• 22 Jan 2026

Nitish Kumar Launched ₹316 Crore Projects in Gopalganj

Why in News? 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth ₹316 crore in Gopalganj district. 

Key Points 

• Event: The projects were announced during the Samriddhi Yatra. 
• Project outlay: 40 development schemes (₹316 crore total) — 
  • 33 foundation stones (₹181 crore) and 7 inaugurations (₹135 crore).  
• Focus: The projects encompass road construction, embankment strengthening, health, education and public welfare initiatives. 
  • Health: Enhancement of Community Health Centres (CHCs) for improved public health services. 
  • Education: Upgradation of school infrastructure and education facilities. 
  • Welfare and Public Services: Projects cover drinking water supply, electrification, sanitation, and other citizen-centric welfare schemes. 
• Implementation Strategy: CM emphasized timely execution, quality control, and accountability of officials in all projects. 
• Significance: Promotes balanced regional development, especially in rural/backward districts 

Read More:  Samriddhi Yatra 

Tata Steel to Invest ₹11,000 Crore in Green Steel Projects in Jharkhand

Why in News? 

Tata Steel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jharkhand government for a ₹11,000 crore investment in green steel projects. 

Key Points 

• Agreement: The investment has been formalised through a Letter of Intent (LoI) and Cooperation Agreement between the Jharkhand government and Tata Steel. 
  • Venue: World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, Davos, Switzerland. 
  • Global Collaboration: Technical support from the Netherlands and Germany. 
• Focus: Projects will employ low-carbon, environment-friendly steel production methods to support sustainable industrial growth. 
• Technology: The plan includes HISARNA and EASyMelt green steelmaking technologies as part of the investment. 
  • HISARNA: Advanced ironmaking process using indigenous coal and low-grade iron ore, reduces CO₂ emissions up to ~80%. 
  • EASyMelt: Modernises conventional blast furnace steel production, reduces coke usage via syngas, lowers CO₂ emissions ~50%.  
• State Recognition: During WEF, CM Hemant Soren was honoured with a White Badge, recognising Jharkhand’s focus on sustainable development and industrial innovation. 
  • CM emphasised that the investment will generate employment locally, promote skills development, and support inclusive economic growth. 
• Significance: This investment aligns with Jharkhand’s vision for green industrialisation, strengthens the state’s manufacturing base, and supports India’s carbon reduction and sustainable development goals (SDGs). 

Read More: World Economic Forum (WEF),  Green steel,  Sustainable development 

National Health Authority Hosts Chintan Shivir in Odisha

Why in News? 

The National Health Authority (NHA) organised Chintan Shivir in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to enhance the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). 

Key Points 

• Inauguration: The event was inaugurated by Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and IT, Odisha. 
• Objective: To strengthen service delivery, promote digital integration in healthcare, exchange best practices, and address implementation challenges of AB-PMJAY and ABDM across states. 
  • Focus: Strengthening AB-PMJAY IT systems, auto-claim settlement, digital health records, pharmacist registry onboarding, and use of AI to improve healthcare delivery. 
• MoUs for Innovation: NHA signed three MoUs with Bhashini, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, and NABH-QCI.  
  • NABH–QCI: National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers, which functions under the Quality Council of India (QCI). 
  • To enhance multilingual digital access, AI innovations in health, and quality standards. 
• Goal of Shivir: To foster knowledge exchange and build a unified, inclusive, digital healthcare ecosystem in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swasth Bharat and Sashakt Bharat.

Read More:  National Health Authority (NHA), Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM),  Quality Council of India (QCI), Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat. 

Uttar Pradesh Government Partners with NASSCOM to Boost New-Age Tech Skills

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) to enhance new-age technology skills among youth. 

Key Points 

• MoU: Department of IT and Electronics and the Centre for e-Governance signed an MoU with NASSCOM 
• Implementation: The programme will be executed through FutureSkills Prime, a national digital skilling platform supported by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). 
• Focus: The partnership will emphasise new-age technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), robotic process automation (RPA), Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, 3D printing, cloud computing, mobile and social technologies. 
  • Skill Development: The initiative will offer OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) skill certifications, and internships to students and faculty. 
  • AI-Driven Vision: The partnership supports UP’s ambition to transform Lucknow into India’s first ‘AI City’ and build a robust ecosystem for AI-led innovation, capacity building, and employment generation. 
• Model: The initiative strengthens PPP (Public–Private Partnership) in skill development by leveraging industry-designed curricula and certifications. 
• Significance: The move is expected to strengthen digital governance, youth employability, and technology-driven economic growth in Uttar Pradesh by preparing a skilled workforce in emerging sectors.

