Current Affairs - State

The “Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana” was launched by the Haryana government to offer monthly financial assistance to senior artistes who have significantly contributed to the state's cultural and artistic heritage. This welfare initiative, approved by the Haryana Cabinet on May 5, 2025, seeks to recognize and support elderly artistes—aged 60 and above—who have dedicated at least 20 years to traditional forms such as music, dance, painting, and theatre. By providing a stable financial aid system, the scheme underscores Haryana’s commitment to preserving its rich artistic traditions and ensuring dignity and sustenance for its ageing cultural custodians.

The ‘Jyothi’ scheme was launched by the state of Kerala in May 2025 as a targeted initiative to integrate children of migrant workers into the state’s formal education system. The scheme focuses on enrolling children aged 3 to 6 in anganwadis and those aged 6 and above in public schools. It addresses the barriers of frequent relocation, lack of documentation, and social marginalization that typically prevent migrant children from accessing continuous education. The month-long outreach involves local self-governments, Kudumbashree workers, schoolteachers, and PTAs, and aligns with Kerala’s broader commitment to inclusive development, welfare, and education for all.

The ‘Adishakti Abhiyan’ is a comprehensive women’s empowerment initiative launched by the state of Maharashtra to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered social reformer. With a budget of Rs 10.50 crore, the campaign focuses on improving grassroots access to government welfare schemes and addressing key issues such as malnutrition, maternal and infant mortality, child marriage, and gender-based violence. It promotes female participation in local governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions and introduces the Adishakti Awards to recognize outstanding efforts by Gram Panchayats. The campaign exemplifies Maharashtra’s commitment to inclusive governance and gender equality.

Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a pioneering milestone in renewable energy by drilling Northeast India’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, located in the West Kameng district. This initiative, led by the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) with support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences and international partners from Norway and Iceland, aims to utilise geothermal heat for applications like space heating and agricultural processing. The site was selected after two years of detailed geological and geochemical surveys, identifying Dirang as a medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal zone. This development marks a critical step toward sustainable energy use in high-altitude and remote areas.

Tamil Nadu has officially designated May 5 as Traders Day to recognize and honour the contributions of the business community. This initiative, announced by Chief Minister MK Stalin, aligns with the Dravidian Model of governance that emphasizes inclusive development and economic empowerment. The decision comes after sustained requests from the state's business sector, reflecting the government's responsiveness to stakeholder needs. In addition to trade support, Tamil Nadu has demonstrated leadership in education, boasting a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 47% and hosting some of India’s top colleges, underlining the state’s multifaceted approach to development.