Current Affairs - State

Jharkhand launched the AI Policy 2026–31 with the objective of transforming the state into a leading hub for artificial intelligence, digital governance, and technology-driven innovation. The roadmap aims to attract more than ₹10,000 crore in private investment, establish over 50 Global Capability Centres (GCCs), support more than 1,000 AI startups, and generate over one lakh AI-enabled jobs within five years. The policy also emphasises AI-powered governance through initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Data Intelligence Platform, Health and Nutrition Vigilance System, and Critical Minerals Administration System, while strengthening the state's IT infrastructure, startup ecosystem, and digital economy.

Andhra Pradesh introduced a millet-based chikki under the Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme to enhance the nutritional intake of students in government schools. The snack is prepared using peanuts, jaggery, and nutritious millets such as ragi, jowar, and bajra. It is distributed three times a week and is monitored through barcode-based tracking to ensure transparency and quality. The initiative aims to improve the intake of calcium, iron, protein, and dietary fibre among children while promoting the consumption of millets, which are nutrient-rich, environmentally sustainable, and widely encouraged across India.

The Natural History Museum of Mizoram University, located in Aizawl, was designated as India's 21st Designated Repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The recognition strengthens India's biodiversity conservation framework by enabling the museum to preserve authenticated biological specimens, including voucher and type specimens. Situated in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, the museum plays a significant role in documenting rich flora and fauna, supporting scientific research, species identification, long-term preservation of biological resources, and collaboration with biodiversity institutions across the country.

Rajasthan is home to India's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex, the Pachpadra Refinery, developed as a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Rajasthan government in Balotra. Built at a cost of over ₹79,450 crore, the refinery has a capacity of 9 MMTPA for refining and 2.4 MMTPA for petrochemicals. The project is a major milestone in India's energy and petrochemical sector and is expected to strengthen industrial development, employment generation, and economic growth in the region.

Haryana became the first state to have Sirsa Kinnow recognised as its first fruit with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI registration was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai, recognising the unique quality and characteristics of kinnow grown in the Sirsa district. The region's favourable climatic and geographical conditions produce kinnow with a sweet taste, high juice content, large size, and attractive colour. The GI tag provides legal protection against imitation, enhances market value, promotes exports, and improves income opportunities for farmers while strengthening Haryana's horticultural brand identity.