Current Affairs - State

Tamil Nadu has allocated ₹500 crore for the rejuvenation of 5,000 minor irrigation tanks, aiming to enhance water storage for agricultural purposes. The project is co-funded by the State Budget and the State Finance Commission, with each contributing ₹250 crore. The initiative, overseen by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, is crucial for improving water resources in a state that has over 22,000 minor irrigation tanks and nearly 70,000 ponds, playing a vital role in sustaining agriculture.

Tamil Nadu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Caterpillar to expand equipment manufacturing in the districts of Thiruvallur and Krishnagiri. This agreement is part of the state's broader initiative to boost industrial investments, with other major companies such as Jabil, Rockwell, and Ohmium also committing substantial investments. Collaborations with global tech giants like Google further highlight Tamil Nadu's increasing role as a key player in India's industrial and technological landscape.

Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to provide AYUSH services in all 328 of its urban primary health centres. The state is also working on expanding these services to rural areas. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh ranks third in the number of AYUSH doctors in tribal regions, followed by Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The state has shown significant improvement in its healthcare infrastructure, with a marked increase in sub-health and community health centres since 2005.

The new turmeric-related plant species, Curcuma ungmensis, was discovered near Ungma village in Nagaland. As documented in the journal Phytotaxa, this plant is part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and has striking yellow flowers that bloom from August to October. While Curcuma ungmensis primarily grows in Southeast Asia, including countries like Myanmar and Thailand, its presence in Nagaland marks a significant botanical discovery in India.

The world’s first dedicated Asian King Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre was inaugurated in Bharivaisi, Campierganj Range of the Gorakhpur Forest Division in Uttar Pradesh on September 6, 2024. This facility, opened by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is a significant milestone in wildlife conservation, focusing exclusively on the critically endangered Asian King Vulture, also known as the red-headed vulture. The centre's establishment highlights Uttar Pradesh's dedication to preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.