India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Maharashtra Chief Minister inaugurated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s first temple in Bhiwandi, Thane district on his birth anniversary as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The CM called it a “national temple”, highlighting its inspirational value and Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. Shivaji Maharaj fought for God, country, and faith, ensuring the right to worship Ishta Devas. The grand temple spans four acres in Marade Pada, Thane district. Architect Vijaykumar Patil designed the temple, and sculptor Arun Yogiraj carved the 6.5-feet idol of Shivaji Maharaj.

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The Ministry of Ayush launched the first batch of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme to create a more accountable and citizen-centric workforce. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry, inaugurated the program under the Capacity Building Commission initiative. The program promotes “Seva Bhav” (service) and helps public servants upskill and broaden their perspectives. It focuses on service, self-improvement, stress reduction, and efficient service delivery.

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The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) canceled a public consultation meeting at Kundah, Nilgiris, on the Silahalla Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project (PSHEP). Farmers’ associations, local residents, and conservationists opposed the project, fearing its impact on agriculture and livelihoods in over 20 villages. The Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) proposed Silahalla Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project Stage-I with a 1000 MW capacity, costing ₹5,843 crore. The project involves constructing an upper dam on the Silahalla River and a lower dam on the Kundah River downstream of Kundah Palam Dam.

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Telangana Assembly adopted a resolution to implement the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 (Central Act No. 42 of 1994). The Act regulates organ transplantation and prevents commercial dealings in human organs and tissues. Telangana had its own Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1995 (Act No. 24 of 1995) but opted for the Central Act due to its 2011 amendments. The 2011 amendments included tissue transplantation, establishment of state and national-level bodies, and stricter penalties for violations. The adoption allows Telangana to enforce the 2011 amendments effectively.

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Twenty-two Hakki Pikki tribe members from Channagiri, Davangere, Karnataka, were penalized and asked to leave Gabon due to policy changes. The Hakki Pikki are a semi-nomadic tribe traditionally known as bird catchers and hunters. They are one of Karnataka’s major tribal communities and also live in Western and Southern India, mostly near forests. As per the 2011 Census, 11,892 Hakki Pikkis live in Davangere, Mysuru, Kolar, Hassan, and Shivamogga districts. They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India. Their mother tongue, Vaagri, is listed as endangered by UNESCO.

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Kerala has become the first state in India to pass a law creating a Senior Citizens Commission. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the law, which was enacted on 25 March. The commission will focus on protecting the rights, welfare, and rehabilitation of senior citizens. Kerala ranks first in elderly welfare and continues to set an example in this field. The Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill was passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The commission aims to ensure better rehabilitation, security, and welfare for senior citizens.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister launched the P4 Bangaru Kutumbam-Margadarsi initiative in Velagapudi on Ugadi. P4 stands for Public-Private-People Partnership, a mission-mode initiative for social and economic transformation. It aims to eradicate poverty and uplift marginalised families by creating model families called “Bangaru Kutumbam.” The initiative targets over 2 million beneficiaries in the initial phase. It provides free gas cylinders, educational support, and women empowerment schemes. The initiative promotes inclusive development, governance innovation, and a replicable welfare model for other states.

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Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister announced India’s first Textile Machine Park near Kanpur on 875 acres in Chaparghata village, Bhongaon. The park will follow the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to reduce imports and promote Make in India. It aims to manufacture textile machines currently imported from China, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, and Europe. More than 200 large and medium units will be set up for machine production. Machines like circular knitting, flat knitting, printing, and technical textile machines will be manufactured. Local technical experts will be trained for repair and maintenance. Uttar Pradesh’s textile sector is witnessing rapid growth.

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released draft guidelines to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses. The Ministry of Education (MoE) introduced Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to blend traditional Indian knowledge with modern education. The initiative promotes interdisciplinary research, preservation, and dissemination of IKS for research and societal use. It covers diverse fields like Arts, Literature, Agriculture, Basic Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Management, and Economics.

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The Union Cabinet approved the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore for border villages. Vibrant Villages Programme was launched in 2023 for the all-round development of villages near the International Border. The first phase covered villages in 46 blocks along the northern border in 19 districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh. Under the programme, 17 border villages will be developed as tourist destinations. The second phase will cover Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab to boost livelihood, prosperity, and safety. Vibrant Villages Programme is implemented by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.