Current Affairs - State

Karnataka became the first Indian state to adopt a globally recognised Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based excise duty structure on May 11, 2026. The reform marked a major shift in liquor taxation by allowing producers to independently fix prices based on alcohol content and market conditions instead of government-controlled pricing. The policy also streamlined Indian Made Liquor categories into eight distinct slabs through amendments to the Karnataka Excise Rules, 1968. Introduced following commitments in the 2026–27 state budget, the initiative aims to provide consumers with more competitive pricing while maintaining parity with neighboring states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Kerala.

The "Jan Bhagidari – Sabse Door, Sabse Pehle" campaign was launched by the Chhattisgarh government to improve the delivery of welfare schemes in remote tribal villages. Conducted from May 18 to May 25, 2026, the initiative targeted more than 8,000 tribal villages across the state. Implemented by the Tribal Development Department, the campaign focused on benefits related to health, nutrition, education, social security, and drinking water. It also included public grievance hearings and health camps for screening diseases such as sickle cell anaemia and tuberculosis. The campaign supported national tribal welfare initiatives like PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba mission.

Nagaland observed the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on May 17, 2026, at the College of Nursing in Kohima. The memorial was organised under the theme “Light the Legacy: Remember. Advance. Act.” and aimed to honour individuals who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS-related illnesses while also supporting people currently living with HIV. The event emphasised the importance of reducing social stigma, improving healthcare accessibility, and encouraging collective action by governments and civil society organisations. Special focus was placed on the role of youth in spreading awareness, promoting safe practices, and encouraging social inclusion in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Telangana organised a special “Youth and Sports Week” from May 18 to 23, 2026, to encourage youth empowerment, physical fitness, sports participation, and employment opportunities across the state. The programme was conducted under the larger 99-day public service initiative called “Praja Palana Pragathi Pranalika.” Activities during the week included marathons, career guidance sessions, youth parliament programmes, sports events, environmental cleaning drives, and employment facilitation initiatives. Events were held at district and grassroots levels, including major programmes at the L.B. Stadium in Hyderabad. The initiative aimed to actively involve students, youth organisations, athletes, and local communities in building a healthier and more empowered society.

The Grih Pravesh ceremony for 5 lakh completed houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) was launched in Maharashtra by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on May 15, 2026. The event took place in Satara and also marked the handover of keys for the 3-croreth rural house completed under the scheme. PMAY-G, launched in 2016 under the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to provide “Housing for All” in rural India. Maharashtra also received substantial central financial assistance and approval for PMGSY-IV road projects to improve rural connectivity and infrastructure across several habitations.