• 18 Feb 2026

PM Inaugurates Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Facility in Assam

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister inaugurated the first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) of India’s Northeast region in Dibrugarh, Assam in February 2026. 

Key Points: 

• First of Its Kind: This is the Northeast’s first dedicated Emergency Landing Facility, positioning Dibrugarh as a key hub for disaster management and aviation operations in the region. 
  • This facility is crucial for strengthening the region’s ability to handle emergency situations by offering a dedicated landing site for relief aircraft. 
  • The Emergency Landing Facility will allow quick landing and take-off of aircraft during crises such as floods, earthquakes, or other emergencies, reducing response time and saving lives. 
• Regional Connectivity: The facility may support improved connectivity and facilitate operations by civil and defence aviation in the Upper Assam and neighbouring areas.  
  • This can be used by both civil and defence aircraft, improving operational synergy during emergencies and security situations. 
• Supports Infrastructure: The project reflects the Government’s continued focus on expanding critical infrastructure in the Northeast region. 
  • The facility adds to the aviation ecosystem of Assam, enhancing its emergency preparedness capacity. 

Read More: Disaster management 

Kerala Becomes First State in India to Frame Urban Policy

Why in News? 

Kerala has become the first state in the country to frame a comprehensive Urban Policy aimed at guiding long‑term development and managing rapid urbanisation effectively. 

Key Points: 

• Vision 2050: The policy envisions the state in 2050 as a continuous network of climate‑smart cities and towns, emphasising scientific planning and sustainable governance. 
• Approval: The draft policy was approved by the Kerala cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, after nearly two years of preparation by the Local Self Government Department. 
  • The initiative was first announced in the 2023–24 state budget, and a Kerala Urban Policy Commission comprising national and international experts was set up to develop the roadmap. 
• Consultations: The Commission submitted the Nava Kerala Urban Policy report in March 2025, and inputs from a global conference in Kochi were incorporated into the policy.  
  • According to the Commission’s estimates, Kerala’s urban population is expected to reach nearly 80% by 2050, requiring proactive and inclusive urban governance.  
• Focus Areas: The policy outlines key thematic areas including reforms in laws and institutional systems, capacity building, infrastructure development, people‑centric services, and spatial planning.  
  • It aims to harness the benefits of urbanisation to reduce inequalities, strengthen social support systems, and improve the quality of infrastructure across urban areas. 

Read More: Urbanisation,  Local Self Government,  climate‑smart cities