Current Affairs - State

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.

A rare peacock with white feathers, affected by leucism, was rescued by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and an NGO. Leucism is a genetic condition causing reduced pigmentation, distinct from albinism. Unlike albinism, leucism doesn't affect skin, eyes, or non-feather pigmentation. The rescued peacock's condition is characterized by pale feathers, while its skin and eyes retain normal pigmentation. This rare sighting highlights the importance of conservation efforts in Tamil Nadu, known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife protection initiatives.

Bihar has been chosen to host the Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India Para Games in April 2025, highlighting the state's commitment to sports development. This marks the first time Bihar will host these prestigious multi-sport events, featuring young and para-athletes from across the country. The state has been improving its sports infrastructure, with initiatives like Khelo India Centres, a State Centre of Excellence, and Sports Authority of India Training Centres. Bihar's successful hosting of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy further demonstrates its readiness for major sporting events.

The Telangana government has taken a significant step towards promoting eco-friendly transportation by offering a 100% exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles (EVs). This policy aims to reduce pollution, particularly in urban areas like Hyderabad, and encourage sustainable transportation. The exemption applies to various EV categories, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers, three-wheelers, and electric buses. By providing this incentive, Telangana is pushing for a greener future and cleaner air. This initiative is expected to boost the state's adoption of electric vehicles.