Which Indian state recently partnered with ROSATOM to develop a thorium-based Small Modular Reactor (SM

The Government of Maharashtra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia's state-owned company ROSATOM to develop a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) using thorium fuel. This collaboration aims to develop and commercialize thorium reactors in Maharashtra following the safety standards established by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), while also creating an assembly line for these reactors under the 'Make in Maharashtra' initiative. The Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) will provide strategic support for this joint development project. A collaborative working group consisting of representatives from Mahagenco, Rosatom Energy Projects, MITRA, and Global Technology Alliance will coordinate research and implementation efforts. In a separate development, Maharashtra also signed an MoU with IBM Technology (India) to establish three Artificial Intelligence Centers in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, focusing on training government employees and students in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.