Current Affairs - State

The ₹1.22 lakh crore development package was announced in Rajasthan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Banswara. This package emphasises clean energy, tribal welfare, better connectivity, and social welfare schemes. A major share of ₹90,000 crore is earmarked for projects across five states, with significant allocations for Rajasthan such as the ₹42,000 crore Mahi Banswara Atomic Power Project and multiple solar power projects in districts like Jaisalmer, Jalore, Sikar, and Phalodi. Additionally, ₹13,180 crore has been set aside for strengthening transmission infrastructure. These initiatives aim to boost Rajasthan’s energy sector and uplift tribal regions significantly.

The state that implemented this massive scholarship distribution is Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath handed over scholarships in Lucknow to around 4 lakh students, with a total value of ₹2,825 crore allocated in the academic year 2025-26. These scholarships are primarily aimed at helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds continue their education. Since 2017, the state has consistently emphasised educational support by benefitting over 2 crore students through various scholarship schemes, reflecting its commitment to social welfare and inclusive growth in the education sector.

India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve is situated in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, and has recently gained global recognition at the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Established in 2022 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the reserve spans over 12,250 hectares of vital seagrass meadows, which serve as the primary feeding grounds for dugongs. Dugongs, also known as "sea cows," are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, making their protection critical. This reserve not only safeguards the dugong population but also promotes the conservation of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana aims to economically empower women in Bihar by providing ₹10,000 each to 75 lakh beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer. Scheduled for September 26, 2025, the initiative targets women from economically weaker sections, enabling them to start micro-enterprises such as tailoring units, shops, or agriculture-related activities. A follow-up grant of ₹2 lakh is available after a six-month performance review. Managed by the Rural and Urban Development Departments and leveraging the Jeevika Self-Help Group network, the scheme supports self-employment, financial inclusion, and women’s entrepreneurship, while also aligning with Bihar’s socio-economic development and pre-election priorities.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), one of India’s premier shipbuilding companies, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish a greenfield shipyard. This collaboration is part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which focuses on strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities. The shipyard is expected to significantly enhance the country’s naval preparedness, shipbuilding capacity, and commercial maritime activities, thereby contributing to both defense and economic growth. Tamil Nadu was chosen due to its strategic location and potential for developing world-class maritime facilities.