Current Affairs - State

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.

The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana aims to economically empower women in Bihar by providing ₹10,000 each to 75 lakh beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer. Scheduled for September 26, 2025, the initiative targets women from economically weaker sections, enabling them to start micro-enterprises such as tailoring units, shops, or agriculture-related activities. A follow-up grant of ₹2 lakh is available after a six-month performance review. Managed by the Rural and Urban Development Departments and leveraging the Jeevika Self-Help Group network, the scheme supports self-employment, financial inclusion, and women’s entrepreneurship, while also aligning with Bihar’s socio-economic development and pre-election priorities.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), one of India’s premier shipbuilding companies, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish a greenfield shipyard. This collaboration is part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which focuses on strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities. The shipyard is expected to significantly enhance the country’s naval preparedness, shipbuilding capacity, and commercial maritime activities, thereby contributing to both defense and economic growth. Tamil Nadu was chosen due to its strategic location and potential for developing world-class maritime facilities.

The Karnataka government has introduced the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP) with an allocation of ₹1,000 crore to stimulate innovation and job creation across the state, especially in regions beyond Bengaluru. The initiative focuses on developing industrial and entrepreneurial clusters in Mysuru-Chamarajanagar, Mangaluru-Udupi, Hubbali-Belagavi-Dharwad, Tumkur, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga. The programme will run for a duration of five years with a targeted goal of generating 5 lakh jobs. By decentralizing opportunities, Karnataka aims to strengthen regional economies, reduce overdependence on Bengaluru, and create a balanced ecosystem for sustainable growth.

Karnataka has launched the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP) with a budget of ₹1,000 crore over five years. The initiative aims to create 5 lakh jobs and develop startup ecosystems beyond Bengaluru by supporting emerging tech clusters across the state, including Mysuru‑Chamarajanagar, Mangaluru‑Udupi, and Hubbali‑Belagavi‑Dharwad. LEAP provides infrastructure, funding, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities to startups from schools to global markets. The programme intends to distribute innovation more evenly across Karnataka, strengthen regional economies, and reduce migration pressures to major cities, positioning the state as a hub for sustainable, inclusive technological growth.