• 02 Apr 2026

Bihar Hosts First Green-Tech Horticulture Conclave

Why in News? 

A three-day national-level horticulture event, the “Bihar Nursery and Green-Tech Conclave 2026”, was inaugurated at Gyan Bhavan in Patna to promote technology-driven horticulture and enhance farmers’ income. 

Key Points 

• Organising Authority: Organised by the Horticulture Directorate under the Agriculture Department, Government of Bihar.  
• Theme: “Parampara Se Pragati Tak” (From Tradition to Progress). 
• Objective: The conclave aims to introduce farmers to modern technologies in horticulture, increase productivity, and boost farmers’ income through innovative practices. 
• Special Initiatives: 
  • Udyan Pathshala: Training sessions for farmers and youth on modern horticulture techniques. 
  • Chanakya Horti-Pitch: A platform for startups and entrepreneurs to present innovative horticulture business ideas and seek investment support.  
• Significance: The event aims to integrate agriculture, horticulture, and technology, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in the sector. 

Read More: Horticulture 

Lucknow Waste Management Initiative

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has strengthened waste management in Lucknow by launching 250 electric and CNG vehicles for the Lucknow Municipal Corporation to improve cleanliness and sustainable urban development. 

Key Points 

• Launch: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off 250 electric and CNG vehicles to enhance waste management operations in Lucknow. 
• Objective: The initiative aims to ensure 100% waste collection, transportation, and processing across all wards of the city and promote a sustainable urban environment. 
  • Promotes the objective of achieving “Zero Waste to Zero Carbon Emissions.” 
• Eco-Friendly Approach: The Municipal Corporation is prioritising electric and CNG vehicles, gradually replacing diesel-powered vehicles to reduce pollution.  
  • To support the electric fleet, about 520 charging points at 13 locations have been established across the city. 
• Waste-to-Wealth: The project focuses on converting waste into useful resources and strengthening the circular economy.  

Read More: Waste-to-Wealth 

India Begins First Fully Digital Census

Why in News? 

The Government of India has commenced Phase I of Census 2027 – Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), marking the beginning of the world’s largest census exercise with the introduction of digital data capture and self-enumeration. 

Key Points 

• About: Census 2027 is India’s nationwide population enumeration exercise conducted to collect demographic, social, and economic data for policy planning and governance. 
  • The exercise marks the country’s 16th Census and the 8th to be conducted since Independence. 
• Digital Census: Census 2027 will be the first Indian census with digital data capture and an online self-enumeration facility. 
  • For the first time, enumerators will collect and submit data using a mobile application on smartphones. 
• Self-Enumeration Facility: 
  • Citizens can submit details through a secure web portal (se.census.gov.in). 
  • A Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) will be generated after submission for verification during the enumerator’s visit. 
• Beginning : Droupadi Murmu, President of India, became the first citizen to complete the self-enumeration process for Census 2027. 
  • About 55,000 households from these States/UTs availed Self-Enumeration facility on the very first day. 
• Languages: The self-enumeration facility is available in 16 regional languages, making the process accessible to people across the country. 
• Initial Rollout Areas: The self-enumeration process initially started in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim, and areas under New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Cantonment Board.  
• Phase I – Houselisting and Housing Census: 
  • Conducted between 1 April and 30 September 2026. 
  • Each state/UT will conduct 30 days of continuous field operations within this period. 
  • For the first time, an additional 15-day period for Self-Enumeration will be provided just before the commencement of the door-to-door survey. 
• Information Collected: During Phase I, details related to housing conditions, household amenities, and assets will be collected through 33 notified questions.  
• Legal Framework: The data collected during the census is protected under the Census Act, 1948, ensuring strict confidentiality of personal information. 

Read More: Census Act, 1948, Census 2027 Mascots 

Pragyanam AI Chatbot Launched in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

The Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), launched the “Pragyanam” AI Chatbot developed by Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University at Lok Bhavan, Dehradun. 

