Current Affairs - State

West Bengal initiated the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme on May 22, 2026, by establishing a State Monitoring Committee and District Implementation Committees. The scheme aims to support traditional artisans and craftspeople through skill development, financial assistance, modern tools, and improved market access. More than 7.79 lakh artisans and craftspeople are enrolled under the scheme in the state. As part of broader MSME support initiatives, a Transformer Testing Facility was also inaugurated in Kolkata to provide affordable testing services for enterprises. The rollout is expected to strengthen traditional occupations, improve livelihoods, and enhance the MSME ecosystem across the state.

Haryana launched the ShramMitra application on May 20, 2026, with the objective of creating a digital platform that connects workers and employers more efficiently. Developed by the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, the app functions as an Electronic Employment Exchange and aims to gradually replace the traditional labour chowk system. It supports Hindi, English, and Punjabi languages and already includes data on around 75,000 registered workers from 135 labour chowks. The platform facilitates employment opportunities for skilled workers such as masons, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, welders, and various self-employed professionals, promoting greater transparency and accessibility in the labour market.

The Madhya Pradesh government partnered with Google on May 20, 2026, to establish an AI-powered governance ecosystem and an AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE). The initiative aims to enhance public service delivery through advanced technologies such as real-time crowd monitoring, predictive safety analytics, digital twin models, and multilingual AI assistants. The partnership also focuses on innovation, startup incubation, and large-scale AI skill development. Additionally, Google Play plans to train 10,000 app developers, while AI-based solutions will be introduced in education, agriculture, and healthcare. The collaboration reflects the growing adoption of artificial intelligence for governance and socio-economic development.

Odisha introduced a policy on May 22, 2026, requiring the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for official government duties and encouraging virtual meetings to improve administrative efficiency. The initiative aims to reduce travel-related costs, enhance sustainability, and support environmentally friendly governance practices. The Finance Department of Odisha was tasked with preparing the implementation framework for the policy. The move aligns with broader efforts to promote clean transportation and digital governance. Odisha has often been recognized for progressive administrative reforms and is also known for landmarks such as the Konark Sun Temple and its role in hosting major international sporting events.

The Bihar Cabinet approved direct international flight operations on the Gaya–Bangkok route and selected IndiGo to operate the service for a period of 12 months. The initiative aims to improve international connectivity and facilitate travel for Buddhist pilgrims from Thailand visiting Bodh Gaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Along with this decision, the cabinet also approved the Young Professionals Selection Policy-2026 and extended the recommendations of the Fifth State Finance Commission for FY 2026–27. The move is expected to strengthen tourism, cultural exchanges, and economic activity in the region.