India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Sachet mobile application was launched by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to improve disaster preparedness in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted it in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address. The app sends real-time geo-tagged alerts using the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), based on the user’s location. Citizens can subscribe to disaster alerts for specific states or districts, making awareness more local and effective. It covers disasters like floods, cyclones, landslides, tsunamis, and forest fires. It also provides weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and includes helpline numbers and safety tips. The app uses satellite connectivity to work even when regular networks fail.

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Recently, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued four minor girls from a suspected human trafficking case on the Satyagrah Express at Raxaul Railway Station under Operation AAHT, which stands for Action Against Human Trafficking. Operation AAHT is a special mission by RPF to stop human trafficking using the Indian railway network. RPF has set up Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across railway zones to take focused action. It works with the National Commission for Women (NCW) to ensure better help and coordination for victims. Cyber cells track online trafficking activity, and law enforcement gets real-time data on victims, routes, and traffickers. Special attention is given to trains from border districts near Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. In financial year 2024–25, 929 victims have been rescued and 274 traffickers arrested.

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The Jharkhand High Court recently directed the state government to strictly enforce an old ban on meat, alcohol, and intoxicants on Parasnath Hill. Parasnath Hill, the highest peak in Jharkhand at 4,478 feet, is located in the Giridih district. It holds sacred value for both the Jain and Santal Adivasi communities. For Jains, it is a holy pilgrimage site where 20 out of 24 Tirthankaras are believed to have attained moksha, or liberation. The hill has over 40 Jain temples and dhams, attracting both Shwetambar and Digambar sects. Santals call it Marang Buru or “Great Mountain,” their most sacred spiritual site. It houses Jug Jaher Than, similar in importance to Mecca for Santals. It is also where Lo Bir Baisi, the Santal tribal council, meets to resolve key disputes.

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Kumbakonam betel leaf, also known as “Kumbakonam Vettrilai was recently granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India. It is mainly grown in the fertile Cauvery river basin of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, which gives it a special taste and aroma. The leaves are dark to light green, heart-shaped, and have a pungent flavor. It is widely cultivated in Kumbakonam and nearby villages like Ayyampettai, Swamimalai, and Rajagiri. This betel leaf is a daily staple in South Asian homes and is used to make paan, a popular post-meal chew. The Kumbakonam betel leaf is also exported to other countries, adding to its cultural and economic value.

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Recently, Project Alankar by the Government of Uttar Pradesh was praised in a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in New Delhi. Project Alankar was launched on 1st October 2021 as an educational reform initiative to improve government secondary schools. The project targets 100% compliance with 35 infrastructure and facility benchmarks in 2,441 schools. It focuses on creating a modern, inclusive, and student-friendly learning environment across the state.

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Union Agriculture Minister launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) at the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar. The campaign aims to empower over 1.5 crore farmers by accelerating agricultural transformation in India. It is led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and coordinated by ICAR-CIFA. The goal is to spread advanced technologies in agriculture and fisheries to rural areas. It promotes self-reliance, sustainability, and resilience in farming and aquaculture. The campaign supports the vision of Viksit Bharat, meaning Developed India. It targets over 5 crore farmers across all districts through training, demos, and farmer-scientist interactions. It highlights fisheries as an essential part of rural development and livelihood security.

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The Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, will conduct the second phase of capacity-building under the NAKSHA programme starting 2nd June 2025. The NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban Habitations (NAKSHA) programme is a city survey initiative under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). It is led by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development. The programme prepares detailed maps of towns and cities to improve land records.

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The Union government has invited proposals to set up District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in 291 gap districts across 30 States and Union Territories under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). NAPDDR is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at reducing drug abuse through education, de-addiction, and rehabilitation. It focuses on awareness creation, reducing stigma, and reintegrating affected individuals into society. It also aims to build human resource capacity and support research, training, and innovation.

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The Union Education Minister launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign by planting a sapling in New Delhi to promote environmental awareness on World Environment Day. A special module and website were also launched, along with a web portal to monitor eco club activities under Mission Lifestyle for Environment (Mission LiFE). The importance of trees in sustaining life was emphasized, linking the campaign to environmental and health benefits. The campaign called for reducing plastic use and adopting sustainable development practices to protect the environment.

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Recently, the Government of India launched the Ayush Nivesh Saarthi portal during the Ayush Stakeholder and Industry Interaction Meet at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi. It is a dedicated digital platform for investors developed by the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in collaboration with Invest India. It aims to boost India’s traditional wellness systems as a strong economic sector. The portal combines policy details, incentive schemes, ready-to-invest projects, and real-time assistance in one interface.