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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Bisleri Signs MoU with ASI for Heritage Water Conservation
In February 2025, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Bisleri International Private Limited announced a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ministry of Culture(MoC) under their ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0(AAH 2.0) Programme’.
- The MoU was formally signed by Zulfeqar Ali, Director of ASI, and Angelo George, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bisleri International, and then the agreement formally exchanged between Yadubir Singh Rawat, Director General (DG) of ASI and Angelo George.
Key Points:
i.The partnership will take place under ASI’s ‘AAH 2.0 Programme’ and Bisleri’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative ‘Nayi Umeed’.
- It starts with the adoption of four historic water bodies namely Chand Baori in Abhaneri(Rajasthan), Baori at Neemrana(Rajasthan), Padma and Rani Talabs at Ranthambore Fort(Rajasthan) and Budha Budhi Pond at Kalinjar Fort(Uttar Pradesh, UP).
ii.These water bodies will undergo restoration process which includes desilting, cleaning, ecological rejuvenation, and landscaping with minimal interruption to these historic sites. Informative signage will be added to improve the visitor experience and community engagement.
iii.With this collaboration, Bisleri aims to improve India’s heritage sites in a way that will last for decades.
About Adopt A Heritage(AAH) program:
i.The “Adopt A Heritage(AAH)” programme was launched in 2017. It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism(MoT), Ministry of Culture(MoC) and the ASI.
- In September 2023, a revamped version of the AAH programme launched as “AAH 2.0”
ii.The initiative aims to provide a framework for working with public and private sector organizations, trusts, societies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and others to create or provide facilities in Protected Monuments using their CSR funds to improve visitors’ experiences and make the adopted monument visitor-friendly.
iii.The facilities are categorized into four broad categories: Hygiene, Accessibility, Wireless Fidelity(Wi-Fi) facility, and Knowledge.
iv.As of February 2025, under this program, 21 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) have been executed between ASI and partnering entities across Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Madhya Pradesh (MP), Tamil Nadu (TN), Odisha, Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka.
Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Launched Electronic Personnel License for Pilots
In February 2025, Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Pilots, a digital version of a personnel license, replacing traditional physical licenses. This initiative aims to modernise and enhance the safety, security, and efficiency of India’s civil aviation sector.
- With this launch, India became the 2nd country globally after China to implement EPL, following approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations (UN) agency in Montreal, Canada.
- Pilot Ishita Bhargava, a 22-year-old woman from Jabalpur has become the first pilot in India to receive the Electronic Personnel License (EPL).
- EPL will be securely accessible via the electronic-Governance of Civil Aviation (eGCA) Mobile Application. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s (GoI) “Ease of Doing Business” (EoDB) and “Digital India Initiatives” (DII).
- The launch of EPL follows ICAO’s Amendment 178 to Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, which encourages Member States to adopt electronic licenses.
- EPL will phase out printed cards, reducing paper and plastic usage for environmental sustainability. EPL provides real-time access to credentials, improving global job opportunities for Indian pilots.
Note: DGCA previously issued 62,000 smart card licenses till date and In 2024 requiring printed cards stand at approximately 20,000.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
THE World Reputation Rankings 2025: Harvard University Retained Top Spot; 4 Indian Varsities in the List
According to Times Higher Education (THE)’ latest ‘World Reputation Rankings 2025’, Harvard University based in the United States of America (USA) retained top position as the world’s most reputed institution for the 14th consecutive year, with an overall score of 99.9.
- USA-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and United Kingdom (UK)-based University of Oxford jointly shared 2nd position on the list and both secured the overall score of 99.7. This marks the highest position for any institution from the UK since 2015.
- This year, only 4 Indian universities/institutions featured on the list. Also, all these institutions witnessed a drop in their rankings compared to the 2023 edition.
India Specific:
i.Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) saw drop in its ranking from 101-123 (in 2023) to 201-300, with overall score within the range of 26.9-34.2.
ii.Similarly, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D) based in Delhi, slipped to 201-300 (in 2025) from 151-175 (in 2023).
- While Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), ranked in the range of 201-300, down from 176-200 (in 2023).
- Also, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) which was featured in the previous edition of rankings in 151-175 range, has not been included in 2025 rankings.
iii.Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), which is a private deemed-to-be university based in Bhubaneswar (Odisha) debuted in the latest edition of rankings and has been ranked in the 201-300, with overall score of 26.9-34.2.
