Current Affairs - State

Cyclone Shakhti, the first cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea during the post-monsoon season, is forecasted to impact the Gujarat coast, especially the areas around Dwarka. The cyclone, named by Sri Lanka, is anticipated to intensify as it approaches land. Gujarat’s long Arabian Sea coastline makes it particularly vulnerable to such weather systems, which often bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential disruptions to coastal communities and infrastructure. The state has been placed on high alert, and preparations are underway to mitigate possible damage and ensure the safety of residents.

The Maharashtra government has implemented the E-Bond system to modernise and digitise the process of bond execution for import and export businesses. By introducing this system, Maharashtra has become the 16th state in India to adopt digital bonds, marking a shift from traditional stamp paper bonds to an online, paperless format. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, minimise manual paperwork, and reduce processing time in trade-related operations. It also supports the state’s broader goal of promoting digital governance and ease of doing business, especially in key sectors like logistics, trade, and export management.

Tata Group, in collaboration with Airbus, is setting up India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility will assemble, test, and deliver Airbus H125 helicopters for both civil and defence purposes, with production expected to begin in 2027. This marks a major step in India’s aerospace manufacturing capability, positioning the country as a key aviation hub in Asia. The Karnataka location was chosen for its industrial infrastructure and strategic importance in supporting India’s growing aerospace ecosystem.

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department received the Global Tourism Award 2025 in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote the state as a leading tourist destination. The award highlighted initiatives in sustainable tourism, heritage conservation, and cultural promotion. Andhra Pradesh offers diverse attractions, including spiritual sites like Tirupati, heritage locations such as Lepakshi temple, coastal tourism along Visakhapatnam, and eco-adventure destinations like Araku Valley. The department’s work in infrastructure development, community-based tourism, and smart technology integration has strengthened its global visibility, boosted international tourist arrivals, and supported local economic development while preserving the state’s cultural and natural heritage.

The state of Bihar is home to both Gokul Jalashaya in Buxar (448 hectares) and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran (319 hectares), which have been designated as Ramsar Wetlands. Ramsar sites are globally recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Their inclusion emphasises Bihar’s ecological contribution in maintaining biodiversity, supporting migratory birds, and providing essential ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge and flood control. With these new sites, India’s total number of Ramsar wetlands has reached 93, covering an expansive area of 13,60,719 hectares, reflecting its growing commitment to wetland conservation.