Kashmir’s indigenous aromatic Mushk Budji rice is facing a price and demand crisis despite receiving a GI tag in 2023. The variety is traditionally associated with Sagam village in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir. It is cultivated at an altitude of around 5,000–7,000 feet and is known for its distinct musky fragrance and rich taste. The rice has short, bold, round, pearl-like grains with a light ivory colour. Traditionally, it is associated with special occasions, festivals, royal weddings and Kashmiri Wazwan.

Punjab Government is providing professional help and free treatment for mental-health conditions through the state-run Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. Young people, particularly those aged 18–30 years, are facing mental-health issues. Lack of treatment awareness and concerns over treatment costs are major barriers. Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana is a flagship State Health Insurance Programme of the Government of Punjab. The scheme was launched on 20 August 2019. It aims to provide health insurance coverage and financial protection to eligible beneficiaries in Punjab.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched its “Yashoda AI” initiative in Jalandhar, Punjab to promote women’s digital empowerment and participation in emerging technologies. It is an AI Literacy Programme being run by NCW since last year. The initiative aims to improve women’s AI literacy, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, digital privacy and safe online practices.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India hosted the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting in Jaipur, Rajasthan under India’s BRICS Chairship. It followed the 1st TWG Meeting held virtually on 25 May 2026. Four key priorities were AI and Tourism, Sustainability and Responsible Tourism, Tourism Skilling and Capacity Building, and Tourism Exchanges and Seamless Travel Facilitation. The meeting was held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur’s 118th birth anniversary was observed across Tripura through various programmes. He is regarded as the architect of modern Tripura. The Chief Minister highlighted the Maharaja’s contributions, ideals and vision for public welfare. The government aims to build a developed Tripura by following the path and vision shown by Maharaja Bir Bikram.