Current Affairs - State

Queen’s University Belfast and Coventry University have received approval to establish campuses at Gujarat’s GIFT City. This decision aligns with the relaxed regulations introduced by the International Financial Services Authority (IFSCA) in 2022, which allow foreign universities to set up campuses in India. This initiative follows a trend started by Australian institutions and marks a significant step in the expansion of global educational institutions within India, especially at GIFT City, Gujarat.

The Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship Scheme was launched by the Delhi government in New Delhi. This initiative, announced by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, aims to fund SC/ST students pursuing higher education abroad fully. It reflects the government's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for marginalized communities. The scheme, approved by the AAP Cabinet in 2019, plans to support 100 Dalit students annually for overseas studies.

Madhya Pradesh has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a "Go-To Global Destination for 2025" due to its rich heritage, stunning wildlife, and natural beauty. Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 9 Tiger Reserves, and cultural landmarks like Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, the state has become a hub for tourism. The MP Tourism Board's active international promotion further enhances its appeal as a top global travel destination.

Madhya Pradesh is set to translocate 14 tigers to Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha as part of an animal exchange program. These tigers will be relocated from reserves like Bandhavgarh, Panna, Kanha, and Pench, with veterinary supervision to ensure their safety. Additionally, the Centre has approved two new tiger reserves in the state: Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary and Madhav National Park, further emphasizing its commitment to wildlife conservation.

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.