Current Affairs - State

The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently introduced a revised design for EVM ballot papers to improve voter experience, focusing on visibility, readability, and uniformity. The updated design includes colored candidate photos, a standard font style, and a maximum of 15 candidates per sheet with the NOTA option placed after the last candidate. Importantly, the ECI confirmed that this new ballot paper design will first be implemented in the Bihar Elections of 2025, making Bihar the pioneering state for this initiative aimed at strengthening transparency and voter convenience.

Bihar, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, expanded the Chief Minister’s Nishchay Self Help Allowance Scheme to support unemployed graduates from Arts, Science, and Commerce streams. The scheme targets young individuals between the ages of 20 and 25 who are actively searching for jobs and are not enrolled in further studies. Beneficiaries will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 for up to two years, providing crucial financial support during their job seeking phase. This initiative reflects Bihar’s commitment to empowering its youth and reducing the financial hardships faced by unemployed graduates in the state.

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated several large-scale campaigns to mark the Seva Parv 2025 celebrations. These include the plantation of 15 lakh saplings to promote environmental sustainability, the Swachh Utsav to strengthen cleanliness drives, and the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan aimed at empowering women through health and blood donation camps. Additionally, the Urban Development Department will observe “Swachhata Hi Seva 2025,” reinforcing the importance of sanitation. These initiatives reflect a holistic approach by the state government, addressing environment, health, and cleanliness in alignment with sustainable development and community welfare goals.

PM Modi inaugurated the world’s first bamboo-based 2G bioethanol plant at Numaligarh in Assam, with an investment of ₹5,000 crore. This landmark project highlights India’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable development. The plant plays a vital role in supporting India’s E20 ethanol blending target, achieved in 2025, by producing ethanol from bamboo, which is abundant in the Northeast. It follows a zero-waste model, generating not only ethanol but also green chemicals, carbon dioxide, bio-coal, and 25 MW of green power. The project positions Assam as a leader in renewable energy innovation while boosting local bamboo-based industries.

The Gujarat government launched a massive financial initiative by disbursing more than ₹1,000 crore under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana to benefit 10.49 lakh girls studying in Classes 9 to 12. Each girl receives ₹50,000 spread across four years, regardless of whether she is already covered under other scholarships, with payments streamlined through a dedicated Namo Lakshmi portal. In addition, 1.5 lakh students pursuing science education were supported with ₹161+ crore through the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana. This program underscores Gujarat’s focus on encouraging education, particularly for young girls, and promoting STEM learning among students.