Maharashtra Tableau Wins First at Republic Day Parade 2026

Introduction

• Maharashtra’s state tableau won first place among states and union territories at the Republic Day Parade 2026.
• The tableau carried the theme ‘Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta’.

Why in news?

• The top honour at the Republic Day Parade 2026 recognised Maharashtra as the leading state/UT tableau.

Background

• The theme emphasised cultural heritage, community participation, social unity and self-reliance.
• The tableau showcased Ganeshotsav festivities, celebrating traditions and community strength.
• A Nagpur dhol-tasha group participated, enhancing the cultural appeal.

Significance

• The awards reflect excellence in cultural representation and thematic creativity.
• They promote national pride by showcasing India’s diversity, heritage and developmental narratives.

Facts/General knowledge

• State/UT Tableau Awards:
• First: Maharashtra
• Second: Jammu & Kashmir for handicrafts and folk dances
• Third: Kerala for Water Metro and 100% Digital Literacy
• Marching Contingents: Best among the three armed services: Indian Navy

• Best among Central Armed Police Forces: Delhi Police
• Ministry Category: Best tableau: Ministry of Culture for ‘Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation’

Rail Tech Policy and e-RCT Digitisation

Introduction

• The Ministry of Railways unveiled two major reforms under its “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative: the Rail Tech Policy and the end-to-end digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT).
• Rail Tech Policy: a dedicated, high-tech, 24x7 digital single-window platform enabling end-to-end digital submission and processing of proposals through a simplified single-stage process.
• e-RCT Digitisation: comprehensive computerisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal to make claim filing, processing, and adjudication faster and transparent.
• The reforms aim to enhance transparency, promote innovation, and improve access to justice and citizen-centric services.

Why in news?

• The Ministry of Railways announced the Rail Tech Policy and e-RCT digitisation as part of the “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative, a time-bound programme launched in early 2026 committing to one major structural reform per week throughout 2026.

Background

• Rail Tech Policy replaces outdated multi-stage vendor selection mechanisms with a simplified single-stage process for innovators, start-ups, industry, and institutions via a dedicated Rail Tech Portal.
• The Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) is a quasi-judicial body constituted under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987 to adjudicate claims relating to death/injury in accidents and untoward incidents, loss of goods, and refund of fares; it has 23 benches across India (Principal Bench at Delhi).

Significance

• Improves transparency and access to justice through complete digitisation of claims and nationwide electronic filing.
• Speeds up decision-making by simplifying processes, enabling real-time tracking, and supporting quicker innovation adoption.
• Mobilises the innovation ecosystem with increased funding and assured pathways for scaling solutions to critical operational challenges.
• Establishes clear timelines and a replicable model for tribunal modernisation, with potential extension to other bodies.
• Reinforces year-long reform momentum aligned with the railways’ broader transformation vision.

Facts/General knowledge

• Rail Tech Portal:
• Dedicated platform for innovators, start-ups, industry, and institutions to promote innovation in Railways.
• Funding boost under Rail Tech Policy:
• Scale-up grant increased more than three times.
• Maximum grant for prototype development and trials doubled.
• Indian Railways to support up to 50% of development funding for viable solutions.
• Key innovation areas targeted:
• AI-based Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS).
• AI-based fire detection in coaches.
• Drone-based broken rail detection.
• Obstruction detection in foggy environments.
• AI-based coach cleaning monitoring.
• Sensor-based load calculation on parcel vans.
• Scalability:
• Successful innovations to receive substantial long-term orders for network-wide scaling.
• e-RCT core modules:
• E-Filing: 24x7 online filing with instant acknowledgement via SMS and email.
• Case Information System (CIS): centralised database for real-time case tracking from filing to final disposal.
• Document Management System (DMS): digital storage of pleadings, orders, and judgements with digitally signed records.
• Legal basis and coverage:
• RCT functions under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987 with 23 benches nationwide (Principal Bench at Delhi).
• Timeline and expansion:
• Full digitisation of all 23 RCT benches targeted within the next 12 months.
• If successful, the model could be extended to other tribunals like the Central Administrative Tribunal.
• Citizen-centric benefits:
• Electronic filing from anywhere in India, eliminating confusion over jurisdictional benches in cross-state incidents.
• Faster case processing, reduced adjournments, real-time status updates, and online access to orders.
• Significant cost savings for litigants by reducing travel, printing, and courier expenses.
• “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative:
• Launched in early 2026 as an ambitious, time-bound programme to implement one major structural reform per week during 2026.
• Aligned with the broader “Reforms Express” vision and builds upon previous decade’s railway reforms.

History That India Ignored – Second Edition Launch in Goa

Introduction

• ‘History That India Ignored’ is an acclaimed historical work focusing on lesser-known aspects of India’s freedom struggle.
• It is aimed at students and history enthusiasts to make overlooked narratives accessible.

Why in news?

• In January 2026, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the second edition in Panaji, Goa, bringing renewed attention to the book.

Background

• Authored by Prem Prakash, a veteran journalist and Chairman of Asian News International (ANI).
• Originally published in April 2025 by Vitasta Publishing Private Limited.

Significance

• Highlights neglected chapters of the freedom struggle, enriching understanding beyond mainstream accounts.
• Seeks to ensure these historical truths reach younger generations of learners and enthusiasts.
• The launch by the Goa Chief Minister reinforces its contemporary relevance and outreach.

Facts/General knowledge

• Event: Second edition book launch (January 2026)
• Book title: History That India Ignored
• Launched by: Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa
• Author: Prem Prakash (veteran journalist; Chairman of ANI)
• Location: Panaji, Goa
• First published: April 2025
• Publisher: Vitasta Publishing Private Limited
• Primary focus: Lesser-known aspects of India’s freedom struggle
• Target audience: Students and history enthusiasts