>> Read Full News
UNESCAP released its Asia and Pacific SDG Progress Report 2025
In February 2025, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) published the report titled “Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report: Engaging Communities to Close the Evidence Gap 2025”, which provides a comprehensive assessment of progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their 169 targets in the Asia-Pacific region.
- The report highlights to engage communities to close the evidence gap, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection to support decision-making.
- The Asia-Pacific SDG Progress Report 2025 stresses that urgent action is still needed in order to achieve the 17 SDGs by 2030 Agenda.
Note: On 22 September 2024, global leaders adopted the Pact for the Future at the Summit of the Future, reaffirming their commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Highlights :
i.The report highlights significant progress in the Asia-Pacific region on SDGs, including reducing income poverty (SDG 1), addressing undernourishment (SDG 2), supporting small-scale industries (SDG 9), reducing hazardous waste (SDG 12), mitigating land degradation (SDG 15), and combating human trafficking and intentional homicide (SDG 16).
ii.Additionally, the availability of SDG data has increased to 54%.
About United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP):
The UNESCAP was originally established as the United Nations(UN) Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) on March 28, 1947 and was renamed as ESCAP on August 1, 1974.
Executive Secretary– Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana (Indonesia)
Headquarters– Bangkok, Thailand
Established– 1947
>> Read Full News
India Assumes Chairmanship of BOBP-IGO at the 13th Governing Council Meeting in Maldives
On 21 February 2025, India assumed the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from Bangladesh at the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives.
- The event was part of the high-level conference ‘Policy Guidance for Mainstreaming Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Small-Scale Fisheries’, hosted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) of the Maldives government, in collaboration with the BOBP-IGO from February 20 to 22, 2025, in Lankanfinolhu, Maldives.
Key People:
i.The Indian delegation was chaired by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying(MoFAHD) Government of India (GoI).
ii.The event was also attended by senior government representatives from Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh.
Key Points:
i.Key areas of focus for increased regional cooperation include marine resource management, training and capacity building programs, research and policy advocacy, addressing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, resolving regional issues etc.
ii.The partnerships are expected to improve the blue economy in the area, balance economic growth with marine ecological preservation, and reduce poverty.
iii.In addition to providing India with global leadership and responsibility, this accomplishment is anticipated to bring about several improvements in achieving the national objective of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
iv.India receives continued support and collaboration from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and other relevant organizations.
About Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO):
Director – Dr P. Krishnan
Members-India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives
Headquarters – Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN)
Established – 2003
India Expands Collaboration with UK in Key Areas of Telecom, AI, & Emerging Technologies
In February 2025, Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of Department of Telecommunications(DoT), Ministry of Communications(MoC), visited the United Kingdom (UK) to engage with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), UK, and explore opportunities for collaboration in next-generation telecommunications, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and space technology, further strengthening Indo-UK ties in these critical areas.
- During the visit, Neeraj Mittal engaged with UK counterparts, including Chris Johnson, National Scientific Adviser, and Dave Smith, National Technology Adviser with the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT).
i.He held a field visit at one of the six Federated Telecom Hubs (FTH) in the UK, specializing in Communications Hub for Empowering Distributed Cloud Computing Applications and Research (CHEDDAR).
ii.A roundtable discussion was held to strengthen the UK-India collaboration in telecom security and innovation under the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI).
- During the discussion, the Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT) under DoT, MoC and SONIC Labs (SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
About Ministry of Communications (MoC):
Union Minister- Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia (Constituency- Guna, Madhya Pradesh, MP)
Minister of State (MoS)- Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani (Constituency- Guntur, Andhra Pradesh,AP)
>> Read Full News
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh Co-Chairs 13th MIDCOM Meeting in Kuala Lumpur
The 13th meeting of the Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 19 February 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), India, and Lokman Hakim Bin Ali, Secretary General (SG) of the MoD, Malaysia, acknowledging the strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between their Armed Forces.
- Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement new initiatives under the defence pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). A joint focus group to address non-traditional maritime security threats was established.
- India and Malaysia exchanged the finalised Terms of Reference (ToR) on the establishment of the Strategic Affairs Working Group, which will act as a consultative mechanism intermediate between MIDCOM and the two sub-committees to progress bilateral defence cooperation.
- They also exchanged the finalised ToR on the formation of the Su-30 Forum, which aims to enhance collaboration between the Air Forces of both nations, focusing on Su-30 maintenance, expertise exchange, and best practices.
Note:
- The 12th meeting of MIDCOM was held in New Delhi, Delhi in 2023.
