Current Affairs - State

Punjab has been targeted to become drug-free by December 31, 2029, following an announcement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 20, 2026, during a Vijayadashami event in Ludhiana. The initiative, known as Nasha Mukt Punjab, aims to eradicate illicit narcotics networks and strengthen action against drug trafficking. As part of the measures, the murder case of anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh Jhota was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the alleged conspirators. Citizens are also encouraged to report drug trafficking through the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) helpline. Central agencies may intervene if state-level enforcement is considered insufficient.

Nagaland received the SKOCH Silver Award in October 2026, in recognition of its Grassroots Football Festival, also known as the Baby League. The initiative is implemented by the Nagaland Youth Resources and Sports Department and was launched in June 2024. It aims to promote grassroots football among children aged 5 to 12 years by providing an inclusive environment for organised sporting activities. Matches are conducted in four age groups, with an emphasis on participation, enjoyment, and early talent identification rather than conventional competition. The SKOCH Award, established in 2003, recognises excellence in governance, finance, and social development. Nagaland became India's 16th state on December 1, 1963, and its capital is Kohima.

Sankoo was announced as the eighth district of the Union Territory of Ladakh in October 2026 following approval from Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena. The new district was carved out of the existing Kargil district to improve local administration and address the long-standing demand of residents in the Sankoo area. This administrative change expands Ladakh's district structure, which previously included Leh and Kargil as its two original districts. Ladakh became a Union Territory on October 31, 2019, under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. It is India's largest Union Territory by land area, and Leh is its capital and largest city.

Punjab will host the Men's Asian Champions Trophy from October 27 to November 5, 2026, marking the return of international hockey to the state after a gap of 17 years. The previous international hockey tournament held in Punjab was the 2009 Punjab Gold Cup. The matches will take place at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. Six teams—India, Malaysia, South Korea, China, Japan, and Bangladesh—will participate in the tournament. India enters the competition as a strong contender, having won the Asian Champions Trophy five times in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023, and 2024.

Nagaland will host the 27th Hornbill Festival from December 1 to 10, 2026, at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, approximately 12 km from the state capital, Kohima. Popularly known as the “Festival of Festivals,” the event celebrates the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and diversity of Nagaland’s tribal communities. It brings together all 17 major Naga tribes and various sub-tribes, featuring traditional performances, indigenous games, exhibitions, and more than 300 events. The festival begins on December 1, which also marks Nagaland Statehood Day. Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963.