The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India in December 2020 signed a $ 231 million loan to augment electricity generation capacity in which of the following state? (Dec 2020)

The correct answer is Assam Key Points The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India on 30th December 2020 signed a $ 231 million loan to augment electricity generation capacity in the state of Assam through the construction of 120 megawatts (MW) hydroelectric power plant that will enhance the availability of electricity for households. This is the third tranche loan for the ongoing Assam Power Sector Investment Programme that was approved by the ADB Board in July 2014. The program, including its two previous tranches, focuses on enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the energy generation and distribution systems in Assam to improve electricity service to end-users. The proposed hydroelectric project is a run-of-the-river project over the Kopili river which will help increase electricity supplied from clean energy by 469 gigawatt-hour (GWh) by 2025 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 360,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Part of the loan will be used for project capacity building of Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL) on construction, operations and maintenance, and safeguards. The project will finance APGCL’s enterprise resource planning system. It will also contribute to improving gender equity by enhancing the gender capacity of APGCL and improve women’s participation and contribution in training and community-led interventions. Additional Information Asian Development Bank: ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966. It is owned by 68 members. Headquarter: Philippines Current President: Masatsugu Asakawa (as of Feb 2021) About Assam (as of Feb 2021) Governor: Jagdish Mukhi State flower: Foxtail Orchids State animal: One-horned rhinoceros State bird: White-winged wood duck National park and Wildlife Sanctuary: Kaziranga National Park (UNESCO site), Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Dihing Patkai, Majuli