Current Affairs - State

Mizoram celebrates its Foundation Day on 20 February to commemorate its attainment of full statehood in 1987, becoming the 23rd state of India. The milestone followed the signing of the historic Mizoram Accord in 1986, which brought lasting peace after years of insurgency and political unrest. Prior to statehood, the region functioned as a Union Territory from 1972. The day symbolises reconciliation, unity, and cultural pride among the Mizo people. Celebrations include official ceremonies, cultural performances such as the Cheraw (Bamboo Dance), and reflections on the state’s progress in education, infrastructure, and social development.

Andhra Pradesh secured India’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery Gigafactory with an investment of ₹8,175 crore by Waaree Energies. The 16 GWh facility will be established at Rambilli in Anakapalli district and is expected to generate around 3,000 direct jobs. The project strengthens India’s clean-energy manufacturing ecosystem by supporting renewable energy storage, electric vehicle expansion, and grid stability. It also reduces dependence on imported battery cells and promotes self-reliance in advanced energy storage technologies, aligning with broader national goals such as Make in India and the transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Gujarat unanimously passed the Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to expand employment opportunities for women and introduce greater flexibility in working conditions. The legislation permits women to work night shifts between 9 pm and 6 am with mandatory safeguards such as consent, transportation, rest facilities, creche provisions, and protection against harassment. It also increases the daily working hour limit from 9 to 10 hours while retaining the 48-hour weekly cap, and raises the overtime limit from 125 to 144 hours per quarter with double wage compensation. The Bill replaces a previous ordinance and retains government regulatory oversight powers.

Arunachal Pradesh hosts the 1,750 MW Demwe Lower hydel project located on the Lohit River. The project has been granted an 11-year extension of environmental clearance, allowing operations to continue until 2037. The approval was given by the Expert Appraisal Committee under the Ministry of Environment after considering litigation delays. However, the extension has generated debate due to earlier interventions by the National Green Tribunal regarding wildlife clearance and biodiversity concerns in the ecologically sensitive Lohit basin region.

The pilot project for distributing digital food coupons using Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) was launched in Gujarat. This initiative was introduced by the Government of India to enhance targeted welfare delivery through secure and transparent digital payments. By issuing coupons in digital rupee, the scheme ensures leakage-free subsidy transfers directly to beneficiaries. The pilot also promotes financial inclusion and strengthens India’s digital payment ecosystem. The move supports broader CBDC adoption efforts led by the Reserve Bank of India, aiming to modernise welfare distribution through innovative financial technology solutions.