Current Affairs - State

Telangana has introduced a progressive social welfare measure by extending a ₹1 lakh marriage incentive to couples where both individuals are differently-abled. This new policy marks a shift from the earlier practice, where the incentive was given only if one partner was differently-abled. The amount will be disbursed in the name of the wife, emphasizing women’s empowerment alongside inclusivity. A Government Order formalizing this initiative has been issued, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting differently-abled citizens and encouraging equality in marital partnerships. This move is expected to enhance social security and dignity for people with disabilities.

The ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam’ scheme was launched by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in Macharam village, located in Nagarkurnool district. The initiative aims to support tribal farmers by providing them with free solar-powered pumps ranging from 5 to 7.5 horsepower to help irrigate horticultural crops. This move is part of a larger commitment to sustainable agriculture and tribal welfare. The Telangana government has allocated Rs 12,600 crore for the scheme's implementation over the next four years, emphasizing its long-term vision for rural development, clean energy adoption, and agricultural productivity enhancement in tribal regions.

Bihar played a key role in advancing India’s agri-food export ambitions by hosting the International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) 2025 in Patna. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), and the Government of Bihar. The initiative focused on creating global market linkages and highlighting Bihar’s vast agricultural potential, from fruits and vegetables to processed food products. It marked a significant step in integrating Bihar’s farmers and food producers into international trade and value chains.

Tamil Nadu has set up a ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund aimed at protecting its rich biodiversity. Initially managed by the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA), the fund faced delays due to the agency’s inactivity. To ensure the timely execution of conservation initiatives, the state government transferred fund management to the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) in Vandalur. AIWC, known for its expertise in wildlife research and conservation, is now responsible for overseeing surveys, assessments, and mapping of endangered species. This strategic move strengthens Tamil Nadu’s commitment to proactive and scientifically grounded wildlife conservation efforts.

Tripura is set to witness significant development in the fisheries sector with the foundation stone laying of a ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Alongside this, a Fish Festival will be hosted in Agartala. These initiatives aim to strengthen the fisheries infrastructure in the state, including hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, processing, and marketing facilities. The event will also feature the distribution of certificates and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to eligible fishers, demonstrating a focused effort to uplift the livelihoods of the fishing community in Tripura. Union Minister for Fisheries Rajeev Ranjan Singh emphasized that the fisheries sector now contributes 9% to India’s economy, making it a more dominant player compared to agriculture, which contributes around 4–5%.