Current Affairs - State

Assam has included Bathouism, the traditional faith of the Bodos, as an official religion option in various application forms, such as admissions and birth & death certificates. This move aims to preserve the indigenous faiths and distinct identity of the Bodo community, the largest plains tribe in Assam. The Bathouism faith centres around nature worship and reverence for ancestral traditions. This recognition reinforces the cultural roots of the Bodo community and promotes religious inclusivity, aligning with broader efforts to preserve nature-based indigenous beliefs in India.

Uttarakhand's Cabinet approved the Bhoo Kanoon (Land Law Amendment Bill), which aims to regulate land transactions involving non-residents. The law is designed to protect the state's cultural heritage, natural resources, and citizens' rights, and maintain Uttarakhand’s identity. The legislation imposes a blanket ban on agricultural land purchases by non-residents in 11 hill districts and restricts residential land transactions. It also introduces a digital land transaction system to ensure transparency. These measures were introduced to limit external influence on land ownership and safeguard the state’s future.

West Bengal topped India's bird species count for the third consecutive year in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) held from February 14 to 17, 2025. The state recorded 543 species out of a total of 1,068 species documented across India. This achievement reflects West Bengal's rich bird diversity and the active participation of birdwatchers in the state. Despite a slight decrease in participant numbers due to exam conflicts, West Bengal maintained its leadership, showcasing significant contributions to India’s birdwatching culture and habitat preservation efforts.

The Gujarat government, under Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, presented a budget of Rs 3.70 trillion for the financial year 2025-26. This budget includes tax reliefs worth Rs 148 crore and plans for significant infrastructure developments, including the creation of six growth hubs, 12 high-speed corridors, two expressways, and a greenfield airport. Additionally, a ₹50,000 crore Viksit Gujarat Fund has been planned for the next five years, with ₹5,000 crore allocated for the current year to help drive these initiatives.

The Aravali Safari Park project is located in Haryana, specifically in two districts: Gurugram and Nuh. It covers a total area of 3,858 hectares, with 2,574 hectares in Gurugram and 1,284 hectares in Nuh. This safari park is set to be the largest of its kind in the world. The project has been transferred to the forest department, and an expert committee has been established to oversee its development, demonstrating Haryana’s commitment to environmental conservation and wildlife tourism.