Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Large refinery and petrochemical complexes are strategic infrastructure projects that can significantly impact a countrys energy security and industrial growth. India has announced plans for some of the worlds largest integrated refinery and petrochemical facilities. This question refers to such a proposed mega project and asks in which Indian state this facility is to be set up.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Announcements have been made about setting up a very large integrated refinery and petrochemical complex on the west coast of India, specifically in Maharashtra. The coastal location is important for importing crude oil and exporting refined products. While other states are developing various refineries and petrochemical units, the superlative phrase worlds largest complex has been associated in exam oriented news questions with the project planned in Maharashtra.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Note that the facility mentioned combines both refinery and petrochemical operations in a single large complex.
2. Recall that such integrated complexes are usually located near deep sea ports for logistical convenience.
3. Among the options, Maharashtra has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea and hosts important ports.
4. Many current affairs compilations describe a proposed gigantic refinery and petrochemical project on the Maharashtra coast as the worlds largest of its kind.
5. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are on the east coast and inland respectively, while Uttarakhand is a landlocked hill state, making them less suited for such a mega coastal refinery project.
6. Therefore, Maharashtra is the correct choice.
Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by revising summaries of major infrastructure projects in India, where Maharashtra often appears in association with large scale refinery and petrochemical investments. Multiple exam preparation websites explicitly state that the worlds largest refinery and petrochemical complex is to be set up in Maharashtra, particularly on its coastal belt. This repeated attribution across different sources confirms that Maharashtra is the expected answer for this question.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Andhra Pradesh does have ports and some petroleum related facilities, but the specific world record sized complex mentioned in standard GK questions is not attributed to this state. Telangana is a landlocked state, making it an unlikely choice for a massive coastal refinery complex designed for international crude trade. Uttarakhand, being a Himalayan state, is also landlocked and not known for large refinery projects. Therefore, while these states may have other industries, they are not the correct answer to this particular question.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may guess Andhra Pradesh or Telangana based on recent headlines about industrial corridors or special economic zones without distinguishing the specific type of project. Others might ignore geographical considerations, such as the need for coastal access, when thinking about refinery locations. To answer such questions more accurately, aspirants should learn to link industrial projects with suitable geographic features and to remember which state is associated with each high profile announcement.
Final Answer:
The proposed worlds largest refinery and petrochemical complex is to be set up in the state of Maharashtra.
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