Current Affairs - State

Sikkim received the first instalment of XV Finance Commission Untied Grants totaling ₹643.50 lakh for FY 2025‑26, allocated to 5 District Panchayats and 199 Gram Panchayats. Additionally, ₹17.50 lakh from the withheld portion of FY 2024‑25 was released to one eligible District Panchayat. These grants are intended to empower local bodies to address their priority needs, excluding salaries and establishment costs. The funding strengthens decentralized governance, enabling Panchayats to plan and execute development projects based on local requirements, thereby enhancing grassroots democracy and ensuring efficient use of resources in rural areas.

Karnataka launched the Gruha Lakshmi Digital Marketing portal to empower women entrepreneurs, particularly rural artisans, by providing a platform to showcase and market their products. The portal features a diverse product range and a user-friendly interface, making it easier for women to reach wider audiences, including global markets. This initiative promotes inclusive economic growth by supporting women-led businesses and encouraging digital participation. By registering on the portal, women entrepreneurs can expand their visibility, enhance sales, and strengthen their contribution to the local and national economy.

Similipal National Park, located in Odisha, recorded an increase in its crocodile population from 81 to 84 during the census conducted from January 5 to 8. The survey covered 20 locations across eight major water bodies, with the Deo River alone accounting for 60 crocodiles. This growth is attributed to sustained conservation efforts, including hatchling releases from the Ramatirtha breeding centre. The rise reflects the effectiveness of targeted wildlife management strategies and highlights Odisha’s commitment to preserving and enhancing biodiversity in its protected areas.

Odisha is preparing to roll out India’s first state-wide CKD patient registry by March 31. This initiative aims to systematically track chronic kidney disease prevalence and enable targeted healthcare interventions. A dedicated task force, supported by AIIMS, ICMR, and NIC, will ensure reporting across health facilities, from primary health centres to medical colleges. The move is critical given that the state recorded nearly 19,900 CKD cases and 4,718 deaths over three years, with diabetes and hypertension contributing to 60% of cases. The registry will strengthen disease monitoring, policy planning, and preventive care strategies in the region.

Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu emerged as the top performers among large states in NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024. The index evaluates states’ export readiness based on infrastructure, business ecosystem, policy and governance, and export performance. Maharashtra ranked first, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, reflecting their strong trade infrastructure, supportive business environment, effective policy implementation, and robust export outcomes. By highlighting state-level strengths and gaps, the index guides policy decisions and promotes peer learning, aiming to enhance India’s overall competitiveness in global trade through targeted export strategies and regional economic planning.