Current Affairs - State

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.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Adivasi Mela and launched the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme, aimed at supporting tribal students. The initiative provides an annual one-time assistance of ₹5,000 to 2 lakh tribal students, with a budget allocation of ₹156 crore. This scheme reflects Odisha's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and welfare for its tribal communities, aligning with its broader tribal development goals.

Chhattisgarh has pioneered the adoption of the Green GDP model in India, emphasizing the integration of ecological services such as clean air, water conservation, and biodiversity into economic planning. This initiative promotes sustainable development by valuing the contributions of natural resources and ensuring their preservation. It sets an example for balancing economic growth with environmental health, helping policymakers create strategies that recognize the economic significance of forests while mitigating ecological degradation.