Current Affairs - State

Bihar launched the Vidya Sathi app to provide continuous academic assistance to nearly 3 lakh students studying in Classes 9 to 12 across around 700 Saraswati Vidya Niketan model schools in all 38 districts of the state. The app offers live interaction with teachers, personalised academic guidance, and digital study materials beyond regular classroom hours. It also supports preparation for Bihar Board examinations and competitive entrance exams such as JEE and NEET. Around 75,000 teachers are expected to provide academic assistance through the programme, strengthening digital education and personalised learning opportunities for students.

Maharashtra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the German state of Hessen on August 21, 2026, to enhance cooperation in investment, innovation, and skill development. The agreement was signed in Mumbai by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Hessen’s Minister President Boris Rhein. It covers industry and services, information technology, skilled manpower and cross-border mobility. The partnership also promotes AI and R&D collaborations and expands opportunities in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, engineering, automotive, logistics, and the digital economy. Hessen will serve as the “Gateway to Europe” for Maharashtra, while Maharashtra will act as the “Gateway to India and the Indo-Pacific” for Hessen.

Karnataka ordered the immediate suspension of food licences for Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket on August 25, 2026, after the platforms were found listing toxic Dhatura fruits and seeds for food use or human consumption. The action was taken by the Food Safety and Drug Administration under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Authorities also suspended registrations of third-party sellers supplying the products and directed the removal of related listings, advertisements, and promotional materials. Dhatura is a poisonous plant containing tropane alkaloids that can cause serious adverse health effects, making its sale as food strictly prohibited.

Meghalaya passed a resolution rejecting uranium exploration and mining in the state. The resolution was introduced by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and received unanimous support from all 60 MLAs of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. It urged the Government of India, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) not to permit, conduct, or undertake uranium mining operations in the state. Concerns over environmental impacts, public health risks, and opposition from local communities were key reasons behind the resolution.

Rajasthan sanctioned ₹18 lakh on August 23, 2026, for constructing a new building for the Government Primary School in Rampura (Kanwarpura), Jaipur. The project is located in the Sanganer block, with construction scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026. Of the total amount, ₹12 lakh will come from the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), while ₹6 lakh will be provided through the MLA fund. The original school building had been declared dilapidated after a technical survey in September 2025. The initiative forms part of Rajasthan’s broader efforts to improve school infrastructure across the state.