Current Affairs - State

Maharashtra has mandated the use of Marathi in all official communication across government, semi-government, and local self-government bodies. Marathi was designated as the official language of Maharashtra in 1960 and attained the status of a classical language in 2024. The Indian Constitution allows states to choose their official languages under Article 345. Other states, such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, have also implemented language policies to promote their regional languages. These policies aim to preserve linguistic heritage while ensuring accessibility and governance for local populations.

Madhya Pradesh has launched the Drone Promotion and Utilisation Policy 2025 to establish itself as a major hub for drone manufacturing. The policy offers up to 40% capital subsidy (capped at ₹30 crore) for manufacturing units, along with incentives such as drone schools, research and development support, and stamp duty exemptions. The initiative aims to attract over ₹400 crore in investment and was a key highlight at Bhopal’s Global Investors Summit (Feb 24-25). With the drone sector projected to reach a $13 billion market by 2030, this policy positions Madhya Pradesh as a leader in drone technology and innovation.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi introduced the ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ (BGBO) scheme in Jankia, Khordha district, to accelerate rural infrastructure development. With a ₹5,000 crore budget over five years, the initiative focuses on improving road connectivity, civic amenities, educational facilities, and micro-tourism. The scheme aims to ensure holistic village development while keeping politics separate from governance. Building upon previous initiatives like ‘Ama Gaon Ama Bikash’ (2018) and ‘Ama Odisha Naveen Odisha’ (2023), the BGBO scheme demonstrates Odisha’s commitment to long-term rural progress and improved quality of life in villages.

The Kodava community is an endogamous Dravidian ethnolinguistic group native to the Kodagu region in Karnataka. They have a distinct cultural identity and are the only community in India allowed to carry firearms without a license. The Kodavas are seeking constitutional recognition and land protection to preserve their heritage. They form over 60 per cent of the Kodava-speaking population and have a rich history tied to Karnataka’s cultural and social landscape. Their unique traditions, warrior heritage, and contributions to Indian society make them a significant ethnic group in southern India.

Odisha has introduced key initiatives under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme to support adolescent girls' welfare. Programs like "Nirbhaya Kadhi," "Mo Gelha Jiya," and "Veerangana Yojana" focus on preventing child marriages, addressing gender-based discrimination, and enhancing self-confidence among young girls. These schemes also provide self-defence training and legal rights awareness, ensuring better protection and empowerment for girls in the state. The initiatives have already shown positive impacts in curbing child marriages and promoting gender equality in Odisha.