Current Affairs - State

The Kerala government approved a supplementary agreement with Adani Ports to accelerate the Vizhinjam Port project, advancing its final phase completion to 2028 from the earlier target of 2045. With a pledged investment of ₹10,000 crore, the project aims to achieve a capacity of 3 million TEUs. A penalty of ₹219 crore was imposed for delays, and any extension beyond 2028 is conditional on meeting the revised deadline. This agreement underscores Kerala's commitment to infrastructure growth and efficient project management.

Gujarat introduced the Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024-29 to support artisans, promote handicrafts, and enhance the cottage industry’s domestic and global presence. Key features include increased credit support under schemes like the Shri Vajpayee Bankable Scheme and Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme, skill development for 60,000 entrepreneurs, and the creation of 12 lakh jobs by 2029. The policy also highlights the promotion of unique products through the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and the construction of the PM Ekta Mall in Surat to showcase local crafts.

The Delhi government has launched an Old Age Pension Program to provide financial assistance to eligible senior citizens in the form of periodic pensions. The scheme is only available to Delhi residents who meet the eligibility criteria established by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) for annual income and residency within the city.

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has approved the repeal of the garbage collection tax, which was imposed on households and commercial complexes. This move aims to alleviate financial pressure on citizens and investigate alleged contractor benefits linked to the tax. The repeal of the tax is expected to benefit 40 municipalities across the state, which received a total of ₹13.9 crore per month for garbage collection.

Andhra Pradesh reversed its longstanding two-child policy, citing concerns about a rapidly ageing population and declining fertility rate, which could have serious long-term economic and social consequences. The state's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5 is below the replacement level of 2.1, raising concerns about a shrinking workforce and labour shortages. This demographic shift highlights the need for a new population policy to address future challenges and harness the potential of India's young population.