Current Affairs - State

Maharashtra is set to establish India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) university, aiming to drive AI education, research, and innovation. A task force comprising experts from academia, industry, and government has been formed to oversee the project. The university will focus on AI research, skill development, and technological innovation while fostering collaboration between various stakeholders. It aligns with broader national goals to enhance AI capabilities and make Maharashtra a global hub for AI education and policy formulation. This initiative reflects the state's commitment to advancing technology-driven growth.

Gujarat has appointed a panel, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, to draft the state's Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The five-member panel includes experts from various fields and is expected to submit its report within 45 days. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of implementing a Uniform Civil Code to ensure equal rights for all citizens. The move marks a significant step in legal reforms, as Gujarat becomes one of the states actively working towards drafting a UCC.

The Andhra Pradesh government launched 'Mana Mitra', India’s first WhatsApp-based governance platform. This initiative offers 161 civil services, aiming to make government services more accessible to citizens. With the platform, residents can easily access public services directly through WhatsApp, making it a significant step in digital governance. The platform is developed in collaboration with Meta and is set to expand with additional services in the future, further improving the accessibility of government services in the state.

Maharashtra was allocated a record ₹23,778 crore for railway projects in the 2025-26 Budget, marking a significant investment in the state’s railway infrastructure. With ongoing railway projects valued at ₹1.7 lakh crore, Maharashtra is set to witness major developments, including 132 new railway stations under the Amrit Stations Scheme. The tripartite agreement between the state, Centre, and RBI further ensures smooth funding for these projects. Additionally, the state has seen extensive railway expansion, with 2,105 km of new tracks laid since 2014, enhancing connectivity and economic growth.

The saffron reedtail damselfly (Indosticta deccanensis) was discovered in Madhugundi, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, marking its first recorded presence in the northern Western Ghats. This species belongs to the Platystictidae family and thrives in undisturbed forest streams, serving as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. The discovery expands the known range of the species and underscores the ecological importance of Karnataka’s Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. Conservation of such pristine habitats is essential for preserving unique and lesser-known species like the saffron reedtail damselfly.