Current Affairs - State

Jharkhand is pioneering India's first Mining Tourism Project, leveraging its status as a mineral-rich state to promote cultural and educational tourism. With nearly 40% of India’s mineral reserves, Jharkhand is using this initiative to highlight its industrial heritage, create jobs, and diversify tourism offerings. The project, launched in collaboration with Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), includes guided tours of operational mines like the North Urimari open-cast mine and nearby cultural landmarks. Tour circuits such as the Rajrappa and Patratu routes blend mining exposure with visits to temples and scenic valleys, making it a unique blend of education, heritage, and eco-tourism.

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a major policy change to support women’s financial empowerment by granting a 1% stamp duty exemption on property purchases valued up to one crore rupees, provided the property is registered in a woman's name. This move significantly expands the previous benefit, which was limited to properties worth ₹10 lakh with a maximum relief of ₹10,000. The initiative is designed to encourage greater female ownership of assets, promote gender equality, and enhance the social standing of women within families and society at large.

Kerala is facing a serious threat to its rubber plantations due to an infestation of the ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus), an invasive pest originally from Central and South America. These beetles introduce harmful fungi, including Fusarium ambrosia and Fusarium solani, into the trees, disrupting water flow and reducing latex output. The mutualistic relationship between the beetles and fungi causes extensive internal damage to the trees, making recovery nearly impossible. As rubber farming is vital to Kerala's economy, the infestation poses a significant agricultural and financial risk. The situation calls for targeted, region-specific management strategies and early detection systems.

The state government that signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Bombay is Maharashtra. The agreement is part of an initiative to provide a Public Policy Certificate Course to fellows participating in the Chief Minister’s (CM) Fellowship Programme. The MoU was signed in the presence of CM Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting the government's focus on improving governance and encouraging innovative approaches in public service. Initiated in 2015, the CM Fellowship Programme is now being expanded to the district level, demonstrating Maharashtra’s continued commitment to strengthening public administration through strategic partnerships.

Maharashtra has taken a strategic step by signing an MoU with the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. This initiative is focused on empowering rural youth by training and certifying them for roles in the rapidly growing creators’ economy, which has seen remarkable growth—from ₹92,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore in just 100 days. The collaboration also introduces state-level FTII admissions, thereby opening up opportunities for youth from villages and small towns to pursue careers in the film and media industry. This move underscores Maharashtra’s focus on inclusive development in creative sectors.