Current Affairs - State

Telangana has become the first state to launch the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) chapter, aiming to empower women entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship, digital skills, and financial services. The platform, launched in association with WE Hub, plans to boost grassroots entrepreneurship in all Telangana mandals. With over 30,000 registered women entrepreneurs and associations, the WEP has over 400 mentors from different industry sectors. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Telangana, helping them overcome challenges and scale their businesses.

The Bidkin Industrial Area (BIA) is situated in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, marking a significant step in advancing India's industrial landscape. This project is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and features excellent connectivity to major transportation hubs. Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited, along with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation and National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust, has driven this ambitious project, aligning with the "Make in India, Make for the World" initiative to boost employment, exports, and sustainable development.

Uttar Pradesh has introduced a tax exemption initiative aimed at encouraging the scrapping of older diesel and petrol vehicles, particularly those registered before 2023, which will receive a 75% tax cut. Vehicles registered before 2008 can avail of a 50% reduction in taxes. This initiative is designed to reduce air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and is in alignment with the National Green Tribunal's regulations regarding vehicle age limits. By offering these exemptions, the state government aims to promote environmental sustainability and enhance air quality in urban areas.

Andhra Pradesh (AP) has entered into an agreement with Karnataka for the deployment of trained elephants, known as Kumki, to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. This collaboration includes knowledge transfer, training programs, and expertise sharing for elephant capture, handling, and conservation. Karnataka has previously transferred Kumki elephants to other states, showcasing its expertise in elephant management. This initiative aims to address the growing concern of elephant-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh while promoting conservation efforts for the endangered Asian elephant population in India.

The Meghalaya Government has collaborated with The/Nudge Institute to support 50,000 vulnerable households, prioritizing single mothers and social inclusion. This initiative provides livelihood coaching and social protection frameworks, utilizing technology-based monitoring tools. The partnership aims to promote resilient livelihoods and was announced at the North-East Conclave in Shillong on September 27, 2024. The/Nudge Institute works towards a poverty-free India by partnering with governments, markets, and civil society to build sustainable livelihoods.