Current Affairs - State

ChemVolt Global signed a memorandum of understanding with Andhra Pradesh to establish a 5 GWh lithium-ion cell gigafactory with an investment of ₹2,500 crore. The project aims to strengthen India’s domestic lithium-ion cell manufacturing ecosystem, supporting both grid-scale energy storage and electric mobility applications. The facility will manufacture advanced prismatic cells and generate significant employment, including around 1,500 direct jobs and over 4,000 indirect jobs. The project will be developed in phases, with Phase I targeting 1 GWh capacity by Q3 2027 and full 5 GWh capacity by Q2 2029.

The largest 34 MW solar captive open access project commissioned by Solidus Techno Power in collaboration with Blue Sky NRG is located in Punjab. This project, with a capacity of 34 MW (51 MWp), supplies around 71 million units of clean energy annually to Madhav KRG Ltd., significantly reducing carbon emissions by nearly 67,000 tons each year. The commissioning of this project strengthens Punjab’s renewable energy ambitions and supports industrial sustainability in line with the state’s Green Energy Policy, showcasing a strong commitment to clean and sustainable power generation.

Maharashtra has approved the Bembla River Irrigation Project in Yavatmal district with a budget of ₹4,775 crore to bring 52,423 hectares under assured irrigation. The initiative aims to improve crop productivity, support crop diversification, enhance farmer incomes, and reduce agrarian distress in drought-prone areas of eastern Maharashtra. Alongside irrigation reforms, the state government also approved the creation of MAHIMA, an agency focused on providing overseas employment opportunities for skilled youth. Together, these measures are expected to boost rural development, strengthen agricultural infrastructure, and enhance livelihood opportunities in Maharashtra.

Maruti Suzuki is investing ₹35,000 crore to establish a mega car manufacturing plant in Gujarat, specifically in Khoraj near Gandhinagar. The plant will have an annual capacity of 10 lakh vehicles, with production starting in FY29 across four units, each producing 2.5 lakh cars per year. This initiative is expected to generate over 12,000 direct jobs and significant indirect employment, further strengthening Gujarat’s position as a key automobile hub. The investment aligns with the Make in India vision, supporting industrial growth, technological advancement, and regional economic development in Gujarat.

The second nationwide survey for riverine and estuarine dolphins under Project Dolphin commenced in Uttar Pradesh, starting from Bijnor. Led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the survey aims to assess the population and habitat health of Indus and Irrawaddy dolphins. Phase 1 focuses on the Ganga (Bijnor–Sagar) and Indus rivers, while Phase 2 will cover the Brahmaputra, Ganga tributaries, Sundarbans, and Odisha. This initiative strengthens India’s efforts in biodiversity conservation, river ecosystem management, and the protection of endangered aquatic species, aligning with national and global wildlife preservation goals.