Current Affairs - State

Bihar is setting up its second tiger reserve in Kaimur district, as approved by the central government. The Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary will be upgraded to a tiger reserve to alleviate the pressure on the existing Valmiki Tiger Reserve, which currently houses 54 tigers. This move aims to provide a larger habitat for tigers and promote biodiversity in the region. Kaimur's vast forests, covering 1,134 square km, offer suitable terrain for the reserve, boasting the highest green cover in Bihar at 34%.

Himachal Pradesh has launched the 'Sankalp' initiative under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, which is aimed at addressing drug trafficking and addiction in the state. Announced on October 6, 2024, the initiative includes establishing a model de-addiction and rehabilitation centre in Kotla Barog, Sirmaur district. This centre will provide comprehensive services for recovery and support for affected families. Additionally, the state is pursuing environmental sustainability goals, aiming to become a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026, which includes a green hydrogen plant in Nalagarh.

The Assam government introduced the 'Nijut Moina' scheme, which offers monthly stipends to female students in order to promote women's education and reduce dropout rates. The scheme provides ₹1,000 for higher secondary students, ₹1,250 for degree students, and ₹2,500 for post-graduation students. With a budget of ₹1,500 crore over 5 years, this initiative reflects Assam's efforts to support and enhance educational opportunities for women from class 11 through post-graduation.

West Bengal, specifically Kolkata, introduced Asia's first electric tram service on 27th March 1902, from Esplanade to Kidderpore. The tram service in Kolkata began as a horse-drawn system in 1873 and was later electrified. After 151 years of operation, the West Bengal government has decided to discontinue the tram service, except for a small heritage stretch from Maidan to Esplanade. Kolkata's tram service holds cultural significance, featured in notable films like Satyajit Ray's "Mahanagar" and hosting India's first electric tram library in 2020.

Kerala inaugurated India's first supercapacitor manufacturing facility at Keltron Component Complex, developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The plant aims to produce 2,000 supercapacitors daily, generating ₹22 crore annually, and is part of the state's plan to invest ₹1,000 crore in the electronics sector. This initiative solidifies Kerala's position as a manufacturing hub, particularly in the electronics industry. The facility will manufacture high-quality, indigenously made supercapacitors for applications ranging from electric vehicles to space missions.