India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Aandhi, a village near Jaipur, is adopting a zero-waste model through innovative green technologies. Initiatives include an Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, and Constructed Wetlands, which convert waste into resources, support renewable energy, and improve water management. These efforts align with India’s sustainability goals, showcasing how rural communities can leverage technology for environmental stewardship and community upliftment, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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Ten wild elephants died in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, possibly due to “mycotoxins associated with kodo millet.” Kodo millet, also called Kodra or Varagu, is a drought-tolerant, hardy crop rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a staple food for many tribal and economically weaker communities in India. Best suited for tropical and subtropical regions, it grows on poor soils in arid and semi-arid areas. Originating in India, Madhya Pradesh is a major producer, along with Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. Kodo millet is also cultivated in Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and West Africa.

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The Toto tribe, with fewer than 1,600 members, lives in Totopara village, West Bengal, near the Bhutan border. They are a Tibetan-Mongoloid ethnic group and are considered one of the most endangered tribes, categorized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Their language, Toto, is Sino-Tibetan, written in the Bengali script. Totos are endogamous and follow a unique culture of having only one wife and opposing dowry practices. They live in elevated bamboo huts with thatched roofs and are facing identity struggles and poor infrastructure.

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n response to rising criminal activities, including shootings, Delhi Police launched Operation Kawach, a targeted crackdown on gangs, drug traffickers, and organized crime. Operation Kawach, launched by Delhi Police in May 2023, targets rising drug trafficking and abuse in Delhi. It is a broad initiative aimed at enhancing safety and combating drug-related issues in the capital. Additionally, Operation Kawach is also an Indian Armed Forces initiative focused on strengthening security along India’s northeastern front, especially at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

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The Assam cabinet has renamed Karimganj as Sribhumi District to reflect its cultural heritage, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s description of the area over a century ago. This change aims to restore the historical identity of the region and fulfill the aspirations of its residents. Additionally, the cabinet approved various initiatives to boost investment and infrastructure development in Assam, including the upcoming Assam Investment and Infrastructure Summit in 2025.

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The “Bhu-Neer” portal, launched on September 19, 2024, aims to improve groundwater management in India. Introduced by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil during India Water Week 2024, it replaces the older NOCAP system. Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), it features a PAN-based single ID system and QR-coded No Objection Certificates (NOCs). This initiative enhances transparency and efficiency in groundwater usage, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Ease of Doing Business. The portal serves as a vital resource for stakeholders in groundwater regulation.

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The “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” campaign, initiated on November 25, aims to eliminate gender-based violence in India. It is a collaborative effort involving the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Rural Development, supported by UN Women. Coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the campaign underscores a national zero-tolerance stance and calls for accountability from all stakeholders, emphasizing the urgent need for action against violence towards women and girls.

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Sikkim has been declared the partner state for the Hornbill Festival 2024. The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural event in Nagaland, named after the Indian hornbill bird featured in tribal folklore. It is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, 12 km from Kohima, Nagaland. The festival is organized by Nagaland’s Tourism and Art & Culture Departments. Its objective is to promote cultural heritage and foster inter-tribal interaction in Nagaland.

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The government launched the SHe-Box portal, a centralized system to address and monitor workplace sexual harassment complaints. Developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, it serves as a complaint registration and monitoring platform. It includes a public repository of Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) in workplaces across government and private sectors. Workplaces must designate nodal officers to update data for real-time monitoring of complaints. The portal aligns with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, ensuring inquiries are completed within 90 days. It ensures safer workplaces and supports women with a reliable grievance mechanism.

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Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched PMeVIDYA Channel 31, a 24×7 platform dedicated to Indian Sign Language (ISL). The channel promotes ISL as both a language and school subject, ensuring inclusivity for children with hearing impairments. NEP 2020 prioritizes education for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) and standardizes ISL nationally while respecting local sign languages. ISL-based learning content covers school curricula, career guidance, skill training, and mental health, accessible on TV and YouTube. The initiative fosters inclusivity, aligns with constitutional rights, and aims to create global benchmarks and employment opportunities for the hearing-impaired community.