Current Affairs - State

Punjab has approved the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, with the goal of enforcing strict punishment for sacrilegious acts against holy texts. This legislative step reflects the state's intent to safeguard religious sentiments and maintain communal harmony. Alongside this bill, the Punjab Cabinet also passed the Punjab State Development Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Punjab Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill, 2025. These approvals collectively demonstrate the state's active engagement in strengthening both religious protections and administrative reforms within its legislative framework.

BITS Pilani is set to establish India’s first AI Plus Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore. Announced on July 14, 2025, this groundbreaking project aims to offer high-quality education in Artificial Intelligence and allied fields. The campus will feature modern infrastructure, including smart buildings, renewable energy, and IoT-based services, and is designed to provide global exposure through university partnerships and industry internships. The initiative is aligned with Andhra Pradesh's broader vision of becoming a hub for advanced education and aims to tackle real-world challenges using AI in agriculture, healthcare, and climate resilience.

On July 11, 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved several major welfare initiatives aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods, supporting traditional industries, and conserving wildlife. Key measures include salary hikes for Gaon Pradhans and Anganwadi workers, the introduction of the Gaja Mitra Scheme in eight districts to reduce human-elephant conflicts, and stipends for celibate monks in Satras. The government also introduced schemes to support artisans and students, including GST reimbursements for bell metal industries and monthly payments for Class X students. These actions align with Assam’s broader 2025–26 Budget goals and aim to uplift various segments of society while preserving cultural identity.

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive river revival program targeting 75 small rivers and tributaries, involving premier technical institutes like IIT Kanpur, IIT BHU, and IIT Roorkee. These institutions are developing customised revival plans considering geographical, ecological and social parameters. The multi-departmental effort represents one of India's most systematic attempts at aquatic ecosystem restoration, combining scientific expertise with coordinated governmental action. This large-scale environmental intervention underscores UP's commitment to water resource management, particularly focusing on smaller water bodies that are crucial for rural water security but often overlooked in conservation programs.

Gujarat became the first Indian state to officially join the Cruise Bharat Mission, a national initiative launched to make India a global cruise tourism hub by 2029. With a coastline stretching 2,340 km—the longest among Indian states—Gujarat is now focusing on building cruise infrastructure and developing new cruise circuits. Key destinations in the state, like Diu, Dwarka, Veraval, and Jamnagar, will be connected through coastal routes, enhancing tourist accessibility. The state’s early involvement sets a strong example for other coastal regions and is expected to generate economic benefits through tourism, job creation, and infrastructure investment.