Current Affairs - State

Himachal Pradesh renamed its Institute of Public Administration as Dr Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration, honouring the former Prime Minister’s contributions to the state’s development. The decision, approved by the state Cabinet under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, highlights the state’s acknowledgement of Dr Singh's legacy. Additionally, the Cabinet took significant steps to address drug abuse and organized crime by establishing a Special Task Force (STF).

Karnataka has introduced the "Garudakshi" online FIR system to improve the management of forest and wildlife crimes. This innovative system, developed with the Wildlife Trust of India, simplifies case handling under wildlife protection laws. Initially piloted in five divisions, the initiative aims to expand across the state, marking a significant step toward effective forest crime management and conservation efforts.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1 million prize for deciphering the ancient Indus Valley script, which has remained undeciphered for over a century. This announcement was made during the centenary celebration of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization at an international conference in Chennai. The Chief Minister highlighted the significance of understanding this ancient script and reaffirmed the state's commitment to supporting archaeological and historical research. The Tamil Nadu government is also supporting further research through various initiatives, including the establishment of a dedicated research chair in the name of Iravatham Mahadevan.

The Odisha government has signed a three-year, ₹15 crore sponsorship deal for the Indian national kho kho team, aiming to promote and enhance the visibility of the indigenous sport. Funded by the Odisha Mining Corporation, the initiative will focus on team development, infrastructure improvement, and global participation. With this strategic move, Odisha is demonstrating its commitment to supporting sports development, following the success of its previous sports initiatives, such as its partnership with Indian hockey. This sponsorship is expected to raise the profile of kho kho both nationally and internationally.

The Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) was first discovered in Tripura, specifically within the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. This butterfly species, found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, is protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Its sighting in May 2021 was documented in the journal Munis Entomology & Zoology. This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Tripura and underscores the importance of wildlife sanctuaries in conserving unique species.