West Bengal is a state known for its diverse culture, delicious sweets, and captivating history. In this blog post, we explore the topic “West Bengal Current Affairs 2024” to unravel the stories, events, and news that are shaping the present narrative of this culturally rich region.
As Eastern India’s cultural heartbeat, West Bengal thrives on a rich tapestry of history, diversity, and progressive initiatives. The year 2024 has brought forth a cascade of noteworthy events, policy decisions, and achievements that have etched a new chapter in the state’s narrative. From cultural accolades to socio-economic endeavours, West Bengal stands at the forefront of dynamic transformations.
✅ Read Also: West Bengal Current Affairs 2023
Latest West Bengal Current Affairs, January to December 2024
West Bengal Current Affairs March 2024
Multiple development projects by PM Modi
- PM Narendra Modi recently dedicated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth Rs 7,200 crore in Arambagh, Hooghly, West Bengal.
- He also inaugurated the Indian Oil Limited’s Haldia-Barauni Crude Oil Pipeline, which has a total length of 518 kilometres.
- Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated Indian Oil’s LPG Bottling plant in Vidyasagar Industrial Park, Kharagpur.
- The plant has a capacity of 120 Thousand Metric Tonnes Per Annum (TMTPA) and was developed at a cost exceeding Rs 200 crore.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata Development Projects
Dedicated and Foundation Stones Laid
- PM Narendra Modi dedicated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.
- The total worth of these projects is approximately Rs 1000 crore.
Projects Included
- Reconstruction of Berth No. 8 NSD and mechanization of Berth No. 7 & 8 NSD of Kolkata Dock System.
- Augmentation of the firefighting system at oil jetties of Haldia Dock Complex, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port.
- Dedication of the third Rail Mounted Quay Crane (RMQC) at Haldia Dock Complex, with a lifting capacity of 40 Tonnes.
Rail Infrastructure Development Projects
Investment Worth Rs 2680 Crores
- Rail projects with a combined investment of approximately Rs 2680 crores have been initiated.
Projects Include
- Establishment of the third rail line connecting Jhargram to Salgajhari spanning 90 kilometers.
- Doubling of the Sondalia to Champapukur rail line covering a distance of 24 kilometres.
- Doubling of the Dankuni to Bhattanagar to Baltikuri rail line, extending over 9 kilometres.
Rail Projects Dedication
- Additionally, PM Modi dedicated four rail projects worth more than Rs 940 crore:
- Doubling of Damodar-Mohishila rail line.
- Third line between Rampurhat and Murarai.
- Doubling of Bazarsau-Azimganj rail line.
- New line connecting Azimganj to Murshidabad.
Wastewater Treatment and Sewerage Projects
Funded by the World Bank
- Three wastewater treatment and sewerage projects have been undertaken at a combined cost of approximately Rs 600 crore, funded by the World Bank.
Project Details
Howrah Project
- Includes Interception and Diversion (I&D) works and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Howrah.
- STP capacity: 65 MLD (Megaliters per day).
- Sewage network length: 3.3 km.
Bally Project
- Comprises Interception and Diversion (I&D) works and STPs in Bally.
- STP capacity: 62 MLD.
- Sewage network length: 11.3 km.
Kamarhati & Baranagar Project
- Involves Interception and Diversion (I&D) works and STPs in Kamarhati & Baranagar.
- STP capacity: 60 MLD.
- Sewage network length: 8.15 km.
PM Modi’s Development Initiatives in West Bengal
Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station Phase II:
- PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station Phase II (2×660 MW) in Purulia district, West Bengal.
- This coal-based thermal power project, under the Damodar Valley Corporation, will be developed for Rs. 4,527.68 crore.
Flue Gas Desulfurization System Inauguration
- PM Modi inaugurated the Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system of Units 7 & 8 of Mejia Thermal Power Station, costing about Rs 650 crore.
- PM Narendra Modi inaugurated a 344-kilometer-long product pipeline stretching from Paradip in Odisha to Haldia in West Bengal.
Road Project Inauguration
- The PM also inaugurated the road project for the four-laning of Farakka-Raiganj Section of NH-12 (100 Km), developed at a cost of about Rs 1986 crore.
West Bengal Current Affairs February 2024
- The inaugural cargo vessels from Maia Inland Customs Port in West Bengal to the Sultanganj Port in Bangladesh marked the beginning of the riverine trade. The riverine distance between the two ports is 16 kilometres.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the nation to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). These AIIMS are located in Rajkot (Gujarat), Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Kalyani (West Bengal), and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh).
West Bengal Current Affairs 2024 January
- The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has officially declared ‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jal’ as the State Song. This anthem, celebrating the spirit and identity of the state, is attributed to the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore.
- West Bengal has bestowed Geographical Indication (GI) tags upon distinctive products such as Sundarban honey, Black Nunia rice, Tangail, Gorod, and Kadiyal sarees.
✅ Read More: Three Bengal Handloom Sarees Recognized as GI Products
- West Bengal has taken a significant step towards empowering Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students by introducing the “Yogyasree” free training module.
- Dr Sukanta Majumdar, a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representing West Bengal, has been honoured with the Sansad Ratna Award 2024.
- Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a Member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress in West Bengal, has been conferred with the prestigious Sansad Maha Ratna Award for his notable performance during the 17th Lok Sabha sessions.
- Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala launched Sagar Parikrama Phase-XII in West Bengal, showcasing the central government’s initiatives and focus on maritime activities in the state.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, located in West Bengal, has achieved a milestone by housing the world’s largest number of snow leopards in captivity – 14, including 7 males and 7 females.
- West Bengal hosted the Gangasagar Mela 2024, a significant religious and cultural event attracting millions of devotees to the confluence of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal.
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has granted approval for the Coal-to-SNG (Synthetic Natural Gas) Project at Sonepur Bazari Area of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in the district of Burdwan, West Bengal.
Sources:
- Affairscloud Daily Current Affairs
- StudyIQ Monthly Current Affairs PDF
