Current Affairs - State

Sarnath, located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, known as the Dhammachakkappavattana. Historically referred to as Rishipatana and Mrigadava, Sarnath has monuments dating from the Mauryan to the Gahadavala period, including the Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, and the Ashokan Pillar crowned by the Lion Capital. The site flourished under various dynasties, endured invasions, and underwent restorations. It remains a vital cultural and religious landmark, now officially nominated for UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the 2025–26 cycle.

The Bhalukona–Jamnidih block in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh, has yielded a notable discovery of Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements (Ni–Cu–PGE) sulphide mineralisation. Conducted by Deccan Gold Mining Limited after securing the block through auction, the exploration revealed a 700-metre-long mineralised zone within mafic–ultramafic rocks, with indications of sulphide deposits extending to 300 metres deep. This discovery positions Chhattisgarh as an emerging hub in India’s critical mineral sector, complementing nearby deposits like the Kelwardabri block. With government support through its Critical Mineral Cell and dedicated exploration roadmap, the state is set to play a strategic role in securing vital resources for industrial and clean energy applications.

Punjab has become the first state in India to empanel sign language interpreters, translators, and special educators under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. This initiative will also be applied to cases under the POCSO Act, 2012, ensuring better access to justice for children with speech or hearing impairments. By bridging communication gaps, the state aims to make the judicial process more inclusive for differently-abled children. This progressive move reflects Punjab’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups and fostering a legal environment where every child can effectively communicate and participate in proceedings.

BEML, a leading public sector enterprise, will set up manufacturing facilities for Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and metro rail coaches in Umaria, Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. This project aligns with both the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make in Madhya Pradesh’ initiatives, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing capacity and regional economic growth. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the plan, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to lay the foundation stone. The development is expected to generate employment, enhance technological capabilities, and strengthen India’s position in advanced rail and metro coach production.

The Asian Giant Tortoise, known for being the largest tortoise in mainland Asia and sometimes referred to as “small elephants of the forest” due to their ecological importance, was recently reintroduced into the Zeliang Community Reserve in Nagaland. This critically endangered species, as listed on the IUCN Red List, plays a vital role in forest ecosystems. Its distribution spans several countries in Southeast Asia, including parts of Northeast India such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Nagaland. The reintroduction effort in Nagaland represents a significant step in conservation initiatives for this threatened species.