Current Affairs - State

Tamil Nadu has set up a ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund aimed at protecting its rich biodiversity. Initially managed by the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA), the fund faced delays due to the agency’s inactivity. To ensure the timely execution of conservation initiatives, the state government transferred fund management to the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) in Vandalur. AIWC, known for its expertise in wildlife research and conservation, is now responsible for overseeing surveys, assessments, and mapping of endangered species. This strategic move strengthens Tamil Nadu’s commitment to proactive and scientifically grounded wildlife conservation efforts.

Tripura is set to witness significant development in the fisheries sector with the foundation stone laying of a ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Alongside this, a Fish Festival will be hosted in Agartala. These initiatives aim to strengthen the fisheries infrastructure in the state, including hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, processing, and marketing facilities. The event will also feature the distribution of certificates and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to eligible fishers, demonstrating a focused effort to uplift the livelihoods of the fishing community in Tripura. Union Minister for Fisheries Rajeev Ranjan Singh emphasized that the fisheries sector now contributes 9% to India’s economy, making it a more dominant player compared to agriculture, which contributes around 4–5%.

Maharashtra secured the top position in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 by winning a total of 158 medals, including 58 gold and 47 silver. This dominant performance placed them ahead of strong contenders like Haryana, which earned 117 medals, and Rajasthan, which finished with 60. The games concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at the Pataliputra Sports Complex in Patna. Maharashtra’s consistent excellence across multiple sports disciplines underscores the state’s investment in youth talent development and sports infrastructure, reinforcing its leadership in the national sporting arena and inspiring other states to elevate their athletic programs.

The newly sanctioned rail line project between Karhi and Sagma is situated in Madhya Pradesh and has received approval from the Railway Board. With a total estimated cost of over 165 crore rupees, this 5.31-kilometre bi-directional chord line falls under the West Central Railway (WCR) zone. It aims to enhance rail connectivity by linking the Lalitpur–Singrauli new line to the existing Itarsi–Manikpur line. This development is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and facilitate smoother freight and passenger movement in the region, contributing to the overall infrastructure growth in Madhya Pradesh.

The AI anchor Ankita was launched in the state of Assam by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This initiative is part of the state’s broader push toward digital transformation and improving citizen engagement through innovative technologies. Ankita serves as a virtual anchor providing updates on significant state decisions, such as the renaming of Dibrugarh Airport after Bhupen Hazarika. The move demonstrates Assam’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into governance and public communication. Such advancements follow earlier tech adoptions like AI teacher ‘Iris’ in schools and AI anchors like Krish and Bhoomi on Doordarshan Kisan.