Current Affairs - State

The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, India's 56th tiger reserve, is situated in the state of Chhattisgarh. Spanning an area of 2,829 square kilometres, this reserve aims to conserve and protect the tiger population and its habitat. The addition of this reserve highlights Chhattisgarh's commitment to wildlife conservation. Notably, the largest tiger reserve in India is Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, while the second-largest is Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, demonstrating the country's efforts to safeguard its biodiversity and natural resources.

West Bengal dominated the 4th National Finswimming Championship 2024, securing the top spot with an impressive 151 medals, comprising 67 gold, 43 silver, and 41 bronze medals. The championship, held in New Delhi, saw participation from 1500 swimmers from 26 states and union territories. West Bengal's outstanding performance highlighted its strength in finswimming, surpassing other strong contenders like Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. The event, organized by the Underwater Sports Federation of India, showcased India's growing talent in this aquatic sport.

Tamil Nadu has taken a significant step in addressing snakebite envenomation by declaring it a notifiable disease under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, of 1939. This move enables healthcare authorities to track and monitor snakebite cases more effectively, ultimately enhancing prevention and treatment efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also launched initiatives to combat snakebite envenoming globally, aiming to reduce mortality and morbidity by half by 2030. India has similarly implemented national plans to tackle snakebite hazards, demonstrating concerted efforts to address this critical health concern.

The Andhra Pradesh model of natural farming has been recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for its potential to double employment opportunities for farmers and increase their incomes. Natural farming, a chemical-free method promoting traditional indigenous practices, aims to make farming aspirational by rejuvenating soil health and increasing net incomes. The FAO's 'AgroEco2050' initiative suggests that adopting natural farming can provide sustainable and economic benefits to agriculture in Andhra Pradesh, offering lessons for other regions to follow.

Gujarat's Dinosaur Fossil Park and Museum, located in Raiyoli village, is being advocated for a UNESCO Global Geoparks tag, recognizing its significance as a geological heritage site. The park boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, one of the largest in the world. Gujarat, along with Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is renowned for its rich dinosaur fossil deposits, including skeletons and eggs, shedding light on India's prehistoric past. A UNESCO designation would enhance scientific research, education, and tourism in the region.