Current Affairs - State

The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) is situated in the state of Goa, specifically near the Chorla Ghat, bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka. This sanctuary is ecologically significant as it forms part of the Western Ghats, hosting a substantial tiger population and serving as a vital wildlife corridor. Notably, Goa is the only state with its entire portion of the Western Ghats under state protection, highlighting the importance of Mhadei WLS in conservation efforts. The sanctuary is also home to critically endangered Long-billed vultures and has been recommended as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972.

The Deepam 2.0 scheme was launched by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in Edupuram, Srikakulam, to empower women by providing clean cooking energy and improving living conditions. This initiative builds upon the Deepam 1.0 scheme, which provided LPG connections and subsidies, and offers three free gas cylinders annually. The scheme aims to reduce financial burdens, promote cleaner cooking methods, and enhance the quality of life for women and their families, aligning with Naidu's 'Super 6' election promises focused on women's empowerment.

The Assam Police has received recognition from the Ministry of Home Affairs for its exceptional work in anti-terror and criminal operations. Five personnel, including Inspector General of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta, were awarded for their distinguished service. Other recipients included ASP Kalyan Kumar Pathak, Lance Naik Hemanta Kachari, Constable Rajkumar Kaibartta, Additional SP Subrata Kumar Sen, and Officer-in-Charge Amrit Kumar Singha. These awards acknowledge the dedication and bravery of Assam Police personnel in maintaining law and order and combating terrorism, showcasing their commitment to public safety.

The Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, located in the Bankhandi area of Kangra's Dehra assembly constituency, is situated in Himachal Pradesh. Announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, this zoo is set to become the first in India to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). This milestone highlights the park's commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices in its infrastructure. The certification aims to recognize the zoo’s structural design and landscape planning, positioning it as a model for conservation efforts and sustainable tourism in the region, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination.

Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve has undertaken a significant conservation effort by translocating a tigress named Jamuna from Maharashtra's Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. This initiative aims to enhance genetic diversity within Similipal's tiger population, addressing concerns about inbreeding due to the reserve's small population. Notably, Similipal is home to the rare pseudo-melanistic or "black" tigers, with 13 out of 24 adult tigers exhibiting this unique characteristic. The translocation, approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, marks a crucial step in preserving the genetic health and diversity of Odisha's tiger population.