State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 24 Jan 2026

NHAI and Konkan Railway Sign MoU for Integrated Infrastructure Development

Why in News? 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2026 to strengthen integrated planning and development of road and rail infrastructure across the country. 

Key Points 

• Organising Ministries: 
  • NHAI – under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways 
  • KRCL – under Ministry of Railways 
• Implementation: A Joint Working Group (JWG) will monitor projects, conduct feasibility studies, and guide execution.  
  • MoU valid for 5 years. 
• Purpose: Facilitate joint planning, coordination, and resource optimisation for infrastructure development where highways and railways intersect. 
• Areas of Cooperation: 
  • Integrated development of roads and railways, including tunnels, bridges, and logistics hubs. 
  • Technical collaboration: project management, engineering design, construction methods, and environmental management. 
  • Safety and training: audits and skill development for NHAI personnel at KRCL facilities. 
• Strategic Benefits: 
  • Leverages KRCL’s experience in difficult terrains and NHAI’s highway expertise. 
  • Enhances first‑mile and last‑mile connectivity, freight and passenger logistics. 
• Significance: Demonstrates integrated infrastructure planning, supports economic growth, and strengthens multi-modal connectivity. 

Read More: NHAI ,  Multi-modal connectivity 

UAE to Partner with Telangana to Develop Bharat Future City

Why in News? 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has agreed to partner with the Government of Telangana to develop Bharat Future City as a global urban and economic hub. 

Key Points 

• Partnership: The collaboration was agreed during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, focusing on joint development and investment in Bharat Future City. 
• Bharat Future City Vision: It is planned as a next-generation, net-zero and sustainable city, aimed at becoming a global hub for innovation, industry and services. 
• Location: The proposed city will be developed near Hyderabad, Telangana.  
• Sectoral Focus: The city will have dedicated zones for artificial intelligence, education, healthcare, manufacturing, residential infrastructure and entertainment. 
• Goal: The project emphasizes green infrastructure, clean energy, smart mobility and low-carbon urban planning, aligning with global climate commitments. 
• Implementation Mechanism: A joint task force involving officials from the UAE and Telangana is expected to be formed to fast-track planning and execution.

Read More: World Economic Forum (WEF), Artificial intelligence 

Tata Group Tops India’s Most Valuable Brands; Apple Leads Globally

Why in News? 

According to the Brand Finance Global 500 2025 report, the Tata Group has emerged as India’s most valuable brand and Apple as the world’s most valuable brand.

Key Points: 

• Historic Achievement: Tata Group has become the first Indian brand to surpass the $30 billion threshold in brand value. 
• Brand Value: The conglomerate’s value rose 10% year-on-year to reach $31.6 billion. 
• Global Standing: It remains the only Indian brand ranked within the Global Top 100, holding the 60th spot. 
• Sustainability Leadership: The group also leads India in Sustainability Perceptions Value (SPV), valued at $4.3 billion. 
• Other Key Indian Brands: 
  • Infosys: Ranked 2nd in India (Value: $16.3 billion) and 132nd globally. 
  • HDFC Group: Ranked 3rd in India (Value: $14.2 billion). 
  • LIC: Noted as India's fastest-growing brand, with a 36% jump in value to $13.3 billion. 
  • Taj Hotels: Retained the title of India’s strongest brand for the fourth consecutive year with an AAA+ rating. 
• World’s Number One: Apple retained its position as the world's most valuable brand for 2025 with a valuation of $574.5 billion. 
  • The top global brands list saw technology giants like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and NVIDIA maintain leading positions. 
• Significance:The Brand Finance rankings offer insights into corporate competitiveness, consumer perception, and economic resilience of business entities globally and domestically. 

Amit Shah Lauds Gita Press and ‘Kalyan’ Magazine

Why in News? 

The Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, lauded Gita Press, Gorakhpur, and its flagship publication ‘Kalyan’ magazine for their enduring role in preserving, promoting, and disseminating Sanatan (Hindu) traditions and values. 

Key Points: 

• Venue: The event was held at Gita Bhawan in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. 
• Gita Press:Established in 1923 at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Gita Press is one of the world’s largest publishers of Hindu religious literature. 
  • It has published millions of copies of Bhagavad Gita, Ramcharitmanas, Puranas, and Upanishads in multiple Indian languages. 
  • The institution is known for its non-commercial, value-based dissemination of spiritual knowledge. 
  • Gandhi Peace Prize: Gita Press was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2021 for its contribution to social transformation through non-violent methods 
• ‘Kalyan’ Magazine:Launched in 1927, Kalyan is a monthly spiritual and cultural magazine. 
  • It has played a key role in popularising ethical living, Indian philosophy, and religious discourse among the masses. 
• National Mission: Its work supports the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 through spiritual and cultural awakening. 
• Governance: State patronage and recognition of cultural institutions as a tool helps in developing "Soft Power" and national identity building. 

BCCI bags Rs 270 crore AI sponsorship deal for IPL

Why in News? 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has signed a landmark ₹270 crore sponsorship agreement with Google’s artificial intelligence platform, Gemini, ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

Key Points: 

• Role: Gemini, developed by Google, will feature prominently across IPL branding, digital platforms, and broadcast promotions. 
  Duration: The three-year deal, beginning from IPL 2026, marks a notable shift in the commercial landscape of Indian cricket with AI platforms entering mainstream sports sponsorship. 
  • This engagement reflects increasing interest from global AI companies in associating with high-viewership sports properties in India.  
• Regulatory Shifting:The deal comes after regulatory shifts in India’s sports marketing space, including a ban on real-money gaming and fantasy platforms from major sponsorship roles, which opened the field for technology-driven brands to fill the investment gap. 
• Financial Impact: This agreement further solidifies the IPL as one of the most commercially robust sporting leagues globally, demonstrating strong market confidence in the tournament's brand value. 
• Significance: Reinforces the IPL’s global commercial appeal and attractiveness to technology majors. 
  • Signals a broader trend of AI brands leveraging sports for brand visibility and user engagement. 
  • Highlights the evolution of cricket marketing beyond traditional consumer sectors into digital innovation ecosystems. 
• Future of Sports Engagement: The partnership signals a major shift toward data-driven insights and personalized fan experiences in sports entertainment.