Current Affairs - State

Bihar approved the construction of a major international airport at Sonepur in Saran district as part of a landmark infrastructure initiative. The project includes a 4,200-metre runway designed to handle wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380, enabling direct long-haul international flights. Spread over 4,228 acres, the airport aims to enhance connectivity in north Bihar and reduce congestion at Patna’s existing airport. With a land acquisition allocation of ₹1,302 crore and a completion target of 2030, the project is expected to boost trade, tourism, employment, and regional economic development significantly.

Assam approved a 3% reservation for tea tribes and Adivasi communities in Class I and Class II government jobs within the OBC quota. This decision expands reservation benefits beyond Grade III and IV posts to higher administrative and academic positions, including state civil services and professorships. The move aims to improve representation and social mobility for historically marginalized tea tribe and Adivasi populations who have significantly contributed to the state’s tea economy. Additionally, the cabinet expanded the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA) scheme to include over one lakh more women beneficiaries, strengthening women’s entrepreneurship and rural economic empowerment.

Mizoram celebrates its Foundation Day on 20 February to commemorate its attainment of full statehood in 1987, becoming the 23rd state of India. The milestone followed the signing of the historic Mizoram Accord in 1986, which brought lasting peace after years of insurgency and political unrest. Prior to statehood, the region functioned as a Union Territory from 1972. The day symbolises reconciliation, unity, and cultural pride among the Mizo people. Celebrations include official ceremonies, cultural performances such as the Cheraw (Bamboo Dance), and reflections on the state’s progress in education, infrastructure, and social development.

Andhra Pradesh secured India’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery Gigafactory with an investment of ₹8,175 crore by Waaree Energies. The 16 GWh facility will be established at Rambilli in Anakapalli district and is expected to generate around 3,000 direct jobs. The project strengthens India’s clean-energy manufacturing ecosystem by supporting renewable energy storage, electric vehicle expansion, and grid stability. It also reduces dependence on imported battery cells and promotes self-reliance in advanced energy storage technologies, aligning with broader national goals such as Make in India and the transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Gujarat unanimously passed the Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to expand employment opportunities for women and introduce greater flexibility in working conditions. The legislation permits women to work night shifts between 9 pm and 6 am with mandatory safeguards such as consent, transportation, rest facilities, creche provisions, and protection against harassment. It also increases the daily working hour limit from 9 to 10 hours while retaining the 48-hour weekly cap, and raises the overtime limit from 125 to 144 hours per quarter with double wage compensation. The Bill replaces a previous ordinance and retains government regulatory oversight powers.