Current Affairs - State

Gujarat has recently established the GRIT think-tank, modeled after NITI Aayog, to advance its development objectives with a focus on 'Earning Well' and 'Living Well.' The think-tank is part of the state's broader strategy, which includes the 'Gujarat@2047 Roadmap' aimed at achieving a USD 3.5 trillion economy by 2047. The initiative reflects Gujarat's commitment to contributing significantly to India's GDP and advancing various sectors such as PM Gati Shakti, health, women's empowerment, and MSME development.

Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) partnered with RajCOMP Info Services Ltd (RISL) to enhance public service delivery and promote energy efficiency in Rajasthan. This collaboration utilizes the extensive e-Mitra network to offer UJALA products and services, including LED lighting and efficient cooling systems, on RISL's e-Mitra portal, thus promoting energy-efficient solutions throughout the state.

India’s first multinational air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’, will be hosted in Sular, Tamil Nadu. Scheduled to begin on the 6th of the upcoming month, the exercise will involve nearly 30 countries, with ten participating with fighter aircraft. This event is a significant milestone for India, aimed at demonstrating its defence capabilities and enhancing interoperability among participating nations. It will also feature Indian Air Force aircraft including the LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Rafale, and will support India's goals of achieving greater self-reliance in defence.

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on July 30. This bill increases the punishment for forced conversions, including life imprisonment for marrying or converting a woman under deceitful circumstances. The amendment classifies such actions as serious offences with stringent penalties, reflecting the state's effort to curb unlawful religious conversions.

The two new flower fly species, Mesembrius bengalensis and Mesembrius quadrivittatus were reported for the first time in Kerala. These species were identified in the Kole wetlands and Vilagan Kunnu hillocks in Thrissur district by researchers from Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL), Christ College, Irinjalakuda. Prior literature documented 59 flower fly species in Kerala, highlighting the significance of this new discovery for understanding the region's biodiversity.