Malaysia assumed the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2025 under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
UNESCO Launches ‘’Imagine a World with More Women in Science’’ Campaign
In February 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the campaign “Imagine a world with more women in science” to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science(11 February 2025) with the support of Canada’s International Development Centre (IDRC).
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared 11th February as International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015.
i.Using the hashtag #EveryVoiceInScience, this campaign builds on the momentum of the UNESCO Call to Action Closing the Gender Gap in Science, which was launched during the 2024 celebration of this International Day.
ii.This campaign aims to address the essential role women play in driving progress in science.
iii.To shape this campaign, UNESCO conducted a global survey among its scientific community, receiving over 700 responses from diverse disciplines.
BANKING & FINANCE
NSDL and CDSL Launch UIP to Provide Consolidated Data to Investors
In February 2025, Mumbai(Maharashtra)-based National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Mumbai based Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) in collaboration with capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), launched a mobile application (app) Unified Investor Platform (UIP), integrating CDSL’s MyEasi by NSDL’s SPEED-e.
- This platform provides investors with a consolidated view of their financial statements, shareholdings, investments, and financial statements.
- The initiative aims to provide a secure and accessible solution for investors by simplifying financial data across several accounts.
About Unified Investor Platform (UIP):
i.The UIP sources data directly from exchanges, depositories, and clearing firms to resolve issues over fraudulent intermediaries.
- This reduces the possibility of fraud and unauthorized access while guaranteeing that investors receive accurate and genuine information.
ii.The platform also makes it easier for investors to manage and transfer their assets effectively by consolidating all financial data, which streamlines inheritance and asset transmission.
iii.Investors can easily check their holdings and recent transactions with a single login system, which guarantees quicker decision-making based on the most recent financial data.
iv.Every app is designed with strong security features, such as two-factor authentication, to ensure a secure and safe user experience. The CDSL MyEasi app and the NSDL SPEED-e app both offer access to the unified app features.
About National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL):
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Vijay Chandok
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established – 1996
Paytm Launched India’s First Solar-Powered Payment Soundbox for Merchants
In February 2025, Noida (Uttar Pradesh) based Paytm Money Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of One97 Communications, has launched India’s first solar-powered payment device ‘Paytm Solar Soundbox’ designed for merchants to accept Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay Credit Card payments using a Quick-Response (QR) code. It offers a cost-effective, reliable, and eco-friendly solution with minimal sunlight needed for charging in rural and remote areas.
- It is designed for small merchants, street vendors, and rural businesses, ensuring steady digital payments even in places with regular power cuts.
i.The Paytm Solar Soundbox, with a built-in solar panel and two batteries (one solar-powered and one electricity-powered)
- It charges in just 2-3 hours of sunlight to last a whole day, while the electricity-powered battery lasts up to 10 days without recharging.
ii.It supports 11 Indian languages, provides real-time audio payment confirmations through a 3-watt (W) speaker, and works with a 4G (fourth-generation wireless) connection for instant transaction alerts, ensuring clear notifications even in noisy environments.
Note: In 2024, Paytm launched the Near-Field Communication (NFC) Card Soundbox, a device that combines NFC and QR payments, enabling users to link bank accounts, create UPI IDs (Identification), and make payments through QR codes, mobile numbers, or bank transfers.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Moody’s Projects India’s GDP Growth to Slow to 6.4% in 2025
In February 2025, New York (the United States of America, USA)-based Moody’s (formerly known as Moody’s Analytics), a subsidiary of Moody’s Corporation released its report titled ‘Asia-Pacific(APAC) Outlook: Chaos Ahead’. According to the report, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to slow to 6.4% in 2025, from 6.6% in 2024.
- The report cited certain factors which attributed to this slowdown, including global economic headwinds, new United States of America(USA) tariffs, and softening international demand weigh on exports pose challenges to India’s economic expansion.
- The report has further projected that India’s GDP will grow at 6.4% in both 2026 and 2027.
Key Findings:
i.The report highlighted that economic growth of the entire Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will slow in 2025 mainly due to rising trade tensions and shifting landscape of global tariffs.
ii.The report projected that global growth will ease from an estimated 3.9% (in 2024) to 3.7% and 3.5% in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
iii.The report observed that most of the economies have already been trailing their pre-pandemic levels. For instance: China’s GDP is about 1.2% of its pre-pandemic trend but nearly in line with the global average.
- While, India is trailing close to about 2% of its former trend but, it is still better positioned compared to other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) group economies with GDP 5% off the pre-pandemic levels.
