Current Affairs - State

Goa celebrates its Statehood Day on May 30 every year to mark the occasion when it became the 25th state of India in 1987. After over 450 years of Portuguese rule and subsequent liberation in 1961, Goa was initially a Union Territory along with Daman and Diu. Its elevation to statehood on May 30, 1987, was a recognition of its distinct cultural, historical, and linguistic identity. The 2025 celebrations highlight 39 years of statehood, with cultural events, exhibitions, and commemorations that emphasize Goa’s progress, heritage, and its significant place within the Indian Union.

Karnataka has been selected as the site for India’s first private helicopter assembly line, a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus. The facility, located in the Vemgal Industrial Area of Kolar district, will assemble the Airbus H125 helicopters, making India only the fourth country in the world to house such a facility. Karnataka was chosen due to its established aerospace ecosystem, proximity to Bengaluru, policy incentives, and skilled workforce. This project marks a major milestone for the ‘Make in India’ initiative and signifies the growing role of the private sector in India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors.

Karnataka has been selected as the location for India’s first private helicopter assembly facility, where Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems will set up a final assembly line for the H125 helicopter. This plant will be located in Kolar and aims to strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities as part of the Make in India initiative. The facility will not only serve domestic needs but also cater to the helicopter requirements of neighbouring countries. This move is a significant step towards promoting self-reliance in the defence and aerospace sector and underscores Karnataka’s growing importance in India’s industrial development.

The newly discovered species of cave-dwelling fish, Schistura densiclava, was found in Krem Mawjymbuin, an underground cave located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. This fish is notable for its ability to adapt to both subterranean and overground stream environments, making it an important find for zoologists. The discovery was led by a team from Gauhati University's Department of Zoology. Meghalaya’s rich cave systems continue to provide valuable insights into biodiversity, and this finding highlights the ecological importance and unique habitat conditions found within the state.

Tamil Nadu launched its Space Industrial Policy in April 2025 with the goal of attracting ₹10,000 crore in investments and creating 10,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years. This initiative places the state among the leading regions in India with dedicated plans to support the private space sector, alongside Karnataka and Gujarat. The policy promotes innovation in manufacturing, design, R&D, and electronics for space applications. With infrastructure like the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri and the upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu is positioning itself as a major player in India’s growing space economy.