Current Affairs - State

The new Pamban Rail Bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant milestone in India's coastal infrastructure. Located between Rameswaram and the mainland, the bridge features a vertical lift mechanism, allowing ships to pass beneath it—boosting both railway connectivity and maritime navigation. Built at a cost of ₹550 crore, it is equipped with an advanced electro-mechanical lift system and is designed to last for 58 years. The inauguration also included the flagging off of the Rameswaram–Tambaram Express and a Coast Guard vessel, which was the first to pass under the raised bridge span.

Haryana has taken a significant step in addressing the growing threat of synthetic drug trafficking by forming an Anti-Synthetic Narcotics Task Force under its Narcotics Control Bureau. This specialized unit is tasked with tracking complex drug networks, monitoring the use and movement of precursor chemicals, and dismantling concealed drug labs. Synthetic drugs, unlike natural ones, can be produced in compact, hidden labs without requiring plant-based raw materials, making enforcement more challenging. Haryana’s initiative reflects the urgency of responding to the rapid spread of synthetic narcotics, which are often potent, hard to detect, and increasingly trafficked using encrypted digital channels.

Euphaea wayanadensis, a newly identified damselfly species, was discovered in Kerala’s Wayanad region, located in the Western Ghats — a recognized biodiversity hotspot. This discovery brings Kerala’s odonate species count to 191 and adds to the ecological significance of the Western Ghats, now home to 223 known odonate species. The damselfly inhabits fast-flowing rocky streams in evergreen and semi-evergreen forest areas and is distinguished by unique wing and thorax markings. Its narrow distribution and sensitivity to habitat changes highlight the importance of conservation efforts in the region to protect such endemic and ecologically valuable species.

The scientific study to assess zoonotic spillover risks will take place in bird sanctuaries across Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. This study will adopt the One Health approach, which monitors both humans and birds and aims to develop a real-time zoonotic disease surveillance model. The project reflects a proactive shift towards public health preparedness to detect and manage zoonotic diseases efficiently.

As of February 2025, Rajasthan leads the solar energy expansion in Indian Railways, with 275 solar installations at railway stations and service buildings. This significant contribution highlights Rajasthan's proactive approach towards renewable energy and sustainability. The state's efforts are part of a larger initiative by Indian Railways, which has installed 209 MW of solar capacity across 2,249 sites. Rajasthan's leadership in this area reflects its favourable conditions for solar power generation, including abundant sunlight and supportive policies for renewable energy development.