Current Affairs - State

The Department of Space has approved the establishment of Space Manufacturing Clusters in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to strengthen India’s space ecosystem. Gujarat’s cluster is located at Khoraj near Ahmedabad and focuses on end-to-end spacecraft, payload systems, and space-based applications. Tamil Nadu’s cluster is set up at Thoothukudi and focuses on manufacturing, testing, and integration of launch vehicle systems, strategically positioned near the upcoming Small Launch Vehicle complex at Kulasekharapatnam. The initiative is anchored by IN-SPACe, which oversees procurement, commissioning, and temporary operation of infrastructure before handing it over to state governments. This move aims to promote decentralised space manufacturing and encourage multiple states to participate in India’s growing space sector.

Odisha launched a specialised documentation and training initiative on May 23, 2026, to revive the traditional Bomkai weave in Ganjam district. The project, titled 'Revival of Languishing Products (Cotton Bomkai Saree)', is being implemented by the state's Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department in coordination with the State Agency for Development of Handloom Clusters. A five-day orientation programme was organised in Bomkai village to document traditional designs and colour patterns. Bomkai weave is a GI-tagged craft of Odisha, renowned for its intricate Jala work, nature-inspired motifs, contrasting borders, and richly designed pallu, making it an important part of the state's textile heritage.

Karnataka's first dedicated support centre for Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) patients was inaugurated on May 23, 2026, in Manipal by Access Life. Named the "Home Away from Home" (HAH) centre, the facility provides a hygienic and controlled recovery environment for children undergoing bone marrow transplant procedures. Developed in partnership with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the centre supports families of young patients receiving treatment at Kasturba Hospital. The initiative is backed by the Chellaram Foundation and aims to offer essential non-medical support, accommodation, and care during the recovery period, improving the overall treatment experience for paediatric patients and their families.

West Bengal initiated the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme on May 22, 2026, by establishing a State Monitoring Committee and District Implementation Committees. The scheme aims to support traditional artisans and craftspeople through skill development, financial assistance, modern tools, and improved market access. More than 7.79 lakh artisans and craftspeople are enrolled under the scheme in the state. As part of broader MSME support initiatives, a Transformer Testing Facility was also inaugurated in Kolkata to provide affordable testing services for enterprises. The rollout is expected to strengthen traditional occupations, improve livelihoods, and enhance the MSME ecosystem across the state.

Haryana launched the ShramMitra application on May 20, 2026, with the objective of creating a digital platform that connects workers and employers more efficiently. Developed by the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, the app functions as an Electronic Employment Exchange and aims to gradually replace the traditional labour chowk system. It supports Hindi, English, and Punjabi languages and already includes data on around 75,000 registered workers from 135 labour chowks. The platform facilitates employment opportunities for skilled workers such as masons, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, welders, and various self-employed professionals, promoting greater transparency and accessibility in the labour market.