India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Tamil Nadu government has formed a three-member committee led by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Kurian Joseph to review centre-state relations. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced this decision in the state assembly on 15 April 2025. In 1969, former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had set up a similar committee led by Justice P.V. Rajamannar. The new committee also includes former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Ashok Vardhan Shetty and former State Planning Commission Vice-Chairman M. Naganathan. It will study constitutional provisions and suggest ways to shift subjects from the Concurrent List back to the State List. It will review past reports by the Rajamannar Committee, Sarkaria Commission, and Punchhi Commission in the current context. The aim is to recommend reforms for ensuring greater autonomy to states.

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The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been ranked as the best university in India in the Times Higher Education’s Asia University Rankings 2025. IISc Bengaluru secured the 38th position in Asia with a score of 65.2, though its rank dropped from 32 in 2024. Tsinghua University of China topped the list in Asia with a score of 93 and held the same top spot last year. The Asia University Rankings 2025 assessed 853 universities from 35 countries and regions. Rankings were based on 18 indicators, including Research Quality, Industry, Research Environment, Teaching, and International Outlook.

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South India’s first Air-Conditioned Electric Multiple Unit (AC EMU) train has started operations on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu corridor. This marks a major milestone for Chennai’s suburban rail network, which is a key transport system for the city and nearby areas. The service is operated by the Chennai division of Southern Railway. It is the first AC EMU service in southern India, according to officials. The train has advanced features like automatic doors and a passenger information system, offering a more comfortable and modern travel experience.

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The Sachet mobile application was launched by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to improve disaster preparedness in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted it in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address. The app sends real-time geo-tagged alerts using the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), based on the user’s location. Citizens can subscribe to disaster alerts for specific states or districts, making awareness more local and effective. It covers disasters like floods, cyclones, landslides, tsunamis, and forest fires. It also provides weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and includes helpline numbers and safety tips. The app uses satellite connectivity to work even when regular networks fail.

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In Financial Year 2024-25, India recorded 4,515 child adoptions, the highest in nearly ten years, showing a positive change in public mindset. Out of these, 4,155 were domestic adoptions, highlighting growing acceptance of adoption within Indian families. The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the nodal agency responsible for adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children in India. CARA was established in 1990 and became a statutory body under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. It functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

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Recently in Patna, the Union Minister urged youth to actively join the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) portal to support nation-building efforts. Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It was launched on October 31, 2023, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It aims to promote youth-led change and prepare young citizens for Amrit Kaal and Viksit Bharat by 2047. The platform offers equal access to volunteering, learning, and mentorship opportunities. It helps youth build digital profiles to match their skills and interests with projects. Through experiential learning, youth work on real projects with NGOs, local bodies, and businesses.

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Recently, Maharashtra approved a new policy on May 13, 2025, making the use of artificial sand, or manufactured sand (m-sand), mandatory in all government and semi-government construction projects. The policy aims to stop illegal river sand mining and reduce environmental damage. It supports sustainable construction by encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials like m-sand. The state plans to set up 1,500 crusher units across districts and will provide state land for these units. M-sand producers will get Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) status and benefit from reduced royalty rates. This policy protects natural resources and promotes local industry and jobs.

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Uttar Pradesh has launched India’s first jungle safari train with Vistadome coaches between Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The Vistadome train has large glass windows and transparent roofs for panoramic forest views. It operates on weekends, with plans to run daily to attract more tourists. The train covers 107 kilometers in about 4 hours and 25 minutes, costing ₹275 per person. This is part of the ‘One Destination Three Forests’ campaign linking Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur sanctuaries. The Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board aims to boost eco-tourism and generate local jobs.

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The Justice P. C. Ghose Commission is currently investigating irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in Telangana. The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is a large multi-purpose project built on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally district. It begins at the confluence of the Pranahita and Godavari rivers. The project aims to supply irrigation water to vast farmlands and also meet drinking water needs. KLIP is a lift irrigation project, where water is lifted using pumps instead of flowing by gravity. The lifted water reaches a high delivery point, from where it is sent to the fields for irrigation.

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The Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiya Bagad Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand has received in-principle approval from the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC). The FAC works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). This approval allows the diversion of 29.997 hectares of forest land for the project. The project is located on the Gori Ganga River in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It is planned to generate 120 megawatts (MW) of electricity. This project highlights the government’s push for clean energy while balancing forest conservation. The recent approval marks a key step toward project execution.