Current Affairs - State

Nagaland was recognized as the best state in horticulture at the prestigious Agriculture Leadership Awards 2024, reflecting its innovative efforts in agricultural development. The award was presented during the 15th Agriculture Leadership Conclave in New Delhi. Nagaland’s success in horticulture is attributed to its introduction of progressive programs and policies that have positively impacted farmers and rural communities. Salhoutuonuo Kruse, the state's Minister for Women's Resource Development and Horticulture, accepted the award, which highlights Nagaland's significant achievements in the agricultural sector.

Maharashtra has been awarded the Best Agriculture State Award for 2024 by the 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards Committee. This recognition highlights Maharashtra's significant achievements in agriculture, including sustainable development policies, the country’s largest bamboo mission, and extensive irrigation projects. These efforts underscore Maharashtra's commitment to enhancing rural prosperity and environmental sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Uttar Pradesh has implemented a policy granting a 100% waiver on the registration fee for strong hybrid vehicles. This initiative aims to promote the adoption of hybrid technology and reduce the financial burden on customers purchasing such vehicles. Manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Honda Cars benefit from this policy, alongside potential savings for customers amounting up to ₹3.5 lakh on vehicle purchases.

Karnataka has introduced the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill to regulate social security and welfare for platform-based gig workers, making it the second state after Rajasthan to do so. This bill aims to establish a Welfare Board, grievance redressal mechanisms, and mandates for aggregators to ensure timely payments and safe working conditions for gig workers. It seeks to provide a structured framework for the gig economy, addressing issues such as contractual rights, social security schemes, and penalties for non-compliance.

Uttar Pradesh (UP) passed the draft for the Uttar Pradesh Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing (Construction) Area Bill (NIRMAN)-2024. This legislation aims to establish Special Investment Regions (SIRs) throughout the state, fostering industrial growth and economic development. The initiative includes collaborations such as the MoU between ITPO and MSME to improve the business environment, alongside the construction of new convention centres in Lucknow and Varanasi. These efforts are geared towards enhancing visibility for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promoting UP as a favourable destination for industrial investments and business activities.