Current Affairs - State

The Uttarakhand government launched the "Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarozgar Yojana" to support single women by providing financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh. Under the scheme, 75% of the amount will be granted, while beneficiaries will contribute just 25%. This initiative aims to empower 2,000 women in its first phase, helping them achieve financial independence and self-reliance. The scheme reflects the state's focus on supporting women in their economic journey.

The Gulf of Mannar, located in Tamil Nadu, has been included in India's latest hydrocarbon exploration tender. This region, which spans a 10,000 sq km area, is home to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and is rich in marine biodiversity. It is critical for local livelihoods and the health of marine ecosystems, with concerns raised about the potential impact of exploration on the environment. The area is home to endangered species like dugongs and whale sharks, making it ecologically sensitive.

The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme is facing strong opposition in Andhra Pradesh, where environmentalists and farmers have raised concerns regarding environmental pollution and excessive water consumption by ethanol factories. Despite these challenges, the programme launched in 2003, aims to reduce carbon emissions, decrease fuel imports, and increase farmer income. The programme has had significant milestones in ethanol production and its economic impact, but regional opposition continues, highlighting the complex balance between environmental sustainability and energy initiatives.

The state of Madhya Pradesh attracted ₹30.77 lakh crore in investment proposals at the GIS 2025 event. The initiatives focus on improving skill development, creating world-class infrastructure, and simplifying business processes. Additionally, the state has streamlined industrial permissions, reducing the number of required approvals from 32 to 10 to ensure faster clearances and boost business activities.

Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest vulture population in India, with 12,981 vultures counted in the first phase of the 2025 census. This is a significant increase from 10,845 in 2024 and 8,397 in 2019. The state conducts systematic vulture censuses and has been actively working on conservation efforts since 2016. These efforts, including the banning of harmful veterinary drugs and the protection of habitats, have helped in the gradual recovery of the vulture population. The state is home to seven out of nine vulture species found in India, making it a key location for vulture conservation.