State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 18 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Becomes First State to Join Nuclear Power Generation

Why in News?

Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to formally join nuclear-based power generation through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), enabling state participation in nuclear power projects.

Key Points

• About the Agreement:
  • Maharashtra is the first state to directly participate in nuclear-power generation, a domain that has traditionally remained with the Union government.
  • The MoU enables Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd (Mahagenco) to partner with  Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for nuclear power projects, marking a major shift in India’s energy policy framework by allowing states to have a direct role in nuclear energy generation.
  • This initiative will supply clean, reliable and uninterrupted power, especially crucial for data centres — as Maharashtra currently hosts 50–60% of India’s total data-centre capacity.
• India Expanding Nuclear Capacity:
  • India aims to triple its nuclear power capacity by 2032, targeting over 22 GW of installed nuclear capacity in the coming decade.
  • Recent policy changes allow state governments and PSUs to participate through equity partnerships and Maharashtra is the first to do so.
  • Nuclear power offers high-efficiency baseload energy, minimal carbon emissions, and greater grid stability compared to intermittent renewables like solar and wind.

Exercise Ajeya Warrior-25

Why in News?

India and the United Kingdom have begun the 8th edition of Exercise Ajeya Warrior-25, a bilateral military training exercise between the Indian Army and the British Army.

Key Points

• About Ajeya Warrior Exercise:
  • Ajeya Warrior is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the British Army, held biennially since 2011.
  • It focuses on enhancing interoperability, improving tactical coordination, and sharing best practices in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations.
  • It is conducted under a United Nations mandate, specifically aligned with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with peacekeeping duties related to threats to peace, breaches of peace, and counter-terrorism scenarios.
    
• About the 2025 Edition:
  • The 8th edition is being held from 17th to 30th November, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.
  • A total of 240 personnel are participating, with equal representation from both armies. The Indian Army is represented by the Sikh Regiment.
  • Training includes simulation-based scenarios, Brigade-level mission planning, and field exercises resembling real-life counter-terror contingencies.