Maharashtra Daily Current Affairs: 24/06/2026
Verified Editorial
Source: BharathPulse Exclusive
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra has announced its Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 and expanded the state cabinet departments from 33 to 45 to streamline governance.
- Key updates also include a Rs 36,585 crore farm loan waiver and revised recruitment rules for reserved category candidates.
Maharashtra Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️
The Maharashtra Government has officially unveiled the Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026, aimed at positioning the state as a global hub for technology, boosting investments, and generating high-skilled employment. In tandem with this, the cabinet approved the creation of a dedicated Department for Electronics, IT, and Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, the state has cleared a massive Farm Loan Waiver Scheme worth Rs 36,585 crore, establishing three dedicated committees to oversee its implementation and review to ensure transparent delivery to distressed farmers.
Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝
- Polity & Governance: The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a major administrative overhaul, increasing the number of government departments from 33 to 45. This restructuring aims to expedite decision-making and improve departmental focus.
- Social Justice & Reservation: A significant policy shift has been approved where reserved category (SC/ST/OBC) candidates who avail age or merit relaxations will now be ineligible for 'Open Category' posts in government recruitment.
- Infrastructure & Culture: The Sawantwadi railway station is set to be renamed after the veteran socialist leader and former Union Minister, Madhu Dandavate.
- Economy: The state cabinet cleared a farm loan waiver of Rs 36,585 crore, although the formal public announcement was initially deferred due to the model code of conduct.
- Land Reforms: Bold decisions were taken regarding the distribution and management of Temple Lands across the state.
One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡
- Maharashtra expanded its administrative departments from 33 to 45.
- The state's new AI Policy 2026 focuses on investment and job creation.
- Rs 36,585 crore is the total outlay for the new Maharashtra Farm Loan Waiver.
- Sawantwadi Railway Station will be renamed as Madhu Dandavate Railway Station.
- Reserved category candidates using relaxations are now barred from open-category government seats.
- A new Department for Electronics, IT, and AI has been formally approved.
- Three committees have been formed to monitor the implementation of farm loan waivers.
- The administrative restructuring involves adding 12 new departments to the existing setup.
MCQs from Current Affairs ❓
Q1: After the recent cabinet overhaul, the total number of government departments in Maharashtra has increased to?
- A) 40
- B) 43
- C) 45
- D) 50
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C) 45
Explanation: The Maharashtra cabinet approved an expansion from 33 departments to 45 departments to ensure faster decision-making and better administrative efficiency.
Q2: Sawantwadi railway station is being renamed after which prominent Indian leader?
- A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- B) Madhu Dandavate
- C) Bal Thackeray
- D) Jyotiba Phule
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B) Madhu Dandavate
Explanation: The Maharashtra cabinet cleared a proposal to rename Sawantwadi railway station in the Konkan region after former Union Minister Madhu Dandavate.
Q3: What is the total financial outlay approved for the Maharashtra Farm Loan Waiver scheme?
- A) Rs 25,000 crore
- B) Rs 31,450 crore
- C) Rs 36,585 crore
- D) Rs 42,000 crore
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C) Rs 36,585 crore
Explanation: The cabinet cleared a loan waiver worth Rs 36,585 crore to provide relief to the state's farmers.
Q4: As per the new recruitment policy, reserved category candidates become ineligible for open posts if they:
- A) Have a Ph.D.
- B) Use age or merit relaxations
- C) Apply for more than two posts
- D) Reside outside the state
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B) Use age or merit relaxations
Explanation: The Maharashtra cabinet decided that SC/ST/OBC candidates who avail of any relaxations (like age or marks) will no longer be allowed to compete for seats in the open category.
Q5: Maharashtra has recently launched a dedicated policy for which technology to be implemented by 2026?
- A) Blockchain
- B) Quantum Computing
- C) Artificial Intelligence
- D) 6G Communication
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C) Artificial Intelligence
Explanation: The state has announced the Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 and created a specific department for IT and AI to boost growth in the tech sector.
