Current Affairs - State

Odisha hosts the Dhanu Yatra every year in the town of Bargarh, where the entire area transforms into a massive open-air stage. The festival is celebrated over 11 days and is renowned as the world’s largest open-air theatre. It vividly portrays episodes from the life of Lord Krishna, beginning with his birth and culminating in the death of King Kansa. With its scale, cultural richness, and community participation, the festival holds immense cultural significance. Its importance has been further recognised by the Central Government through the grant of National Festival status.

Chhattisgarh has been selected to host the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games, scheduled to begin on February 14, 2026. The event aims to promote sports among tribal communities and showcase indigenous talent from across the country. The mascot for the games will be Morveer, symbolizing tribal bravery and cultural heritage. Seven competitive sports including archery, athletics, football, hockey, wrestling, swimming, and weightlifting will be part of the event, along with two demonstration sports highlighting traditional games. Outstanding athletes will be supported through annual scholarships of ₹5 lakh for eight years, encouraging long-term development.

Gujarat has established itself as India’s leading state in rooftop solar energy by achieving an installed capacity of 1,879 MW. The state has successfully installed over 5 lakh residential rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, completing 50% of its ambitious target of 1 million systems by March 2027. Strong financial subsidies, amounting to ₹3,778 crore, along with user-friendly policies such as waived charges and simplified regulations, have encouraged widespread adoption. Gujarat’s proactive approach supports clean energy goals, reduces household electricity costs, and strengthens India’s renewable energy transition.

Maharashtra is set to strengthen its agricultural research infrastructure with the establishment of a dedicated raisin research centre in Sangli district under Shivaji University, Kolhapur. The centre aims to address key challenges faced by raisin growers, such as rising export competition, quality standards, and limited access to scientific research. By focusing on improved raisin varieties, processing techniques, value addition, and skill development, the initiative is expected to boost farmer income and enhance global competitiveness. The phased rollout approach will ensure early benefits while building long-term research and training capacity for the raisin sector.

Odisha has announced the organisation of special Gram Sabhas across all areas governed under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, to commemorate the National PESA Mahotsav. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and highlights the state’s focus on strengthening grassroots democracy in Scheduled Areas. The initiative is jointly organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. PESA, which came into force on December 24, 1996, aims to empower tribal communities by granting them greater self-governance through Gram Sabhas.