Current Affairs - State

West Bengal launched the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 to provide ₹1,500 per month to eligible unemployed youth aged 21–40 years through Direct Benefit Transfer into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The scheme offers support for up to five years or until beneficiaries secure employment or self-employment. Announced during the interim budget for 2026–27 and administered by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, it aims to provide interim financial relief amid rising joblessness. With a significant budget allocation and large-scale registrations, the initiative targets lakhs of beneficiaries across the state.

The Rajasthan Homestay (Paying Guest House) Scheme 2026 was introduced to decentralise tourism and stimulate rural economic growth. The initiative encourages self-employment, particularly among women and small investors, while offering tourists authentic local cultural experiences. The scheme features a fully digital and simplified registration process aligned with Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living priorities. It increases accommodation capacity, removes the mandatory owner-residence requirement, and provides faster approvals, including deemed approval provisions. With silver and gold registration categories and statewide implementation, the scheme broadens participation and strengthens Rajasthan’s rural tourism infrastructure.

Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Digital Bharat Nidhi to accelerate the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme. This ambitious project, valued at $16.9 billion (₹1.39 lakh crore), aims to extend Optical Fibre Cable broadband connectivity to every village, strengthening rural digital infrastructure. The agreement ensures state support in providing right of way and infrastructure access to facilitate smooth execution. The initiative is designed to digitally empower rural communities, enhance socio-economic development, and promote digital inclusion by enabling improved connectivity for government institutions, businesses, and citizens across the state.

Bihar has been officially declared Naxal-free following the surrender of the last armed Maoist, Suresh Koda, in Munger. This marks the end of a long-standing insurgency that began in the 1970s and once severely affected the state, with as many as 23 districts impacted in 2012. Sustained security operations, development initiatives, and strong rehabilitation policies played a significant role in restoring normalcy. Authorities reported 220 arrests and zero Naxal-related incidents during 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of coordinated efforts to eliminate extremist activities and promote peace and stability across the state.

Kerala has proposed the Nativity Card Bill to introduce a permanent photo identity card for individuals born in the state or those with Keralite ancestry. The proposed card aims to serve as authoritative proof of identity for accessing various state services, particularly amid concerns related to citizenship and documentation. The Bill also includes strict penalties for providing false information, including up to three months of imprisonment, a fine of ₹5,000, or both. It is set to be tabled in the State Assembly and is intended to streamline identification processes and strengthen administrative clarity within the state.