Current Affairs - State

Gujarat signed a Letter of Intent with Starlink to deploy satellite-based broadband connectivity in remote, tribal, and underserved regions. The agreement, signed in Gandhinagar, aims to bridge the digital divide by strengthening e-governance, healthcare, education, disaster management, and industrial connectivity. Pilot projects will cover tribal and Aspirational Districts such as Narmada and Dahod. The initiative aligns with the Digital India vision and seeks to ensure last-mile digital access, enabling efficient public service delivery, telemedicine, smart classrooms, and improved emergency response systems across the state.

The 18th Foundation Day of the National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) was organised at Mahalanobis Auditorium, Knowledge Park-II, Greater Noida, in Uttar Pradesh. NSSTA operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and serves as a premier training institute for strengthening India’s official statistical system. The event emphasized AI-driven capacity building, digital transformation, and improved data governance aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The inauguration of the Digital Data Lab and focus on advanced analytics highlighted efforts to modernize statistical infrastructure and enhance evidence-based policymaking in India.

Kerala launched the ‘Sthree Suraksha’ Scheme to provide financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to economically backward women and transwomen aged between 35 and 60 years. The initiative aims to promote gender justice and economic independence by supporting those not covered under other social welfare pension programmes. Over 10 lakh verified beneficiaries received the first instalment through direct benefit transfer. The scheme reflects Kerala’s welfare-oriented governance model, emphasising inclusive development, gender budgeting, and women’s empowerment while ensuring transparency through careful verification and timely fund disbursement.

Andhra Pradesh has implemented an AI-powered facial recognition system to digitally record the attendance of Members of the Legislative Assembly. The new system replaces traditional physical registers and ensures that attendance is marked only when MLAs are seated in the House. It also tracks the duration of their presence, promoting greater accountability and transparency. The initiative aims to curb absenteeism and address concerns related to paid absences. By enforcing stricter monitoring and supporting the principle of “no work, no pay,” the reform strengthens legislative discipline and institutional integrity.

Phase 2 of the 72-hour ‘Operation Prahar’ was launched by the police force of Punjab to strengthen action against gangsters and wanted criminals across the state. The first phase resulted in more than 3,000 arrests and the seizure of 69 weapons, indicating a strong crackdown on organised crime. Senior headquarters officers were deputed to supervise operations statewide, ensuring strict monitoring and coordination. The Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, also encouraged citizens to provide information through the Anti-Gangster Helpline to support ongoing enforcement efforts.