Current Affairs - State

As of February 2025, Rajasthan leads the solar energy expansion in Indian Railways, with 275 solar installations at railway stations and service buildings. This significant contribution highlights Rajasthan's proactive approach towards renewable energy and sustainability. The state's efforts are part of a larger initiative by Indian Railways, which has installed 209 MW of solar capacity across 2,249 sites. Rajasthan's leadership in this area reflects its favourable conditions for solar power generation, including abundant sunlight and supportive policies for renewable energy development.

The Warangal Chapata Chilli, also known as Tomato Chilli, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its unique qualities and regional significance in Telangana. This GI tag is expected to benefit around 20,000 farmers in the Warangal region by enhancing their income and boosting demand in domestic and international markets. The chilli is known for its bright red colour, mild pungency, and use as a natural colouring agent. Its cultivation has been a part of Telangana’s agricultural heritage for over 80 years, making it a valuable product for the state’s economy.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh is set to launch the 'Zero Poverty – P4 Policy' initiative on Ugadi (March 30, 2025) as part of its ambitious Swarna Andhra-2047 vision. This poverty eradication program aims to eliminate poverty in the state by 2047 through a unique Public, Private, People Partnership (P4) model. The initiative focuses on empowering underprivileged families, referred to as ‘Bangaru Kutumbam,’ with housing, sanitation, water, energy, and entrepreneurship opportunities. The policy encourages contributions from well-off families (Margadarsis) to support these families, promoting sustainable socio-economic development.

The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced the renaming of 15 places across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. This initiative aims to honour historical figures and restore cultural identity by replacing colonial and Mughal-era names with those reflecting India's rich heritage. The changes were made based on public demand and historical significance, fostering regional pride and awareness of Uttarakhand’s historical roots. This move aligns with broader efforts in India to celebrate indigenous history and culture.

The Telangana government launched India’s first free fine rice scheme, aiming to provide fine rice free of cost to the poor through ration shops. This initiative was unveiled in Huzurnagar, Suryapet district, on Ugadi by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The program is designed to enhance food security with dignity, ensuring that quality rice reaches economically weaker sections without any cost. This landmark effort highlights Telangana’s commitment to social welfare and food security, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.