Key Points 

• About: “Pragyanam” is an AI-based chatbot designed to integrate India’s ancient knowledge tradition with modern technology, providing authentic information.  
  • The platform draws from a wide range of Indian Knowledge Systems, including Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Ayurveda, philosophy, mathematics, and classical sciences. 
• Launch: The chatbot was launched on 25th March 2026 at Lok Bhavan, Dehradun.  
• Developed By: The chatbot has been developed by Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University as part of the “One University–One Research” initiative aimed at encouraging research and innovation in universities. 
• Objective: 
  • To provide easy access to India’s traditional knowledge for students, scholars, and the public. 
  • To connect the younger generation with India’s cultural and intellectual heritage through digital tools. 
• Technology Integration: The chatbot integrates Artificial Intelligence and digital databases to deliver accurate responses to user queries. 
• NEP Alignment: The initiative supports the objectives of National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern education. 

Read More:  Artificial Intelligence,  National Education Policy 2020 

Nationwide Agricultural Zonal Conferences Launched from Jaipur

Why in News? 

The Government of India announced that a series of Regional Agricultural Zonal Conferences will be organised across the country starting from Jaipur to strengthen Centre–State coordination and accelerate agricultural development. 

Key Points 

• About: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will organise a series of regional agricultural conferences across different parts of the country. 
• Launch Venue: The first conference of the series will be held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 7 April 2026. 
• Announced By: The initiative was announced by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan. 
• Objective: 
  • To strengthen coordination between the Central and State governments in the agriculture sector. 
  • To review the progress of various agricultural schemes. 
  • To formulate region-specific strategies for improving farm productivity and farmers’ income. 
• Regional Coverage: Conferences will be organised region-wise to address local agricultural challenges and opportunities. 
  • Western Region Conference: Jaipur (Rajasthan) on 7 April 2026. 
  • Northern Region Conference: Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) on 17 April 2026. 
  • Eastern Region Conference: Bhubaneswar (Odisha) on 24 April 2026. 
• Focus Areas: Aatmanirbhar Dalhan Mission, National Edible Oil Mission, Natural Farming Mission, and Digital Agriculture Mission. 

Read More: Aatmanirbhar Dalhan Mission, National Edible Oil Mission, Natural Farming Mission. 

Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project Launched in Odisha

Why in News? 

Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) signed a land leasing agreement for the Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project at Lakhanpur, Odisha. 

Key Points

• Project: The project envisages a coal to ammonium nitrate facility at Lakhanpur, Odisha with a capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day.  
  • It is India’s first coal gasification project to deploy indigenously developed gasification technology by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). 
  • The Cabinet has approved a budget of ₹8,500 crore to advance coal gasification initiatives. 
• Venue: The leasing agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines.  
• Incentives: The Ministry of Coal has extended financial support of ₹1,350 crore under a dedicated financial incentive scheme to promote coal gasification. 
• Implementation: Major Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) packages have been awarded to BHEL and Larsen & Toubro for various phases of execution. 
• Investment: The land lease agreement reflects an estimated investment of around ₹25,000 crore.  
• Strategic Importance: The project is expected to reduce import dependence, conserve foreign exchange, and strengthen domestic industrial capabilities in energy and chemicals. 

Read More:  Coal gasification,  Ammonium Nitrate 

Women-Led Self-Help Groups Drive Economic Empowerment in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, highlighted how women-led self-help groups and tribal crafts drive economic empowerment and inclusive growth in Chhattisgarh. 

Key Points 

• About: Raksha Khadse, visited the Growth Centre and the Pragati Women Self-Help Group stalls under the Chhattis Kala brand in Jagdalpur. 
• State Schemes: She noted the positive impact of state women‑centric programmes such as Mahtari Vandan Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Yojana, which provide financial support, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and market access. 
• E‑Commerce: Efforts such as product sales through e‑commerce platforms and ready‑to‑eat food products have expanded market reach for women‑produced goods. 
  • She emphasised that these interventions contribute to nutrition security, employment creation, and strengthening of the rural economy. 
• Engagement: She also interacted with women entrepreneurs and artisans, appreciated their contributions, and encouraged them to scale up their initiatives. 
• Model of Inclusive Growth: The transformation underway in Chhattisgarh through women‑led self‑help groups and tribal crafts is emerging as a compelling model of women empowerment, rural development, and inclusive growth 

Read More:  Inclusive growth, Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana