre was established at Tezpur University, Assam in collaboration with academic experts, university management, and industry stakeholders to facilitate skill development and market linkage for emerging food enterprises. 
• Financial Assistance: The Ministry provided around ₹2.35 crore for setting up the centre, which includes specialised processing lines for fruits, grains, spices, bakery products and allied segments.  
• Vision: He highlighted the Government’s vision to strengthen the food processing ecosystem, encourage youth entrepreneurship, and support value addition to agricultural produce throughout the North‑Eastern region, aiming to reduce food waste and expand market opportunities.  

Read More:  Incubation Centre, PMFME, Self‑Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Startups 

BCCI Naman Awards 2026

Why in News? 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) organised the Naman Awards 2026 to honour outstanding performers and legendary personalities in Indian cricket for the 2024–25 season, recognising achievements in international and domestic cricket. 

Key Points: 

• Polly Umrigar Award: Shubman Gill received the Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2024–25 season, while Smriti Mandhana was named Best International Cricketer (Women), marking her record fifth BCCI honour.  
• Colonel C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: It was conferred on former cricketers Rahul Dravid, Roger Binny, and Mithali Raj for their outstanding contribution to Indian cricket. 
• International Debut Awards: These awards recognise emerging cricketers for their impressive debut performances in international cricket. 
  • Best International Debut (Men): Harshit Rana 
  • Best International Debut (Women): N. Sree Charani 
• Domestic Cricket Awards: These honours recognise exceptional performances in India’s domestic cricket competitions. 
  • Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy (Best Woman Cricketer – Domestic): Ira Jadhav 
  • Best Woman Cricketer in Senior Domestic One-Day Tournament: Shafali Verma 
• Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-Rounder: The award in domestic cricket was presented to Ayush Mhatre (Limited-Overs tournaments) and Harsh Dubey (Ranji Trophy). 
• Best Cricket Association: The Mumbai Cricket Association received the award for Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments for the 2024–25 season.  
• Best Umpire: Ulhas Gandhe was recognised as the Best Umpire in Domestic Cricket for his officiating performance in domestic tournaments. 
• Significance: The BCCI Naman Awards celebrate excellence across all levels of Indian cricket—international, domestic, and administrative—while honouring legendary personalities who have made lasting contributions to the sport. 

Read More: Ranji Trophy