India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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India proposes the 11,000 MW Upper Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh as a strategic counter to China’s planned 60,000 MW dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. The project is located on the Siang River, the upper course of the Brahmaputra. It holds cultural significance as Aane Siang (Mother Siang) to locals. The project aims to strengthen India’s strategic position and manage water resources effectively amid China’s dam-building plans. The region is home to the Adi Tribe, who rely on riverbank agriculture (pani kheti) due to limited farming options in the hilly terrain.

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Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin inaugurated India’s first-ever glass bridge at Kanyakumari. The bridge connects the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue. It is part of a Rs 37-crore initiative by the Tamil Nadu government. The bridge enhances the region’s tourism infrastructure.

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Assam government launched ‘Gunotsav 2025’ to assess more than 14 lakh students across 16,056 schools. The event runs from January 6-9, with 6,365 external evaluators. It aims to improve educational standards and create a better learning environment. The theme of ‘Gunotsav 2025’ is “Ensuring Quality Education.” The first phase evaluates 11 districts, covering 14,11,874 students with the help of external evaluators. This initiative reflects Assam’s commitment to improving education and student outcomes in the region.

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The Miyawaki Technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, accelerates forest growth by planting native species closely together. This method enhances biodiversity, improves soil quality, and creates lush green spaces even in urban areas. In Prayagraj, over 1.2 lakh trees of various species have been planted using this technique, contributing to better air quality and environmental conservation ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025. The dense forests help absorb carbon, reduce pollution, and restore ecological balance, showcasing an effective approach to urban greening and sustainability.

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Forest officials restricted entry along a 5-km stretch from Gokharakuda to Bateswar near the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam to protect Olive Ridley turtle eggs. The Rushikulya River is a major river in Odisha, flowing through Kandhamal, Ganjam, and Boudh districts. It originates from the Daringbadi hills in the Eastern Ghats at about 1000 meters elevation. The river flows 165 km before entering the Bay of Bengal near Ganjam without forming a delta. Its basin covers around 7500 sq. km, with tributaries like Baghua, Dhanei, and Badanadi. Rushikulya Beach is a key nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles.

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The Jammu and Kashmir government has allocated ₹3 crore annually for each MLA under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) scheme. MLAs can recommend development projects in their constituencies, focusing on infrastructure, public welfare, and essential services. Funds will support projects like roads, irrigation, power infrastructure, and housing for the underprivileged. Projects must be completed within a year, with exceptions for high-altitude areas. Certain projects, like government offices and places of worship, are not eligible for funding. The fund encourages projects costing up to ₹10 lakh per work.

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Punjab Legislative Assembly launched a searchable engine to access Assembly debates/proceedings from 1947 to date. It is the first Vidhan Sabha in India to introduce such a project. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said the engine will help in researching topics and retrieving facts from debates. A complete solution has been developed for MLAs’ convenience, with regular training planned. The search engine was developed in collaboration with Punjabi University Patiala, IIIT Hyderabad, and CDAC Noida.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and other dignitaries attended the event. The academy is named after Lachit Barphukan, the Assamese warrior who defeated the Mughals. It aims to become India’s top police training academy in five years. The total project cost is ₹1,050 crore, with ₹167 crore spent on the first phase.

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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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Ranchi is the first district in Jharkhand to launch a large-scale screening and management campaign for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). NAFLD, now called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), occurs due to fat buildup in the liver without heavy alcohol use. In contrast, Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Early-stage NAFLD is harmless but can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if untreated. It increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is its severe form, which may cause liver cancer.