Current Affairs - State

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is organising the Global Wind Day 2026 Conference in Goa on June 15, 2026. The conference focuses on the theme “Wind Energy: From Ambition to Acceleration” and aims to support India's renewable energy goals. India is currently the world's fourth-largest wind power market and has set ambitious targets to achieve 100 GW of wind energy capacity by 2030 and 155 GW by 2035. The event will also highlight opportunities in wind turbine manufacturing and exports, helping strengthen India's position as a major global player in clean energy and sustainable development.

The Madhya Pradesh government decided to remove the two-child restriction that had previously disqualified individuals with more than two living children from government service recruitment. The decision also involved amendments to service and conduct rules that treated having more than two children as a ground for ineligibility or misconduct. Originally introduced in 2001 as a population-control measure, the policy applied to individuals with more than two children born on or after January 26, 2001. The move aligns Madhya Pradesh with other states such as Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, which had already withdrawn similar restrictions in earlier years.

Kerala approved the Priyadarshini scheme to offer free bus travel for women across all age groups and income categories. The benefit is initially available on ordinary services operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The scheme forms part of the government's Indira Guarantee welfare initiatives aimed at enhancing mobility and reducing transportation expenses for women. The estimated monthly expenditure exceeds ₹60 crore, while the annual financial commitment is projected to be nearly ₹800 crore. Future expansion of the scheme to additional transport categories will depend on improvements in KSRTC’s financial condition and revenue generation.

The 20-kW FM transmitter was inaugurated in Ramgarh, Rajasthan, with the objective of enhancing communication connectivity across India's border regions. The transmitter is strategically important as it is designed to provide coverage along the border belt extending from Kashmir to Rajasthan. The initiative supports improved information dissemination, communication access, and infrastructure development in sensitive border areas. The announcement was made alongside updates on the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, under which railway stations in cities such as Jaisalmer, Alwar, Kota, and Ajmer are being upgraded. The project reflects the government's broader focus on strengthening border infrastructure and regional development.

Uttarakhand unveiled the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2026 with the objective of transforming the state into a major hub for science, technology, and information technology. The policy emphasises integrating modern research with traditional knowledge and focuses on emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Robotics, Drones, Space Technology, and Nanotechnology. It also proposes the establishment of Science Cities, Planetariums, Atal Tinkering Labs, and advanced Teaching-Learning Centres. The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology will serve as the nodal agency, while digital initiatives like the STI Observatory will support researchers through improved access to scientific resources and information.