India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Ministry of Defence has announced that the theme for Republic Day 2025 tableaux is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’. A consultative process began in early 2024 to improve tableaux quality. Suggestions from states/UTs were incorporated into the theme. States, UTs, and ministries submit tableau proposals, which are evaluated by an Expert Committee. Selection considers creativity, conceptual uniqueness, balance of tradition and development, and attention to detail. 15 states/UTs and 11 ministries have been selected to showcase their tableaux. All states/UTs are invited to display tableaux at Bharat Parv (26th-31st January 2025) at Red Fort.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP CM Yogi Adityanath unveiled a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Kudiya Ghat, Lucknow, on December 25, 2024. The event honored Vajpayee’s legacy as a Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister of India. Sculptor Amarpal Singh was felicitated for crafting the statue.

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Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) launched the ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative to empower women entrepreneurs in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra. It focuses on training women in traditional snack production to build sustainable ventures. MBMC collaborates with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) under the ‘Award to Reward’ program. ‘Faral Sakhi’ set up a central kitchen, enabling SHG women to produce and sell snacks professionally, with municipal support for sales and advertising. The initiative aims to create sustainable employment and inspire societal transformation.

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The Miyawaki Technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, accelerates forest growth by planting native species closely together. This method enhances biodiversity, improves soil quality, and creates lush green spaces even in urban areas. In Prayagraj, over 1.2 lakh trees of various species have been planted using this technique, contributing to better air quality and environmental conservation ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025. The dense forests help absorb carbon, reduce pollution, and restore ecological balance, showcasing an effective approach to urban greening and sustainability.

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Union Home Minister launched the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) at seven major Indian airports: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. The program, part of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, was first introduced in Delhi in June 2024. FTI-TTP aims to provide seamless, secure, and world-class immigration facilities for travellers.

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The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs launched the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.O. The scheme aims to strengthen democracy, promote discipline, tolerance, and awareness of parliamentary practices. The NYPS 2.0 web portal allows citizens to participate through three categories. Under Institution Participation, schools (Kishore Sabha) and colleges (Tarun Sabha) can organize Youth Parliament sessions. Group Participation allows groups to conduct sessions following portal guidelines, while Individual Participation enables citizens to take a quiz on ‘Bhartiya Democracy in Action.’

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Fort William in Kolkata, headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg. It was built by the British in 1773. It was named after King William III of England. The fort is located on the Hooghly River’s eastern bank and is now owned by the Indian Army. Originally built in 1696 by the English East India Company, it was known as the “black hole of Calcutta” after prisoners were held there. After being attacked in 1756, it was rebuilt by Robert Clive following the Battle of Plassey. The octagonal fort spans 70.9 acres and features arched windows and meticulous stonework.

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The Ministry of Ayush launched the “Shatavari – For Better Health” campaign to promote awareness of medicinal plants. It was inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush. The campaign is led by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), which has previously promoted Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha. Financial assistance of ₹18.9 lakh will support eligible organizations in promoting Shatavari. The initiative strengthens India’s focus on traditional medicine and holistic well-being.

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The Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) was inaugurated on the Brahmaputra River in Jogighopa, Assam. It aims to improve connectivity and boost trilateral trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh. The foundation stone was laid in February 2021. The terminal was built at a cost of ₹82 crore. It will reduce transportation costs and provide an eco-friendly alternative for cargo transport. By 2027, the terminal is expected to handle 1 million tonnes of cargo annually.

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The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) initiative on March 5, 2025, in New Delhi. It aims to promote women’s participation, safety, and leadership in local governance. The initiative is part of International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations. One model panchayat will be selected in each district across India.