Current Affairs - State

NTPC announced plans to establish a nuclear power project in Bihar, as revealed by CMD Gurdeep Singh at the 'Bihar Business Connect 2024' summit. This initiative will be carried out under the ASHVINI joint venture, where NPCIL holds a 51% stake, and NTPC holds 49%. NTPC, with an installed capacity of 76,531 MW spanning thermal, solar, and wind energy, is expanding into nuclear energy, marking a significant milestone in its diversification and contribution to India’s energy sector.

Uttarakhand is poised to be the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a significant step towards legal uniformity in personal laws. A five-member expert committee, chaired by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, played a crucial role in drafting the UCC Bill 2024. The bill was passed by the State Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024, and later received Presidential assent, with its notification issued on March 12, 2024. This move highlights Uttarakhand's pioneering efforts in reforming legal frameworks for societal harmony and equality.

Uttarakhand will host the 38th National Games from January 28 to February 14, 2025. The state unveiled key elements such as the mascot, logo, anthem, and tagline for the event. The mascot "Mauli," inspired by the Monal, symbolizes Uttarakhand’s uniqueness, while the tagline "Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak" (From Resolve to Zenith) reflects the spirit of determination and ambition. The Games will feature traditional sports like yoga and mallakhamb, representing a fusion of athleticism and cultural heritage. The event marks a major milestone in the state’s sports history.

India marked a significant achievement in wildlife conservation with the first-ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin in Assam. This effort, conducted by the MoEFCC, Wildlife Institute of India, Assam Forest Department, and Aaranyak, aims to study the dolphin's habitat and migration patterns. Recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal, the Ganges River Dolphin is a key apex predator, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems. This initiative highlights Assam's contribution to the conservation of this endangered species and the broader riverine biodiversity.

Andhra Pradesh's Tourism Policy 2024-29 introduces initiatives like ecotourism, temple tourism, Buddhism, beach, river, and cruise circuits. Supported by seven anchor hubs and 25 thematic approaches, the policy aims to transform tourism into an economic driver by granting it industry status. It targets ₹25,000 crore in investments and seeks to elevate domestic tourist spending to ₹25,000 per year, positioning the state as a leading tourism destination within five years.