Current Affairs - State

Meghalaya has taken a significant step towards reviving its coal mining industry by inaugurating its first scientific coal mining block, "Saryngkham-A", at Byndihati in East Jaintia Hills. This move marks a shift from the hazardous and unscientific rat-hole mining practices that were banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014. The new scientific coal mining approach prioritizes safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

Karnataka has approved a 100% salary increase for the Chief Minister, ministers, and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This decision has been a topic of considerable debate and is based on the Karnataka Ministers’ Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 and Karnataka Legislature Members’ Salaries Bill 2025. Home Minister G Parameshwara justified the hike by pointing out the rising expenses faced by lawmakers.

The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of a new 12.7 LMT Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex at Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited in Namrup, Assam. The project, costing Rs. 10,601.40 Crore, aims to boost Urea production capacity, particularly benefiting the North-East and nearby regions. Additionally, the complex will enhance energy efficiency and create employment opportunities, contributing to both local and regional development.

The new plant species, Uniyala keralensis, was discovered in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in Kerala. The species is endemic to southwest India and was first collected in 1998. It has distinctive light purple flowers and stands out from similar species in the Uniyala genus. The species thrives in open areas of the Western Ghats, with an estimated population of around 5,000 individuals, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in New Delhi. This collaboration aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and data-driven governance across various sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and employment. By leveraging AI and digital solutions, the government intends to enhance service delivery, promote innovation, and drive efficiency in public administration, with a particular focus on healthcare and education reforms to improve outcomes for the state's residents.