India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

Notes:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of rising suicides in Kerala’s Peringammala Panchayat, where 23 suicides occurred in 2024, following 138 suicides between 2011 and 2022. The NHRC is an independent statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It safeguards rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity, as per the Constitution and international covenants.

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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched a cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims. The scheme will cover all road accidents caused by motor vehicles, implemented through an IT platform combining eDAR and NHA systems. A pilot program, started in Chandigarh in 2024 and expanded to six states, focused on providing timely medical care during the golden hour. Initiatives include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for trucks, E-Rickshaw safety guidelines, vehicle tracking devices, and driver training institutes. Faceless services for vehicle registration and monitoring will be standardized nationwide by March 2025.

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Karnataka launched the ‘Garudakshi’ online FIR system to curb wildlife crimes. Garudakshi allows the public to register complaints about forest offenses via mobile phones or emails. The system is similar to the Police Department’s FIR system. It was developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India.

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Entity Locker, developed by National eGovernance Division (NeGD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is a secure cloud-based platform for managing and verifying business documents. It caters to organizations, MSMEs, startups, trusts, and societies. The platform integrates with government systems for real-time access and verification. It offers legally valid digital signatures and ensures secure document management. Entity Locker aligns with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure and vision for enhanced digital governance.

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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation for north India’s first 1-MW green hydrogen plant in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The plant, costing Rs 9.04 crore, will produce 423 kg of green hydrogen daily using renewable energy. It aligns with the state’s goal to become India’s first green energy state by March 2026. Developed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) and Oil India Limited, the plant will be completed within a year. The plant will use electrolysis and renewable energy to produce hydrogen, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting cleaner energy.

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Farmers at Punjab and Haryana borders observed February 23 as Pagri Sambhal Diwas to honor Ajit Singh, uncle of Bhagat Singh. The Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement was launched by Ajit Singh in 1907 to oppose British agricultural laws. The slogan “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” was coined by poet Banke Dayal, symbolizing self-respect and resistance. The movement protested three British laws: Punjab Land Alienation Act (1900), Punjab Land Colonisation Act (1906), and Doab Bari Act (1907). These laws restricted farmers’ rights, increased debt, and transferred land ownership to the British. Ajit Singh and Kishan Singh formed the Bharat Mata Society to support farmers, with Lala Lajpat Rai also backing the movement.

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At least 14 BRO workers were recently rescued from an avalanche in Mana, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is India’s road construction force supporting the Armed Forces. It operates under the Ministry of Defence and was established on May 7, 1960. BRO builds and maintains roads in border areas and friendly neighboring countries.

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The Ministry of AYUSH launched the ‘One Day as a Scientist’ initiative to engage students in scientific research. It is inspired by PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ call to develop a scientific mindset among students. The program encourages students to explore research labs and gain hands-on experience. AYUSH institutions opened their doors to showcase modern technology and traditional medicine. The initiative aims to foster curiosity and promote interest in science and innovation.

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AIIMS launched ‘Payodhi’, a human milk bank for critically ill preterm babies in the NICU. Payodhi is a milk bank and lactation management centre at AIIMS, New Delhi. It collects, processes, and stores pasteurized donor milk for premature and ill newborns. The milk bank was launched in September 2024 at AIIMS’s Neonatology Division. Payodhi’s aim is to provide safe, processed human milk to NICU babies and support lactating mothers with counseling, milk donation, and storage facilities.

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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.