Current Affairs - State

The 'Bana Kaih' scheme was launched in Mizoram by Chief Minister Lalduhoma to provide financial assistance and support to farmers and entrepreneurs. The scheme aims to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency through various programs, including the introduction of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for key crops like ginger, broom, turmeric, and Mizo Bird's Eye chili. It also offers grants up to Rs 1 lakh for small livelihood projects, particularly benefiting individuals who cannot access loans. The Mizoram State Policy Coordination Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, oversees the scheme’s implementation.

Apraava Energy secured an interstate transmission project in Rajasthan through competitive bidding conducted by the central government. The project involves building 200 km of transmission lines and a pooling station to facilitate the evacuation of 5.5 GW of renewable power from the Renewable Energy Zone in Rajasthan, covering areas such as Jaisalmer and Barmer. This initiative is crucial for supporting the growth of renewable energy in the region. Apraava Energy is headquartered in Mumbai.

India’s first CO2-to-Methanol pilot plant, with a capacity of 1.4 Tons Per Day (TPD), is being established in Pune, Maharashtra. This pioneering project is designed to demonstrate CO2 capture and utilization technologies, crucial for India's journey towards net-zero carbon emissions. The collaboration between IIT Delhi and Thermax Ltd. aims to develop innovative solutions to convert CO2 emissions from diverse industrial sources into methanol. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology, this initiative aligns with India's broader goals of energy self-reliance and sustainable development.

The Rs 530 crore water supply project launched by Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha aims to enhance drinking water infrastructure across 12 cities in Tripura. Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this initiative will benefit over 75,000 families and includes the construction of deep tubewells, water treatment plants, reservoirs, and the laying of 305 km of pipelines. The project highlights the government's commitment to improving essential services and ensuring access to clean drinking water for its citizens, with a completion target set for three years.

The rainwater harvesting project in Kerala uncovered a significant number of megalithic urn burials on Kundlikkad hill. This discovery is noteworthy as it reveals burial practices dating back over 2,500 years, including unique urn characteristics and organized burial construction techniques. The findings, which include various pottery styles and evidence of chisel marks on rocks, provide valuable insights into the region's historical links between the Mesolithic and Iron Age periods. This combination of remains is considered unusual, making the discovery crucial for understanding Kerala's ancient cultural practices.