Current Affairs - State

Sikkim has emerged as the first state in India to introduce a Sabbatical Leave Scheme for its government employees, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to administrative reform and employee welfare. Introduced in August 2023, the scheme allows both regular and temporary employees to take extended leave ranging from 365 to 1,080 days while receiving 50% of their basic pay. The policy retains job security, seniority, and includes provisions for recall with a one-month notice. By decentralising approval authority between departments and including temporary staff, the initiative promotes inclusivity, efficiency, and well-being within the public workforce, making it a potential model for other states.

Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state, is facing an ecological crisis due to rampant urbanisation, unregulated tourism, deforestation, and poorly monitored infrastructure projects. The Supreme Court of India recently issued a dire warning that the state could "vanish" if corrective actions are not taken. With rising cases of landslides, flash floods, and human casualties, the court highlighted the impact of climate change, hydropower projects, and unsustainable construction on the region. The state's fragile environment is further burdened by weak implementation of green zone regulations and delayed ecological planning, making it a critical case study in environmental mismanagement in the Indian Himalayan Region.

The Haryana Cabinet approved significant amendments to its mineral mining rules, facilitating the implementation of the Inter-State Transit Pass (ISTP) framework. This move is aimed at better regulating mineral transportation into the state. Under the revised rules, a fee of ₹80 per metric tonne will be levied on all vehicles bringing minerals into Haryana, irrespective of where the minerals will be used or delivered. The entire payment process is mandated to be conducted through the designated department’s online portal, enhancing transparency and compliance. This policy reform reflects Haryana’s efforts to streamline the mineral trade and reduce illegal transportation.

Uttar Pradesh achieved a significant milestone with Gomti Nagar becoming its first privately managed railway station. This development also makes Gomti Nagar the first such station in the entire Northeast Railway zone. As one of the busiest railway stations in the state, the transition to private management aims to enhance passenger experience by introducing world-class facilities, efficient services, and better infrastructure. This initiative is part of a broader push to modernise railway operations and infrastructure across India, using private sector expertise to raise the quality of services while maintaining oversight through public-sector frameworks.

On July 31, 2025, the Telangana High Court enhanced its judicial strength by appointing four new Additional Judges: Gouse Meera Mohiuddin, Chalapathi Rao Suddala, Gadi Praveen Kumar, and Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh in a formal ceremony. These appointments followed the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation and the Central Government's subsequent approval. With this addition, the working strength of the Telangana High Court has risen to 30 judges, though 12 vacancies remain. The move aims to alleviate case backlogs, speed up judicial processes, and ensure the fair and timely delivery of justice in the state.