About Moody’s:
President- Stephen Tulenko
Headquarters- New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established- 2007
IN-SPACe Launches Technology Adoption Fund to Support Spacetech Startups
In February 2025, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) under Department of Space (DoS) launched the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) worth Rs 500 crore to financially support Indian space technology startups and enable them to develop commercially viable products while reducing dependence on imported solutions.
i.The fund will provide financial support for up to 60% of the project cost for startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and 40% for larger companies, with a maximum funding limit of Rs 25 crore per project.
ii.It helps innovators to bridge the gap between early-stage development and commercialization. This assistance will allow companies to refine their innovations, improve production methods, and satisfy market demands both in India and overseas.
iii.This project aims to assist a variety of developments, including the development of new space products and intellectual property to stimulate research and innovation.
Note: In October 2024, the Union Cabinet approved a Rs 1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) fund for the spacetech sector through IN-SPACe, a single-window, independent nodal agency that operates autonomously under the DoS.
HMA & DIAT Collaborate to Enhance Aerospace Research and Innovation
In February 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL’s) nodal training institute, HAL Management Academy (HMA) in signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pune (Maharashtra) based Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- The MoU was signed by Dr. G. Srikantha Sharma, Executive Director (ED) of HMA, and Dr. B.H.V.S. Narayana Murthy, Vice-Chancellor of DIAT, in the presence of Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of HAL.
- This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia, fostering cutting-edge research and technological advancements in the aerospace sector.
i.Under this partnership, HAL executives will have the opportunity to pursue Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) programs at DIAT, participate in specialized modules on emerging technologies, and engage in faculty and student exchange programs.
ii.The partnership also paves the way to facilitate joint conferences, seminars, and collaborative research projects aimed at strengthening India’s defence and aviation capabilities.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Goa’s Mopa Airport becomes 1st in India to win ‘Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskaar’
In January 2025, Goa’s Manohar International Airport (GOX), also known as Mopa Airport, became the first airport in India to receive the “Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskar (Golden Trophy)” at the National Safety Council of India (NSCI) Safety Awards 2024 in the ‘Service Sector‘ category held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- The airport was developed by GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL), a subsidiary of Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao (GMR) Airports Limited, under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.
- The airport was evaluated on Safety performance, Safety statistics, Safety commitments, Safety awareness, Training and promotional activities and Innovations on the ground.
i.The Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskar is awarded by the NSCI, established by the Ministry of Labour and Employement (MoL&E), Government of India (GoI), to recognize organizations for exemplary Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) performance.
ii.The award acknowledges efforts in reducing workplace injuries, implementing best OSH practices, and promoting continuous improvements.
iii.The airport achieved zero fatal, non-fatal, and total permanent disability incidents, contributing to its success in securing the award.
Note: The airport is named after Manohar Gopalkrishna Prabhu Parrikar, the former Union Minister, Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Chief Minister (CM) of Goa.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
GoI Extends B.V.R. Subrahmanyam’s Tenure as CEO of NITI Aayog Until February 2026
In February 2025, the Government of India (GoI) extended the tenure of B.V.R. Subrahmanyam as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) for one more year, until February 24, 2026.
- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), approved Subrahmanyam’s tenure as CEO of NITI Aayog until February 24, 2026.
- In February 2023, Subrahmanyam took charge as the 4th CEO of NITI Aayog for a two-year term, succeeding Parameswaran Iyer, who served as the 3rd CEO of NITI Aayog.
About B.V.R. Subrahmanyam:
i.He is a 1987-batch retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.
ii.He worked in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) (India) under Prime Minister (PM) Manmohan Singh between 2004 and 2008 and under PM Narendra Modi between March 2012 and March 2015.
iii.In 2015, he was appointed as the additional Chief Secretary (CS) of Chhattisgarh, and in 2018, he was appointed as the CS of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
iv.In 2021, he was appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I) to GoI.
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Thinking Day 2025 – February 22
World Thinking Day (WTD) is celebrated annually on 22nd February by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in 153 countries worldwide. The day is dedicated to fostering international friendship and sisterhood, while also empowering girls and women around the globe.
- It is annually observed and organized by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
- The theme for WTD 2025 is “Our Story”. The theme highlights the chance to reflect on the movement’s past, present, and future, as Girl Guides and Girl Scouts continue to inspire and uplift communities around the world.
Background:
i.In 1926, delegates from Girl Guide and Girl Scout organisations across the world gathered in the United States of America (USA) for the 4th WAGGGS World Conference, where they decided to establish Thinking Day, a special day for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
ii.In 1999, at the 30th World Conference in Dublin (Ireland), the name of the day was changed to “World Thinking Day” to better highlight the global scope of the celebration.
