India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

Notes:
Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER) launched ‘Rabi-Track RIVER App’ for rabies surveillance and reporting on World Rabies Day 2025. The app was developed in collaboration with Atal Incubation Centre, Puducherry Technological University. The launch emphasized adopting a ‘One Health’ approach for rabies prevention and control. The initiative contributes to India’s national goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh (UP) topped India in the INSPIRE Award – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) scheme with 2,80,747 nominations in 2025. This is an increase of 70,000 nominations from 2,10,000 in 2024 and the highest since the scheme began. The scheme is run by Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) to encourage innovation among students of classes 6 to 12. Among the top 50 districts nationally, 22 districts are from UP, including Pratapgarh, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Hardoi, Jaunpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and others. UP surpassed Rajasthan (1,41,142) and Karnataka (1,01,656), leading by 1.39 lakh and 1.79 lakh nominations, respectively.

Notes:
In October 2025, Gurugram launched India’s first Quick Response (QR) code-based kiosk for paying traffic fines at Ambience Mall, Gurugram, Haryana. The initiative aims to streamline payments and reduce courthouse visits. The kiosk was developed jointly by Gurugram Police (GP) and Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The project is part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with Narayana Hospital Trust and Ambience Mall. It supports the “Challan Nahi, Salah Milegi” campaign to promote road safety and behavioral change among commuters. The kiosk provides 24/7 payment convenience but cannot process fines over 90 days old or already referred to court.

Notes:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the establishment of a new National Security Guard (NSG) hub at Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on October 14, 2025. This will join the six existing NSG hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu, where commandos are stationed 24×7. NSG commandos at Ayodhya will be ready to respond immediately to terrorist threats in their zone. The government will focus on continuous training, sharing best practices, and ensuring physical fitness of NSG and State anti-terror units. NSG has surveyed over 770 critical locations and created a data bank for counter-terror planning.

Notes:
Recently, passenger vessel ‘Sindhu’ completed its maiden voyage to Barren Island, the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent. The trip was flagged off by Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar on October 24, 2025, from Haddo Wharf, Port Blair. Barren Island lies about 140 km from Port Blair, located at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates. The ship, carrying 500 passengers including 125 school students, returned safely on October 25, 2025. The Union Territory Administration will operate two such trips every month to boost tourism. The voyage offered breathtaking views of the volcanic glow, sunrise, and Andaman Sea, marking a historic step in the islands’ tourism development.

Notes:
Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) and will assume office on November 24, 2025, succeeding Chief Justice B.R. Gavai. The Chief Justice of India and other Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 124(2) of the Constitution. The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, considered fit for the position, is usually appointed as the CJI. The Union Law Minister first seeks the recommendation of the outgoing CJI, which is then sent to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister advises the President, who makes the final appointment.

Notes:
The foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Circuit Development was recently laid under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme. The project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the Government of Meghalaya. It aims to make Sohra (Cherrapunji) a multi-day sustainable tourism destination promoting local livelihoods. The Sohra Experience Centre will act as a cultural hub, featuring amphitheatres, rain parks, art galleries, and craft pavilions.

Notes:
Recently, the Union Agriculture Minister announced that the Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights Protection Authority Act will be amended during the 21st Foundation Day of the Authority. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) was established on 11 November 2005 under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001. It works under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. The Authority grants intellectual property rights to plant breeders for developing new plant varieties. It recognises and rewards farmers who conserve traditional varieties and biodiversity. It protects farmers’ rights to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds.

Notes:
Recently, Ambaji Marble received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its high-quality white stone. Ambaji Marble is named after Ambaji town in Gujarat, where it is mainly quarried. It is known for its milky white colour, natural beauty, and strong durability. It often shows subtle grey or beige veins formed naturally by minerals during its creation. Ambaji Marble is widely used in temples, memorials, religious structures, and iconic buildings, including the famous Ambaji Temple.

Notes:
Poshan Tracker was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) in 2021. It monitors Take-Home Ration (THR) delivery under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). The system uses e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) and Facial Recognition System (FRS) for beneficiary verification. It is part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, supporting POSHAN Abhiyaan. Poshan Tracker is one of the world’s largest government-funded nutrition monitoring systems. Recent debates arose due to misconceptions about e-KYC and FRS, highlighting the need for better awareness and usability.