Current Affairs - State

Punjab has launched its first Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana as a pilot initiative aimed at improving animal welfare while addressing public safety concerns related to stray dogs. The sanctuary is designed to manage stray dog populations in a humane and structured manner, following Supreme Court guidelines and Animal Birth Control rules. The initiative focuses on sheltering, sterilisation, vaccination, and controlled management to reduce dog bite incidents in urban areas. As a pilot project, it will help assess effectiveness before being replicated across other districts, creating a sustainable and legally compliant model for stray animal management.

Assam has introduced the Atal Vichal Agragami scheme to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹25,000 for research scholars and ₹40,000 for Divyang scholars, starting February 11, 2026. The scheme aims to reduce financial stress, promote innovation, and strengthen higher education and research across the state. By supporting scholars in universities and higher education institutions, Assam intends to foster an inclusive and knowledge-driven academic ecosystem, encourage interdisciplinary research, and position the state as a hub for innovation and academic excellence. This initiative also emphasizes social inclusion by offering higher support for differently-abled researchers.

Andhra Pradesh has announced the establishment of a new spaceport at Hope Island under its Space City initiative. The facility is aimed at supporting private and commercial launch missions, complementing India’s existing space infrastructure at Satish Dhawan Space Centre and Kulasekharapatnam. The spaceport will focus on small and medium-lift launch vehicles, enabling startups and private companies to participate in the country’s growing space economy. Its strategic eastern coastal location leverages the equator’s advantage for fuel efficiency and launch optimisation, reflecting the state’s commitment to advancing India’s private space sector.

Telangana has emerged as a key player in global urban development through its partnership with the United Arab Emirates to develop Bharat Future City. The collaboration, discussed at the World Economic Forum 2026, focuses on creating India’s first net-zero greenfield smart city with an emphasis on sustainability, smart infrastructure, and innovation. The project aligns with the Telangana Rising 2047 vision, which aims to transform the state into a $3 trillion economy. By attracting international investments and forming strategic partnerships, the initiative positions the state as a future-ready global economic and urban centre.

Gujarat has marked a major milestone in India’s space and aerospace journey with the launch of the country’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing unit at Sanand. The facility, established by Azista Space, will enable end-to-end satellite manufacturing under one roof, reducing dependence on imports and promoting indigenous innovation. The project supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and reflects strong state government backing for advanced technologies. It is expected to generate high-skilled employment, attract advanced investments, and position the state as a growing hub for space technology and high-tech manufacturing in India.