Current Affairs - State

The Haryana government, under the leadership of CM Nayab Singh Saini, has decided to increase reservations for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in Group-A and Group-B posts from 15% to 27%. This decision aims to align with the Central government's policy and enhance opportunities for OBC youth in government jobs and educational institutions across the state. The announcement was made at the 'OBC Morcha Sarv Samaj Samrasta Sammelan' in Gurugram, emphasizing the state's commitment to welfare and inclusive growth.

The Madhya Pradesh government has approved the establishment of one PM College of Excellence in each district of the state, starting from July 1. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote job-oriented courses across all 55 districts of Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh recently initiated the country’s first helicopter pilot training school in Khajuraho, reflecting the state's commitment to advancing aviation education alongside traditional academic disciplines.

The Ministry of Coal, through Eastern Coalfields Limited, launched India's inaugural Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) pilot project at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara, Jharkhand. This initiative aims to convert coal into valuable gases such as methane and hydrogen for industrial use, marking a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and sustainability in India's coal sector.

Punjab Police initiated 'Mission Nishchay' in the Fazilka district of Punjab, collaborating with BSF and Village Defence Committees to combat drug trafficking along the India-Pakistan border. This initiative aims to gather intelligence and engage local communities in efforts to curb drug-related activities, focusing on areas with significant border proximity and historical drug trafficking incidences.

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, recently sanctioned Rs 100 crore under the Chief Minister's Social Security Scheme (CMSSS). This scheme, initiated in 2019, aims to provide financial assistance through pensions to elderly citizens above 60 years, widows, and persons with disabilities (divyang jan). The approval is expected to benefit approximately 80,000 individuals across the state of Arunachal Pradesh, enhancing social security measures under the state government's flagship programme.