• 08 Apr 2026

Bihar First Low-Cost Robotic Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Why in News? 

The Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, has successfully conducted the first robotic pancreatic cancer surgery in Bihar at a significantly reduced cost, marking a major medical breakthrough for advanced cancer treatment in the state. 

Key Points 

• Surgery: A 71‑year‑old man from Darbhanga diagnosed with pancreatic cancer underwent a six‑hour robotic surgery. 
  • The surgery, offered under a ₹50,000 package, made advanced cancer treatment more affordable for patients in Bihar. 
  • The procedure was led by the medical superintendent Dr. Manish Mandal. 
• Advanced Technology: Robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform complex and precise procedures with smaller incisions, potentially reducing blood loss, minimizing complications, shortening hospital stays, and improving overall patient outcomes. 
• Impact: This achievement positions Bihar among the few states in India offering robotic cancer surgeries locally. 
• IGIMS: Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences 
  • It was established on 19th November 1983. 
  • An autonomous organisation on the pattern of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. 

Read More: Robotic surgery 

Odisha CM Launches ₹585 Crore Utkalmani Birthplace Revamp

Why in News? 

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled a ₹585 crore development package to redevelop the birthplace of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das at Suando in Puri district, aiming to preserve heritage, boost tourism, and foster local development. 

Key Points 

• Revamp Plan: ₹585 crore allocated for the redevelopment of Utkalmani’s birthplace and the Satyabadi area. 
  • ₹90 crore earmarked for reviving the historic Bakul Bana and upgrading the iconic Bana Vidyalaya. 
  • The project will develop a heritage corridor and transform the area into a cultural, spiritual, and educational hub. 
• Puri District Roadmap: Plans include a World Tourism Centre and a cruise terminal to position Puri as a global tourism destination. 
• Vision: CM Majhi outlined Odisha’s target to become a $500 billion economy by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047. 
  • He described the next decade as a “decade of resolve” to build a prosperous and developed Odisha.  

Read More: Tourism 

Karnataka Leads in Training Women Drone Pilots Under Namo Drone Didi Yojana

Why in News? 

Karnataka has emerged as the leading state in training women Self‑Help Group (SHG) members as drone pilots under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana. 

Key Points 

• Scheme: The Namo Drone Didi Yojana is a central sector initiative to empower women‑led SHGs by providing training and access to agricultural drone technology. 
  • Karnataka has trained the highest number of women SHG members as drone pilots under this scheme. 
  • The scheme is implemented jointly by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Department of Rural Development, and Department of Fertilisers. 
• Implementation: The scheme operates under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY‑NRLM) and promotes precision farming through drone technology. 
  • The DAY-NRLM program is executed by the Ministry of Rural Development. 
• Agricultural Services: Trained SHGs can provide drone rental services to farmers, especially for spraying fertilisers and pesticides, improving efficiency and reducing labour. 
• Targets: The government aims to distribute around 15,000 drones to women SHGs during 2024–25 and 2025–26. 
• Financial Assistance: Central financial aid covers 80% of the drone cost up to ₹8 lakh, while the remaining 20% can be financed through loans with interest subvention. 
• Training Programme: Each SHG member undergoes a 15‑day training programme that includes mandatory drone pilot certification and specialised agricultural applications.  

Read More: Self‑Help Group (SHG), DAY‑NRLM, Namo Drone Didi Yojana 

Yoga Mahotsav–2026

Why in News? 

The Ministry of AYUSH began the 75‑day countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 by organising Yoga Mahotsav–2026 in Maharashtra, which entered the Asia Book of Records for the largest collective Trikonasana practice.  

