Current Affairs - State

The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced the renaming of 15 places across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. This initiative aims to honour historical figures and restore cultural identity by replacing colonial and Mughal-era names with those reflecting India's rich heritage. The changes were made based on public demand and historical significance, fostering regional pride and awareness of Uttarakhand’s historical roots. This move aligns with broader efforts in India to celebrate indigenous history and culture.

The Telangana government launched India’s first free fine rice scheme, aiming to provide fine rice free of cost to the poor through ration shops. This initiative was unveiled in Huzurnagar, Suryapet district, on Ugadi by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The program is designed to enhance food security with dignity, ensuring that quality rice reaches economically weaker sections without any cost. This landmark effort highlights Telangana’s commitment to social welfare and food security, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.

The Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has announced plans to develop Nangal into a major tourist hub and transform Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary into Punjab’s first leopard safari destination. These projects are part of the ‘Badalda Punjab’ Budget 2025-26, with a ₹10 crore initial investment for Nangal. The initiatives aim to boost tourism, promote wildlife conservation, enhance eco-tourism, create employment opportunities, and preserve Punjab’s cultural heritage. The development of these sites reflects Punjab’s commitment to sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation.

Karnataka’s initiative to address the rising human-elephant conflict in the Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu districts through a “soft-release” strategy. This approach involves gradually rehabilitating captured elephants into the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS), where they will undergo acclimatization and health checks in a 20 sq. km enclosure before being released to designated sites. BWS, a Project Tiger reserve, supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and over 250 bird species, and is home to around 450 elephants with a capacity for 200 more. This strategy aims to balance conservation efforts with human-wildlife coexistence.

The Mao Nagas, an indigenous tribe residing primarily in the northern region of Manipur, near the southern border of Nagaland. The Mao Council, representing this tribe, has officially endorsed a judgment by the Tenyimia People’s Organisation (TPO) Presidential Council, resolving a traditional land dispute. This development reflects efforts towards regional harmony between Manipur and Nagaland. The Mao Nagas are known for their agricultural economy, patriarchal social structure, and strong community ties, with their language also named Mao, signifying their deep connection to their homeland.