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.

Notes:
India proposes the 11,000 MW Upper Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh as a strategic counter to China’s planned 60,000 MW dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. The project is located on the Siang River, the upper course of the Brahmaputra. It holds cultural significance as Aane Siang (Mother Siang) to locals. The project aims to strengthen India’s strategic position and manage water resources effectively amid China’s dam-building plans. The region is home to the Adi Tribe, who rely on riverbank agriculture (pani kheti) due to limited farming options in the hilly terrain.

Notes:
The Rajasthan government recently dissolved nine districts and three divisions created in 2023. Rajasthan now has 41 districts and seven divisions. The divisions of Pali, Sikar, and Banswara were annulled. Eight districts, including Dudu, Kekri, Shahpura, and others, were abolished due to administrative necessity. Retained districts include Balotra, Beawar, Didwana-Kuchaman, and others. A High-Level Committee report deemed the new districts unviable, and a Cabinet Sub-Committee was formed to review their status.

Notes:
The union Minister of Labour & Employment launched multilingual functionality on the e-Shram portal. The e-Shram portal supports and empowers the unorganized workforce by creating a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). The portal now supports 22 languages, upgraded using MEITY’s Bhashini project. Previously, the portal was available only in English, Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi.

Notes:
The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs launched the toolkit for the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey. A new category, the “Super Swachh League,” has been introduced to recognize cities excelling in cleanliness. Cities are now categorized into five groups based on population, with awards for top cities in each group. Assessment will focus on parameters like waste management, sanitation, and cleanliness at tourist spots. The field assessment phase will run from February 15 to March 2025.

Notes:
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) recently set up a new Regional Office in Varanasi. IWAI, established under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act (1985), focuses on developing and maintaining Inland Water Transport infrastructure on national waterways. It receives grants from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. The headquarters is in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, with regional offices in Guwahati, Patna, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata. The Varanasi office will oversee development works on the Ganga and its tributaries in Uttar Pradesh, including rivers like Betwa, Chambal, and Gomti.

Notes:
Recently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Dibrugarh would be upgraded to a full-fledged city and serve as the second capital of Assam. This decision aims to enhance the Ease of Living and improve connectivity within the region. The announcement coincided with the Republic Day celebrations, marking transformation for a city once associated with militancy.

Notes:
Barmer District launched the ‘MY NREGA App’ to improve the MNREGA process, allowing workers to apply for jobs digitally from home. The app eliminates the need for workers to visit Gram Panchayats, streamlining employment requests and reducing delays. The app allows family members to apply on behalf of others and provides real-time tracking of applications. MNREGA workers, especially women, actively participated in the app’s launch. It is being tested in five Gram Panchayats before a district-wide rollout. The app promotes digitization, efficiency, and transparency in rural welfare programs.

Notes:
Andhra Pradesh launched ‘Mana Mitra’, India’s first WhatsApp-based governance platform. It provides 161 civil services, making government services easily accessible. Citizens can avail public services directly via WhatsApp, enhancing digital governance. Developed in collaboration with Meta, the platform marks a major innovation in service delivery. More services will be added in the future to further improve accessibility.

Notes:
The Haryana government launched the “Mahri Laado” Radio Programme under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme. BBBP was launched by the Government of India on 22nd January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana. The scheme aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and ensure equal opportunities, care, and dignity for girls and women.