Current Affairs - State

The ‘Adishakti Abhiyan’ is a comprehensive women’s empowerment initiative launched by the state of Maharashtra to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered social reformer. With a budget of Rs 10.50 crore, the campaign focuses on improving grassroots access to government welfare schemes and addressing key issues such as malnutrition, maternal and infant mortality, child marriage, and gender-based violence. It promotes female participation in local governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions and introduces the Adishakti Awards to recognize outstanding efforts by Gram Panchayats. The campaign exemplifies Maharashtra’s commitment to inclusive governance and gender equality.

Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a pioneering milestone in renewable energy by drilling Northeast India’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, located in the West Kameng district. This initiative, led by the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) with support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences and international partners from Norway and Iceland, aims to utilise geothermal heat for applications like space heating and agricultural processing. The site was selected after two years of detailed geological and geochemical surveys, identifying Dirang as a medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal zone. This development marks a critical step toward sustainable energy use in high-altitude and remote areas.

Tamil Nadu has officially designated May 5 as Traders Day to recognize and honour the contributions of the business community. This initiative, announced by Chief Minister MK Stalin, aligns with the Dravidian Model of governance that emphasizes inclusive development and economic empowerment. The decision comes after sustained requests from the state's business sector, reflecting the government's responsiveness to stakeholder needs. In addition to trade support, Tamil Nadu has demonstrated leadership in education, boasting a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 47% and hosting some of India’s top colleges, underlining the state’s multifaceted approach to development.

Maharashtra has taken a significant step toward internationalizing higher education by signing Memorandums of Understanding with the University of York from the UK and the University of Western Australia. These partnerships will lead to the establishment of campuses within the state, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs starting from the 2026/27 academic year. The initiative is designed to provide Indian students with access to world-class education domestically, reducing the need to go abroad for quality academic programs. This move reinforces Maharashtra’s role in expanding global academic collaboration and creating new educational opportunities within India.

Telangana has been chosen as the host for the 72nd Miss World pageant, scheduled from May 10 to 31. The event will bring together contestants from 120 countries in Hyderabad, the state capital. Beyond being a global beauty event, the pageant is an opportunity for the state government to highlight Telangana’s rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage. The initiative aims to place Telangana on the international tourism map by positioning it as a “Multidimensional Tourism Hub.” Hosting such a prestigious event underscores the state’s growing global relevance and infrastructural capability.