• 10 Apr 2026

Infrastructure Development Projects in Bihar

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, recently inspected the ongoing construction of the Danapur–Bihta Elevated Corridor and the Bihta Airport project near Patna. 

Key Points 

• Elevated Corridor: The project involves construction of a four-lane elevated road connecting Danapur and Bihta. 
  • The corridor is about 25 km long and forms part of the Patna–Buxar four-lane road project. 
  • Once completed, it is expected to become the longest elevated road in East India. 
  • The elevated corridor will provide direct road connectivity to the upcoming Bihta Airport. 
• Bihta Airport Project: The proposed airport at Bihta is being developed as a second airport for Patna. 
  • The first airport in Patna is Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, which was established in 1973. 
• Significance: Both projects are expected to improve transport connectivity, reduce congestion in Patna, and support economic development in the surrounding regions.

NITI Aayog Releases Roadmap for Horticulture Development in Jammu & Kashmir

Why in News? 

NITI Aayog released a report titled “Roadmap for Horticulture Development in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir” to strengthen the horticulture sector through a value-chain and technology-driven approach.  

Key Points 

• Report Release: The report was released by NITI Aayog 
• Two Sessions: 
  • Session 1: Focused on structural transformation of horticulture in Jammu & Kashmir, covering production systems, infrastructure, sustainability, and regulatory reforms. 
  • Session 2: Focused on diversification, value addition, and export competitiveness with participation from FPOs, cooperatives, SHGs, progressive farmers, and horticulture startups. 
• Objective: The workshop brought together stakeholders to discuss the transformation of the horticulture sector in Jammu & Kashmir. 
• Mission Framework: A proposed mission framework named “Operation Golden Greens” aims to promote integrated development across fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, floriculture, and minor crops through a phased approach. 
  • The roadmap outlines short-term, medium-term, and long-term interventions to build a competitive and resilient horticulture ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.  
• NITI Aayog: 
  • National Institution for Transforming India. 
  •  It was established on 1st January 2015 
  • The Prime Minister of India serves as the Chairperson of NITI Aayog. 
  • The Vice-Chairperson is appointed by the Prime Minister of India. 

Read More: NITI Aayog, FPOs, Cooperatives, SHGs 

CCEA Approves Revised Cost of HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Project

Why in News? 

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the revision in project cost and additional equity investment for the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) project in Rajasthan.  

Key Points 

• Project Approval: The CCEA approved the revision of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) project cost from ₹43,129 crore to ₹79,459 crore. 
  • An additional ₹8,962 crore equity investment has been approved by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), increasing its total equity investment in the project to ₹19,600 crore.  
• Project Location: The refinery project is located at Pachpadra in Balotra district of Rajasthan.  
  • The project is being implemented under a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (74%) and the Government of Rajasthan (26%). 
• Commercial Operation: The Scheduled Commercial Operation Date (SCOD) for the refinery is 1st July 2026. 
• Impact: The project is expected to reduce import dependence in the petrochemical sector, support energy security, and promote industrial development in the region. 

Read More: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 

Tri‑Service Seminar ‘Ran Samwad’ to Be Held in Bengaluru

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Defence has announced the Tri‑Service seminar ‘Ran Samwad’, scheduled to be held in April 2026 at the Air Force Training Command, Bengaluru, focused on emerging paradigms of modern warfare.  

Key Points 

• Theme: The seminar will focus on “Multi Domain Operations: An Imperative for Addressing Conventional and Irregular Threats”. 
• Objective: It aims to build a roadmap for preparing India’s defence forces for Multi Domain Conflict, covering land, air, sea, cyber, space, and cognitive domains. 
  • The seminar will also emphasise civil–military integration in multi‑domain operations.  
• Concept Origin: The ‘Ran Samwad – Conversations on War, Warfare and Warfighting’ initiative was conceptualised by General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as a first‑of‑its‑kind tri‑service endeavour to foster structured strategic dialogue. 
• Inaugural Edition: The first edition of Ran Samwad was held at the Army War College, Mhow, with a focus on “The Impact of Technology on Warfare”, establishing a foundation for ongoing professional discourse.  

Read More: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) 

25th All India Police Water Sports Championship in Uttarakhand

Why in News? 

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually inaugurated the 25th All India Police Water Sports Cluster Championship at the Water Sports and Adventure Institute in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. 

Key Points 

• Inauguration: The Chief Minister virtually inaugurated the national‑level water sports competition in April 2026. 
• Organising Body: The championship is organised by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). 
  • Over 470 athletes from 19 Central Armed Police Forces and state police teams are competing, including personnel from forces such as CRPF, BSF, CISF, SSB, Assam Rifles, and ITBP. 
• Objective: The event aims to showcase athletic talent of police personnel, promote sportsmanship and physical fitness, and contribute to national integration through competitive sports. 
• Duration: The championship is scheduled to continue from 8th April to 12th April, 2026, engaging participants and spectators in multiple water sport events. 
• ITBP: 
  • It is a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 
  • Formation: Raised on 24th October 1962 during the India-China War. 

Read More: Police Water Sports