• 05 Jan 2026

Bihar to Get Second Tiger Reserve at Kaimur

Why in News? 

The Bihar Government has approved to develop Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as the second Tiger Reserve of the state. 

Key Points 

• Administrative Approval: The proposal has been approved by the State Cabinet and final approval is awaited from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). 
• First Tiger Reserve in Bihar: Valmiki Tiger Reserve located in West Champaran district, along the India–Nepal border. 
• Habitat Expansion: The reserve will reduce pressure on Valmiki Tiger Reserve by providing additional habitat for tiger dispersal. 
• Corridor Importance: Kaimur landscape acts as a wildlife corridor connecting forest areas of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. 
• Biodiversity Value: The sanctuary is rich in flora, fauna, plateaus, waterfalls, and historical sites like Shergarh Fort. 
• Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary: 
  • Flora: Dry deciduous forests with Sal, Teak, Mahua, Bamboo, Jamun, and medicinal plants. 
  • Fauna: Tigers, Leopards, Chinkara, Sambar, Nilgai, Peafowl, Eagles, Snakes, and endemic species. 
• Conservation Impact: Declaration as a tiger reserve will strengthen biodiversity conservation, curb poaching, and promote eco-tourism. 

Uttar Pradesh Tops Domestic Tourism in 2025

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh has become India’s most visited state for domestic tourism in 2025, according to the Ministry of Tourism. 

Key Points 

• Ranking: UP Ranks 1st in Domestic Visits (137 Crore) and 4th in Foreign Tourists (3.66 Lakh) in 2025. 
• Major Events Impact: The historic Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj was a major contributor, attracting over 66 crore visitors. 
• Key Destinations: Cities such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura–Vrindavan, and Shravasti emerged as major tourism hubs.  
• Events & Festivals: Events like Deepotsav, Rangotsav, Dev Deepawali, Magh Mela, and various programs attracted both domestic and foreign tourists. 
• Economic Impact: The tourism boom is vital for the state's economy, contributing significantly to its goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2029. 
• Tourism Policy & Investment: Under the UP Tourism Policy 2022, 1,757 tourism units were registered and proposals worth ₹37,688.58 crore received to boost infrastructure and attractions. 

Madhya Pradesh Records Highest Tiger Deaths in 2025

Why in News? 

Madhya Pradesh reported 55 tiger deaths in 2025 which is the highest in a single year since Project Tiger started in 1973 and raises serious concerns for tiger conservation. 

Key Points 

• Causes of Death: Tiger deaths were mainly due to territorial conflicts, habitat pressures, natural causes, with some from poaching and electrocution. 
• Outside Protected Areas: Alarmingly, 23 deaths occurred outside notified tiger reserves, indicating rising threats in corridors and buffer zones. 
• Total Tiger Deaths: According to data released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), India recorded the deaths of 166 tigers in 2025. 
• State‑Wise Deaths: Madhya Pradesh recorded the most (55), followed by Maharashtra (38), Kerala (13), and Assam (12). 
• Tiger State: Madhya Pradesh is popularly called the “Tiger State of India” because it has the largest tiger population in the country and is home to several important tiger reserves including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Satpura.

Rajasthan to Host AI Impact Conference 2026

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced that Rajasthan will host the Regional AI Impact Conference in Jaipur in January 2026. 

Key Points 

• Precursor: It is a preparatory event for the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to promote AI adoption and innovation. 
• Objective: To explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in promoting governance reform, economic growth, innovation, and inclusive development. 
• Core Agenda: The deliberations are anchored in the "Three Sutras" (People, Planet, Progress) and the "Seven Chakras" of the IndiaAI Mission. 
• Focus Areas: Discussions will include AI for public service delivery, ethical AI practices, and applications such as Digital Twins for urban planning and administration. 
• Significance: The initiative reflects India’s commitment to harnessing AI for sustainable development, improving governance efficiency, and positioning states like Rajasthan as AI innovation hubs.

Assam First State to Constitute 8th Pay Commission

Why in News? 

Assam has become the first Indian state to constitute a State-level 8th Pay Commission announced by the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma 

Key Points.  

• Purpose: The Commission will review pay scales and pension structures for state government employees and pensioners to ensure fair remuneration. 
• Chairman: Subhas Das has been appointed as the Chairman of the Assam 8th Pay Commission. 
• Employee Welfare: The move reflects Assam’s focus on employee welfare, and equitable pay structures amid rising cost of living. 
• Central Level: The 8th Pay Commission at Central level is headed by Justice Ranjana Desai. 
• Reference Date: The 7th Pay Commission’s tenure officially concluded on December 31, 2025, making January 1, 2026, the effective reference date for calculating new pay and benefits. 
• National Benchmark: By acting ahead of other states, Assam has set a national precedent for state-level pay revision processes.