State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 11 Feb 2026

Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026-27

Why in News?

On 11th February, 2026, Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented the Uttar Pradesh State Budget for the financial year 2026-27. The budget serves as a strategic roadmap to transform Uttar Pradesh into a USD 1 trillion economy by 2029.

Key Points: 

• Total Budget Estimate for 2026-27: ₹9,12,696.35 crore — an increase of about 12.2–12.9% over the previous year’s budget. 
• Capital Expenditure: A significant shift is noted toward asset creation, with Capital Expenditure pegged at 19.5% of the total outlay (~₹1.78 lakh crore) to strengthen long-term economic growth.  
• Revenue Expenditure: Primarily covers administrative costs, salaries, and interest payments.  
  • For 2026-27, it is estimated at approximately ₹5.83 lakh crore. 
• Fiscal Deficit Cap: 3% of GSDP, aligned with 16th Finance Commission recommendations and effective until 2030-31. 
• Debt-to-GSDP Target: The state aims to reduce the debt ratio to ~23.1 % by the end of the fiscal year, reflecting a focus on fiscal sustainability. 
• GSDP: Estimated ₹30.25 lakh crore with 13.4% growth. 
• Per Capita Income: Grew from ₹54,564 (2016-17) to ₹1,09,844, expected to reach ~₹1,20,000 in 2025-26. 
• Poverty & Employment: Nearly 6 crore people lifted out of multidimensional poverty; unemployment at 2.24%. 
  • These figures underscore the state’s rapid economic expansion and development trajectory. 
• Infrastructure (25% of total outlay): 
  • Northeast Corridor: ₹34,000 crore for a high-speed corridor connecting Gorakhpur to Saharanpur. 
  • Jewar International Airport: Expansion to five runways to boost global connectivity. 
  • Expressways: Continued funding for the Ganga and Bundelkhand expressways to integrate backward regions. 
• Education & Youth Empowerment (12.4%): 
  • Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme: Distribution of 5 million tablets/smartphones. 
  • CM Youth Entrepreneur Scheme: Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for young entrepreneurs. 
  • New Universities: Three new universities and 16 new medical colleges announced. 
• Agriculture & Farmer Prosperity (9-12%): 
  • Irrigation: Continued provision for free electricity for private tube wells. 
  • Sugarcane: Sugarcane prices for 2025-26 raised by ₹30 per quintal, adding ₹3,000 crore to farmer income. 
• Women's Welfare & Social Security: 
  • Kanya Sumangala Yojana: Benefiting over 26.81 lakh girls; grant for daughter's marriage increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. 
  • Safe City Projects: Expansion of CCTV networks and anti-Romeo squads. 
  • The budget includes ₹400 crore allocation for a dedicated scooter scheme for school and working women to enhance mobility and participation. 
  • Establishment of special skill development centres to uplift women economically.  
• Support for Families & Minorities:  
  • ₹150 crore provision for marriage assistance to poor families’ daughters (part of social safety nets). 
  • Social welfare focus aligned with broader inclusive development goals. 
• Industrial & Technological Leadership 
  • Manufacturing Hub: UP now produces 65% of India's total mobile phones and houses 55% of the country's electronics component units. 
  • Employment Mission: Creation of the Uttar Pradesh Employment Mission to expand both domestic and overseas job opportunities for 10 lakh youth. 
  • Energy Transition: Total solar power projects installed reached 2,815 MW, with thermal capacity increasing by over 55% since 2016.

India Designated ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026 in Germany

Why in News? 

India has been conferred the prestigious title of ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products, being held in February 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany. 

Key Points: 

• Event: BIOFACH 2026 is the world’s largest international trade fair for organic products, taking place in Germany. 
  • India has been officially designated as the ‘Country of the Year’, recognising its organic agriculture strength and export potential on a global platform. 
• Organising Authority: India’s participation is organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
  • Pan-India Representation: Exhibitors from over 20 States and Union Territories are participating, showcasing India’s agricultural and regional diversity. 
  • Products: It displays a wide range of organic products such as rice, oilseeds, pulses, spices, herbs, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, essential oils, and other value-added organic items.  
• Export Boost: The event provides a major international platform for Indian organic exporters to engage with global buyers, enhance market access, and reinforce India’s position in the global organic market. 
• Significance: India’s recognition as Country of the Year at BIOFACH reflects its leadership in organic agriculture, growing export footprint, and commitment to sustainable farming practices that meet international standards. 

Read More: APEDA, Agriculture , Sustainable farming practices 

Historic Maritime Convergence in Visakhapatnam

Why in News? 

For the first time, India is simultaneously conducting three major international maritime events i.e. the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs.  

Key Points: 

• Venue: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh — India’s Eastern Naval Command headquarters and strategic maritime gateway. 
• Key Events:This will be the first time India hosts all three major maritime events together. 
• IFR 2026 : President Droupadi Murmu will review a massive assembly of warships on 18 Feb, highlighting India's "Builder’s Navy" with vessels like INS Vikrant. 
• Exercise MILAN 2026: MILAN is a multilateral naval exercise organised by the Indian Navy, involving professional exchanges, tactical drills and collaborative maritime operations. 
• IONS Conclave: India assumes chairmanship (2025–2027), hosting 25+ nations to discuss regional security. 
• Participation:Warships and aircraft from over 50–70 countries are expected to participate, representing major maritime powers and regional partners. 
• Global Presence: Countries such as the United States, Russia, Japan, Australia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Iran, UK, UAE, South Africa and others will take part, highlighting wide diplomatic engagement.  

Read More: Exercise MILAN, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium