Which of the following Indian states became the first state in the country to have four operational international airports?

Introduction / Context:
Civil aviation infrastructure is a key indicator of a region's connectivity and economic activity. In India, most states have one or two international airports, but one state became notable for having four operational international airports, making it a popular exam question in current affairs and general knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

We are given:
- Five Indian states as options: Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
- The question asks which state became the first to have four international airports operating within its territory.

Concept / Approach:
The state you need to remember here is Kerala. Kerala has four international airports: Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur. The opening of Kannur International Airport made Kerala the first Indian state with four international airports in operation, a popular fact in recent GK questions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall major international airports in India and their locations.
Step 2: Identify that Kerala has Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Cochin International Airport (near Kochi), Calicut (Kozhikode) International Airport, and Kannur International Airport.
Step 3: Recognize that this makes a total of four international airports within a single state.
Step 4: Check other states like Maharashtra or Uttar Pradesh, which have multiple airports but fewer international ones at the time of this fact.
Step 5: Conclude that Kerala is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Government aviation records and news reports around the inauguration of Kannur International Airport highlight that Kerala became the first Indian state with four international airports. This fact is widely circulated in competitive exam preparation material and newspapers.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Telangana: Primarily known for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, and not four international airports.
- Maharashtra: Has major airports like Mumbai and Pune, but not four international airports at the time in question.
- Uttar Pradesh: Developing its aviation network, but did not have four operational international airports then.
- Gujarat: Important industrial state, but again, not the first with four international airports.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that larger states like Maharashtra or Uttar Pradesh would naturally have more airports. However, Kerala's high overseas migration, especially to the Gulf countries, and strong tourism industry created a large demand for international connectivity, which led to the development of four international airports. Always check specific facts instead of relying on assumptions about size or population.

Final Answer:
Correct option: Kerala