Current Affairs - State

Maharashtra entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s ROSATOM for the development of thorium-based small modular reactors. This collaboration is aimed at promoting thorium reactor technology while adhering to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) safety standards. The initiative is part of the 'Make in Maharashtra' campaign, signalling the state's ambition to become a key player in advanced nuclear energy solutions. Although the final approval for such projects rests with the central government, Maharashtra is taking a proactive role in encouraging innovation and self-reliance in nuclear energy development.

The Madhya Pradesh government declared the establishment of a new wildlife sanctuary in Sagar district, named Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran, covering an area of 258.64 square kilometres. This sanctuary was inaugurated ahead of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary on April 14, 2025. The sanctuary aims to enhance wildlife conservation, boost eco-tourism, and provide local employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. By naming the sanctuary after Dr. Ambedkar, the state also honours his contributions to social reform while promoting environmental preservation.

Odisha has introduced a comprehensive unified health insurance scheme that merges Ayushman Bharat, Gopabandhu Jan Arogya, and Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana. This initiative provides ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family, with an additional ₹5 lakh exclusively for women, ensuring broader health protection. Covering 352 lakh individuals from 1.08 crore families, the scheme enables access to cashless treatment at over 29,000 hospitals across India. Significantly, senior citizens aged 70 and above are included irrespective of income, promoting inclusive healthcare. Over 1,400 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are also participating virtually in the launch, highlighting the state’s digital and healthcare infrastructure efforts.

Chhattisgarh has taken a significant step in the field of technology and industrial development by initiating its first semiconductor unit in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and the project will be developed by Polymatech Electronics, a Chennai-based company. Spread across 1,50,000 sq ft, the plant aims to promote tech-driven growth in the region. This initiative is part of the state government's vision to transform Nava Raipur into a hub for electronics and semiconductor innovation, akin to a Silicon Valley for Chhattisgarh, thereby boosting employment and technological advancement.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) is making its largest-ever single-location investment of ₹61,077 crore to develop a world-class petrochemical complex in Paradip, Odisha. This initiative aims to significantly enhance India’s petrochemical capabilities and boost industrial infrastructure in the eastern region. The project includes a dual-feed cracker and downstream units that will manufacture high-demand petrochemical products like polypropylene, phenol, PVC, and synthetic rubber. Strategically located in Paradip, with its strong coastal connectivity, the complex is expected to catalyze the growth of the Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) and generate substantial employment, accelerating Odisha's transformation into a key industrial hub.