Current Affairs - State

Andhra Pradesh is launching the ‘Mee Bhoomi–Blockchain’ pilot project across seven mandals to modernise land records using blockchain technology. The project integrates data from the revenue, survey, and registration departments into a single secure platform. Built using Hyperledger Fabric by NIC Andhra Pradesh and the Centre of Excellence in Blockchain Technology at NIC Bengaluru, it assigns a unique blockchain identity to each land parcel. The system supports citizen services such as auto-mutation, subdivision, and extent correction while automatically stopping transactions when data mismatches are detected. Every transaction is permanently recorded with the responsible official’s identity and timestamp, ensuring transparency, security, and protection against record tampering.

Kerala launched a comprehensive Global Capability Centre (GCC) feasibility report and strategic roadmap during the Kerala GCC Outlook 2026 conclave held at Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, on July 21, 2026. The state aims to attract 150 GCCs and create around 2 lakh jobs by 2031, building on its existing base of over 45 operational GCCs. As part of the initiative, Technopark signed an MoU with Collabera, while Infoparks Kerala partnered with ANSR to strengthen the state's IT ecosystem. The roadmap focuses on leveraging Kerala's skilled workforce, robust digital infrastructure, and mature IT sector to attract global investments and establish the state as a preferred destination for multinational companies.

Odisha has been selected as the location for HCLTech's first AI-optimised data centre and global technology centre, with an estimated investment of ₹15,000 crore. The project will be developed at the Odisha Sovereign AI Park in Bhubaneswar in partnership with Sarvam AI and the Odisha Government. Expected to become operational by 2028, it will generate around 5,000 jobs and strengthen India's sovereign AI ecosystem. The facility will provide secure AI computing infrastructure, high-performance computing, cloud services, AI training capabilities, and multilingual AI solutions, supporting sectors such as healthcare, governance, education, finance, and manufacturing while promoting the Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Maharashtra launched Bharat Taxi as a cooperative taxi service on July 23, 2026, at Navi Mumbai International Airport. The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol. Inspired by the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi”, the service aims to provide affordable, transparent, and reliable transportation while empowering drivers as cooperative members and owners. Unlike conventional ride-hailing platforms, Bharat Taxi follows a fixed service charge model with no surge pricing or hidden fees, allowing drivers to share profits and ensuring better earnings, improved passenger experience, and stronger cooperative-based employment opportunities.

Chhattisgarh became the first Indian state to enact the Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, introducing a comprehensive trust-based and risk-based business permission framework. The Act classifies businesses according to risk levels, allowing low-risk enterprises to obtain approvals through self-certification or certification by licensed professionals. It also introduces an auto-approval mechanism when departments fail to act within prescribed timelines, removes annual renewal requirements for certain licenses, and initially covers 43 services across eight departments. The reform is expected to reduce compliance costs and simplify business operations for nearly 1.5 million MSMEs in the state.