Current Affairs - State

Masali, located in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, is India’s first border solar village. Situated just 40 kilometres from the Pakistan border, the village has achieved the remarkable feat of generating 100% of its electricity through solar power. The project involved installing solar panels on 199 rooftops, making it a key part of India’s renewable energy and rural electrification efforts. The initiative is aligned with the larger Border Development Project, which aims to provide sustainable energy to multiple border villages across the country.

The "Banglar Bari" housing scheme was launched by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at the Nabanna Secretariat. This state-funded initiative aims to provide affordable housing to the rural population, with an estimated cost of ₹14,773 crore. The first instalment of ₹60,000 was distributed to 42 beneficiaries from 21 districts, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving rural living conditions through direct financial assistance.

NTPC announced plans to establish a nuclear power project in Bihar, as revealed by CMD Gurdeep Singh at the 'Bihar Business Connect 2024' summit. This initiative will be carried out under the ASHVINI joint venture, where NPCIL holds a 51% stake, and NTPC holds 49%. NTPC, with an installed capacity of 76,531 MW spanning thermal, solar, and wind energy, is expanding into nuclear energy, marking a significant milestone in its diversification and contribution to India’s energy sector.

Uttarakhand is poised to be the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a significant step towards legal uniformity in personal laws. A five-member expert committee, chaired by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, played a crucial role in drafting the UCC Bill 2024. The bill was passed by the State Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024, and later received Presidential assent, with its notification issued on March 12, 2024. This move highlights Uttarakhand's pioneering efforts in reforming legal frameworks for societal harmony and equality.

Uttarakhand will host the 38th National Games from January 28 to February 14, 2025. The state unveiled key elements such as the mascot, logo, anthem, and tagline for the event. The mascot "Mauli," inspired by the Monal, symbolizes Uttarakhand’s uniqueness, while the tagline "Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak" (From Resolve to Zenith) reflects the spirit of determination and ambition. The Games will feature traditional sports like yoga and mallakhamb, representing a fusion of athleticism and cultural heritage. The event marks a major milestone in the state’s sports history.