Current Affairs - State

Karnataka proposed a policy in its Budget 2026–27 to ban social media usage for children under the age of 16. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as part of efforts to address growing concerns about digital addiction and exposure to harmful online content among children. The proposal aims to create a safer digital environment by limiting unrestricted access to social media platforms. Policymakers and experts believe that excessive screen time and exposure to inappropriate content can negatively affect children’s mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. If implemented, the measure would make Karnataka the first Indian state to introduce such a restriction, while other governments are also considering similar regulations.

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 will be hosted by the state of Chhattisgarh. The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 25 to April 6, 2026, across three major locations in the state of Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja. The event will feature seven medal sports, including athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling, along with two demonstration sports, Mallakhamb and Kabaddi. The official mascot, named ‘Morveer’, symbolises the courage and cultural pride of India’s tribal communities. The games have also been declared an Event of National Importance and will follow international technical standards set by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Kerala launched the MeHEALTH mobile application to improve public access to healthcare information and services. The app was introduced by the state Health Department to help citizens easily locate nearby hospitals, speciality departments, laboratories, blood banks, and pharmacies. It also provides features such as online doctor appointment booking and OP ticket generation, reducing waiting time at hospitals. Users can log in with their mobile number and generate a unique health ID using Aadhaar details. The app also integrates navigation features to guide users to healthcare institutions. This initiative strengthens digital healthcare access and enhances the efficiency of public health services across the state.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah visited Paradip and Bhubaneswar on 6 March 2026 to dedicate the IFFCO Sulphuric Acid Plant (SAP-III) and launch several major cooperative sector initiatives. The programmes were organised in the state of Odisha and focused on strengthening cooperative institutions, promoting rural development, and boosting the agricultural and dairy sectors. The visit included the release of the State Cooperative Policy, launch of digital platforms, inauguration of Common Service Centres operated by PACS and LAMPS, and foundation stones for projects worth more than ₹3,275 crore. These initiatives aim to enhance rural prosperity, improve governance in cooperatives, and support farmers and producers through modern infrastructure and digital services.

Andhra Pradesh introduced a policy providing a ₹25,000 financial incentive for couples who have a second or third child. The initiative was announced by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to address the state’s declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which is currently around 1.5, below the replacement level of 2.1 required for stable population growth. The policy aims to encourage families to have more children and maintain demographic balance while addressing concerns about an ageing population and future workforce shortages. It also reflects a shift from earlier family planning policies toward population growth management, ensuring long-term socio-economic stability in the state.