Current Affairs - State

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.

Justice N Kotiswar Singh, currently the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, has become the first judge from Manipur to be elevated to the Supreme Court of India. His appointment, along with that of Justice R Mahadevan, was recently cleared by President Droupadi Murmu. Justice Singh's elevation marks a significant milestone for Manipur, highlighting his distinguished career, including his roles as Manipur's Advocate General and his tenure in Gauhati High Court and Manipur High Court. The Supreme Court now operates at its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.