Current Affairs - State

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.

Bihar has set a new benchmark in electoral reforms by becoming the first state in India to reduce the maximum number of electors per polling station to below 1,200. This change, implemented through the State Instructional Representation (SIR) order dated June 24, 2025, aims to reduce overcrowding and enhance voter convenience. As a result of this initiative, the number of polling stations in the state increased by 12,817, taking the total to 90,712 from the earlier 77,895. The revised cap, down from the previous 1,500 voters per booth, is a significant step toward more efficient and accessible election management.

The Assam government has introduced a milk subsidy scheme aimed at enhancing the dairy sector in the state. Through this initiative, dairy farmers will receive a subsidy of ₹5 per litre of milk, provided the milk is supplied to cooperative societies for further processing. The primary objectives of the scheme are to increase dairy production, raise the income levels of farmers, and encourage a rural dairy revolution. By supporting local producers and strengthening cooperative channels, Assam seeks to improve the sustainability and profitability of dairy farming in the region.