Current Affairs - State

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.

Uttarakhand celebrates its Foundation Day every year on November 9, commemorating its creation as India’s 27th state in the year 2000, after being carved out of Uttar Pradesh. Originally named Uttaranchal, it was officially renamed Uttarakhand in 2007 to reflect its cultural and historical identity. In 2025, the state observes its Silver Jubilee (25 years) of formation with grand celebrations highlighting its progress in tourism, education, infrastructure, and sustainability. Known as Devbhoomi, or the Land of the Gods, Uttarakhand holds immense spiritual and ecological significance in India’s landscape.

The Odisha government introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on November 4, 2025, to ensure farm equipment is ergonomically designed for women farmers. The initiative focuses on reducing physical strain, pain, and health issues faced by women due to the use of tools originally made for men. Since more than half of women farmers experience musculoskeletal disorders from male-centric implements, this SOP—developed under the Shree Anna Abhiyan pilot projects—will help test and refine both existing and new farm tools to promote inclusivity and improve agricultural productivity in Odisha.

The ₹8,000 crore MoU for the 1,500 MW Panchmauli-Devalipada Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project was signed by the Maharashtra government with GSC PSP Maha Pvt Ltd. This large-scale renewable energy initiative, located in Dhule and Nandurbar districts, aims to generate 2,500 jobs and ₹1,100 crore annual revenue. By utilizing 19.29 TMC of initial water storage, the project demonstrates Maharashtra’s commitment to expanding sustainable power infrastructure and strengthening its position in India’s renewable energy sector.