About World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS):
In 1928, WAGGGS was established at the 5th International Conference in Poland. It operates five World Centers in Adelboden (Switzerland), London (England), Cuernavaca (Mexico), Maharashtra (India), and Africa.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Anna Segall
Headquarters – London (the United Kingdom, UK)
Founded – 1928
>> Read Full News
STATE NEWS
UP FM Suresh Khanna Presented Rs 8.08 Trillion State Budget for FY26
On February 20 2025, the Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Suresh Kumar Khanna presented Rs 8,08,736 crore (Rs 8.08 trillion) budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) in the state legislative assembly in Lucknow, UP. The budget outlay for FY26 witnessed an increase of 9.8% compared to previous financial year (Rs 7.36 lakh crore).
- The budget outlay for FY26 witnessed an increase of 9.8% compared to previous financial year (Rs 7.36 lakh crore). The budget has introduced new schemes worth Rs 28,478.34 crore for FY26.
i.The major portion of the budget has been allocated towards development projects (22%), followed by education (13%), agriculture and allied sectors (11%), medical and health (6%) and social security (4%).
ii.Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of UP is projected to reach Rs 27.51 trillion in FY25. Fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 91,400 crore, accounting 2.97% of GSDP estimated for FY25.
iii.Total receipts estimated at Rs 7,79,242.65 crore, comprising revenue receipts of Rs 6,62,690.93 crore and capital receipts of Rs 1,16,551.72 crore.
About Uttar Pradesh (UP):
Chief Minister (CM) – Yogi Adityanath
Governor- Anandiben Patel
Capital- Lucknow
National Park (NP) – Dudhwa National Park
>> Read Full News
Uttarakhand FM Premchand Aggrawal Presents Rs 1,01,175 crore budget for FY26
In February 2025, Uttarakhand Finance Minister(FM) Premchand Aggrawal presented a comprehensive Rs.1,01,175.33 crore Budget for the Financial Year 2025-26(FY26) in the state assembly with a special focus on development across key sectors such as innovation, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, and social welfare.
- The budget is based on the ‘GYAN’ model (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, and Naari), which focuses on the poor, youth, farmers, and women.
- It has allocated Rs.59,954.65 crore for revenue expenditure and Rs.41,220.68 crore for capital expenditure, marking a 13% increase from last year’s Rs.89,000 crore budget.
Financial Indicators:
i.The total receipts in 2025-26 are estimated to be around Rs 1,01,034.75 crore, which includes Rs 62,540.54 crore of revenue receipts and Rs 38,494.21 crore of capital receipts.
ii.The tax revenue in revenue receipts is estimated to be Rs 39,917.74 crore, which includes the state share of Rs 15,902.92 crore in central taxes while non-tax revenue is expected to yield Rs 22,622.80 crore.
- Moreover, the total estimated revenue receipts from the state’s own sources are Rs 28,410.30 crore, out of which tax revenue is Rs 24,014.82 crore and non-tax revenue is Rs 4,395.48 crore.
iii.According to the budget, there will be no revenue deficit for the year 2025-26, but a revenue surplus of Rs 2,585.89 crore is expected.
- The fiscal deficit has been estimated at Rs 12,604.92 crore which is 2.94% of the state Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
About Uttarakhand:
Chief Minister (CM)- Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor– Gurmit Singh
Capitals– Dehradun (Winter), Bhararisen (Summer)
Tiger Reserve– Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji Tiger Reserve
>> Read Full News
Anurag Rastogi Appointed as New Chief Secretary of Haryana
In February 2025, the Haryana government appointed Anurag Rastogi, a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as Haryana’s new Chief Secretary (CS). He replaced Vivek Joshi who assumed charge as Election Commissioner(EC) on February 19, 2025.
- Prior to this appointment, he served as the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) (Finance and Planning).
- However, he will continue to hold the charge of ACS (Finance and Planning), alongside his current duties.
i.Anurag Rastogi, from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh (UP), began his administrative career in 1992, as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Narnaul, UP.
ii.He served as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and District Collector (DC) of Panipat (Haryana) and Hisar (Haryana).
iii.Over the years, he held key positions as Director and Principal Secretary in several departments. In 2021, he was promoted to ADS.
Note: The office of Chief Secretary(CS) has been excluded from the operation of the tenure system. There is no fixed tenure for this post.
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