Current Affairs - State

Chhattisgarh became the first inland state in India to initiate the export of value-added Tilapia products, with 382 tonnes exported to the United States. The achievement was highlighted during a review of the Tilapia Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Raipur. The state has received significant investment under PMMSY, with nearly ₹900 crore allocated to develop its fisheries sector. Modern technologies such as IoT, Biofloc, and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems are being promoted to improve production and processing. The initiative aims to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, create employment, and enhance India’s seafood export competitiveness.

Himachal Pradesh became the fifth state in India to implement a ban on the manufacture, storage, and sale of synthetic or non-dairy analogue paneer being sold as genuine dairy products. The ban was imposed on August 21, 2026, under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It applies to all Food Business Operators, including restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens, and caterers. Businesses are prohibited from using analogue paneer in dishes marketed as paneer. The order is effective immediately for one year and also requires compliance with food labelling and traceability regulations to protect consumers.

Andhra Pradesh will host Reliance Industries Limited’s proposed integrated Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) complex, described as India’s first of its kind. The project will be established in Eluru district, covering the Chintalapudi and Recherla coal blocks. RIL has proposed an investment of ₹2.73 lakh crore, to be implemented in exploration, development, and production phases. The project will use UCG technology to convert deep-seated coal into synthesis gas (syngas) directly underground. With substantial estimated coal reserves, the initiative is aligned with the National Coal Gasification Mission’s target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.

West Bengal launched four dedicated toll-free helplines to enable citizens to directly report various illegal activities. The helplines cover complaints related to extortion, syndicate activities, illegal road and toll tax collections, and illegal liquor. The numbers introduced are 155334 for extortion, 155335 for syndicate activities, 155337 for illegal road and toll tax collections, and 155339 for illegal liquor. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the functioning of these helplines during his visit to the state and assured that complaints received through the numbers would be acted upon promptly.

Tamil Nadu increased the annual health insurance coverage under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh on August 19, 2026. The five-fold increase is aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system and improving access to quality medical treatment for people across different income groups and geographical locations. The state also announced an extension of maternity leave for women employees for the third child from 12 weeks to 365 days, matching the duration available for the first two children. Additionally, official vehicles and monthly allowances were proposed for MLAs to help them address public grievances and monitor development projects.