Current Affairs - State

Himachal Pradesh's Cabinet approved the rationalization of the zero electricity bill provision, limiting the subsidy to 'one family one meter' and linking power connections with ration cards. This policy change aims to ensure that subsidies are provided more equitably, particularly by abolishing subsidies for several high-ranking officials and taxpayers. Himachal Pradesh has two capitals: Shimla (Summer) and Dharamshala (Winter). The current Chief Minister is Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and the Governor is Shiv Pratap Shukla.

Kerala retained its top rank in the NITI Aayog's SDG India Index 2023-24, highlighting its strong performance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Uttarakhand also emerged as a top performer, while Bihar, Jharkhand, and Nagaland were identified as the worst performers. Among the union territories, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Delhi were the top five performers, showcasing regional disparities in progress towards SDGs across India.

Madhya Pradesh was recognized as the 'Best Performing State' under the Prime Minister SVANidhi scheme, which aims to support urban street vendors with collateral-free loans up to ₹50,000. This accolade was announced by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, highlighting Madhya Pradesh's effective management and implementation of the scheme. Launched in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PM SVANidhi scheme helps street vendors recover from the economic impact by providing micro-credit, thereby enhancing their financial stability and supporting small businesses.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the 'Ladla Bhai Yojana' for boys in the state. This scheme aims to address unemployment and provide financial assistance to youths who have completed their 12th grade, with varying stipend amounts based on their qualifications. Additionally, Shinde had earlier introduced the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' for girls, which provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to eligible women. Both schemes emphasize the government's commitment to the development and support of young individuals in Maharashtra, ensuring financial aid and opportunities for skill development and employment.

The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. This recognition highlights Andhra Pradesh's innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. The Gulbenkian Prize, instituted by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, honours substantial contributions to global food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection. Andhra Pradesh’s efforts in eco-friendly agriculture have earned it this significant accolade, underscoring the state’s role in promoting sustainable farming on a global scale.