State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 13 Feb 2026

Uttar Pradesh Unveils First-Ever Excise Export Policy 2026-29

Why in News? 

On 13 February 2026, the Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) approved a dedicated Excise Export Policy for the period 2026–27 to 2028–29, becoming the first state in India to frame a separate export-oriented policy for its excise ecosystem.  

Key Points 

• Aim: The move aims to scale up liquor and ethanol exports, enhance global presence of UP-made brands, attract investment and boost socio-economic gains. 
• Objectives: The Excise Export Policy has been formulated with the following primary goals: 
  • Promote Exports: Increase production and export of ethanol and other alcohol-related products using grain and fruit-based raw materials, leveraging the state’s strong agricultural base. 
  • Industrial Development: Foster investment in distilleries, packaging, logistics and allied sectors, thereby strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem and creating direct and indirect employment. 
• Major Features of the Policy:The policy includes a set of measures to make exports competitive and incentive-driven: 
  • Reduction in Fees: Rates for bottling charges, export pass fees, franchise fees, and special fees have been reduced to the minimum level for exports, equivalent to 25% of the beverage capacity. 
  • Export Duty Cut: The export duty on molasses-based Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) to other states has been slashed to ₹0.50 per bulk litre. 
  • Simplified Compliance: Brand registration and label approval processes for export-oriented liquor have been relaxed and fees significantly reduced. 
  • Heritage & Niche Markets: For the first time, provisions have been made for distilleries to manufacture heritage wines specifically for export, alongside the allowance of tasting taverns. 
  • Duration: This is the first time a separate excise export policy has been introduced for a three-year term (2026-29), providing long-term regulatory stability to investors. 
• Significance: UP has set a precedent among Indian states by adopting an excise export policy focused on foreign and inter-state markets. 
  • Agricultural Linkages: By linking raw materials like grains and fruits to ethanol and liquor exports, the policy strengthens agro-industrial value chains, benefiting farmers and processors alike. 

Delhi Launches 'Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana'

Why in News? 

The Delhi Government has launched a new social welfare scheme called the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana to strengthen girls’ education by providing structured financial support from birth through higher education. 

Key Points: 

• Launch: The Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana was announced by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and will take effect from 1 April 2026. 
  • Replacing and upgrading the older Ladli Scheme that was launched in 2008 but faced implementation challenges. 
• Objective: The scheme’s primary purpose is to prevent girls from dropping out of school and to promote their educational continuity, financial security, and empowerment.  
  • It aims to support girls from economically weaker households across key educational milestones through phased bank deposits. 
• Financial Structure: Under the programme, financial assistance will be deposited in phased instalments linked to major educational milestones — starting from birth and continuing through graduation or diploma courses.  
  • The cumulative amount deposited will earn interest and is designed to grow to over ₹1 lakh at maturity in the beneficiary’s bank account. 
  • Girls who are already beneficiaries under the previous Ladli Scheme will continue to receive entitlements while new beneficiaries will be enrolled under the revamped Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana. 
• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, the girl child must be born in Delhi, and her family must have resided in Delhi for at least three years with an annual income not exceeding ₹1.20 lakh.  
  • Up to two girl children per family are eligible to be covered under the scheme.  
• Direct Transfers: The payments will be credited directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar‑linked bank account through a fully digital application and disbursement process, ensuring transparency and ease of access.  

Read More: Aadhaar 

World Radio Day 2026

Why in News?

World Radio Day is an international observance, celebrated annually on 13 February, to recognise radio as a powerful medium for communication, access to information, and cultural diversity. 

Key Points: 

• Official Theme: “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice.” 
• Purpose of Theme: The official theme, "Radio and Artificial Intelligence," explores how emerging technologies can support broadcasters without replacing them: 
• Acknowledgement: It honours the founding of United Nations Radio in 1946 and acknowledges the role of radio in building inclusive societies and reaching diverse audiences worldwide.  
• Adoption: The observance was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. 
• World Radio Day Conclave 2026: Akashvani Raipur (Chhattisgarh), in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted a major conclave in Chhattisgarh to deliberate on AI's role in preserving human-centric communication. 
• Significance: World Radio Day celebrates the enduring relevance of radio in a rapidly evolving media environment

Read More: UNESCO