Current Affairs - State

The Maharashtra government has declared the ancient Mesolithic geoglyphs and petroglyphs in Ratnagiri as protected monuments. These rock artworks, dating back thousands of years, include over 1,500 depictions of animals and footprints across 70 sites. Some of these sites are also on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list, highlighting their cultural and historical significance. The protection is granted under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

The Bihar government has mandated the registration of all temples, mutts, and trusts within the state and has directed District Magistrates to ensure compliance. This move is aimed at ensuring that the details of the immovable assets of these religious bodies are submitted to the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts (BSBRT) and properly documented. The initiative is significant as it targets unregistered religious properties across Bihar, aiming to bring them under the legal framework established by the Bihar Hindu Religious Trusts Act, of 1950.

The Goa ST Reservation Bill 2024 was introduced to address the representation of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Goa Assembly. While Goa's Assembly currently has a reserved seat for Scheduled Castes (SCs), it lacks reserved seats for STs despite its growing population. This bill aims to amend the delimitation order to include ST reservations, reflecting longstanding demands and the demographic changes in the state. The move is a significant step towards more equitable representation of ST communities in Goa’s legislative process.

Assam has launched the 'HaatiApp' to mitigate Human-Elephant conflicts, which is supported by Aaranyak and the SBI Foundation. This early warning system aims to alert communities about the presence of wild elephants, thus reducing the frequency of conflicts. Additionally, the app helps streamline applications for ex-gratia compensation for damages caused by elephants. To further support these efforts, Aaranyak has also introduced an Assamese handbook on solar-powered fences, providing essential guidance on installation and maintenance to protect both humans and elephants.

Odisha has launched India’s first 24/7 grain dispensing machine, called the Annapurti Grain ATM, aimed at modernizing the Public Distribution System (PDS). This machine, introduced in Bhubaneswar, dispenses up to 50 kg of rice with high accuracy and efficiency, significantly reducing queues and minimizing fraud in the distribution process. The system operates with minimal error, enhancing the convenience and reliability of accessing rationed rice. Developed in collaboration with the World Food Programme, this initiative marks a significant step in improving food security and access in the state.