Current Affairs - State

Karnataka leads India in the number of public EV charging stations, boasting 5,765 stations, with a significant concentration (85%) in the Bengaluru Urban district. This achievement is supported by the FAME scheme, investments by Bescom, and public-private partnerships (PPP). Karnataka is further strengthening its EV infrastructure by planning an additional 2,500 charging stations and allocating ₹35 crore for 100 more stations in collaboration with electricity companies.

Khutahri village in Bhojpur, Bihar inaugurated its first cow dung gas plant under the state’s community-run Gobar Gas Dhan Yojana. This project, costing Rs 634,000, is set to provide a more accessible and affordable cooking fuel alternative for 8 households, with monthly gas costs between Rs 500 and Rs 600. The plant, supported by UNICEF, showcases a sustainable approach to energy production, utilizing cow dung collected from local households, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and community development.

Servotech Power Systems Ltd., a leading EV charger manufacturer in India, secured a contract from Kerala's Department of Power to establish 12 EV charging stations with 30KW chargers across 14 locations. This project, initiated in two phases, aims to enhance Kerala's EV charging infrastructure and support sustainable transportation efforts within the state. The initiative underscores Kerala's commitment to promoting EV usage and supporting the growing EV market's needs, contributing to the overall goal of achieving a greener and more sustainable future.

A Kannada Medium school in Sullia, Karnataka, is pioneering a unique educational approach by integrating a paddy field into its campus. This innovative project is designed to provide students with an immersive learning experience in the practical aspects of food cultivation. The school, which has been operating since 1973 and has over 500 students, has prepared a 3,500 square-meter field for this purpose.

The Maharashtra Government is planning a new 376 km long 6-lane expressway, the Konkan Expressway, to connect Mumbai to Goa, cutting down travel time from 12 hours to just six hours. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will oversee its construction along the scenic Konkan coast, reducing travel time from 12 hours to six hours. This new corridor will feature 14 interchanges and require a total investment of Rs 68,000 crore, including 146 hectares of land. While the Maharashtra Government has completed the Mumbai-Goa Expressway, the Konkan Expressway promises a smoother, pothole-free journey and enhanced connectivity.