India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Recently, Karnataka became the first Indian state to complete a detailed antiquities survey at the village level. The Department of Archaeology is surveying 119 taluks to document antiquities like inscriptions, sculptures, and monuments. Geo-tagging is used to digitally mark and track the exact locations of these heritage items. A proposal is being prepared to add 110 new monuments to the protected list, aiming to safeguard 1,000 more in future. Karnataka faces challenges like lack of resources and coordination in preserving over 25,000 monuments. The ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme uses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to support heritage upkeep.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare recently released guidelines for establishing Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) to promote natural farming under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) are cluster-level enterprises that provide farmers with locally prepared natural farming inputs like bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and organic formulations. BRCs also serve as knowledge hubs to train and support farmers who are transitioning to natural farming practices. The initiative was launched under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). The objectives of BRCs include ensuring easy access to quality bio-inputs, offering technical support on natural farming methods, and promoting the adoption of natural farming across rural areas.

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Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai during the WAVES 2025 event. IICT is a national-level institute focused on Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC). It has already started functioning from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) building on Pedder Road, Mumbai. It is established by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with support from FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and CII (Confederation of Indian Industry).

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India has launched chip-based e-passports as part of its digital transformation of travel documentation. These passports, embedded with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips and biometric data, aim to improve security, efficiency, and convenience for international travelers. The initiative, under the Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0, began on April 1, 2024. The new passports make India comparable to countries like the USA, UK, and Germany in using advanced e-passport technology. Features include enhanced security, RFID chips, scannable barcodes, and a tamper-proof design. The goal is to improve passport security, streamline immigration, and support India’s digital transformation.

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Kerala has become the first state in India to make robotics education compulsory for all Class 10 students starting from June 2, 2025. The subject is included in the sixth chapter of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) textbook titled “The World of Robots”. The new curriculum introduces students to key robotics concepts in a hands-on manner. Activities include building electronic circuits, working with sensors, and learning computer programming. This initiative aims to develop problem-solving skills and spark interest in emerging technologies among students at an early age. It reflects Kerala’s commitment to future-ready education.

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The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation recently launched the new Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Portal in New Delhi. The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme was introduced in August 2005 by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955. A foreign national can apply for OCI if they were an Indian citizen on or after 26th January 1950, or were eligible to become one on that date. OCI status is also open to those whose ancestors belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947. The new OCI portal aims to simplify and modernize the application process for eligible foreign nationals.

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The Justice P. C. Ghose Commission is currently investigating irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in Telangana. The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is a large multi-purpose project built on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally district. It begins at the confluence of the Pranahita and Godavari rivers. The project aims to supply irrigation water to vast farmlands and also meet drinking water needs. KLIP is a lift irrigation project, where water is lifted using pumps instead of flowing by gravity. The lifted water reaches a high delivery point, from where it is sent to the fields for irrigation.

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On May 28, 2025, the Andhra Pradesh government proposed converting Kondakarla Aava, a key freshwater lake, into a Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This decision aims to balance environmental protection with local economic needs through coordinated planning. The irrigation department was directed to conduct a boundary survey and strengthen bunds to avoid overflow and ecological damage. Kondakarla Ava lake is located in Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh.

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Uttarakhand Chief Minister recently inaugurated the ‘Ahilya Smriti Marathon – Ek Virasat, Ek Sankalp’ and the ‘Pratham Gaja Ghantakarna Mahotsav-2025’ to highlight the state’s cultural richness. The Ahilya Smriti Marathon took place in Dehradun as part of a heritage-themed event. The theme of the marathon, “Ek Virasat – Ek Sankalp” (One Heritage, One Resolution), promotes unity and pride in Uttarakhand’s traditions. The event aimed to raise awareness about health, social harmony, and cultural identity. These initiatives connect the state’s cultural heritage with ongoing development efforts and public participation.

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Recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested alleged members of a transnational cybercrime syndicate under Operation Chakra-V. Operation Chakra-V aims to curb transnational organized cybercrime and digital arrests. Digital arrest is a scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money using threats like arrest, frozen bank accounts, and passport cancellations. To fight cybercrime, India has set up the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Cyber Surakshit Bharat, Cyber Swachhta Kendra, and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). These initiatives work together to protect citizens and strengthen cybersecurity in the country.