India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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NITI Aayog has launched the ‘NITI GearShift Challenge’ under the e-FAST India initiative, aimed at decarbonizing road-based freight transportation in India to meet 2070 net zero commitments. Launched in September 2022, e-FAST promotes cleaner freight solutions through national and international collaborations, supporting pilot programs and technology integration. The initiative fosters discussions among stakeholders, including government bodies and logistics providers, to enhance the adoption of electric technologies in the freight sector, backed by 12 knowledge partners.

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Madhya Pradesh topped the ‘Best Performing State’ category in the Prime Minister SVANidhi scheme, aimed at supporting street vendors affected by COVID-19. Assam was second in the ‘Innovation and Best Practices Award’ category. In urban local bodies, Delhi’s Municipal Corporation led in loan performance, followed by Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Kerala secured first place in the DAY-NULM SPARK category, with Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan also recognized. The PM SVANidhi scheme provides affordable loans and promotes digital transactions.

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Recently, Shri Venkateshwara University in Meerut signed an MoU with Brazil to promote educational and research collaborations. The partnership focuses on student and faculty exchange programs in dairy, agriculture, biotechnology, health, and tourism. Both nations will collaborate on advanced technologies and innovations through joint seminars, workshops, and regular classes. This initiative aims to provide students with high-quality higher education and valuable international experiences, marking a significant step forward in academic and research cooperation between India and Brazil.

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The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a 1,200 MW pumped storage power project in Sonabhadra. Pumped storage hydropower uses gravity and two reservoirs at different elevations to generate electricity. Water flowing down from the upper reservoir to the lower one turns a turbine, producing power. The system also needs energy to pump water back up. India’s central authority estimates the country’s potential for this type of hydropower at 103 GW.

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The Central Electricity Authority has approved two new hydro-pumped storage plants in India. The 2000 MW Sharavathi Hydro-Pumped Storage plant in Karnataka will use the Talakalale and Gerusoppa dams, aiming to address the state’s power issues. Developed by KPCL and Megha Engineering, it’s the largest of its kind in India. The 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Plant in Odisha will utilize the Upper Indravati Reservoir’s released water, with construction by Odisha Hydropower Corporation Limited. Both projects require Central Electricity Authority approval as per the Electricity Act of 2003.

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The Indian government has approved eight new national high-speed road corridor projects costing Rs 50,655 crore. These projects will construct 936 km of roads, including 8-lane, 6-lane, and 4-lane roads. They aim to enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and generate 4.42 crore mandays of employment. Key projects include corridors in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Assam, with various lengths and costs associated.

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The Maharashtra government has introduced a new prisons bill to replace the outdated Prisons Act of 1894.The bill aims to modernize prison operations with better staffing technology upgrades & mental health initiatives addressing overcrowding deaths custody & poor conditions.The bill has been approved by state cabinet as an ordinance awaiting central government & presidential approval.Maharashtra’s prisons currently hold over 40k prisoners despite capacity for only 27k.

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The Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has removed the two-child norm for local body election candidates due to a declining fertility rate. This decision, made on August 7, repeals 1994 amendments to the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act 1955 and the Andhra Pradesh Municipalities Act 1965. The change aims to adapt to current demographic trends and encourage wider participation in local governance.

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MUDA is being investigated for possible unfair practices in compensating for acquired private land. Allegations surfaced that Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, received 14 plots in a prime area, raising legal and fairness concerns.
MUDA, established in 1904, manages urban planning in Mysuru and has faced legal issues due to incomplete land acquisitions. Financial problems and lawsuits have made it difficult for MUDA to compensate landowners properly. In 2020, MUDA introduced a 50:50 ratio scheme, giving half the developed land back to original owners to address compensation challenges.

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The three-day Armed Forces Festival began at Surya Khel Parisar in Lucknow Cantonment with much enthusiasm. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the festival. He praised the Indian Armed Forces as unparalleled globally, recognized even by India’s enemies. He highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s leading role in national defense efforts. The Defense Corridor in Uttar Pradesh provides significant employment opportunities for youth. Over 8,000 people attended the festival, enjoying a display of the latest military equipment. The exhibition showcased tanks, helicopters, artillery guns, and more, highlighting India’s technological advancements. The T-90 tank was a notable exhibit.