Current Affairs - State

Telangana has become the 14th state to participate in India’s mineral auction regime, with the auction of two limestone blocks at Sultanpur and Saidulnama in November. These limestone blocks were auctioned to NCL Industries and Deccan Cement, marking the state’s entry into the Centre’s auction system. This initiative is aimed at boosting mineral production, particularly to meet the growing demands of industries like cement manufacturing. Telangana’s involvement in this regime highlights its commitment to enhancing its mining sector.

'Mission Arun Himveer' was launched by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to strengthen market linkages for agricultural and horticultural producers. The initiative involves a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Aimed at fostering rural economic growth and supporting the Vibrant Village Programme, it ensures direct market access for farmers, self-help groups, and cooperatives while addressing employment challenges in border regions.

In FY25, Maharashtra led the allocation for women-centric welfare schemes, dedicating $5.4 billion, which is 1.1% of its GDP. These schemes, which include cash transfers and empowerment programs, have become significant political tools. Maharashtra's schemes, such as the "Ladki Bahin Yojana," have played a crucial role in attracting women voters and contributing to the success of the BJP-led coalition. Maharashtra's focus on women-centric welfare is reflected in its substantial financial commitment to these initiatives, setting it apart from other states in terms of allocation.

Telangana has announced the implementation of the Rythu Bharosa scheme, offering farmers an annual aid of ₹15,000 per acre, exceeding the ₹10,000 provided under the earlier Rythu Bandhu scheme. Alongside this, the state government has waived crop loans amounting to ₹20,616 crore, benefiting 25.35 lakh farmers. These initiatives, coupled with free electricity, fertiliser subsidies, and minimum support price (MSP) policies, underscore Telangana's commitment to supporting agricultural development and farmer welfare.

The new species of glyptosternine catfish, Exostoma sentiyonoae, was discovered in the Dzuleke River, a tributary of the Barak River in Nagaland. This discovery highlights the region's rich biodiversity, marking it as the first species of its genus identified in the Dzuleke River. The Barak River system, significant to Northeast India's ecology, flows through Nagaland, among other states, before joining major river systems in Bangladesh. This find emphasizes the ecological importance of preserving riverine habitats in the region.