India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The PENCiL portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to enforce the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. It has five components: Central Government, State Government, District Project Societies, Child Tracking System, and Complaint Corner. District Nodal Officers (DNOs) are appointed to ensure strict implementation of the Act. A model State Action Plan (SAP) guides State Governments in eradicating child labour, focusing on migrant, girl, and SC/ST children. The portal promotes efficient monitoring and grievance redressal to combat child labour effectively.

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The Tikhir tribe of Nagaland held its first-ever Log Drum Pulling Ceremony during the 25th Hornbill Festival 2024. The Tikhir tribe is an indigenous Naga tribe from Nagaland, with some members living in Myanmar. They speak Naga Yimchungru, a Tibeto-Burman language, and were once headhunters. Their livelihood is based on agriculture and hunting, but as a small tribe, they face harassment from larger tribes. Most Tikhirs have converted to Christianity, blending it with elements of their folk religion. Their main festival, “Tsonglaknyi,” is celebrated from 9th to 12th October, symbolizing the sanctification of shields.

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All 17,130 police stations in India are now linked via the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) platform. CCTNS, launched in 2009 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is part of India’s National e-Governance Plan with a budget of ₹2,000 crore. It enhances police efficiency and transparency, offering tools for investigation, analytics, and citizen services. The system stores comprehensive crime data, including accused, offenders, missing persons, and stolen vehicles. It supports nationwide integration, even in remote areas, and connects police data with courts, prisons, and forensics under the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS).

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The Ministry of Textiles and Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA) launched the Climate Smart Agro-Textile Demonstration Center in Navsari, Gujarat. The center aims to promote Agro-Textiles in agriculture, showcasing live demonstrations and practical training for farmers. It spans 15,000 sq. meters and will be maintained by SASMIRA for three years, covering eight crop cycles. The center features Agro-Textile technologies like shade nets, medicinal nurseries, vermicomposting, ground covers, pond liners, and crop covers. The initiative focuses on educating farmers to integrate these innovative solutions into daily farming practices.

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of rising suicides in Kerala’s Peringammala Panchayat, where 23 suicides occurred in 2024, following 138 suicides between 2011 and 2022. The NHRC is an independent statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It safeguards rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity, as per the Constitution and international covenants.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource) platform on Good Governance Day, December 25. The platform aims to enhance ease of living for citizens through technology. Developed by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Bhashini Team. SWAR addresses language barriers and includes a Speech-to-Text feature integrated into the Gujarat CMO website. This initiative supports better accessibility and communication for Gujarat’s citizens.

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Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University and Punjab’s Prison Department launched the “Sikhya Daat” program to provide higher education to jail inmates. The program aims to enhance inmates’ mental development and enable future economic self-reliance. Punjab Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar distributed appointment letters to 15 newly recruited teachers, marking the first regular hiring in 30 years. These teachers will educate prisoners and their children, aiding their reintegration into society.

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Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi declared unseasonal rain a natural calamity. The decision aims to compensate farmers for crop damage using the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Farmers with 33% or more crop loss will receive assistance as per the relief code. About ₹291.59 crore in aid will be provided to 6,66,720 affected farmers. Unseasonal rain damaged crops on 2,26,791 hectares of agricultural land between December 20-28. The announcement was made at the ‘Krushi Odisha Conclave’ 2025 in Bhubaneswar.

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The ‘Maa Ki Rasoi’ initiative, inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, offers a full meal for just ₹9 to economically weaker sections in Prayagraj. The initiative is operated by Nandi Sewa Sansthan at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to social welfare, especially during the auspicious Mahakumbh festival.

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Odisha has launched a pension scheme providing ₹20,000 per month for individuals detained during the Emergency (1975–1977). The scheme also covers medical expenses for eligible recipients alive as of January 1, 2025. Similar pension schemes exist in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Assam. Those arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, Defence of India Rules, and related laws during the Emergency can apply. Over 300 people in Odisha are eligible, with an annual cost of ₹8 crore for the state government. Applications are required for pension and medical benefits.