Maharashtra Daily Current Affairs: 18/09/2026

Maharashtra Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a significant financial relief measure for the sugar sector by providing soft loans to sugar mills. This initiative aims to assist mills in clearing their Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) dues to farmers, ensuring liquidity in the agricultural economy. Additionally, the government has revised the 5% sports quota policy for recruitment in government departments, streamlining the process for athletes to secure state employment.

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Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝

• Polity & Governance: The Maharashtra Government notified the 'Rules of Business 2026'. These rules officially empower Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to review and override decisions made by any cabinet minister if deemed necessary for 'public interest'. This clarifies the legal standing of the CM's authority, which was previously based on the 1975 Rules of Business.
• Economy & Finance: Soft loans for sugar mills are designed to prevent farmer distress. Maharashtra is one of India's leading sugar producers, making this a critical economic intervention.
• Administrative Reforms: In a move to promote public health, the state cabinet decided that all government meetings will now serve healthier snacks and meals, replacing processed foods with nutritious alternatives.
• Sports & Youth Affairs: The revised 5% sports quota ensures that international and national-level athletes from the state get preference in 'Group A' to 'Group D' government services.

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One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡

• Maharashtra notified the new 'Rules of Business 2026' to define the Chief Minister's override powers.
• The state cabinet approved a 5% revised sports quota for all government job recruitments.
• Sugar mills in Maharashtra will receive soft loans to settle outstanding FRP dues with farmers.
• Government meetings in Maharashtra will now strictly serve healthier snacks and meals.
• The CM's power to revoke ministerial decisions is rooted in a revision of the 1975 business rules.
• Devendra Fadnavis serves as the current Chief Minister of Maharashtra during this policy implementation.
• The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) is the body recommending sugar FRP.
• Article 166 of the Constitution governs the conduct of business of a State Government.

MCQs from Current Affairs ❓

Q1: Under which specific set of rules has the Maharashtra CM been granted the power to override ministerial decisions in 2026?

• A) Maharashtra Executive Orders 2026
• B) Rules of Business 2026
• C) Cabinet Secretariat Guidelines 2025
• D) State Emergency Protocols

Q2: What is the percentage of the revised quota for sportspersons in Maharashtra government jobs?

• A) 3%
• B) 7%
• C) 5%
• D) 10%

Q3: The 'Soft Loans' approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet for sugar mills are specifically intended for:

• A) Export subsidies
• B) Clearing FRP dues to farmers
• C) Purchasing new machinery
• D) Building ethanol plants

Q4: Which article of the Indian Constitution provides the basis for the 'Rules of Business' followed by State Governments?

• A) Article 153
• B) Article 166
• C) Article 174
• D) Article 162

Q5: Prior to the 2026 notification, the Maharashtra government's business was largely governed by rules established in which year?

• A) 1950
• B) 1966
• C) 1975
• D) 1991