Current Affairs - State

The ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme was launched by the Assam government to address the escalating issue of human-elephant conflict in the state. With over 1,400 human and 1,209 elephant deaths between 2000 and 2023, Assam recognized the urgent need for action. The scheme targets 80 high-risk areas and includes strategies like growing elephant-friendly crops such as bamboo and Napier grass to reduce intrusion into villages. It also deploys rapid response teams to guide elephants away safely. By promoting non-violent methods and involving communities, the scheme aims to ensure peaceful coexistence and reduce tragic encounters between people and wildlife.

Telangana was honoured with the IESA Industry Excellence Award 2025 in the State Leadership – Battery Manufacturing category during the 11th India Energy Storage Week held in New Delhi. The award highlights Telangana's commitment to advancing battery production and clean energy technology through progressive policies like the Telangana EV and Energy Storage Policy. The state has created industrial zones, attracted significant investment, and built a robust ecosystem for energy storage and electric vehicle components. This recognition reinforces Telangana's role as a growing hub for energy innovation and positions it to lead India’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Andhra Pradesh has launched a cutting-edge initiative named Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS) to fight mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. The system combines AI, drones, sensors, and IoT devices to monitor mosquito populations and environmental factors in real time. The project is being piloted across six cities, including Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Nellore. With over 5,500 dengue cases reported in 2024 alone, this data-driven approach allows targeted spraying, reducing unnecessary chemical use. It also integrates mobile apps and hospital data to track disease hotspots and improve public health response. The initiative marks a major advancement in digital health surveillance in India.

Bihar has introduced a significant policy reserving 35% of state government jobs exclusively for women who are domiciled in Bihar. This marks a shift from the earlier system that allowed women from any state to benefit from the reservation. The policy aims to enhance women's participation in governance and prioritise local candidates in public employment. Alongside this, the Bihar cabinet has also approved the establishment of the Bihar Youth Commission to support skill development, employment, and educational opportunities for the state's youth. These decisions are viewed as critical steps toward inclusive development and empowerment within Bihar.

Haryana has announced that it will build Asia’s largest jungle safari in the Aravalli Hills, covering approximately 10,000 acres of forest land. This ambitious project aims to protect wildlife, promote eco-tourism, and create employment opportunities for local communities. The initiative is being closely monitored by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and supported by both the Forest and Tourism Departments. By using modern, eco-friendly technology and drawing inspiration from successful models like the Vantara Wildlife Facility in Gujarat, Haryana hopes to lead the way in environmental conservation and green development. The project reflects a balanced approach to tourism and ecological preservation.