The Ghatampur thermal power plant, approved by the Union Cabinet, is to be set up in which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
Questions about major power projects often appear in current affairs and general knowledge sections, especially when they are recently approved or have large capacities. The Ghatampur thermal power plant is one such coal based project that involved central and state level planning. Knowing in which state it is being set up helps candidates connect industrial development with Indian geography and energy policy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the Ghatampur thermal power plant approved by the Union Cabinet.
• We are asked in which state this plant is to be set up.
• Options are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and None of the above.
• We assume Ghatampur is a real location associated with one of these states.

Concept / Approach:
Ghatampur is a town in the Kanpur Dehat (or Kanpur Nagar) region of Uttar Pradesh. The proposed thermal power project, often called the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project, is a joint venture involving entities such as Neyveli Lignite Corporation and the Uttar Pradesh government. It has been in news as a significant power capacity addition for north India. Therefore, identifying Ghatampur with Uttar Pradesh is the key step in solving this question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that Ghatampur is geographically linked with the Kanpur region. Step 2: Recall that Kanpur is a major industrial city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Step 3: Understand that the Ghatampur thermal power plant is planned specifically in this Uttar Pradesh location. Step 4: Compare with Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, which have other power projects but not the Ghatampur plant. Step 5: Conclude that the correct state for this project is Uttar Pradesh.

Verification / Alternative check:
News reports on the Ghatampur thermal power project repeatedly describe it as being in Ghatampur near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Policy documents and agreements mention the Government of Uttar Pradesh as a key stakeholder in the joint venture. No standard source places Ghatampur as a district or town in Rajasthan, Karnataka, or Madhya Pradesh. This consistent mapping of Ghatampur to Uttar Pradesh confirms the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rajasthan: Although it has several power plants, the one in question is not located there. Karnataka: Known for different power projects, including hydel and thermal, but not for Ghatampur. Madhya Pradesh: Also home to multiple thermal stations, but Ghatampur is not one of them. None of the above: Incorrect because Uttar Pradesh is given as an option and is the correct state.

Common Pitfalls:
Without careful revision of current affairs, some students may confuse Ghatampur with other similarly named projects or randomly associate it with states that have many power plants, such as Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan. Another mistake is assuming that any big project covered in national news must be in a more industrialised state in the south or west. To avoid these errors, keep a brief list of major thermal and hydel projects and their states, including Ghatampur in Uttar Pradesh.

Final Answer:
The Ghatampur thermal power plant is to be set up in Uttar Pradesh.