Current Affairs - State

In FY25, Maharashtra led the allocation for women-centric welfare schemes, dedicating $5.4 billion, which is 1.1% of its GDP. These schemes, which include cash transfers and empowerment programs, have become significant political tools. Maharashtra's schemes, such as the "Ladki Bahin Yojana," have played a crucial role in attracting women voters and contributing to the success of the BJP-led coalition. Maharashtra's focus on women-centric welfare is reflected in its substantial financial commitment to these initiatives, setting it apart from other states in terms of allocation.

Telangana has announced the implementation of the Rythu Bharosa scheme, offering farmers an annual aid of ₹15,000 per acre, exceeding the ₹10,000 provided under the earlier Rythu Bandhu scheme. Alongside this, the state government has waived crop loans amounting to ₹20,616 crore, benefiting 25.35 lakh farmers. These initiatives, coupled with free electricity, fertiliser subsidies, and minimum support price (MSP) policies, underscore Telangana's commitment to supporting agricultural development and farmer welfare.

The new species of glyptosternine catfish, Exostoma sentiyonoae, was discovered in the Dzuleke River, a tributary of the Barak River in Nagaland. This discovery highlights the region's rich biodiversity, marking it as the first species of its genus identified in the Dzuleke River. The Barak River system, significant to Northeast India's ecology, flows through Nagaland, among other states, before joining major river systems in Bangladesh. This find emphasizes the ecological importance of preserving riverine habitats in the region.

Gujarat’s traditional ‘Gharchola’ handicraft, known for its cultural significance in Hindu and Jain weddings, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition adds to Gujarat’s total of 27 GI tags, 23 of which are for handicrafts. The award highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of the state’s artisans and bolsters their livelihood. Additionally, the GI tag ensures authenticity and promotes global recognition of this vibrant cultural heritage. The accolade was presented during the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program in New Delhi.

The Tripura Paralympics team showcased exceptional performance at the Northeast Para Games 2024, held in Guwahati, by winning a total of 23 medals, including 9 golds. In athletics, visually impaired athlete Md. Amjad Hossain secured three gold medals. The swimming team also made significant contributions with 16 medals, including 5 golds, underlining the state’s commitment to excelling in para-sports.