Maharashtra GSDP Growth
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Maharashtra has recorded the slowest Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth among India’s four largest state economies over the past four years.
Key Highlights:
• Despite slower growth, Maharashtra remains India’s largest state economy.
• The state’s projected GSDP for 2024–25 is ₹42,67,771 crore.
• According to official data, Maharashtra’s GSDP grew by around 43% between 2021–22 and 2024–25.
• The growth rate is slightly behind Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu during the post-COVID economic recovery period.
GSDP Growth (2021–22 to 2024–25)
• Karnataka recorded the highest GSDP growth of 65%, mainly driven by the technology and services sector.
• Gujarat achieved 48% growth, supported by manufacturing and industrial expansion.
• Tamil Nadu registered 47% growth, largely due to industrial production and exports.
• Maharashtra showed 43% growth, supported by its diversified economic structure.
GSDP Size of the Four Major State Economies
• Maharashtra remains the largest state economy in India, despite having the lowest growth rate among the four states.
• Maharashtra
GSDP (2021–22): ₹29,81,024 crore
Projected GSDP (2024–25): ₹42,67,771 crore
• Tamil Nadu
GSDP (2021–22): ₹21,36,351 crore
Projected GSDP (2024–25): ₹31,55,096 crore
• Gujarat
GSDP (2021–22): ₹18,79,826 crore
Projected GSDP (2024–25): ₹27,90,000 crore
• Karnataka
GSDP (2021–22): ₹17,02,227 crore
Projected GSDP (2024–25): ₹28,09,063 crore
UPSC/BPSC
Echinus Geyser Eruption
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
The Echinus Geyser, known as the world’s largest acidic geyser, has erupted again after a six-year dormant period at Yellowstone National Park in the United States.
Located in the Norris Geyser Basin, the geyser had remained inactive since 2020.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), eruptions resumed on 7 February 2026.
Key Highlights:
What Makes Echinus Geyser Unique?
Echinus Geyser is unique because of its acidic water chemistry, which is rare among geysers.
Unique Characteristics
• Located in the Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest geothermal area in Yellowstone.
• Surrounded by reddish rocks resembling sea urchins (echinoderms), which inspired the name Echinus.
• Produces acidic geothermal water formed by mixing acidic gases with neutral groundwater.
Eruption History of Echinus Geyser
• Historically, the geyser erupted regularly.
• During the 1970s, eruptions occurred every 40–80 minutes.
• Some eruptions lasted up to 90 minutes.
• Water could reach heights of 75 feet (about 23 metres).
Recent Activity
• 2018: 1 eruption recorded
• 2019: 1 eruption recorded
• 2020: 2 eruptions recorded
• 2026: Activity resumed in February
UPSC/BPSC
Karbi Anglong Ginger Export
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Assam’s GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger was exported to London for the first time on 2 March 2026. The export was flagged off by Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora at Krishi Bhawan, Khanapara in Guwahati.
Key Highlights:
• The shipment consisted of a trial consignment of 1.2 metric tonnes.
• This marks the international debut of Karbi Anglong Ginger from Assam.
UPSC/BPSC
Ananda Bose Resignation as West Bengal Governor
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
C. V. Ananda Bose resigned as the Governor of West Bengal on 5 March 2026.
He reportedly submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu while in New Delhi.
The official reason cited for his resignation was health issues.
Key Highlights:
• R. N. Ravi, currently the Governor of Tamil Nadu, appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal.
Background
About Governor
• The Governor is the constitutional head of the state executive.
• Provisions related to the Governor are mentioned in Articles 153 to 167 of the Constitution of India.
Important Constitutional Provisions
• Article 153: Every state shall have a Governor, and one person may be appointed as Governor for two or more states.
• Article 155: The Governor is appointed by the President of India.
• Article 157 (Qualifications):
– Must be a citizen of India.
– Must be at least 35 years old.
Tenure and Conditions
• The Governor holds office for five years, but serves at the pleasure of the President.
• The Governor cannot be a Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).
• The Governor cannot hold any office of profit.
• Under Article 361, the Governor enjoys immunity from criminal proceedings during the term of office.
UPSC/BPSC
Census 2027 Mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah soft launched digital tools for Census 2027 and unveiled the official mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ in New Delhi.
Key Highlights:
• ‘Pragati’ (female) and ‘Vikas’ (male) were introduced as the official mascots of the digital Census 2027.
• The mascots symbolize gender equality and equal participation of women and men in national development.
UPSC/BPSC
herSTART 5.0 Programme
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Gujarat government launched herSTART 5.0, an initiative aimed at strengthening women-led startups and entrepreneurship in the state.
The programme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad.
Key Highlights:
• The herSTART 5.0 programme is implemented by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council.
