Current Affairs - State

Uttar Pradesh launched the UP AGREES and AI Pragya initiatives on May 9, 2025, in partnership with the World Bank. These programs are designed to boost agricultural productivity and develop digital skills among the youth. UP AGREES focuses on promoting climate-resilient, tech-driven farming in 28 districts of Bundelkhand and Purvanchal, while AI Pragya aims to train 10 lakh young individuals in Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies across sectors such as healthcare, education, and governance. The initiatives reflect Uttar Pradesh's strategic efforts toward economic growth, rural development, and digital empowerment in pursuit of a $1 trillion economy vision.

Uttarakhand has secured ₹1,910 crore funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for urban infrastructure projects. The funds will be utilized for drinking water and sewerage projects in key towns, including Pithoragarh, Sitarganj, Rudrapur, and Kashipur. This investment aims to enhance urban living conditions and infrastructure in these areas. The project is set to move forward with the signing of records in June 2025, followed by the tender process for implementation, marking a significant step in urban development for the state.

The “Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana” was launched by the Haryana government to offer monthly financial assistance to senior artistes who have significantly contributed to the state's cultural and artistic heritage. This welfare initiative, approved by the Haryana Cabinet on May 5, 2025, seeks to recognize and support elderly artistes—aged 60 and above—who have dedicated at least 20 years to traditional forms such as music, dance, painting, and theatre. By providing a stable financial aid system, the scheme underscores Haryana’s commitment to preserving its rich artistic traditions and ensuring dignity and sustenance for its ageing cultural custodians.

The ‘Jyothi’ scheme was launched by the state of Kerala in May 2025 as a targeted initiative to integrate children of migrant workers into the state’s formal education system. The scheme focuses on enrolling children aged 3 to 6 in anganwadis and those aged 6 and above in public schools. It addresses the barriers of frequent relocation, lack of documentation, and social marginalization that typically prevent migrant children from accessing continuous education. The month-long outreach involves local self-governments, Kudumbashree workers, schoolteachers, and PTAs, and aligns with Kerala’s broader commitment to inclusive development, welfare, and education for all.

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.