Current Affairs - State

The Assam cabinet has recommended to the central government to withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the state. The recommendation was made on Friday, September 9, 2023. AFSPA gives the armed forces sweeping powers to search, arrest and shoot to kill in areas declared as "disturbed". It has been in force in Assam since 1990.

Salem Sago, which has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, is extracted from Tapioca roots in Salem district, Tamil Nadu.

Kerala is set to host the inaugural Zayed Charity Marathon in 2024, strengthening cultural and economic ties between the state and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Dongria Kondhs are a tribal group indigenous to Odisha. They are known for their unique culture and traditions, including their handwoven Rayagada Shawls. The shawls are made from hand-spun cotton and are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colours. The GI tag will help to protect the shawls and ensure that they continue to be produced traditionally.

The government of Maharashtra will issue Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas in Marathwada who have historical documents from the Nizam era. The Kunbi community, which is connected with agriculture, falls under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in Maharashtra. To ensure the validity of these old documents, the government has established a 5-member committee led by retired Justice Sandeep Shinde.