India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) was sworn in as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister for the third time by Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan. Previously CM from 2013-2014 and 2019-2024, Soren resigned in January 2024 before his arrest in a money laundering case. Granted bail in June 2024, he leads the Mahagathbandhan alliance, which includes JMM, Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and left parties.

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The Asur community, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG), resides in the Netarhat plateau region of Gumla, Jharkhand. They will soon receive benefits under the Forest Rights Act. The Asurs, with a population of around 23,000 as per the 2011 census, are traditionally iron-smelters and now primarily cultivators. They speak the Asur language, part of the Munda family, and claim descent from ancient Asuras known for metal craft.

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Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the North East Region Agri Commodity E-Connect (NERACE) web portal and app in Shillong to benefit Northeastern farmers and buyers. NERACE supports products like spices, fruits, and vegetables, providing farmers with larger markets and better pricing. The platform supports seven languages and aims to connect producers, buyers, and service providers globally. It emphasizes the region’s potential as a hub for high-value horticultural products.

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The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is constructing a new ocean research vessel for India’s Deep Ocean Mission to explore rare minerals in the Indian Ocean. Established in 1998, NCPOR is India’s leading R&D institution for Polar and Southern Ocean research. It coordinates polar expeditions and scientific research in Antarctica, the Arctic, the Himalayas, and the Southern Ocean, and is located in Vasco da Gama, Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

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In Telangana, the Project Swasthya Nagaram was launched in Hyderabad to create TB-Free Municipalities. This initiative involves the State Tuberculosis Cell, Municipal Corporations of Peerzadiguda, Boduppal, and Pocharam, and various partners including WHO and USAID. The project aims to reduce TB incidence and mortality by implementing a comprehensive TB care model in urban areas over three years. It includes free medical care and family counseling for TB patients.

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Since Chhattisgarh’s first tribal Chief Minister took office, Naxalite-related incidents have surged fivefold, including killings, arrests, and surrenders. This increase coincides with “Operation Prahar,” a counter-insurgency effort targeting Maoist leaders. While aimed at neutralizing insurgents and disrupting recruitment, the operation has faced allegations of excessive state power and staged encounters, raising concerns about its impact on local Adivasi communities not involved with Maoist activities.

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On 25 July 2024, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Award and inaugurated India’s 500th Community Radio Station at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in Aizawl, Mizoram. Named Apna Radio 90.0 FM, it will provide weather updates, government schemes, and agriculture information. Community Radios, unlike public and commercial radio, are low-power stations operated by local communities in local languages, focusing on issues like nutrition and health. They can be set up by educational institutions, community-based organizations, registered societies, and trusts.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The theme is Viksit Bharat@2047, focusing on making India a developed nation. Discussions will include the approach paper for the Vision Document on Viksit Bharat, fostering participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and States to enhance the quality of life. The meeting will address states’ roles in achieving this goal. With aspirations to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, attendees include Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and NITI Aayog members.

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The Maharashtra government has introduced a new prisons bill to replace the outdated Prisons Act of 1894.The bill aims to modernize prison operations with better staffing technology upgrades & mental health initiatives addressing overcrowding deaths custody & poor conditions.The bill has been approved by state cabinet as an ordinance awaiting central government & presidential approval.Maharashtra’s prisons currently hold over 40k prisoners despite capacity for only 27k.

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The Uttar Pradesh government inaugurated the ‘Kakori Train Action’ Centenary Festival in Lucknow to mark 100 years of the Kakori Train Action and educate youths and students. In August 1925, the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) conducted the Kakori Train Action, a major train robbery near Lucknow. The train, carrying taxes collected from Indians for the British government, was led by Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan. The revolutionaries, including Rajendra Lahiri, stopped the train and looted around ₹8000, which they saw as their right against colonial exploitation.