• It focuses on providing incubation, mentorship and market access to women entrepreneurs.
UPSC/BPSC
Sarvam Startup Program
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Indian generative AI startup Sarvam AI has launched the Sarvam Startup Program to support early-stage companies building AI-based products in India. The announcement was made on 5 March 2026 as part of the company’s effort to strengthen the AI startup ecosystem in India.
Key Highlights:
• The programme aims to support startups developing AI-driven products and solutions in India.
Background
About Sarvam AI
• Sarvam AI was founded by Vivek Raghavan and Pratyush Kumar.
• The company focuses on building sovereign generative AI infrastructure for India.
• It develops foundational AI models and APIs tailored for Indian languages and digital needs.
• Sarvam AI recently gained attention during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
UPSC/BPSC
The missile rivalry between Iran and Israel
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INTERNATIONAL
Iran vs Israel Missile Comparison
Iran – Cluster-Capable Missiles
• Missile Type: Medium-range ballistic missiles
• Range: Approximately 700 km to 2,000 km
• Warhead: Conventional or cluster munitions
• Examples: Shahab-3, Qadr, Fateh, Khorramshahr
• Launch Platform: Mobile launchers
Israel – Jericho Missiles
• Missile Type: Medium to intercontinental ballistic missiles
• Range: Approximately 500 km to 6,500 km
• Warhead: Conventional or strategic warheads
• Examples: Jericho-1, Jericho-2, Jericho-3
• Launch Platform: Land-based strategic launch systems
UPSC/BPSC
Political Shift in Nepal After 2026 Elections
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
Nepal has witnessed a major political shift after the 2026 parliamentary elections.
Balendra “Balen” Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician and former Kathmandu mayor, is set to become Nepal’s next Prime Minister.
The elections were held months after the 2025 Gen Z protests, which led to the fall of the K. P. Sharma Oli government.
Key Highlights:
• Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerged as the leading political force in the elections.
• Balendra Balen Shah is expected to become the next Prime Minister of Nepal.
• The elections followed youth-led Gen Z protests in 2025, which triggered the collapse of the K. P. Sharma Oli government.
Background
Nepal Parliament Structure and Election System
• Nepal’s Federal Parliament includes the House of Representatives.
• The House consists of 275 members elected through a mixed electoral system.
Election System
• 165 members are elected through the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system, where the candidate with the highest votes in each constituency wins.
• The remaining 110 seats are filled through Proportional Representation (PR), where political parties receive seats based on their share of total votes.
Rise of Balen Shah
• Balen Shah first gained national attention after winning the Kathmandu mayoral election in 2022 as an independent candidate.
UPSC/BPSC
SWAYATT Initiative – 7 Years on GeM
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated the completion of seven years of the SWAYATT initiative.
Key Highlights:
• The SWAYATT initiative was launched on 19 February 2019.
•SWAYATT stands for Startups, Women and Youth Advantage Through eTransactions.
• It focuses on supporting startups, women entrepreneurs, youth, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and micro enterprises to participate in government procurement through the GeM platform.
UPSC/BPSC
Khelo India Tribal Games 2026
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 (KITG) will be held in Chhattisgarh from 26 March to 6 April 2026.
Key Highlights:
• This will be the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games.
• The games will be organized across three cities in Chhattisgarh – Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja.
• The event will feature seven medal sports.
Sports Included
• Athletics
• Football
• Hockey
• Weightlifting
• Archery
• Swimming
• Wrestling
UPSC/BPSC
Operation Sankalp
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Operation Sankalp has come back into focus as the Indian Navy remains on high alert in West Asia amid rising regional tensions.
Key Highlights:
• Operation Sankalp is a maritime security initiative of the Indian Navy.
• It aims to protect Indian commercial vessels and maintain stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Background
Operation Sankalp
• The operation was launched on 19 June 2019.
• It was initiated after attacks on commercial oil tankers and cargo ships in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz raised serious security concerns.
• The mission focuses on ensuring the safety of Indian merchant ships and safeguarding maritime trade routes.
UPSC/BPSC
Suspension of TRP Ratings for News Channels
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Government of India has ordered a temporary suspension of TRP ratings for TV news channels.
The directive was issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on 7 March 2026.
Key Highlights:
• The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) has been asked to withhold the reporting of Television Rating Points (TRPs).
• The suspension will remain in place for four weeks or until further instructions.
• The decision follows concerns about sensational coverage of the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Israel and Iran.
Why the Government Suspended TRP Ratings
• The move aims to discourage excessive competition among news channels.
• It seeks to prevent sensational or misleading reporting driven by the race for higher TRP ratings.
UPSC/BPSC
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UPSC/BPSC
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