Current Affairs - State

Maharashtra has introduced a comprehensive incentive scheme aimed at boosting the performance and efficiency of sugar factories across the state. The scheme evaluates factories on nine diverse parameters, including operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, financial stability, and technological adoption such as the use of AI. By recognizing three cooperative and three private factories annually, the initiative encourages healthy competition and continuous improvement. A two-tier evaluation framework ensures transparency and fairness through dedicated Screening and Steering Committees. This structured assessment approach helps the state promote sustainable and innovative practices within the sugar industry.

Nagaland has announced a comprehensive initiative to establish Old Age Homes across all its districts, reflecting the state’s commitment to enhancing elderly welfare and protection. Spearheaded by Advisor Wangpang Konyak, the plan emphasises providing care, nutrition, and social security for vulnerable senior citizens. It aligns with existing welfare programmes such as the Old Age Pension, Elderly Helpline, and Charity Care initiatives. This effort seeks to ensure dignified living conditions and community support for the aged population, showcasing a proactive approach to inclusive governance and social responsibility toward the elderly in Nagaland.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with CERT-In, organised the “Cyber Bharat Setu: Bridging States, Securing Bharat” workshop in Agartala, Tripura. The two-day event, held on November 11–12, 2025, aimed to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and capacity across government officials, law enforcement agencies, and students. Through practical drills and simulated cyber-attack exercises, the initiative sought to improve India’s digital defence preparedness, promote innovation in cyber practices, and build a cohesive national framework for proactive cyber resilience.

The Assam government has approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025, marking a historic move to criminalise the practice of multiple marriages while a first marriage is still legally valid. The Bill proposes imprisonment of up to seven years for offenders and establishes a special compensation fund to support women affected by polygamous unions. It excludes Scheduled Tribes and areas under the Sixth Schedule, as well as certain pre-2005 Muslim marriages in Scheduled Areas. The legislation reinforces gender justice, promotes uniform marriage laws, and could serve as a legislative model for other Indian states pursuing similar reforms.

Gujarat became the first Indian state to launch a tribal-focused genome sequencing project aimed at tackling genetic disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia through precision medicine. Implemented by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), the initiative forms part of the national Genome India Project. It focuses on sequencing 2,000 tribal genomes across 17 districts to identify genetic mutations and hereditary disease patterns. By developing affordable diagnostic kits and promoting genetic counselling, the project aims to improve healthcare access for tribal populations while advancing India’s capabilities in biotechnology-driven public health innovation and preventive medicine.