Current Affairs - State

The Supreme Court struck down a 2007 notification by the Rajasthan government that provided a VAT exemption on locally manufactured asbestos sheets and bricks. The Court ruled that such exemptions were discriminatory under Article 304(a) of the Constitution, as they favored local products over similar goods from other states. This decision reinforces the principle of free trade within India, ensuring that state taxation policies do not create unfair advantages for local industries. By invalidating the exemption, the Court emphasised that all states must adhere to constitutional guidelines promoting equal economic opportunity and trade fairness across India.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of a 4-lane greenfield highway on NH-139W in Bihar, covering the Sahebganj–Areraj–Bettiah section. The project, executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), spans 78.942 km with an estimated cost of ₹3,822.31 crore. It aims to enhance connectivity between Patna and Bettiah, facilitate Indo-Nepal trade, promote tourism, and support economic growth through smoother freight movement and employment generation. By linking multiple economic and social nodes, the highway aligns with the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, positioning Bihar as a hub for regional development and international trade.

The ₹1.22 lakh crore development package was announced in Rajasthan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Banswara. This package emphasises clean energy, tribal welfare, better connectivity, and social welfare schemes. A major share of ₹90,000 crore is earmarked for projects across five states, with significant allocations for Rajasthan such as the ₹42,000 crore Mahi Banswara Atomic Power Project and multiple solar power projects in districts like Jaisalmer, Jalore, Sikar, and Phalodi. Additionally, ₹13,180 crore has been set aside for strengthening transmission infrastructure. These initiatives aim to boost Rajasthan’s energy sector and uplift tribal regions significantly.

The state that implemented this massive scholarship distribution is Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath handed over scholarships in Lucknow to around 4 lakh students, with a total value of ₹2,825 crore allocated in the academic year 2025-26. These scholarships are primarily aimed at helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds continue their education. Since 2017, the state has consistently emphasised educational support by benefitting over 2 crore students through various scholarship schemes, reflecting its commitment to social welfare and inclusive growth in the education sector.

India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve is situated in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, and has recently gained global recognition at the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Established in 2022 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the reserve spans over 12,250 hectares of vital seagrass meadows, which serve as the primary feeding grounds for dugongs. Dugongs, also known as "sea cows," are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, making their protection critical. This reserve not only safeguards the dugong population but also promotes the conservation of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.