Current Affairs - State

The new species of glyptosternine catfish, Exostoma sentiyonoae, was discovered in the Dzuleke River, a tributary of the Barak River in Nagaland. This discovery highlights the region's rich biodiversity, marking it as the first species of its genus identified in the Dzuleke River. The Barak River system, significant to Northeast India's ecology, flows through Nagaland, among other states, before joining major river systems in Bangladesh. This find emphasizes the ecological importance of preserving riverine habitats in the region.

Gujarat’s traditional ‘Gharchola’ handicraft, known for its cultural significance in Hindu and Jain weddings, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition adds to Gujarat’s total of 27 GI tags, 23 of which are for handicrafts. The award highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of the state’s artisans and bolsters their livelihood. Additionally, the GI tag ensures authenticity and promotes global recognition of this vibrant cultural heritage. The accolade was presented during the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program in New Delhi.

The Tripura Paralympics team showcased exceptional performance at the Northeast Para Games 2024, held in Guwahati, by winning a total of 23 medals, including 9 golds. In athletics, visually impaired athlete Md. Amjad Hossain secured three gold medals. The swimming team also made significant contributions with 16 medals, including 5 golds, underlining the state’s commitment to excelling in para-sports.

The Odisha government has approved 20 investment projects worth Rs 1.36 lakh crore, spanning sectors like steel, chemicals, green energy, and power. These projects, set to be implemented across 10 districts, including Jajpur and Sambalpur, aim to create over 74,350 jobs, boosting the state's industrial and infrastructural growth. Led by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, this initiative positions Odisha as a key hub for industrial investment, with strategic contributions to local economies and sustainable development.

The Kerala government approved a supplementary agreement with Adani Ports to accelerate the Vizhinjam Port project, advancing its final phase completion to 2028 from the earlier target of 2045. With a pledged investment of ₹10,000 crore, the project aims to achieve a capacity of 3 million TEUs. A penalty of ₹219 crore was imposed for delays, and any extension beyond 2028 is conditional on meeting the revised deadline. This agreement underscores Kerala's commitment to infrastructure growth and efficient project management.