Current Affairs - State

India Energy Week 2026 was concluded in Goa, where the event highlighted India’s preparedness to manage global energy volatility while pursuing a balanced transition toward clean energy. As the host state, Goa played a significant role by showcasing its long-term renewable energy ambitions, including a roadmap to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. The state also emphasised harmonising the Green Economy with the Blue Economy, reflecting sustainable use of marine resources. Hosting IEW positioned Goa as an important platform for discussions on energy security, global cooperation, and future energy demand trends centred on emerging markets like India.

Assam introduced the ‘Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat’ scheme as a commemorative initiative marking 200 years of Assam Tea while recognising the vital role played by tea garden workers. Under this scheme, each registered tea garden worker, excluding those in management roles, receives a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000. The amount is transferred directly to beneficiaries through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, ensuring transparency and efficiency. The initiative is aimed at improving socio-economic security, promoting financial inclusion, and strengthening support for the tea-growing community that forms the backbone of Assam’s tea industry.

Meghalaya’s living root bridges have been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, recognising their outstanding cultural and ecological significance. These bridges are naturally grown from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees and have been carefully shaped over generations by the Khasi and Jaintia communities. They represent a remarkable example of sustainable bioengineering, showcasing a deep-rooted harmony between humans and nature. The nomination highlights centuries-old indigenous knowledge systems and emphasises the bridges’ resilience, functionality, and role as living symbols of sustainability and environmental stewardship on a global platform.

Gujarat has launched the Namo Laxmi Scheme as a major social welfare initiative focused on promoting girls’ education and well-being. Under this scheme, the state government has allocated ₹1,250 crore to provide financial assistance to more than 12 lakh girls studying in secondary and higher secondary classes. Eligible students from Classes 9 to 12 will receive a total of ₹50,000 spread over four years. The program is designed to reduce financial constraints, encourage school retention, support adolescent health, and ensure that girls can continue their education without economic hurdles.

Jharkhand has entered into a five-year collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to enhance conservation efforts for the critically endangered vulture species. The initiative focuses on the Oriental White-backed and Long-billed Vultures and includes the establishment of a new Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre at Muta. With technical support from BNHS, the programme emphasizes scientific breeding methods, capacity building, and long-term species recovery. This partnership contributes to India’s broader vulture conservation and recovery strategy, addressing population decline and strengthening ecological balance through sustained conservation action.