State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 08 Dec 2025

Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor

Why in News? 

The Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor, developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, spans Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and is being built at a cost of ₹16,482 crore.

Key Points 

• About: Built through 15 packages across three states, the corridor reflects the Ministry’s long-term vision of creating infrastructure that enhances mobility, connectivity and opportunities for millions. 
• Infrastructure Improvement: The new 6-lane, access-controlled corridor will ease congestion on the existing 2-lane NH-26, offering safer, more predictable travel at design speeds of 100 km/hr. 
• Travel Efficiency: The corridor will reduce the existing 597 km route to 465 km, saving 132 km and nearly seven hours of travel time, cutting the journey from about 12 hours to just five. 
  • Faster travel will significantly lower fuel consumption, transportation costs and operational expenses for both public and freight operators. 
• Industrial Boost: Industries in Chhattisgarh and Odisha will benefit from direct connectivity to Visakhapatnam Port and the Chennai–Kolkata National Highway, enabling quicker exports and smoother supply chains. 
• Regional Development: The project is expected to stimulate tourism, job creation, real estate development and overall economic growth across the connected regions. 
• Community Benefits: Farmers, transporters and local residents anticipate major gains, including lower logistics costs, faster produce deliveries and sharply rising land values near the corridor. 
• Tribal Connectivity: Remote and tribal districts such as Dhamtari, Keshkal, Kanker, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Araku will gain far better access to markets, services and mainstream economic opportunities.

Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr Ambedkar

Why in News? 

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw paid tribute to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. 

Key Points 

• About: Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed every year on 6th December to commemorate the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. 
  • It honours his legacy, emphasising his transformative impact on social reform, justice, and equality. 
  • The term "Mahaparinirvan" stems from Buddhist philosophy, symbolising liberation from the cycle of birth and death, marking the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. 
• Key Contributions:  
  • Upliftment: Founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923) to promote education, improve socio-economic conditions, and empower outcast communities. 
  • Advocacy: Established the newspaper Mooknayaka (Leader of the Silent) to provide a platform for the oppressed and challenge societal inequalities. 
  • Equality: Spearheaded landmark movements, including the Mahad Satyagraha (1927), advocating for equal access to public water resources. 
  • Liberation: Led the Kalaram Temple entry movement in 1930 (Nashik Satyagraha) to break caste-based restrictions in places of worship, symbolising a broader fight against untouchability. 
  • Representation: Played a pivotal role in negotiating the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates for Dalits with reserved seats, paving the way for their political representation. 
  • Constitution: As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee appointed in 1947, Dr Ambedkar oversaw the meticulous process of crafting the world’s largest written Constitution.  
  • Economics: Dr Ambedkar’s doctoral thesis influenced the creation of the Finance Commission of India and the policy framework for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934. 
• Awards and Recognition:  
  • Bharat Ratna Award: Dr Ambedkar was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1990. 
  • Ambedkar Circuit: Five places associated with Ambedkar’s life were developed as pilgrimage centers (Panchteerth Development): 
    • Birthplace in Mhow 
    • Memorial in London (Shiksha Bhoomi) 
    • Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur 
    • Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai 
    • Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi in Delhi 
  • Constitution Day: Since 2015, 26th November is observed as Constitution Day, commemorating Ambedkar’s role as the architect of the Indian Constitution.