Current Affairs - State

Punjab launched the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme to provide free food kits to nearly 40 lakh economically weaker families holding blue cards. The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ahead of the state’s Budget Session, aims to address nutritional gaps among low-income households. Under the first phase from April to June 2026, beneficiaries will receive essential items such as chana dal, sugar, iodized salt, turmeric powder, and mustard oil. The scheme focuses on improving child health, reducing malnutrition, strengthening food security, and ensuring that vulnerable families receive balanced and nutritious food supplies regularly.

Telangana initiated ‘Operation Crackdown’ as a statewide, multi-agency drive to aggressively target and dismantle organised cybercrime networks. The campaign focuses on offences such as call centre fraud, digital arrest scams, investment fraud, sextortion, and job fraud. Led by the Telangana Police Cyber Security Bureau in coordination with local police, CID, SIT, and other specialised units, the operation involves coordinated raids, arrests, asset seizures, and intelligence-based actions across districts. The initiative aims to disrupt the entire cybercrime ecosystem, from front-end fraudsters to financial handlers, reinforcing a strict zero-tolerance approach toward cyber offenders.

West Bengal launched the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 to provide ₹1,500 per month to eligible unemployed youth aged 21–40 years through Direct Benefit Transfer into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The scheme offers support for up to five years or until beneficiaries secure employment or self-employment. Announced during the interim budget for 2026–27 and administered by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, it aims to provide interim financial relief amid rising joblessness. With a significant budget allocation and large-scale registrations, the initiative targets lakhs of beneficiaries across the state.

The Rajasthan Homestay (Paying Guest House) Scheme 2026 was introduced to decentralise tourism and stimulate rural economic growth. The initiative encourages self-employment, particularly among women and small investors, while offering tourists authentic local cultural experiences. The scheme features a fully digital and simplified registration process aligned with Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living priorities. It increases accommodation capacity, removes the mandatory owner-residence requirement, and provides faster approvals, including deemed approval provisions. With silver and gold registration categories and statewide implementation, the scheme broadens participation and strengthens Rajasthan’s rural tourism infrastructure.

Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Digital Bharat Nidhi to accelerate the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme. This ambitious project, valued at $16.9 billion (₹1.39 lakh crore), aims to extend Optical Fibre Cable broadband connectivity to every village, strengthening rural digital infrastructure. The agreement ensures state support in providing right of way and infrastructure access to facilitate smooth execution. The initiative is designed to digitally empower rural communities, enhance socio-economic development, and promote digital inclusion by enabling improved connectivity for government institutions, businesses, and citizens across the state.