Current Affairs - State

Solan district is located in Himachal Pradesh and lies in two distinct agro-climatic zones—sub-tropical low hills and sub-temperate mid hills. These zones influence the region's agricultural practices, which currently rely on hybrid seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides. However, these methods contribute to environmental degradation and increased production costs. The state is now transitioning to natural farming, focusing on sustainability, climate resilience, and improving soil health, with practices like Jeevamrit and mulching.

The Assam government has decided to denotify three proposed reserve forests in Tinsukia district—Talpathar, Mohongpathar, and Duarmarah—to provide land rights to over 20,000 residents. These areas will now be converted into revenue villages, ensuring legal land ownership for the inhabitants. Alongside this decision, Assam has also announced a Rs 600 crore grant for 25,000 places of worship and introduced new policies to support startups and defence manufacturing. This move reflects the state’s commitment to balancing environmental conservation with social and economic development.

Karnataka's cabinet approved the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Satellite Township (GBIST) project, covering 8,032 acres between Bidadi and Harohalli. This initiative is part of a larger plan to develop five more satellite townships in Devanahalli, Nelamangala, Hoskote, Bidadi, and Doddaballapur, enhancing multi-modal connectivity in the region. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned a ₹5,000 crore Karnataka Water Security & Disaster Resilience Program, aimed at strengthening water security and disaster preparedness. These decisions reflect Karnataka’s commitment to sustainable urban expansion and infrastructure development.

On January 24, 2025, Himachal Pradesh approved a cannabis cultivation pilot aimed at exploring its agricultural, medicinal, and industrial applications. The initiative will be managed by the state's agriculture department, aligning Himachal Pradesh with other states like Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh that have already recognized the economic potential of cannabis. Globally, cannabis is valued for its versatility, with industrial uses ranging from textiles and bioplastics to over 25,000 different products. This move signifies a step towards leveraging cannabis for economic and research benefits while ensuring regulated and sustainable cultivation practices.

The Himachal Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhu, has approved the Sadhbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme 2025. This initiative aims to settle around 3,500 pending cases and generate revenue of approximately Rs 10 crore. Additionally, the scheme clarifies that petroleum products like diesel and petrol, which fall under the State VAT Act, will remain outside the purview of GST. This move is expected to streamline tax administration and resolve longstanding disputes efficiently.