Key Points 

• Event: The Yoga Mahotsav–2026 was held in Lonar, Buldhana district, Maharashtra as part of preparatory celebrations ahead of IDY 2026. 
  • Nearly 5,000 participants practising the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) together set a record in the Asia Book of Records for the largest collective Trikonasana performance. 
• Significance: The mass participation highlighted the growing global embrace of yoga for promoting unity, health, and well‑being. 
• Flagship Initiatives: The programme showcased AYUSH flagship initiatives such as Yoga for Air Travel, “10 Yoga Protocols for Non‑Communicable Diseases,” and the Yoga 365 campaign aimed at integrating yoga into everyday life. 
• IDY 2026 Outlook: Over the past eleven editions, International Day of Yoga has become one of the largest global movements for holistic health.  
  • The 12th edition in 2026 will focus on addressing non‑communicable diseases, geriatric health, and exploring new intersections like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and yoga. 

Read More: International Day of Yoga, AYUSH, Artificial Intelligence 

Regional Agriculture Conference Held in Jaipur

Why in News? 

The Regional Agriculture Conference held in Jaipur outlined a new roadmap for Indian agriculture by focusing on self‑reliance in oilseeds and pulses, the introduction of a Farmer ID, and promotion of natural farming, announced by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. 

Key Points 

• Regional Conference: The Jaipur Regional Agriculture Conference will help prepare state‑specific agricultural strategies by dividing the country into different agro‑climatic zones.  
  • All farmers will be linked via a Farmer ID to make distribution of fertilisers, seeds, crop insurance, and compensation transparent and targeted. 
  • Under the National Edible Oil Mission–Oilseeds, India recorded a record oilseed production of 429.89 lakh tonnes. 
  • The Pulses Mission will focus on seed expansion, introduction of new varieties, establishment of dal mills, and 100% procurement from willing farmers to strengthen self‑reliance in pulses. 
  • Push for natural farming and integrated models will be prioritised to enhance sustainability and farmer income. 
• Budget: A provision of ₹10,103 crore has been made to expand the area, productivity, and production of oilseeds, aiming for self‑reliance in edible oils.  
• Lab to Land Model: Around 16,000 scientists will be deployed under the Lab to Land model to directly support farmers through improved technologies and practices. 
• Crop Loss & Insurance: The Farmer ID will also support transparent implementation of crop‑loss compensation and crop insurance claims. 

Read More: Agro‑climatic zones, National Edible Oil Mission–Oilseeds 

Krishi Mahakumbh to be Held in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh

Why in News? 

A three-day Krishi Mahakumbh will be organised in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, in April 2026 to showcase new multi-dimensional income opportunities for farmers and strengthen the rural economy. 

Key Points 

• Event: The three-day Krishi Mahakumbh will be held in Raisen, bringing together farmers, scientists, start-ups, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurs on a single platform.  
  • Demonstrations of modern systems such as biofloc, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), aquaponics, ornamental fish culture and pearl farming will highlight water-based income opportunities.  
• Objective: The event aims to create multiple income sources for farmers by integrating crop production with livestock, fisheries, processing, marketing and entrepreneurship. 
  • Farmers will receive information on government initiatives including Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the National Fisheries Development Programme, and the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund.  
• Women’s Participation: Rural women groups including Krishi Sakhis, Aajeevika Didis and Drone Didis will present successful models of women-led agricultural enterprises. 

Read More: FPOs, SHGs, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Fisheries Sector 

World Health Day 2026

Why in News? 

World Health Day was observed on 7 April 2026 with the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science”, highlighting the importance of science-based solutions to strengthen global health systems. 

Key Points 

• Observance: World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April to mark the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. 
• Theme 2026: Together for Health: Stand with Science.. 
• Objective: The day aims to raise awareness about key global health issues and encourage governments, institutions, and communities to support science-driven health policies. 
• Campaign: The campaign highlights how scientific cooperation helps protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. 
• Focus: The campaign strongly promotes the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. 
• Major Global Events: 
  • International One Health Summit 2026 (7 April) – Hosted by the Government of France under the French G7 Presidency. 
  • Inaugural Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres 2026 (7–9 April) – Brings together nearly 800 scientific institutions from over 80 countries. 
• Campaign Goals: 
  • Stand with science by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health. 
  • Rebuild trust in science and public health. 
  • Support science-led solutions for a healthier future. 
• World Health Organization (WHO): 
  • The WHO was established on 7 April 1948. 
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. 

Read More: WHO, G7