Current Affairs - State

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.

Arunachal Pradesh celebrates its Foundation Day on February 20th every year, marking its transition from a Union Territory to a full-fledged state in 1987. Known as the "Land of the Rising Sun," Arunachal Pradesh is the first region in India to receive sunlight. The day holds historical significance as it commemorates the state's journey toward statehood and its rich cultural heritage. This celebration also reflects on the progress and development the state has achieved since becoming the 24th state of India under the 55th Constitutional Amendment.