Daily Current Affairs: Kaimur Tiger Reserve & Salal Project

📅 Date: 5 January 2026 (Monday)

Welcome to today's detailed analysis. The new year starts with a major environmental milestone for Bihar, critical infrastructure updates in Jammu & Kashmir and Tripura, and health alerts from Gujarat. Let's break down these developments.

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1. Environment: Bihar to get 2nd Tiger Reserve at Kaimur

In a significant boost to wildlife conservation in eastern India, the Bihar Government has officially approved the proposal to develop the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as the state's second Tiger Reserve.

Why is this significant?

• Expanding Habitats: Until now, Bihar had only one Tiger Reserve—the famous Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran. The addition of Kaimur strengthens the state's conservation footprint.
• Strategic Corridor: The Kaimur landscape is not isolated; it acts as a critical wildlife corridor connecting the forest areas of Bihar with neighboring Madhya Pradesh, allowing for better genetic exchange among tiger populations.
• Next Steps: While the State Cabinet has given its nod, the final approval is awaited from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

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2. Infrastructure: Salal Hydroelectric Project Update

The Union Minister of Power has directed immediate sediment removal at the Salal Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir. This directive comes amidst geopolitical developments regarding the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan.

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3. Public Health Alert: Typhoid Outbreak in Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar is currently battling a surge in Typhoid cases. Reports link the outbreak to contaminated drinking water, highlighting flaws in the city's newly laid water supply infrastructure.

Understanding Typhoid

• Cause: It is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi.
• Transmission: Unlike many diseases that jump from animals, Typhoid is strictly human-to-human. It spreads via the fecal-oral route—essentially through contaminated food and water.
• Risk Factors: It thrives in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.
• Treatment: While treatable with antibiotics, the rise of antimicrobial resistance is a growing global concern.

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4. Renewable Energy: Hydrokinetic Turbines in Tripura

Tripura is taking a leap into futuristic energy solutions. The state government has identified 10 river sites to generate 185 MW of power using Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology.

What is Hydrokinetic Technology?

Unlike traditional dams that block rivers to create a "head" (height difference) for generating pressure, Hydrokinetic turbines work like underwater wind turbines.

• Mechanism: They exploit the kinetic energy of flowing water currents directly.
• Benefit: They operate with practically zero potential head and do not require massive civil structures like dams or barrages, making them more eco-friendly and easier to deploy in smaller rivers.

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5. Health Awareness: Spina Bifida

While many nations have robust prevention programs, India is yet to initiate a large-scale awareness drive for Spina Bifida prevention through folic acid supplementation.

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6. Culture & Wildlife: Double-Humped Camels

A unique attraction awaits at the 77th Republic Day parade. Ladakh's famous Double-Humped Bactrian Camels are set to make their debut on the Kartavya Path.

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7. Ecology: Action Plan for Chilika Lake

The Odisha government is drafting a new action plan to protect the biodiversity of Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon.

Static GK on Chilika Lake

• Type: A shallow lagoon with estuarine characteristics (mixture of fresh and sea water).
• Location: Spread across Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts in Odisha.
• Key River: Located at the mouth of the Daya River.
• Bird Sanctuary: The Nalabana Island inside the lake is a designated bird sanctuary, hosting millions of migratory birds annually.

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That wraps up today's comprehensive analysis. From the tigers of Kaimur to the turbines of Tripura, India continues to evolve. Stay tuned for more updates!