State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 19 Jun 2025

Chhattisgarh Shines at 6th UMAI National Muaythai Championship

Why in News? 

Chhattisgarh excelled at the 6th United Muaythai Association India (UMAI) National Muaythai Championship, winning 35 medals.

Key Points 

• About Muaythai:  It is a traditional Thai (Thailand) combat sport known as the "art of eight limbs" for its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.  It combines striking and clinching techniques with strong physical and mental discipline. 
  • Muay Thai has been an integral part of Thai culture and history for centuries, serving as the primary self-defence technique of Thai warriors and soldiers in numerous historical conflicts. 

 

• 6th UMAI National Muaythai Championship: The 6th UMAI National Muaythai Championship took place in Rohtak, Haryana. The Haryana Sports Muaythai Association (HSMA) organised the event under the aegis of the United Muaythai Association India (UMAI). 
  • The United Muaythai Association India (UMAI), headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan serves as the official governing body for both professional and amateur Muaythai in India and internationally.

PEKB Becomes First Solar-Powered Coal Mine in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) has become Chhattisgarh’s first coal mine to run entirely on solar power, achieving full energy self-reliance.

Key Points 

• About PEKB Mine: The Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) coal mine plays a vital role in supplying coal for electricity generation to nearly 80 million consumers. 
  • The solar plant in PEKB is expected to reduce nearly 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over 25 years—equivalent to planting 2.5 million trees. 
  • Environmentalists see this initiative as a major step toward energy security and environmental protection, combining coal mining with clean energy solutions. 
• Coal Reserves in Chhattisgarh: The state holds 16% of India’s total coal reserves, making it one of the richest in coal resources. 
  • The state ranks second in the country in coal production, contributing over 18% of India’s total output. The majority of these reserves consist of power-grade coal, suitable for electricity generation. 
  • An estimated 44,483 million tonnes of coal have been identified across 12 coalfields, mainly located in the districts of Raigarh, Surguja, Koriya, and Korba. 
  • Chhattisgarh-based Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Gevra and Kusmunda coal mines ranked 2nd and 4th globally among the largest coal mines.  
    • Located in Korba district, they jointly produce over 100 million tons annually, about 10% of India's coal output. 
    • Both mines use advanced, eco-friendly technologies like surface miners for blast-free operations.