Current Affairs - State

Andhra Pradesh will host Reliance Industries Limited’s proposed integrated Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) complex, described as India’s first of its kind. The project will be established in Eluru district, covering the Chintalapudi and Recherla coal blocks. RIL has proposed an investment of ₹2.73 lakh crore, to be implemented in exploration, development, and production phases. The project will use UCG technology to convert deep-seated coal into synthesis gas (syngas) directly underground. With substantial estimated coal reserves, the initiative is aligned with the National Coal Gasification Mission’s target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.

West Bengal launched four dedicated toll-free helplines to enable citizens to directly report various illegal activities. The helplines cover complaints related to extortion, syndicate activities, illegal road and toll tax collections, and illegal liquor. The numbers introduced are 155334 for extortion, 155335 for syndicate activities, 155337 for illegal road and toll tax collections, and 155339 for illegal liquor. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the functioning of these helplines during his visit to the state and assured that complaints received through the numbers would be acted upon promptly.

Tamil Nadu increased the annual health insurance coverage under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh on August 19, 2026. The five-fold increase is aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system and improving access to quality medical treatment for people across different income groups and geographical locations. The state also announced an extension of maternity leave for women employees for the third child from 12 weeks to 365 days, matching the duration available for the first two children. Additionally, official vehicles and monthly allowances were proposed for MLAs to help them address public grievances and monitor development projects.

Chhattisgarh signed an agreement with Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) on August 19, 2026, to implement the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) under a State-led model. The project will be executed through Chhattisgarh State BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (CSBIL), with ₹3,942 crore in financial support approved by the Government of India. The program aims to cover 11,682 Gram Panchayats and provide connectivity to 8,328 villages on a demand basis. It also targets more than three lakh rural home fibre connections, supporting telemedicine, e-Governance, online education, and digital payments in remote areas.

West Bengal hosted its first-ever Kaushal Mahotsav in Balurghat on August 19, 2026, organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the state government. The event aimed to provide employment opportunities to the youth of Dakshin Dinajpur. More than 7,500 interviews were conducted, over 4,500 candidates were shortlisted, and more than 7,000 job opportunities were offered. Over 50 employers from manufacturing, retail, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, and banking participated in the recruitment drive.