Current Affairs - State

Odisha is hosting the Regional AI Impact Conference on December 19–20, positioning itself as a key player in India’s evolving artificial intelligence ecosystem. The conference focuses on the application of AI in governance and public services, with emphasis on sustainability, inclusive growth, and technology-led reforms. It aligns with the larger India AI Impact Summit 2026 and follows Odisha’s proactive AI roadmap under the Odisha AI Policy 2025. Guided by the theme of “Planet, People and Progress,” the event highlights AI use across sectors such as health, education, disaster management, and social welfare, reinforcing Odisha’s vision of becoming a future-ready AI hub.

Bihar emerged as the focus of major pumped storage power investments after BSPGCL signed two MoUs with private developers for projects totaling 2,120 MW capacity in the Nawada district. The combined investment amounts to about ₹13,000 crore and falls under the Bihar Pump Storage Project Promotion Policy, 2025. Under these agreements, GreenCo Energies will develop a 1,200 MW project with an investment of ₹7,800 crore, while Sun Petrochemicals will set up a 920 MW project costing ₹5,200 crore. These projects are expected to strengthen energy storage capacity and support grid stability.

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to host a wildlife-safe highway developed by the National Highways Authority of India. The project is located on a stretch of NH-45 passing through a dense forest corridor near major wildlife habitats, including a tiger reserve and a wildlife sanctuary. Designed to reduce animal-vehicle collisions, the highway incorporates innovative features such as table-top red road markings, multiple wildlife underpasses, and guiding fences. Implemented under the Green Highways Policy, 2015, the initiative reflects a balance between infrastructure development and environmental conservation, setting a model for eco-sensitive road construction across forested regions of the country.

Sikkim has taken a significant step in promoting border tourism by opening the strategically important Cho La and Dok La passes to tourists. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang as part of the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative. This programme, jointly supported by the Defence Ministry and the Tourism Ministry, aims to enhance public awareness about border regions, strengthen tourism infrastructure, and create livelihood opportunities for people living in remote border villages. By allowing controlled tourist access to these sensitive locations, the initiative also seeks to foster national pride and highlight the strategic importance of India’s border areas.

Maharashtra launched ‘Project Mahadeva’ as a major state-level sports development initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots football. The project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. It is being implemented in collaboration with multiple organizations, including MITRA, VSTF, WIFA, CIDCO, and the state Sports Department. The launch event drew significant attention with the presence of global and national sports icons such as Lionel Messi, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sunil Chhetri. The initiative focuses on identifying young football talent under the age of 13 and supporting them through scholarships, access to international coaching, and comprehensive development programs.