Current Affairs - State

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.

The Bhoramdev Corridor Project is associated with the development of the Bhoramdev Temple area, a major heritage and pilgrimage site often referred to as the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh.” The project was inaugurated at Bhoramdev Dham in Kabirdham district and is being developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0. With an estimated cost of ₹146 crore, the initiative aims to enhance tourism infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and support socio-economic growth in the surrounding region, strengthening the state’s position on the religious tourism map of India.

Assam launched a financial assistance scheme to support Udasin Bhakats, offering ₹1,500 per month to celibate Vaishnavite monks. The scheme applies to bhakats associated with Udasin Satras, which are key monastic centres of Assam’s Vaishnavite tradition. Announced in the state budget, the initiative aims to provide financial security to around 620 eligible monks across different districts of Assam. The government has also kept provisions to include any left-out eligible Udasin Bhakats, reflecting Assam’s commitment to preserving its cultural and religious heritage while extending welfare support.

Assam has taken a pioneering step in government pay reforms by becoming the first state in India to set up its 8th State Pay Commission before the conclusion of the 7th Pay Commission’s term on January 1, 2026. This early constitution reflects the state government’s intent to expedite the process of revising salaries, allowances, and pensions for its employees and pensioners. The decision provides early clarity and potential financial planning benefits to beneficiaries. By moving ahead of other states, Assam has positioned itself at the forefront of administrative reforms related to public sector compensation.