Current Affairs - State

The President’s Police Colour Award, also known as the Nishaan, is among the highest collective honours bestowed on police forces in India for sustained excellence, discipline, and professionalism. Sikkim Police earned this prestigious recognition, making Sikkim the 15th state in India and the third in the North-East to receive the award since Independence. The honour reflects the force’s long-term commitment to public service, integrity, and effective law enforcement in a strategically sensitive border state. The ceremonial presentation of the flag and insignia during a Colour Presentation Parade symbolises national pride and institutional achievement.

The foundation for the ₹450 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit has been laid in Tripura, aimed at boosting spiritual and eco-tourism. Key sites connected by the circuit include the Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura, and Dumbur Lake. The project will feature jetties, eco-resorts, and modern tourism facilities, with ₹276 crore funded by the Ministry of DoNER. This initiative is part of Tripura’s broader push to enhance tourism infrastructure, attract visitors, and generate economic growth through sustainable and culturally significant tourism projects.

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.