Current Affairs - State

The Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken a major step toward administrative transparency by digitising the National Family Benefit Scheme. This welfare initiative targets economically vulnerable families, ensuring they receive timely financial assistance during distress. The digital transformation of the scheme enables applicants to complete the process online—from application to the disbursal of benefits—within a 75-day window. This shift not only streamlines service delivery but also enhances accountability, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes the potential for delays or corruption. The reform aligns with broader goals of leveraging technology for inclusive governance and public welfare in India.

The culmination of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is being held in Bardoli, a historically significant location in the state of Gujarat. The event will feature a farmers’ conference attended by key leaders, including Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This gathering aims to highlight and support agricultural advancements and new initiatives intended to boost productivity and sustainability in the region. Hosting the event in Bardoli, known for its agricultural legacy, aligns with the government’s efforts to empower farmers and reinforce the importance of agricultural development at both state and national levels.

India’s first underwater museum and artificial coral reef is set to be established near Nivati Rocks at Vengurla in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The site will revolve around the decommissioned Indian Navy warship INS Guldar, which will serve as a centrepiece to promote both marine biodiversity and tourism. Supported by the central government, the project aims to attract eco-tourism through activities such as scuba diving and, in the future, submarine tours. The museum will not only contribute to marine conservation by fostering artificial reefs but will also open new avenues for sustainable tourism and environmental education.

The Maharashtra government has launched a geo-tagged 13-digit unique ID system for all infrastructure projects to enhance transparency and monitoring. This digital initiative, implemented through the Infra ID portal, will help track projects in real time, prevent duplication, and improve inter-departmental coordination. The system will first be tested in the Wardha district before expanding statewide by October 2025, with all projects since 2020 expected to be registered by March 2026. This reform aims to streamline infrastructure management and ensure better governance through centralized, digitized project data.

The Bikram Lock Canal Bank solar power project was inaugurated in Bihar's Patna district as part of the state's ‘Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali’ campaign. This initiative aims to promote renewable energy and reduce environmental damage caused by traditional energy sources. The project is located along a 2-kilometre stretch of the main canal at Bikram, highlighting Bihar's commitment to sustainable development and green energy solutions. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's involvement underscores the state's focus on expanding solar energy infrastructure to meet future energy demands while minimizing ecological impact.