Current Affairs - State

Bihar, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, announced a major welfare initiative offering free electricity up to 125 units per month for all domestic consumers starting August 1, 2025. This decision is expected to benefit over 16.7 million households across the state. The scheme is part of a broader push toward affordable energy access, renewable power adoption, and economic relief for low-income families. It also serves as a strategic move in the run-up to the 2025 Assembly Elections, blending electoral considerations with long-term sustainability and climate goals, particularly through the promotion of solar energy initiatives.

India’s first RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry service on the Mandovi River was launched in Goa on July 14, 2025. This service connects Chorao Island and Ribandar, significantly reducing travel time and improving daily commuting. The ferries, named Gangotri and Dwarka, are designed to carry both passengers and vehicles, and feature modern amenities like air-conditioned seating and emergency medical kits. Operated under the BOOT model by Vijai Marine Shipyards, the service was implemented with no cost to the state government. The project aims to enhance water transport in Goa and boost tourism in the region.

The Sigandur cable-stayed bridge, inaugurated on July 16, 2025, by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, is located in Shivamogga district, Karnataka. Spanning 2.44 km across the Sharavathi backwaters, it is India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge and significantly enhances road connectivity between Sagara and Sigandur, especially for pilgrims visiting the Chowdeshwari Temple. Built at a cost of over ₹470 crore, the bridge restores vital access lost after the construction of the Linganamakki dam in the 1960s. This project is part of Karnataka’s broader highway development push, which includes several major corridors and improvements in road infrastructure across the state.

Punjab has approved the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, with the goal of enforcing strict punishment for sacrilegious acts against holy texts. This legislative step reflects the state's intent to safeguard religious sentiments and maintain communal harmony. Alongside this bill, the Punjab Cabinet also passed the Punjab State Development Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Punjab Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill, 2025. These approvals collectively demonstrate the state's active engagement in strengthening both religious protections and administrative reforms within its legislative framework.

BITS Pilani is set to establish India’s first AI Plus Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore. Announced on July 14, 2025, this groundbreaking project aims to offer high-quality education in Artificial Intelligence and allied fields. The campus will feature modern infrastructure, including smart buildings, renewable energy, and IoT-based services, and is designed to provide global exposure through university partnerships and industry internships. The initiative is aligned with Andhra Pradesh's broader vision of becoming a hub for advanced education and aims to tackle real-world challenges using AI in agriculture, healthcare, and climate resilience.