State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 01 Jan 2026

6‑Lane Greenfield Highway Corridor in Maharashtra

Why in News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the construction of a 6‑lane greenfield access‑controlled highway corridor connecting Nashik, Solapur and Akkalkot in Maharashtra under the BOT (toll) model.

Key Points

• Project Length: Total length of the corridor will be approximately 374 kilometres. 
• Capital Cost: Estimated capital cost is ₹19,142 crore.
• Connectivity: The corridor will link with Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway).
• Purpose: To reduce travel time and logistics costs for freight and passengers.
  • To enhance transport integration as part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• BOT (Toll): Build-Operate-Transfer (Toll) model is a public-private partnership model where a private entity builds, operates, and transfers a project while recovering costs via tolls.
• Greenfield project: It is a completely new initiative constructed on undeveloped land, established from scratch without requiring modification or upgrading of existing facilities.

Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ‘Anjadip’

Why in News?

The Indian Navy has received ‘Anjadip’, the third indigenously built Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

Key Points

• Delivery: It was delivered to the Indian Navy at Chennai (INS Adyar).
• Builder: The vessel is indigenously designed and constructed by GRSE, Kolkata, with collaboration from L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.
• Technical Features: Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous anti‑submarine rockets, and shallow water SONAR systems.
  • Designed for shallow water operations and detection of underwater threats.
• Propulsion: At approximately 77 meters in length, it is one of the largest Indian naval warships propelled by a waterjet system.
• Strategic Importance: Enhances coastal surveillance and maritime security.
  • Strengthens India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the littoral zone.
• Indigenous Content: The project reflects India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the growing capability of domestic defence manufacturing.

First 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography in India

Why in News?

India’s first 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent has been successfully performed by the Army Hospital, Delhi Cantt, representing a major advancement in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment.

Key Points

• Technology Used: The procedure was performed using a stand-mounted Spectralis system and a 3D operating microscope, enabling precise imaging and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
• iStent Device: Micro-device implanted to facilitate aqueous outflow, reducing intraocular eye pressure in glaucoma patients.
• Significance for Healthcare: Enhances precision, safety, and outcomes in ophthalmic surgery.
• Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases characterized by optic nerve damage due to high intraocular pressure.