Current Affairs - State

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a relief package of ₹1,600 crore for the flood-hit state of Punjab. The package includes not only financial assistance through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and PM-Kisan scheme but also ex-gratia payments for families of the deceased and injured. In addition, PM CARES funds will support orphans, while reconstruction efforts will be undertaken under the PM Awaas Yojana–Gramin. Schools will receive assistance through the Samagra Shiksha program, and further support is planned for farmers once a detailed damage report is finalised. This comprehensive aid package underscores the government’s commitment to Punjab’s recovery.

Andhra Pradesh has launched an ambitious plan to strengthen its role in India’s space and defence sectors. The state government has partnered with Skyroot Aerospace to establish a space city in Tirupati with a ₹400 crore investment, aimed at private satellite launches and cost-effective launch vehicles. Alongside, two defence hubs are being set up in Madakasira with an investment of ₹3,000 crore, focusing on aerospace components, defence electronics, and weapon systems. Together, these initiatives position Andhra Pradesh as a future hub for space technology and defence manufacturing, creating jobs, boosting exports, and supporting India’s self-reliance mission.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a major welfare measure by extending cashless medical treatment facilities to teachers across the state. This includes teachers from primary, secondary, and aided schools, along with Shiksha Mitras and other educational staff. The initiative is expected to benefit nearly nine lakh teachers and their families, reducing their financial stress during illnesses or emergencies. Alongside this, he also marked Teachers’ Day by honouring educators, distributing tablets, and inaugurating smart classrooms. These steps highlight the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of teachers and strengthening the education system in Uttar Pradesh.

The Royal Bhutan Buddhist Temple was inaugurated at Rajgir in Bihar, an important historical and spiritual site associated with Buddhism. Rajgir holds great significance as it is the place where Lord Buddha performed penance and delivered several teachings. The inauguration ceremony was led by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay along with India’s Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, conducted with traditional Bhutanese rituals and Buddhist customs. The temple stands as a strong symbol of the enduring cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan, reflecting their shared heritage and commitment to strengthening bilateral friendship through religious and cultural collaboration.

India’s first Vulture Conservation Portal was launched in Assam through a joint initiative by We Foundation India and the Zoology Department of Gauhati University. This digital platform is designed to create a nationwide network focused on safeguarding vultures, which play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by preventing the spread of diseases through carrion disposal. The initiative emphasises grassroots-level awareness, particularly using local languages, to ensure wider community participation. With India hosting nine vulture species, five of which are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, the portal aims to address threats like poisoning, habitat loss, and human disturbances.