Current Affairs - State

Arunachal Pradesh is the state where the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is planned. The project aims to generate approximately 11,200 MW of hydropower and provide water storage, potentially supporting electricity production and flood management. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has been assigned the responsibility of conducting the project's pre-feasibility assessment. The proposal is also considered strategically important because of China's planned hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. However, members of the indigenous Adi community have raised concerns about displacement, livelihoods, cultural traditions, environmental impacts, and consultation with local communities.

Telangana will host Raksha Expo 2026 from December 7 to 9, 2026, at Bharat Future City in Hyderabad. It is described as India's first defence and aerospace exhibition organised by a state government. The event will showcase developments in aerospace, space, defence, and internal security, with an air show scheduled for December 9. Hyderabad is a major hub for India's defence and aerospace industries, accounting for approximately 30% of the country's total industry. Telangana's aerospace exports reached ₹30,742 crore in 2024–25, reflecting the state's growing role in defence manufacturing and aerospace exports.

Odisha became the location of the Reserve Bank of India’s new Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhubaneswar on October 25, 2026. The facilities aim to strengthen India’s digital financial infrastructure, improve the reliability of essential banking services and enhance cybersecurity capabilities. The data centre will support critical payment systems, including Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT). The cybersecurity institute will focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, helping professionals identify cyber threats, respond to incidents and protect India’s financial systems from digital disruptions.

Kerala has approved an initiative by the Kerala Civil Aviation Development Cooperative Society to launch India’s first cooperative-sector airline. The approval was announced by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan on October 25, 2026. The project aims to expand the role of cooperative societies beyond traditional sectors such as banking, agriculture and community development. C. N. Vijayakrishnan, chairman of MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, is the project leader. The proposed airline may be named “Co-Keralam,” with initial plans to lease two aircraft and connect Kochi with several cities in southern India. However, the operational launch is yet to take place.

Punjab launched the SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges on 22 October 2026 to improve youth wellbeing, encourage early intervention and help prevent substance abuse. The initiative is part of the state’s “Yudh Nashean Virudh” campaign, meaning “War Against Drugs.” It is led by the Department of Higher Education in partnership with the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET) and Mpower. Under the programme, each participating college plans to train 25 students through a 14-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid course, providing a total of 1,000 planned student training places. The initiative also promotes mental health awareness, peer support and early recognition of emotional distress.