Current Affairs - State

Unjha cumin and Unjha fennel were awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to recognise their unique qualities and strong connection with the Unjha region. Gujarat is home to Unjha, one of Asia's largest spice trading centres, where these premium spices are cultivated and traded extensively. The GI certification protects the products from imitation, strengthens their regional identity, improves export opportunities, and enhances consumer confidence in their authenticity. It is also expected to help farmers secure better prices, promote value addition in the spice supply chain, and further strengthen the agricultural economy of Gujarat.

Under the ESIC 2.0 reforms, the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme has been implemented across all 33 districts of Telangana, expanding access to social security and healthcare services for insured workers and their families. Telangana has played a significant role in the ESI Scheme since it was first introduced in the Twin Cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad on 30 March 1975. Today, the state provides social security benefits to more than 19 lakh insured persons, demonstrating the extensive coverage and importance of the scheme in supporting the welfare of employees.

Uttarakhand became the first state in India to collaborate with the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs for organising the 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv under the PM VIKAS Scheme. Held at the Parade Ground in Dehradun, the festival showcased traditional handicrafts, textiles, and indigenous products through 150 exhibition stalls. Around 90 women artisans participated, highlighting the theme of Nari Shakti, while 40% of the stalls were dedicated to the state's crafts and arts. The event also promoted entrepreneurship, facilitated buyer-seller interactions, and supported artisans through digital marketing initiatives, contributing to cultural preservation and sustainable livelihoods.

Uttarakhand became India's sixth fully literate state on 8 July 2026 after fulfilling the literacy benchmarks under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – New India Literacy Programme. The centrally sponsored scheme focuses on improving adult literacy, digital literacy, financial literacy, and critical life skills among non-literate citizens aged 15 years and above. Implemented through volunteer participation and the ULLAS Mobile App, the programme aims to promote lifelong learning and inclusive education. Uttarakhand joined Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim in achieving this milestone.

Andhra Pradesh launched the ‘Mee Bhoomi-Mee Hakku’ programme under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to improve land record management and ownership transparency. The initiative aims to distribute 29.04 lakh new Pattadar Passbooks across 6,887 villages by the end of July 2026. It also includes the removal of 2,074 acres of land from the prohibited list under Section 22-A, benefiting hundreds of farmers. Additionally, 101 acres were removed from the ‘dotted lands’ category to resolve ownership issues, making the programme a significant step toward efficient land administration and farmer welfare.