Read More: AI, VR, IoT, 3D printing,  PPP 

Punjab Cabinet Approved Highest Sugarcane Subsidy in India

Why in News? 

The Punjab Cabinet has approved a ₹68.5 per quintal sugarcane subsidy, the highest in the country, for the 2025–26 sugarcane crushing season. 

Key Points 

• State Agreed Price (SAP): Punjab has fixed the SAP at ₹416 per quintal, which is also the highest sugarcane price in the country. 
• Payment Mechanism: The subsidy amount will be paid directly to farmers. 
  • Easing the financial burden on private sugar mills and ensuring timely payments. 
• Objectives: To boost farmers’ income 
  • Provide financial security 
  • Ensure timely payments to sugarcane farmers 
  • Strengthen agro-based industries 
• Agricultural Significance: Sugarcane is an important cash crop in Punjab, supporting rural livelihoods and agro-based industries. 
• Fiscal Commitment: The move reflects the state’s commitment to agricultural welfare and price support mechanisms for farmers. 
• National Comparison: With the combined effect of SAP + subsidy, Punjab offers the highest sugarcane remuneration in India.

2nd Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi

Why in News? 

The 2nd Global Buddhist Summit is being organised in New Delhi in January 2026 to promote Buddhist philosophy. 

Key Points 

• Summit Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 
• Organiser: Summit organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. 
• Theme: “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, Mutual Coexistence”.  
• Objective: To highlight timeless Buddhist values such as compassion, wisdom, harmony and explore their relevance to social peace, ethical leadership, environment and well-being. 
  • Focus: Deliberations to cover social harmony, entrepreneurship & right livelihood, healthcare & sustainable living, Buddhist education, and Sangha practices. 
• Exhibitions: Sacred Relics & Cultural Engagement and Virasat se Vishwa detailing India’s Buddha Dhamma outreach. 
• AI Initiative: Introduction of NORBU, an AI-based Buddhist language model adopted as “Kalyan Mitra” to assist in promotion and learning of Buddhist knowledge. 
• Significance: Reinforces India’s role in international Buddhist dialogue, cultural diplomacy, and promotion of peaceful coexistence rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. 

Read More:  Global Buddhist Summit,  International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Buddhism in India 

Striped Tiger Declared State Butterfly of Chandigarh

Why in News? 

The State Board of Wildlife (SBWL) of Chandigarh has officially declared the Striped Tiger Butterfly as the State Butterfly of the Union Territory, marking a significant step in biodiversity recognition and wildlife conservation awareness. 

Key Points: 

• Selection Process and Criteria:The selection was a year-long initiative by the Department of Forest and Wildlife to choose an emblem for the city's natural heritage.  
• Public Participation: The Striped Tiger was chosen through an online public voting process, where it secured about 54% of the total votes. 
  • Final Contenders: It outcompeted three other shortlisted species: the Blue Tiger, the Plain Tiger, and the Jezebel. 
• Reason for Selection: Chosen for its striking appearance and resilience, it is found abundantly across the Union Territory, including the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and Sector 26 Butterfly Park. 
• Key Facts Striped Tiger Butterfly:The butterfly features brilliant tawny-orange wings with bold black stripes, resembling a tiger. 
  • Defense Mechanism: It is known to be unpalatable (distasteful) to predators, a characteristic similar to the American Monarch butterfly. 
  • Status: It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 
• Conservation Awareness: The declaration aims to promote biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness among residents and students. 
• New Wildlife Learning Centre: Along with the declaration, the Administrator directed the establishment of a new Wildlife Learning Centre (such as a Biological Park or enclosure) to boost local wildlife protection efforts. 

Union Environment Minister Chairs 88th Meeting of NBWL Standing Committee

Why in News? 

