Uttar Pradesh Daily Current Affairs: 18/07/2026

Uttar Pradesh Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath, has cleared the AI-ready Data Center Policy 2026. This ambitious policy aims to attract investments worth ₹2 lakh crore by incentivizing the establishment of high-capacity data centers equipped for Artificial Intelligence processing. Additionally, the UP Startup Policy 2026 was approved, featuring a dedicated ₹1,000-crore venture capital fund to support indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. These policies are designed to position UP as a leading tech-hub in North India.

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Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝

Polity & Governance:

• Renaming of Jalalabad: The UP Cabinet has officially approved the renaming of Jalalabad (located in Shahjahanpur district) to Parshurampuri. This follows the central government's 'no objection' certificate.
• Legal Fee Hike: For the first time in a decade, the state government has increased the fees for state advocates and counsels by up to 50%.
• Prison Modernization: New jail projects have been cleared to improve the living conditions and security of the state's correctional facilities.

Economy & Infrastructure:

• Data Center Hub: The 2026 policy targets ₹2 lakh crore in private investment.
• Urban Transport: Approval for 1,725 new electric buses (e-buses) to promote green mobility in major cities.
• Semiconductor Policy: Key amendments were made to the state's semiconductor policy to offer better incentives for chip manufacturing units.

Education:

• Private Universities: Three new private universities have been sanctioned, bringing the total count of private universities in Uttar Pradesh to 56.

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One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡

• Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur district has been renamed Parshurampuri.
• The UP Startup Policy 2026 features a corpus of ₹1,000 crore.
• The AI-ready Data Center Policy 2026 targets an investment of ₹2 lakh crore.
• UP now hosts a total of 56 private universities following three new approvals.
• State lawyers' fees have been increased by up to 50% after 10 years.
• The government has cleared 1,725 e-buses for the state's urban fleet.
• Major changes were approved for the UP Semiconductor Policy to attract global manufacturers.
• The state has received the Centre's nod for the renaming of ancient towns.

MCQs from Current Affairs ❓

Q1: Which town in the Shahjahanpur district of UP was recently renamed Parshurampuri?

• A) Akbarpur
• B) Jalalabad
• C) Sikandarabad
• D) Mehmoodabad

Q2: What is the total fund allocated for the UP Startup Policy 2026?

• A) ₹500 crore
• B) ₹750 crore
• C) ₹1,000 crore
• D) ₹2,000 crore

Q3: The AI-ready Data Center Policy 2026 aims to attract an investment of how many crores?

• A) ₹50,000 crore
• B) ₹1 lakh crore
• C) ₹2 lakh crore
• D) ₹5 lakh crore

Q4: After the recent approval of three new institutions, what is the total number of private universities in UP?

• A) 45
• B) 50
• C) 56
• D) 62

Q5: By what maximum percentage has the UP Cabinet increased the fees of state counsels/lawyers?

• A) 25%
• B) 40%
• C) 50%
• D) 100%