Current Affairs - State

Punjab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to establish a Pilot Demonstration Project for Green Hydrogen production from biomass, particularly paddy straw. This initiative aims to tackle the recurring issue of stubble burning, which causes severe air pollution in northern India. By converting paddy residue into clean fuel, the project not only contributes to environmental protection but also offers new economic opportunities for farmers. The collaboration represents a forward-looking approach toward sustainable energy development and rural economic empowerment in Punjab.

The Swadeshi Mela-2025 will be organised in Noida, located in Uttar Pradesh, as part of the state’s initiative to encourage local entrepreneurship and promote indigenous products. The event aims to showcase and support the manufacture, sale, and exhibition of locally made goods, including handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural items, and innovative startup products. By organizing this international trade show, Uttar Pradesh seeks to empower small businesses, strengthen the local economy, and advance the vision of self-reliance under the broader “Swadeshi” movement promoting India’s domestic industries.

Arunachal Pradesh inaugurated its first commercial coal mine at Namchik-Namphuk in Changlang district on 6 October 2025, marking its entry into India’s coal-producing states. The project, managed by Coal Pulz Pvt Ltd (CPPL), holds approximately 1.5 crore tonnes of coal reserves and is expected to generate over ₹100 crore annually for the state. This development strengthens India’s energy security, provides employment opportunities, and stimulates local economic growth. It also signifies the integration of the North East region into national industrial and mineral supply chains, promoting long-term regional and technological development.

The Maharashtra government has approved the allocation of land for establishing a new film city in Igatpuri, located in the Nashik district. The proposed project will be modeled after Mumbai’s famous Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri, featuring state-of-the-art indoor studios, outdoor sets, and modern filming facilities. Situated about 150 km from Mumbai, the new film city aims to boost the state’s entertainment industry, attract filmmakers, and promote tourism in the region while easing pressure on Mumbai’s existing film infrastructure.

Uttarakhand became the first state in India to abolish its Madrasa Board after the Governor approved the Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill, 2025. The new legislation requires all Madrasas to register with the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority and affiliate with the Uttarakhand School Education Board. This move aims to integrate minority educational institutions into the mainstream education system, ensuring uniform standards, improved quality of education, and better administrative oversight while promoting inclusivity and modernization of the educational framework across the state.