Current Affairs - State

NLC India Ltd. has secured the rights to the Machhakata coal mine in Odisha, which holds substantial reserves of 1.38 billion tonnes. This acquisition is part of NLC's strategy to bolster India's energy security by increasing coal production capacity to over 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030, up from the current 50 MTPA. The development is expected to significantly contribute to Odisha's economic growth through increased mining activity and resource utilization.

Sembcorp Industries has launched a ₹36,238 crore green hydrogen project in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district. This project, developed in collaboration with Tecnimont and Nextchem for engineering design, aims to establish a green ammonia plant in India. Additionally, partnerships with Japanese firms are set to facilitate the export of green hydrogen to Japan, underscoring Tamil Nadu's pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy solutions and fostering international collaborations in the green technology sector.

Manvi Madhu Kashyap and two other transgender individuals made history by becoming the first transwoman sub-inspectors in Bihar Police. Despite facing rejection and discrimination from coaching centres in Patna, Kashyap's determination and perseverance led her to clear the Bihar Police Subordinate Selection Commission (BPSSC) exams. This achievement is a significant milestone for transgender rights and representation in law enforcement, demonstrating the potential of transgender individuals to contribute meaningfully to society if given equal opportunities.

Uttarakhand inaugurated its first bird gallery at the Nature Education Centre in Dehradun. The gallery features high-resolution photographs of over 710 bird species found in the state, representing more than 50% of the bird species in India. This initiative aims to promote bird conservation and raise awareness about the state's rich avian biodiversity. The Monal, declared the state bird when Uttarakhand became a state in 2000, underscores the region's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

Kerala achieved the milestone of preparing Peoples Biodiversity Registers (PBR) across its local self-government bodies with the assistance of local communities. These registers document information on various biodiversity aspects, including wild, aquatic, urban, and agro biodiversity, along with traditional knowledge and current usage patterns. This initiative aimed at the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity within the state.