Current Affairs - State

Punjab became the first state in India to fully implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme, marking a major step forward in enhancing digital connectivity across rural regions. With the scheme’s rollout, the state enabled live monitoring of sensitive border areas while extending broadband services to 43 shadow zones that previously lacked dependable connectivity. The initiative aims to cover every village by the end of November 2025, ensuring digital inclusion for households and Gram Panchayats. Through improved access to e-health, e-governance, and digital services, Punjab is strengthening grassroots development and building a more connected rural ecosystem.

Maharashtra has introduced a comprehensive incentive scheme aimed at boosting the performance and efficiency of sugar factories across the state. The scheme evaluates factories on nine diverse parameters, including operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, financial stability, and technological adoption such as the use of AI. By recognizing three cooperative and three private factories annually, the initiative encourages healthy competition and continuous improvement. A two-tier evaluation framework ensures transparency and fairness through dedicated Screening and Steering Committees. This structured assessment approach helps the state promote sustainable and innovative practices within the sugar industry.

Nagaland has announced a comprehensive initiative to establish Old Age Homes across all its districts, reflecting the state’s commitment to enhancing elderly welfare and protection. Spearheaded by Advisor Wangpang Konyak, the plan emphasises providing care, nutrition, and social security for vulnerable senior citizens. It aligns with existing welfare programmes such as the Old Age Pension, Elderly Helpline, and Charity Care initiatives. This effort seeks to ensure dignified living conditions and community support for the aged population, showcasing a proactive approach to inclusive governance and social responsibility toward the elderly in Nagaland.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with CERT-In, organised the “Cyber Bharat Setu: Bridging States, Securing Bharat” workshop in Agartala, Tripura. The two-day event, held on November 11–12, 2025, aimed to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and capacity across government officials, law enforcement agencies, and students. Through practical drills and simulated cyber-attack exercises, the initiative sought to improve India’s digital defence preparedness, promote innovation in cyber practices, and build a cohesive national framework for proactive cyber resilience.

The Assam government has approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025, marking a historic move to criminalise the practice of multiple marriages while a first marriage is still legally valid. The Bill proposes imprisonment of up to seven years for offenders and establishes a special compensation fund to support women affected by polygamous unions. It excludes Scheduled Tribes and areas under the Sixth Schedule, as well as certain pre-2005 Muslim marriages in Scheduled Areas. The legislation reinforces gender justice, promotes uniform marriage laws, and could serve as a legislative model for other Indian states pursuing similar reforms.