On January 19, 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the 88th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (SC-NBWL) in New Delhi. 

Key Points: 

• Proposals Cleared: The committee addressed 70 proposals concerning areas in and around Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves, and Eco-Sensitive Zones.  
• Strategic Infrastructure: 17 defence-related proposals were approved, primarily in Ladakh and Sikkim, for strategic roads and infrastructure vital for national security. 
• Public Utilities: Projects discussed included those for drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, health centres, and improved connectivity via 4G towers, road upgrades, and transmission lines. 
• Water Security: A medium irrigation project in Madhya Pradesh was considered, intended to benefit the Bundelkhand region by providing water for drinking and irrigation while also improving water conditions for wildlife, including gharials.  
• Administrative & Process Reforms:The committee reviewed actions taken on past decisions, aiming to enhance transparency through the PARIVESH portal. 
• Mitigation Measures: Clearances included requirements for strict adherence to wildlife mitigation strategies and environmental safeguards. 
• Ongoing Monitoring: Future meetings will include discussions on compliance and monitoring to ensure effective wildlife conservation. 

What is the SC-NBWL? 

• Legal Basis: It is established under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• Leadership: While the full National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) is chaired by the Prime Minister, its Standing Committee is led by the Union Environment Minister. 
• Function: It serves as an advisory body to the central government on conservation matters and reviews development projects in or near protected areas.  
• Read More:Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Jal Jeevan Mission 

Bembla Irrigation Project under PMKSY in Maharashtra

Why in News? 

The Bembla Irrigation Project, located in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, is a major multipurpose irrigation initiative that has reached significant completion milestones in 2026 under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

Key Points: 

• Key Project Specifications: The project is recognized as a key component of the PMKSY-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), aimed at transforming the drought-prone Vidarbha region. 
• Location: The project involves a dam across the Bembla River, a tributary of the Wardha River near Babhulgaon. 
• Irrigation Potential: It is designed to create an ultimate irrigation potential of 52,543 hectares, benefiting over 100 villages in the Yavatmal district. 
• Implementation Status: By early 2026, over 95% of the canal network and distribution systems have been completed, with a focus on micro-irrigation integration to enhance water-use efficiency. 
• Central Assistance: Under PMKSY, the project receives substantial Central Assistance (CA) to expedite lingering works.  
• Drinking Water: Beyond agriculture, the project serves as a critical source of potable water for the Yavatmal municipality and surrounding rural clusters. 
• Climate Resilience: It forms a core part of the Vidarbha Intensified Irrigation Development Programme, designed to mitigate farmer distress by reducing dependence on erratic monsoon rains. 
• Alignment with PMKSY:PMKSY integrates water resource development, efficient irrigation methods, and watershed management, making projects like Bembla central to sustainable agricultural growth. 

Read More: PMKSY 

Tamil Nadu Establishes ‘Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu’ Award

Why in News? 

The Tamil Nadu government has announced the establishment of the ‘Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu’, amid an ongoing dispute with the Sahitya Akademi over issues related to representation, recognition of Tamil literature, and institutional autonomy.

Key Points: 

• Award:The award aims to honour outstanding literary contributions, particularly those aligned with the idea of ‘Semmozhi’ (classical language). 
  • It seeks to promote Tamil language, literature, and classical heritage at the national level. 
  • The initiative reinforces Tamil Nadu’s long-standing emphasis on linguistic pride and cultural preservation. 
  • Frequency: It is intended to be an annual recognition conferred by the Tamil Nadu government. 
• Classical Language Status: Tamil was the first language in India to be accorded 'Classical Language' status (Semmozhi) in 2004.  
  • This award reinforces the state's efforts to promote the language globally. 
• Context of the Dispute:The announcement comes against the backdrop of disagreements between the state government and the Sahitya Akademi, India’s apex literary institution, regarding: 
  • Perceived neglect of Tamil literary voice 
  • Concerns over centralisation and fairness in awards and recognition 
• Federalism and Cultural Identity: The incident highlights the growing trend of states asserting their cultural and linguistic identity as a subset of cooperative (or competitive) federalism.  

Read More: Classical Language, Sahitya Akademi, Cooperative federalism.