Current Affairs - State

Karnataka has set its sights on becoming the gaming and animation hub of Asia, as emphasized by IT Minister Priyank Kharge during the Indian Gaming Convention 2024. The state is taking significant steps towards this goal by establishing centres of excellence and organizing a government-sponsored eSports Olympics. With the theme "India—The Next Superpower in Gaming," the event reflects the rapid growth of India's gaming market, which has expanded by 28% between 2020 and 2023, driven by 42.5 crore gamers across the country.

Odisha took the top spot in the 'Best State' category at the 5th National Water Awards, 2023, announced by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri CR Paatil. Uttar Pradesh secured second place, while Gujarat and Puducherry jointly claimed third. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding efforts in water conservation and management across various categories, including states, districts, villages, and individuals. The National Water Awards aim to promote holistic water resource management and encourage exemplary work in achieving the government's vision of 'Jal Samridh Bharat'.

The Maharashtra government announced on October 14, 2024, that the Maharashtra State Skills Development University will be renamed the "Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata Skills University" to honour the significant contributions of the late industrialist Ratan Tata to education and skill development. This decision reflects the state's recognition of Tata's philanthropic efforts and commitment to empowering youth, particularly in rural areas. The renaming also included other honours, such as a request for the Bharat Ratna Award and the renaming of the Udyog Ratna Award in his memory, showcasing Tata’s enduring legacy in India.

Telangana has launched a comprehensive household caste survey, joining Andhra Pradesh and Bihar as the third state to conduct such a survey. This initiative aims to ensure targeted resource distribution among Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other communities. A commission led by former High Court judge Justice Shameem Akhtar will study the sub-classification of SCs. The survey will provide valuable data on socio-economic status, education levels, income, employment, and political representation, enabling evidence-based policy interventions.

Telangana has begun categorizing Scheduled Castes (SCs) into four sub-groups following a Supreme Court judgment that allows states to sub-classify SCs and STs for reservation purposes. The ruling upheld the application of the 'creamy layer' principle to SCs and STs, which was previously only applicable to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It also clarified that reservation benefits are meant for the first generation, and subsequent generations become ineligible if a family member has already availed of the benefits. This initiative aims to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources among varying levels of backwardness within these communities.