Current Affairs - State

Karnataka was selected to receive 1,243 electric vehicle (EV) chargers under the central PM E-Drive scheme on May 12, 2026. The project, approved with a financial outlay of ₹123.26 crore, aims to strengthen the state’s electric mobility infrastructure and reduce range anxiety among EV users. The PM E-Drive scheme, administered by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, promotes clean and sustainable transportation across India. Karnataka has been a pioneer in the EV sector, becoming the first Indian state to introduce a dedicated Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Policy in 2017. The state also leads the country in EV startups and public charging infrastructure development.

Sikkim celebrated its 51st Statehood Day on May 16, 2026, marking more than five decades since it officially became a state of India in 1975. Before joining India, Sikkim functioned as an independent Himalayan kingdom ruled by the Chogyal monarchy under the Namgyal dynasty. Growing political demands for democratic governance and public participation led to a historic referendum in 1975, where the majority supported integration with India. Following this, the monarchy was abolished, and the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975, formally made Sikkim the 22nd state of India. The state is also known for its rich cultural diversity and strong Buddhist heritage.

Tripura became the first Indian state to complete all 51 priority areas under the national Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative launched in January 2026. The initiative, led by the Cabinet Secretariat, focuses on simplifying governance, reducing regulatory burdens, and improving ease of doing business. Tripura introduced several digital governance reforms, including a centralised e-Gazette system, an upgraded SWAGAAT single-window approval platform, and an auto-appeal mechanism under the Right to Services framework. The state also implemented sectoral reforms such as self-certification for land-use approvals and inspection exemptions for industries, while partnering with National Law University Tripura and IIM Calcutta for legal review and impact assessment.

Tripura introduced a rotational work-from-home policy for Group C and Group D government employees to reduce fuel consumption and state expenditure. Under this arrangement, only 50 percent of employees attend offices physically each day, while the remaining staff work remotely on a weekly rotational basis. Employees working from home are required to stay electronically connected and must report immediately during emergencies. Essential and emergency services were exempted from the directive to ensure uninterrupted public services. Tripura, with its capital at Agartala, became a full-fledged state on January 21, 1972, under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

Andhra Pradesh signed an agreement with the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Department of Telecommunications, BSNL, APBIL, and APSFL for implementing the Amended BharatNet Programme. The Central Government approved financial support of ₹2,432 crore for the project. The initiative aims to strengthen digital infrastructure by covering 13,426 Gram Panchayats and providing on-demand connectivity to thousands of villages. It also plans to facilitate more than 5 lakh rural home fibre connections. BharatNet is a flagship programme intended to expand broadband connectivity to rural India, while DBN, formerly known as USOF, funds major telecom and digital inclusion projects across the country.