Current Affairs - State

The Karnataka government has announced the provision of an additional 5 kilograms of rice starting from February, as part of the pre-poll Anna Bhagya guarantee. This will be added to the 10 kg of rice already promised to each member of families below the poverty line (BPL). The total includes 5 kg of rice supplied by the Centre under the National Food Security Act, 2013. This move aims to assist low-income families in the state with essential food security.

Gujarat has significantly expanded its Soil Health Card Yojana to help farmers with soil health assessments and fertilizer recommendations, aiming to increase agricultural productivity. The initiative has supported over 2.15 crore farmers since its inception in 2003-04. In 2024-25, the state plans to test 3.81 lakh soil samples with the help of labs and private centres. Furthermore, the establishment of 27 private soil testing laboratories at the rural level has helped strengthen the program’s impact, promoting sustainable farming practices across Gujarat.

Kerala is launching the 'nPROUD' initiative, India’s first government-led program for the safe collection and disposal of expired medicines. The initiative aims to address the environmental and health risks caused by improper disposal of medicines, such as soil and water contamination. Starting in Kozhikode and Ulliyeri, it will expand statewide. This initiative is a significant step toward environmental sustainability and public health, with the potential to inspire nationwide policies on the safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste.

Uttar Pradesh became the first state in India to install a translation system that supports languages like Awadhi, Braj, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhandi, and English. This historic initiative was launched in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and better communication for the state's diverse linguistic population. The translator facility will be used during the ongoing Budget session, which began on February 18, 2025, and is set to enhance the legislative proceedings by making them more accessible to a wider audience.

Arunachal Pradesh's government has approved important schemes aimed at supporting women and youth, with a focus on their development. One of the key initiatives is the enhancement of the Dulari Kanya Scheme, which now includes an increased fixed deposit for institutional births of girl children, raised from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. Additionally, the state has introduced a benefit for Class XI admissions, providing Rs 20,000 through direct benefit transfer, ensuring more financial support and accessibility for the people. These steps demonstrate the state's commitment to welfare programs.