Current Affairs - State

Maharashtra has become the first state in India to roll out ‘Disha Abhiyan’, a state-wide initiative ensuring uniform and quality education for students with intellectual disabilities. Implemented across 453 special schools, the programme features a standardised curriculum developed by the Jai Vakil Foundation and certified by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID). Drawing on over 80 years of expertise in special education, it includes global best practices, research-backed teaching strategies, and vocational training modules. This initiative aims to eliminate disparities in teaching quality, promote independence, and align with the nation’s inclusive development vision for 2047.

National Waterway-57, located on the Kopili River, has been made operational in Assam, adding to the state’s existing network of inland waterways, which includes Brahmaputra (NW 2), Barak (NW 16), and Dhansiri (NW 31). This development strengthens Inland Water Transport (IWT) as part of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and PM Gati Shakti initiatives. IWT offers cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly cargo and passenger movement, with minimal environmental disruption. Operationalising NW-57 enhances connectivity in the Northeast, supports multimodal logistics, and promotes economic growth through cargo transport, eco-tourism, and ferry services, aligning with national goals to boost the freight share of inland waterways.

Sarnath, located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, known as the Dhammachakkappavattana. Historically referred to as Rishipatana and Mrigadava, Sarnath has monuments dating from the Mauryan to the Gahadavala period, including the Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, and the Ashokan Pillar crowned by the Lion Capital. The site flourished under various dynasties, endured invasions, and underwent restorations. It remains a vital cultural and religious landmark, now officially nominated for UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the 2025–26 cycle.

The Bhalukona–Jamnidih block in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh, has yielded a notable discovery of Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements (Ni–Cu–PGE) sulphide mineralisation. Conducted by Deccan Gold Mining Limited after securing the block through auction, the exploration revealed a 700-metre-long mineralised zone within mafic–ultramafic rocks, with indications of sulphide deposits extending to 300 metres deep. This discovery positions Chhattisgarh as an emerging hub in India’s critical mineral sector, complementing nearby deposits like the Kelwardabri block. With government support through its Critical Mineral Cell and dedicated exploration roadmap, the state is set to play a strategic role in securing vital resources for industrial and clean energy applications.

Punjab has become the first state in India to empanel sign language interpreters, translators, and special educators under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. This initiative will also be applied to cases under the POCSO Act, 2012, ensuring better access to justice for children with speech or hearing impairments. By bridging communication gaps, the state aims to make the judicial process more inclusive for differently-abled children. This progressive move reflects Punjab’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups and fostering a legal environment where every child can effectively communicate and participate in proceedings.