State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 11 Mar 2026

Uttarakhand Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026

Why in News? 

The Cabinet of Uttarakhand has approved the Uttarakhand Public Gambling Prevention Bill, 2026 to curb illegal gambling and betting activities in the state. The proposed law aims to replace the colonial-era Public Gambling Act, 1867 with stricter provisions and penalties.  

Key Points: 

• Objective: The bill seeks to control illegal gambling, betting networks and gambling houses by introducing stricter legal provisions and enhanced penalties across the state. 
  • The legislation will replace the Public Gambling Act, 1867, which was considered outdated and ineffective in dealing with modern betting and organised gambling activities. 
• Penalties for Gambling: 
  • Gambling in public places such as streets or lanes may lead to up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of ₹5,000, or both. 
  • Organising gambling activities inside a residence may result in up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine of ₹10,000. 
  • Running gambling dens may lead up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh, while organised betting networks may face 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh. 
• Enforcement Powers: The bill empowers the police to take stricter action against gambling activities, including raids, arrests, and seizure of illegal assets linked to betting operations.  
  • The legislation covers both physical gambling houses and modern organised betting networks, ensuring broader regulatory coverage. 
• Focus: The government aims to reduce social problems such as financial distress, crime, and exploitation associated with gambling activities. 
• Significance: The proposed law aims to strengthen law enforcement, curb organised betting syndicates, and address the social and economic issues associated with gambling in the state. 

Read More: Online Gaming Act, 2025 

Balendra Shah Set to Become Nepal’s Youngest Prime Minister

Why in News? 

In a historic shift in Nepal's political landscape, 35-year-old structural engineer and former rapper Balendra Shah (popularly known as Balen) is set to become the youngest Prime Minister of Nepal.

Key Points: 

• Decisive Mandate: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) achieved a landslide victory, securing 125 of the 165 directly elected seats in the House of Representatives. The party is projected to command a two-thirds majority in the 275-member parliament. 
• The "Balen Wave": Shah defeated veteran politician and four-time Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in his traditional stronghold of Jhapa-5 by a margin of nearly 50,000 votes. 
• Historic Firsts: Balendra Shah will be the first Prime Minister from the Madhesi community and the first non-traditional political figure to lead the nation. 
• Catalyst for Change: The election followed intense youth-led protests in late 2025 against corruption, unemployment, and digital censorship. These protests led to the dissolution of the previous government and the installation of an interim administration. 
• Rise of RSP: Founded in 2022, the RSP campaigned on a platform of "Generation Change," focusing on technocratic governance, transparency, and economic revival. 
• Diplomatic Significance: The victory marks a departure from the traditional rotation of power between the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML, and the Maoists.  
• Core Policy Objectives: Pledges to increase Nepal’s GDP to $100 billion and double the per capita income to $3,000. 
  • Employment: A commitment to create 1.2 million jobs over five years to address the high rate of youth out-migration.

WHO Verifies Chile as First Country in the Americas to Eliminate Leprosy

Why in News? 

In a historic public health achievement, Chile has officially become the first country in the Americas to be verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the elimination of leprosy (Hansen's Disease) as a public health problem. 

Key Points: 

• WHO Verification: The announcement was made on 10th March, 2026, following a rigorous evaluation by an independent international commission. 
• Regional First: Chile is the first nation in the Region of the Americas (PAHO/WHO) to reach this milestone, setting a precedent for other nations in the Global South. 
• Definition of Elimination: Elimination is defined by the WHO as reaching a prevalence rate of less than 1 case per 10,000 inhabitants at the national level. 
• Sustained Effort: The verification follows years of robust surveillance, early diagnosis, and free multi-drug therapy (MDT) provided through Chile's public health system. 
• Global Leprosy Strategy (2021–2030): Aims for "Towards Zero Leprosy," focusing on zero infection, zero disease, and zero stigma/discrimination. 
• Validation of Public Health Infrastructure: Chile’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating leprosy services into the general primary healthcare framework. 
• Reduction of Stigma: Verification helps dismantle the ancient social stigma associated with the "Leper" label, promoting human rights. 

Read More:Leprosy