Current Affairs - State

The ‘Sardar@150 – Unity March’ campaign was launched in Punjab by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in Chandigarh to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The initiative aims to promote the spirit of unity, patriotism, and nation-building among the youth through various national-level activities such as creative competitions and awareness drives. Running until December 6th, this campaign honours Sardar Patel’s legacy as the “Iron Man of India,” highlighting his pivotal role in integrating the nation and inspiring future generations to uphold the values of integrity and collective progress.

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced new measures to enhance pharmaceutical quality control by empowering drug inspectors to examine chemicals used in medicine and syrup production. This initiative aims to prevent the manufacture and distribution of adulterated or counterfeit medicines. Additionally, inspectors have been authorised to file FIRs against firms involved in such illegal practices. These reforms strengthen regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring the safety and reliability of medical products for consumers while reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to public health and drug quality assurance.

The government of Odisha has announced the establishment of the “Gyana Yagnya Mandap” digital library in Puri. This initiative aims to digitally preserve and provide access to rare records, manuscripts, and sacred documents related to the Jagannath Temple. The library will be constructed on the site of the old Raghunandan Library near the temple premises. By combining technology with cultural preservation, this project will benefit devotees, researchers, and historians, ensuring that valuable religious and historical knowledge remains accessible to future generations while promoting Odisha’s rich spiritual heritage.

Punjab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to establish a Pilot Demonstration Project for Green Hydrogen production from biomass, particularly paddy straw. This initiative aims to tackle the recurring issue of stubble burning, which causes severe air pollution in northern India. By converting paddy residue into clean fuel, the project not only contributes to environmental protection but also offers new economic opportunities for farmers. The collaboration represents a forward-looking approach toward sustainable energy development and rural economic empowerment in Punjab.

The Swadeshi Mela-2025 will be organised in Noida, located in Uttar Pradesh, as part of the state’s initiative to encourage local entrepreneurship and promote indigenous products. The event aims to showcase and support the manufacture, sale, and exhibition of locally made goods, including handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural items, and innovative startup products. By organizing this international trade show, Uttar Pradesh seeks to empower small businesses, strengthen the local economy, and advance the vision of self-reliance under the broader “Swadeshi” movement promoting India’s domestic industries.