State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 14 Jan 2026

Uttar Pradesh Hosts Regional AI Impact Conference 2026

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh recently hosted the Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 and the Fourth Meeting of the AI for Economic Growth and Social Good Working Group in Lucknow. 

Key Points 

• Host: Government of Uttar Pradesh in collaboration with IndiaAI and supported by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology 
• UP AI Mission: The UP AI Mission was officially announced in the Conference.  
  • Investment: Investment of around ₹2,000 crore over three years to establish AI labs, data centers, and research hubs across the state. 
• Focus: AI adoption in healthcare was a major agenda in the Conference. 
  • Targeting early disease diagnosis, data-driven policy decisions, and improved patient care, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a pilot state for AI-enabled healthcare solutions. 
• AI Infrastructure: The mission includes the creation of 62 AI and data labs, collaboration with academia and industry, and promotion of AI innovation and skilling programs. 
• Significance: The initiative aims to improve public service delivery, enhance digital governance, and foster inclusive economic growth while positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in AI adoption in India. 

Read More:  AI Impact Summit, IndiaAI, AI , 

Kerala Renames Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Butterfly Sanctuary

Why in News? 

The Kerala government has officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur district as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary. 

Key Points 

• Notification: The renaming was officially notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• Reason: Due to the presence of  rich abundance and diversity of butterfly species in the region and the need to protect and propagate their natural habitat. 
  • Butterfly Diversity: Aralam hosts about 266 butterfly species, representing over 80% of Kerala’s total butterfly diversity. 
  • Endemic Species: 27 species in Aralam are endemic to the Western Ghats. 
• WP Act Protection: Six butterfly species recorded at Aralam are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 
• Historical Status: The Aralam area was originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. 
• Global Significance: The sanctuary holds global ecological importance, as part of the Western Ghats, which is recognised as a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. 
• Social and Environmental Impact: The renamed sanctuary is expected to strengthen biodiversity conservation, promote environmental education, ecotourism, and generate community engagement in protecting butterfly populations.

Read More:  Wildlife (Protection) Act,  IUCN Red List, UNESCO