Current Affairs - State

Rajasthan became the first state in India to issue an exploration licence for a Rare Earth Elements (REE) block on July 30, 2026. The licence was awarded to the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd (CMPDI) for a 207.6 sq km area in the Nawatala-Devigarh region covering Balotra and Jodhpur districts. Geological surveys identified valuable rare earth elements such as lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium. These strategic minerals are crucial for electric vehicles, semiconductors, aerospace, and telecommunications, supporting India's goal of reducing dependence on imported critical minerals through domestic exploration.

Maharashtra banned the sale, distribution, and advertisement of HFSS (High in Fat, Trans-fat, Sugar, and Salt) foods within school campuses and a 50-metre radius around them. The restriction covers government and private schools, benefiting nearly 2 crore students aged 22 months to 17 years. School canteens must obtain FDA food safety licenses and comply with the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2021. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), headquartered in Mumbai, will monitor compliance through inspections conducted at least twice a year under the legal framework of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Chhattisgarh launched the DWEEPTI Yojana in July 2026 to promote women-led solar entrepreneurship and expand renewable energy access across rural areas. The scheme aims to establish 5,000 women-led solar enterprises and generate around 50,000 green jobs by empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with training, financial support, and business opportunities. It also targets providing clean energy to 5 lakh families and 10,000 public institutions. Implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the initiative links renewable energy adoption with women's economic empowerment and sustainable rural development.

Kerala approved the Special Asset Management Platform for Administration Tracking and Harmonisation Portal on July 29, 2026, to strengthen digital governance and improve the management of government assets. The platform will maintain a comprehensive asset register covering land, buildings, roads, dams, bridges, vehicles, machinery, and other public infrastructure across 591 government institutions. The Cabinet also approved Plan Space 2.0 with GIS-based mapping of nearly 1,900 capital projects, initiated legislative reforms to simplify citizen services, and sanctioned additional land for the BrahMos Aerospace project, reflecting the state's commitment to efficient governance and infrastructure development.

Assam exported its first international consignment of 5,627 litres of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan on July 28, 2026. The consignment was flagged off by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. The ice cream was manufactured by West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and exported through North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL). APEDA supported the initiative by facilitating export documentation, regulatory compliance, and market access. The shipment is aimed at expanding the presence of Made-in-Assam dairy products in international markets, particularly in Bhutan's major cities such as Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, and Wangdue.