Current Affairs - State

West Bengal became the 33rd Legislature in India to adopt the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4 June 2026. NeVA is a Mission Mode Project of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs aimed at digitising and modernising legislative functioning through a common digital platform. The initiative promotes paperless governance, transparency, efficiency, accessibility, and better record management. By joining NeVA, West Bengal contributed to the national vision of “One Nation – One Application,” which seeks to create a unified digital ecosystem for legislative institutions across the country.

The Swachha App was launched on May 30, 2026, in West Bengal by Union Minister Manohar Lal to improve urban waste management through real-time reporting. The initiative was introduced in Kolkata and initially covers 10 municipalities across the state, including Asansol, Durgapur, Basirhat, Pujali, Tufanganj, Contai, Krishnanagar, Baidyabati, and Madhyamgram. The app allows citizens to upload geo-tagged photographs of garbage accumulation, automatically forwards complaints to municipal authorities, and provides a digital feedback system with before-and-after cleaning verification, supporting efficient and scientific waste management practices.

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and other researchers announced the discovery of a new lizard species, Mesalina bishnoi, on June 1, 2026. The species was discovered near Gajner in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan and represents the first confirmed record of the genus Mesalina in India. It was named in honour of the Bishnoi community for their long-standing commitment to wildlife and environmental conservation. The lizard inhabits the arid landscapes of the Thar region and is currently considered endemic to western India. Genetic studies confirmed its placement within the Mesalina watsonana species complex.

Madhya Pradesh is the state from which the month-long nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' was launched on June 1, 2026, from Ramasiya village in Raisen district. The campaign focuses on improving soil health through balanced fertiliser use and Soil Health Cards, promoting natural farming, water conservation, and green manure usage, and creating awareness against counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides. It also includes field demonstrations, farmer training on modern agricultural technologies, deployment of agricultural experts, and initiatives to support women and rural youth through employment and skill development in the agriculture sector.

The SIRI Mathrushree Industrial Park was inaugurated in May 2026 in Belthangady of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. The project was established to promote rural entrepreneurship and support women-led social transformation. It directly benefits more than 3,000 individuals and indirectly supports over 10,000 people, mainly women from disadvantaged sections of society. The park includes essential facilities such as hostels, residential quarters, childcare services, transportation arrangements, and hygienic kitchens. By creating livelihood opportunities and strengthening social infrastructure, the initiative contributes significantly to rural development and women's economic empowerment in Karnataka.