State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 19 May 2026

Maharashtra Declared Gadchiroli Naxal-Free Under ‘Operation Antim Prahar’

Why in News? 

Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district was declared “Naxal-free” after a major anti-Naxal operation in which eight Maoists were arrested and five Naxals surrendered before the police. 

Key Points 

• Declaration: Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra has officially been declared “Naxal-free” by the police administration following successful anti-Naxal operations. 
• Operation Antim Prahar: The anti-Naxal drive was conducted under the operation named “Antim Prahar” (Final Strike). 
  • Security forces arrested eight Maoists, including all six active armed cadres in the district, while five Naxals from neighbouring Chhattisgarh surrendered before the Gadchiroli Police during the operation. 
  • Security forces recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, and cash during the operation, including AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, SLRs, and over ₹65 lakh in cash. 
• Reward Amount: The surrendered cadres collectively carried a bounty of ₹38 lakh, while the arrested Maoists had rewards worth ₹64 lakh on them. 
• Joint Operation: The operation was jointly carried out by the Gadchiroli Police’s Special Campaign Squad and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). 
• Vision: The Central Government had earlier launched a nationwide campaign aimed at making India free from Naxalism by 31st March 2026. 

Read More: Naxalism, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

India’s First AI Combat Aircraft ‘Kaal Bhairava’ to Be Manufactured in Europe

Why in News? 

India’s first AI-powered autonomous combat aircraft, “Kaal Bhairava”, is set to be manufactured in Europe for the first time, marking a major milestone in India’s defence technology collaboration and global aerospace expansion. 

Key Points 

• Platform: Kaal Bhairava is India’s first AI-enabled autonomous combat aircraft developed by an Indian defence technology company, Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA). 
• Manufacturing Location: The aircraft will be manufactured in Portugal, Europe, through a partnership with European technology firm SKETCHPIXEL. 
• Under the agreement, SKETCHPIXEL will contribute advanced simulation systems, AI integration, communication technologies, and interoperability solutions, while FWDA will retain intellectual property rights over the core design and autonomous systems. 
• Kaal Bhairava:
• Technology Features: AI-driven target recognition, swarm coordination capability, encrypted communication systems, and medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) platform with extended operational range. 
• Range: The aircraft reportedly has a range of around 3,000 km and endurance of over 30 hours, making it suitable for long-duration missions.
• Strategic Importance: The project represents India’s growing capability in autonomous warfare systems and reflects the global expansion of indigenous defence technology under international partnerships. 

Read More: AI, Combat aircraft

Amit Shah Inaugurated Million Minds Tech Park and GREMI City Campus in Ahmedabad

Why in News? 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ₹1,600 crore Million Minds Tech Park and GREMI City Campus in Ahmedabad, marking a major step toward strengthening Gujarat’s emerging technology and innovation ecosystem. 

Key Points 

• Inauguration: Amit Shah inaugurated the newly developed Million Minds Tech Park and GREMI City Campus in Ahmedabad. 
• Investment: The combined investment for both projects is around ₹1,600 crore, developed by Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited. 
  • Million Minds Tech Park: The tech park has been developed at a cost of ₹1,100 crore and is designed as a major Global Capability Centre (GCC) hub. 
  • GREMI City Campus: The GREMI (Ganesh Real Estate Management Institute) City Campus has been established with an investment of ₹500 crore to promote education and training in real estate and urban development. 
• Focus: The project will support emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Data Science, Cyber Security, Finance, and Research & Development. 
• Employment Generation: The tech park is expected to create large-scale employment opportunities for highly skilled professionals and strengthen Gujarat’s service sector economy. 

Read More: AI,  Cyber Security