India first ever rural LED street lighting project, aimed at installing energy efficient lights in village streets, was launched in which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to energy efficiency and rural development in India. Light emitting diode, or LED, street lighting projects reduce power consumption and improve the quality of lighting in public spaces. The first dedicated rural LED street lighting project in India was launched in a specific state as part of an effort to modernise village infrastructure and reduce electricity bills for local bodies.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The project is described as India first ever rural LED street lighting project.
• Its aim is to install energy efficient lighting in village streets.
• The question asks in which state this project was launched.
• The options are Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

Concept / Approach:
The question tests knowledge of government schemes and energy initiatives. The approach is to recall which state has been highlighted frequently for early adoption of LED lighting under central schemes such as the Street Lighting National Programme. Andhra Pradesh has often been at the forefront of energy efficiency projects and pilot programmes. Linking this memory with the phrase first ever rural LED street lighting project provides the clue to the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the central government promoted LED lighting through agencies such as Energy Efficiency Services Limited and partnered with states. Step 2: Andhra Pradesh was frequently cited in news for large scale LED installation in both urban and rural areas, often as a model state. Step 3: Telangana was formed recently and has its own projects, but the major early headline about a dedicated rural LED street lighting project was associated with Andhra Pradesh. Step 4: Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh have also implemented LED schemes, but not specifically as the first rural LED street lighting project in the country. Step 5: Therefore, Andhra Pradesh is the state that fits the description given in the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think about which state government leaders and departments were showcased in national presentations about LED success stories. Andhra Pradesh often appeared as a leading example, especially in rural electricity reforms. This cross checking with your general awareness of energy efficiency news supports the conclusion that Andhra Pradesh is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Telangana: While active in power sector reforms, Telangana was not highlighted as the first state for a national level rural LED street lighting project.
Gujarat: Known for power sector efficiency, it has undertaken many initiatives, but this particular first rural LED project credit does not belong to Gujarat.
Uttar Pradesh: A large state where schemes roll out gradually, not specifically identified with the first rural LED street lighting project in India.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to guess based on general impressions about power surplus states like Gujarat or on recent publicity around new states like Telangana. Another pitfall is to mix up urban LED projects with rural street lighting, whereas the question is specifically about rural streets in villages.

Final Answer:
India first ever rural LED street lighting project was launched in the state of Andhra Pradesh.