India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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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.

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The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, launched SPARK–4.0 (2025–26), the fourth edition of the Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK). The program aims to ignite scientific curiosity and research aptitude among undergraduate Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students across India. 300 BAMS students from National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) recognized colleges will receive a studentship of ₹50,000 (₹25,000 per month for two months). SPARK provides short-term independent research projects under faculty mentorship, covering research methodology, experimental design, and data analysis. The program fosters a research-oriented generation of Ayurveda professionals and strengthens the Ayush research ecosystem.

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The Centre recently recommended environmental clearance for the 1,856-MW Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant in the Ramban District of Jammu and Kashmir. It will be the largest hydroelectric project in the Union Territory and one of the biggest in North India. The project was first conceptualised in the 1980s and revised multiple times due to environmental and technical concerns. It will be built by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited at an estimated cost of Rs 31,380 crore.

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted Operation Fire Trail to stop illegal smuggling of Chinese firecrackers into India. Officers intercepted a 40-foot container at Nhava Sheva Port, declared as carrying “leggings.”
Import of firecrackers is ‘Restricted’ under the ITC (HS) Code of the Foreign Trade Policy. Such imports need license from DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) and PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization). Smuggling these hazardous goods threatens public safety, national security, and port infrastructure. The DRI continues efforts to protect trade integrity and prevent organized smuggling.

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Project Arunank of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) recently celebrated its 18th Raising Day. It has been implemented since 2008 in Arunachal Pradesh. The project’s name is derived from the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The objective is to provide vital connectivity to remote valleys and forward areas while meeting Armed Forces operational requirements. It uses innovative technologies like Steel Slag, Cut-and-Cover Tunnels, Geo Cells, Plastic Sheets, and Gabion Walls for durable and sustainable roads. It supports socio-economic growth and strategic communication in remote regions of Kurung Kumey district.

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The Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles launched a skill-based initiative under Operation Sadbhavana to empower women of the Ollo Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. The Ollo Tribe, also called Oloh or Lazu Naga, lives in the Laju Circle of Tirap district in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Myanmar. Despite living in two countries, they share the same language, religion, and traditions. They follow a clan-based hereditary chieftain system and a patriarchal society with male-dominated property rights. Historically known for facial tattoos and headhunting, they now focus on development while preserving heritage.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Deep Sea Fishing Vessels under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at Mazgaon Dock, Mumbai. The event marks a major step to modernise India’s marine fisheries sector and boost cooperative-based blue economy growth. The vessels will help fishermen directly share profits through cooperatives instead of working as salaried employees. The project aligns with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and will enhance income, employment, and sustainability in coastal areas. India’s fisheries production has risen from 102 lakh tonnes (2014–15) to 195 lakh tonnes, reflecting sectoral growth under PMMSY.

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The Punjab Police Cyber Crime Division has launched a statewide awareness programme called ‘Cyber Jago’ to ensure children’s digital safety. The initiative aims to teach Internet Safety and promote safe online use among government school students across Punjab. It addresses rising cyber threats, exposure to inappropriate content, and other online dangers faced by children.

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Indian Railways will promote the ‘Aabhar’ online store launched on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. The store features over 150 gift items and hampers made by indigenous tribes, handloom weavers, and artisans. Products come from tribal groups, self-help groups (SHGs), handloom weavers, and local craftsmen. Items are part of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, supporting regional specialties. The launch promotes ‘Vocal for Local’ and self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) goals. It highlights GeM’s social inclusion mission by empowering small and rural producers.

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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.