Current Affairs - State

The state of Bihar is home to both Gokul Jalashaya in Buxar (448 hectares) and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran (319 hectares), which have been designated as Ramsar Wetlands. Ramsar sites are globally recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Their inclusion emphasises Bihar’s ecological contribution in maintaining biodiversity, supporting migratory birds, and providing essential ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge and flood control. With these new sites, India’s total number of Ramsar wetlands has reached 93, covering an expansive area of 13,60,719 hectares, reflecting its growing commitment to wetland conservation.

Uttar Pradesh has announced the organization of statewide eight-day trade shows across all its 75 districts from October 9–16. The initiative was revealed by the Khadi and Village Industries sector during the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) in Greater Noida. These exhibitions will feature entrepreneurs from Khadi, textiles, and One District One Product (ODOP) sectors. By scaling up from divisional-level events to a state-wide initiative, Uttar Pradesh aims to boost its local economy, strengthen MSMEs, provide greater exposure for traditional products, and encourage entrepreneurship, ultimately enhancing trade opportunities at national and international levels.

The Supreme Court struck down a 2007 notification by the Rajasthan government that provided a VAT exemption on locally manufactured asbestos sheets and bricks. The Court ruled that such exemptions were discriminatory under Article 304(a) of the Constitution, as they favored local products over similar goods from other states. This decision reinforces the principle of free trade within India, ensuring that state taxation policies do not create unfair advantages for local industries. By invalidating the exemption, the Court emphasised that all states must adhere to constitutional guidelines promoting equal economic opportunity and trade fairness across India.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of a 4-lane greenfield highway on NH-139W in Bihar, covering the Sahebganj–Areraj–Bettiah section. The project, executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), spans 78.942 km with an estimated cost of ₹3,822.31 crore. It aims to enhance connectivity between Patna and Bettiah, facilitate Indo-Nepal trade, promote tourism, and support economic growth through smoother freight movement and employment generation. By linking multiple economic and social nodes, the highway aligns with the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, positioning Bihar as a hub for regional development and international trade.

The ₹1.22 lakh crore development package was announced in Rajasthan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Banswara. This package emphasises clean energy, tribal welfare, better connectivity, and social welfare schemes. A major share of ₹90,000 crore is earmarked for projects across five states, with significant allocations for Rajasthan such as the ₹42,000 crore Mahi Banswara Atomic Power Project and multiple solar power projects in districts like Jaisalmer, Jalore, Sikar, and Phalodi. Additionally, ₹13,180 crore has been set aside for strengthening transmission infrastructure. These initiatives aim to boost Rajasthan’s energy sector and uplift tribal regions significantly.