Current Affairs - State

The Punjab Government's decision to hike Dearness Allowance by 4% will benefit over 6.5 lakh employees and pensioners, providing them with additional financial support ahead of Diwali. This increase raises the DA from 38% to 42%, effective from November 1. Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, the Punjab Government aims to support its employees and pensioners through this significant policy update.

Madhya Pradesh, one of India's largest producers of Kodo millet, witnessed the tragic death of 10 elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The elephants' demise was linked to the consumption of contaminated Kodo millet containing cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a toxic mycotoxin produced by fungal infection. The incident highlights concerns about food safety and the potential risks associated with fungal-infected crops, particularly in regions with poor soil quality. The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is a significant conservation area, and this incident underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of wildlife habitats and food sources.

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a significant step to enhance rural veterinary care by approving a policy to introduce diploma and certificate courses in animal husbandry and para-veterinary medicine. This initiative aims to address the shortage of veterinary professionals in rural areas by allowing both private and government institutions to offer these courses. The policy is expected to improve the availability of trained para-vets, leading to better animal healthcare and increased productivity in the state's rural areas. This move aligns with the government's efforts to promote rural development and agricultural growth in Uttar Pradesh.

The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) is situated in the state of Goa, specifically near the Chorla Ghat, bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka. This sanctuary is ecologically significant as it forms part of the Western Ghats, hosting a substantial tiger population and serving as a vital wildlife corridor. Notably, Goa is the only state with its entire portion of the Western Ghats under state protection, highlighting the importance of Mhadei WLS in conservation efforts. The sanctuary is also home to critically endangered Long-billed vultures and has been recommended as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972.

The Deepam 2.0 scheme was launched by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in Edupuram, Srikakulam, to empower women by providing clean cooking energy and improving living conditions. This initiative builds upon the Deepam 1.0 scheme, which provided LPG connections and subsidies, and offers three free gas cylinders annually. The scheme aims to reduce financial burdens, promote cleaner cooking methods, and enhance the quality of life for women and their families, aligning with Naidu's 'Super 6' election promises focused on women's empowerment.