Current Affairs - State

Punjab imposed a ban on the sale of hybrid paddy seeds, citing economic concerns for farmers due to low Out Turn Ratio (OTR) and high grain breakage during milling, which significantly affects their profitability. While hybrids are known for better yields and efficient water usage, the real problem, as experts suggest, stems from poor post-harvest handling, such as improper timing of harvest, drying methods, and outdated milling infrastructure. This decision has also stirred controversy as it potentially conflicts with the Seed Act of 1966, which allows the sale of centrally approved hybrid seeds, sparking a debate between state regulations and national agricultural laws.

Telangana became the first Indian state to formally implement Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-categorisation by enacting the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalization of Reservations) Act, 2025. This reform divides the existing 15% SC reservation among 59 sub-castes into three groups based on their level of social and educational backwardness. Issued on April 14, 2025, coinciding with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, the policy aims to distribute benefits more equitably. Grounded in past recommendations like the Lokur Committee and more recent judicial guidance, the move reflects a pioneering step toward data-driven and targeted affirmative action that better addresses intra-caste disparities within the SC community.

Maharashtra entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s ROSATOM for the development of thorium-based small modular reactors. This collaboration is aimed at promoting thorium reactor technology while adhering to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) safety standards. The initiative is part of the 'Make in Maharashtra' campaign, signalling the state's ambition to become a key player in advanced nuclear energy solutions. Although the final approval for such projects rests with the central government, Maharashtra is taking a proactive role in encouraging innovation and self-reliance in nuclear energy development.

The Madhya Pradesh government declared the establishment of a new wildlife sanctuary in Sagar district, named Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran, covering an area of 258.64 square kilometres. This sanctuary was inaugurated ahead of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary on April 14, 2025. The sanctuary aims to enhance wildlife conservation, boost eco-tourism, and provide local employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. By naming the sanctuary after Dr. Ambedkar, the state also honours his contributions to social reform while promoting environmental preservation.

Odisha has introduced a comprehensive unified health insurance scheme that merges Ayushman Bharat, Gopabandhu Jan Arogya, and Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana. This initiative provides ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family, with an additional ₹5 lakh exclusively for women, ensuring broader health protection. Covering 352 lakh individuals from 1.08 crore families, the scheme enables access to cashless treatment at over 29,000 hospitals across India. Significantly, senior citizens aged 70 and above are included irrespective of income, promoting inclusive healthcare. Over 1,400 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are also participating virtually in the launch, highlighting the state’s digital and healthcare infrastructure efforts.