India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Recently, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the TALASH initiative for tribal students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). TALASH stands for Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub. It is the first national-level programme in India focused on tribal students’ education and personal growth. It was launched in collaboration with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) India.

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Recently, Uttarakhand launched Operation Kalanemi to act against fake saints cheating the public and harming the image of Sanatana Dharma. The directive was issued by the Chief Minister to the State police for strict enforcement. The operation is named after Kalanemi, a demon from Hindu mythology who misled people by posing as a saint. It targets individuals impersonating religious figures and exploiting the faith of devotees, especially women.

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From this year, the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) will give negative scores to institutions for research papers retracted in the last three years and their citations. This step aims to enhance accountability and research integrity. National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It was launched in 2015 to assess and rank higher education institutions.

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As of 14 July 2025, 15.45 lakh households have benefited under Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY). The scheme was launched in February 2024 by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It aims to provide rooftop solar panels to 1 crore households by March 2027. It offers 40–60% subsidy for residential solar installations. Gujarat leads with 5.23 lakh installations (33% of total), followed by Maharashtra with 3.79 lakh. States like Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Northeast states have less than 1,000 installations.

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Recently, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the Sanchar Saathi mobile app in Hindi and 21 regional languages to expand its accessibility across India. The app was originally introduced in January and has now crossed over 46 lakh downloads. Sanchar Saathi enables users to report suspicious calls or messages, block or trace lost/stolen phones, and check for unauthorized mobile connections. The launch took place during a stakeholders meeting in New Delhi focused on tackling telecom-related cyber frauds.

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Recently, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Anganwadi in Waddhamna village, Nagpur district, Maharashtra. The center is a pilot project under Mission Bal Bharari and uses AI dashboards, Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, and interactive content. It offers immersive learning in poems, songs, and early education, making learning joyful and engaging for rural children. This AI Anganwadi brings tech-rich education to rural areas, bridging the digital divide between rural and urban children.

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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH) virtually. It is India’s first national initiative to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems using a transparent, data-driven framework. It is proposed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). It ensures consistent drug safety and quality standards. It has 27 indices for manufacturing states and 23 for primarily distribution states, covering themes like human resources, infrastructure, licensing, surveillance, and responsiveness.

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Recently, the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution informed about Anna-Chakra. Anna-Chakra is a supply chain optimisation tool under Public Distribution System (PDS). It is developed with World Food Programme (WFP) and Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT-Delhi. It is led by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. It uses advanced algorithms for optimal routes and smooth food grain movement.

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Recently, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated India’s first ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Lab in Mumbai. He urged students to prepare for a world shaped by climate change, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The event also felicitated winners of the national robotics competition organized by STEM Learning and Brilio Pvt. Ltd. ESG sets standards on how institutions operate towards the planet and people. On the social front, ESG promotes inclusion by addressing poverty, inequality, and basic needs. In governance, transparency and ethics under ESG attract investment and ensure sustainable growth.

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Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a major operation codenamed “Rainbow” against drug trafficking and distribution syndicates in Delhi. The operation was based on intelligence about cocaine smuggled in small quantities, concealed in soft toys, and sent via domestic courier networks. Coordinated searches were carried out at multiple premises in Mehrauli, New Delhi. DRI seized 3,095.5 grams of cocaine, 4,421 grams of hashish, 1,305.5 grams of MDMA tablets, and 46 grams of amphetamine. Total narcotics seized amounted to nearly 9 kg, valued at approximately Rs. 40 Crore in the international illicit market.