Current Affairs - State

Haryana launched a witness protection scheme aimed at ensuring the safety of witnesses involved in cases with severe punishments such as death, life imprisonment, or sentences of seven years and above. The scheme categorizes witnesses into three threat levels and provides various protection measures, including identity change, relocation, and in-camera trials. To oversee the implementation, a district-level Witness Protection Cell, led by police officials, has been established. This initiative underscores Haryana's commitment to protecting witnesses and ensuring fair justice.

The Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme was launched on 19th February 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan, marking the beginning of a nationally coordinated effort to improve soil health and address soil degradation. The scheme helps farmers by providing soil health information and recommendations for nutrient application. It is part of a broader initiative that includes soil testing and educational programs, contributing significantly to agricultural sustainability and improved crop yields across India. Rajasthan was the place where this important scheme was first introduced.

Assam has included Bathouism, the traditional faith of the Bodos, as an official religion option in various application forms, such as admissions and birth & death certificates. This move aims to preserve the indigenous faiths and distinct identity of the Bodo community, the largest plains tribe in Assam. The Bathouism faith centres around nature worship and reverence for ancestral traditions. This recognition reinforces the cultural roots of the Bodo community and promotes religious inclusivity, aligning with broader efforts to preserve nature-based indigenous beliefs in India.

Uttarakhand's Cabinet approved the Bhoo Kanoon (Land Law Amendment Bill), which aims to regulate land transactions involving non-residents. The law is designed to protect the state's cultural heritage, natural resources, and citizens' rights, and maintain Uttarakhand’s identity. The legislation imposes a blanket ban on agricultural land purchases by non-residents in 11 hill districts and restricts residential land transactions. It also introduces a digital land transaction system to ensure transparency. These measures were introduced to limit external influence on land ownership and safeguard the state’s future.

West Bengal topped India's bird species count for the third consecutive year in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) held from February 14 to 17, 2025. The state recorded 543 species out of a total of 1,068 species documented across India. This achievement reflects West Bengal's rich bird diversity and the active participation of birdwatchers in the state. Despite a slight decrease in participant numbers due to exam conflicts, West Bengal maintained its leadership, showcasing significant contributions to India’s birdwatching culture and habitat preservation efforts.