Current Affairs - State

The Smart Green Aquaculture Farm and advanced Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) facility were inaugurated in Telangana, highlighting a major innovation in India’s fisheries sector. Located at Kandukur, the project showcases the successful commercial farming of rainbow trout—traditionally a cold-water species—in a tropical environment throughout the year. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of RAS technology, which optimizes water use and environmental control. The initiative also emphasises skill development, research, and innovation in aquaculture, aligning with increased central government investments aimed at strengthening sustainable fisheries and boosting rural livelihoods.

The rare ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ was recorded for the first time in Karnataka, marking a significant event in Indian wildlife documentation. This unique strawberry-coloured leopard was observed in the Vijayanagara district and represents only the second such sighting in the country. The leopard’s unusual pale reddish-pink coat is believed to result from rare genetic conditions such as hypomelanism or erythrism, which affect pigmentation. The sighting was documented by conservationist Sanjay Gubbi along with the Holematthi Nature Foundation, highlighting Karnataka’s rich biodiversity and importance in wildlife conservation.

Haryana achieved a significant improvement in its sex ratio at birth in 2025, reaching 923, which reflects a 13-point increase from the previous year. This improvement is notable as it represents the state’s best performance in the last five years. The progress has been linked to strong administrative measures, including strict action against prenatal sex determination and illegal abortions, as well as tighter controls on the sale of MTP kits. District-level gains, such as Panchkula leading with 971, further highlight the impact of sustained policy enforcement.

The Galaxy Frog (Melanobatrachus indicus) is endemic to the evergreen and shola forests of Kerala in the Western Ghats. A recent study reports that seven of these rare frogs are now presumed dead, largely due to uncontrolled photo-tourism. Photographers trampled vegetation, displaced logs, and stressed the frogs, disrupting their breeding and survival. The Mathikettan Shola National Park region was specifically monitored for habitat loss between 2019 and 2025. This incident highlights the fragility of micro-habitats in Kerala’s biodiversity-rich Western Ghats and the urgent need for stricter conservation measures and responsible tourism practices.

India reported 166 tiger deaths in 2025, marking a sharp rise compared to the previous year. Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths at 55, making it the most affected state. Other states with significant tiger mortality included Maharashtra, Kerala, and Assam, though their numbers were lower than Madhya Pradesh. Experts attribute these deaths largely to habitat saturation, loss of wildlife corridors, and territorial conflicts among tigers, particularly affecting cubs. Despite strong anti-poaching efforts and regular forest patrols, increasing pressure on limited habitats continues to pose serious challenges for tiger conservation across these states.