Current Affairs - State

Himachal Pradesh has introduced the Mukhyamantri Bal Paushtik Aahar Yojana, a scheme designed to enhance the nutritional quality of school meals. Starting from nursery to Class 8 students across 15,181 schools, the program will include weekly servings of eggs and fruits. The initiative involves an allocation of Rs 12.75 crore to support additional nutrition and includes provisions for 17,510 teachers to receive tablets for digital education. This scheme is part of a broader effort to improve educational quality and provide global exposure for teachers through new-day boarding schools.

The KAPS-4 reactor, located in Gujarat at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, began operating at full capacity on August 21, 2024. This 700 MW reactor is part of India's ambitious plan to expand its nuclear energy capacity. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) aims to build 14 more reactors of the same design by 2031-32, contributing to the country's goal of increasing its nuclear capacity to 22,480 MW within that timeframe.

Karnataka leads India in the number of public EV charging stations, boasting 5,765 stations, with a significant concentration (85%) in the Bengaluru Urban district. This achievement is supported by the FAME scheme, investments by Bescom, and public-private partnerships (PPP). Karnataka is further strengthening its EV infrastructure by planning an additional 2,500 charging stations and allocating ₹35 crore for 100 more stations in collaboration with electricity companies.

Khutahri village in Bhojpur, Bihar inaugurated its first cow dung gas plant under the state’s community-run Gobar Gas Dhan Yojana. This project, costing Rs 634,000, is set to provide a more accessible and affordable cooking fuel alternative for 8 households, with monthly gas costs between Rs 500 and Rs 600. The plant, supported by UNICEF, showcases a sustainable approach to energy production, utilizing cow dung collected from local households, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and community development.

Servotech Power Systems Ltd., a leading EV charger manufacturer in India, secured a contract from Kerala's Department of Power to establish 12 EV charging stations with 30KW chargers across 14 locations. This project, initiated in two phases, aims to enhance Kerala's EV charging infrastructure and support sustainable transportation efforts within the state. The initiative underscores Kerala's commitment to promoting EV usage and supporting the growing EV market's needs, contributing to the overall goal of achieving a greener and more sustainable future.