In which Indian state was the first thermal battery power plant in the world started, marking a major step in innovative energy storage technology?

Introduction / Context:
Thermal battery technology is an emerging form of energy storage that can help integrate renewable sources like solar and wind with the power grid. India attracted global attention when the first thermal battery power plant in the world was launched in one of its states. This plant was seen as a breakthrough for reliable, low carbon power and for managing peak demand. Exam questions often highlight such first in the world achievements, especially when they involve Indian states, so remembering the location of this landmark thermal battery power plant is important for current affairs and geography based GK.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the first thermal battery power plant in the world.
• The plant was started in an Indian state and inaugurated as a high profile project.
• Options include Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• We assume the question refers to the plant set up by Bharat Energy Storage Technology and associated announcements.

Concept / Approach:
This is a factual recall question from recent Indian developments in the energy sector. The strategy is to link the phrase first thermal battery power plant with its widely reported location. While several states host thermal and renewable power projects, only one state is associated specifically with this first of its kind thermal battery power plant that appeared prominently in news and exam compilations. Careful reading of contemporary affairs related to power and infrastructure allows us to identify the correct state among the options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the first thermal battery power plant was launched in India rather than in another country. Step 2: Identify that the project was associated with the then new capital region of Amaravati. Step 3: Amaravati lies in the state of Andhra Pradesh, which was actively promoting innovative energy projects. Step 4: Check the options and confirm that Andhra Pradesh appears as option A. Step 5: Conclude that Andhra Pradesh is the only option that matches the factual location of the first thermal battery power plant.

Verification / Alternative check:
To cross check, you can relate this question to news headlines that mentioned Andhra Pradesh launching the first thermal battery power plant in collaboration with a private company. Many competitive exam notes and magazines on economy and environment also mention Andhra Pradesh in this context. There are no equivalent reports for Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, or Maharashtra claiming the same global first. Therefore, Andhra Pradesh stands verified as the correct answer when we compare multiple reliable revision sources for current affairs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kerala: Although Kerala has several renewable energy initiatives, it is not associated with the first thermal battery power plant in the world, so this option is incorrect.
Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh hosts conventional thermal plants and solar parks, but it was not the pioneer state for this particular thermal battery power plant project.
Maharashtra: Maharashtra is an important industrial and power producing state, yet there is no record of it launching the first global thermal battery power plant, which makes this option unsuitable here.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse thermal power plants with thermal battery power plants and assume that any state with a well known thermal plant is the correct answer. Another common error is to mix up different energy milestones, such as largest solar park or earliest nuclear plant. Since multiple states appear frequently in energy news, exam takers must be precise about which innovation occurred where. Creating a summary table of recent firsts in India such as first solar powered railway station, first floating solar plant, and first thermal battery power plant can help avoid confusion.

Final Answer:
The first thermal battery power plant in the world was started in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, so Andhra Pradesh is the correct option for this question.