Current Affairs - State

India’s first underwater museum and artificial coral reef is set to be established near Nivati Rocks at Vengurla in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The site will revolve around the decommissioned Indian Navy warship INS Guldar, which will serve as a centrepiece to promote both marine biodiversity and tourism. Supported by the central government, the project aims to attract eco-tourism through activities such as scuba diving and, in the future, submarine tours. The museum will not only contribute to marine conservation by fostering artificial reefs but will also open new avenues for sustainable tourism and environmental education.

The Maharashtra government has launched a geo-tagged 13-digit unique ID system for all infrastructure projects to enhance transparency and monitoring. This digital initiative, implemented through the Infra ID portal, will help track projects in real time, prevent duplication, and improve inter-departmental coordination. The system will first be tested in the Wardha district before expanding statewide by October 2025, with all projects since 2020 expected to be registered by March 2026. This reform aims to streamline infrastructure management and ensure better governance through centralized, digitized project data.

The Bikram Lock Canal Bank solar power project was inaugurated in Bihar's Patna district as part of the state's ‘Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali’ campaign. This initiative aims to promote renewable energy and reduce environmental damage caused by traditional energy sources. The project is located along a 2-kilometre stretch of the main canal at Bikram, highlighting Bihar's commitment to sustainable development and green energy solutions. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's involvement underscores the state's focus on expanding solar energy infrastructure to meet future energy demands while minimizing ecological impact.

The 'Bodhi Yatra' was organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department in collaboration with the Union Ministry of External Affairs under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework. The event aimed to highlight Uttar Pradesh's rich Buddhist heritage on the global stage, attracting 50 delegates from five ASEAN countries. This initiative reflects the state's efforts to boost cultural tourism and strengthen international ties through its historical and spiritual significance in Buddhism. Uttar Pradesh is home to key Buddhist sites like Sarnath and Kushinagar, making it a focal point for such heritage promotions.

Daojali Hading, a Neolithic habitation site over 2,700 years old, is located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam. The site has revealed both domestic artefacts and early metallurgical activity, including polished stone tools, cord-marked pottery, and grinding stones. The presence of jadeite stones suggests ancient trade links with East and Southeast Asia. Daojali Hading is one of the prominent Neolithic sites in Northeastern India, showcasing the region's rich cultural and archaeological heritage. The site provides valuable insights into the lives of ancient people in the region.