Current Affairs - State

Odisha has demonstrated a remarkable fiscal transformation over the past two decades. From having a debt-to-GSDP ratio of 57.3% in 2002-03, the highest among Indian states at the time, it has reduced this ratio to 16.0% in 2023-24, the lowest in the country. Key reforms such as the Odisha Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (OFRBMA), tax system modernization, and revenue generation from mining leases were instrumental in this turnaround. Odisha also maintained a revenue surplus even during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing effective fiscal management and resilience. This success highlights the state's disciplined approach to economic governance.

PM Modi will inaugurate the Ken-Betwa river linking project in Madhya Pradesh, coinciding with the 100th birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This project, the first under India's national perspective plan, aims to provide irrigation and drinking water facilities, benefiting farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, PM Modi will lay the foundation for 1,153 Atal Gram Sushasan buildings to enhance local governance in the state.

The Government of India has approved 47 ethanol projects in Bihar for interest subvention on bank loans to establish or expand distilleries. Currently, Bihar operates 22 ethanol distilleries, including molasses-based and grain-based units. This initiative supports the Ethanol Blended Petrol Program, which aims to achieve a 20% ethanol blending target with petrol by 2025-26, promoting sustainable energy and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

The Central government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $42 million loan agreement aimed at strengthening coastal and riverbank protection in Maharashtra. This initiative is designed to enhance the resilience of coastal communities against coastal erosion, flooding, and climate change. The project includes hybrid approaches like offshore reefs, rock protection works, and nature-based solutions such as beach and dune nourishment. It also focuses on boosting local sectors such as tourism and fisheries, vital for the state's economy, and incorporates advanced technologies for better shoreline management.

Masali, located in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, is India’s first border solar village. Situated just 40 kilometres from the Pakistan border, the village has achieved the remarkable feat of generating 100% of its electricity through solar power. The project involved installing solar panels on 199 rooftops, making it a key part of India’s renewable energy and rural electrification efforts. The initiative is aligned with the larger Border Development Project, which aims to provide sustainable energy to multiple border villages across the country.