India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC) as part of the Graphene Aurora program (GAP) in Kerala. The GAP is managed by Digital University Kerala.
The IGEIC is a non-profit organization based in Trivandrum, Kerala. Its goal is to become a leading center for the commercialization of graphene technology. The IGEIC aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialization by offering comprehensive facilities for startups and industries. Previously, MeitY had established India’s first graphene center, the India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG), in Kerala.

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The Union Minister for Fisheries launched the ‘Rangeen Machhli’ app. Developed by ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture with support from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The app offers multilingual information on ornamental fish species in eight Indian languages. It helps users find nearby aquarium shops and supports local businesses by connecting users with reliable fish sources. Ornamental fish farming involves raising colorful, attractive fish in confined aquatic systems. Popular indigenous ornamental fish species include Loaches, Eels, Barbs, Catfish, Goby, and Clown Fish.

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The “Mental Health Santhe” is an anti-stigma campaign aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention in India. Conducted by NIMHANS, it integrates cultural frameworks to promote social integration and community engagement. The initiative addresses the significant treatment gap in mental health services, which, according to the National Mental Health Survey, reached 83.4%. By utilizing a culturally relevant approach, the campaign seeks to combat stigma and encourage individuals to seek help, thereby improving mental well-being in society.

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The Dasra Philanthropy Forum-2024 highlighted the adoption of climate-aligned agricultural practices by tribal communities in southern Rajasthan. Indigenous knowledge and community governance were emphasized, showcasing how these practices prioritize local food production over market-driven economies. The forum featured discussions on strategies for climate-resilient farming systems, which help communities adapt to regional climate changes. Jayesh Joshi from Vaagdhara underscored the importance of tribal initiatives in enhancing sustainability and resilience, while a collection of stories titled “Echoes of Swaraj” was released to showcase transformative practices of these communities.

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A peak in Arunachal Pradesh was named ‘Tsangyang Gyatso Peak’ after the 6th Dalai Lama, causing China to object. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet” and calls the region “Zangnan.” Tsangyang Gyatso was born in Tawang and lived in the 17th-18th century. India views the naming as a tribute to his wisdom and contributions to the Monpa community.
The National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) scaled the 6,383-metre peak, navigating steep ice walls and crevasses. The peak is located in the Gorichen range of the Arunachal Pradesh Himalayas.

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The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has traced the Sahibi River’s flow. The river starts in Rajasthan and passes through Haryana and Delhi. It is a tributary of the Yamuna River and was formerly known as the Drishadvati River. Pollution and encroachment have greatly diminished its natural flow. Now, the river is divided into canals and nullahs, and it only flows during heavy rains in its catchment areas.

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The Chenchus, a Telugu-speaking tribe in the Nallamala forests of Andhra Pradesh, struggle with declining work under MGNREGA due to modernization. They are a Scheduled Tribe and have maintained their traditional lifestyle without adapting to modernity. Chenchus live in small villages called “Penta” and gather forest products like fruits, tubers, honey, and tamarind for minimal income. They rely on bows, arrows, and knives for hunting. Village elders, called “Peddamanishi,” hold authority in social matters. Chenchus have ties to the Srisailam temple and enjoy special privileges there.

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The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved a Rs 100 crore project to build a memorial and garden for Gond queen Rani Durgavati.
Rani Durgavati (1524–2024) was a queen of the Gond kingdom of Garha-Katanga and a descendant of the Chandela dynasty of Mahoba. She was born on October 5, 1524, in Kalinjar (Banda, U.P.), part of the Chandela dynasty.

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The SARAS Ajeevika Mela is being organized by the Ministry of Rural Development and NIRDPR from 13th to 29th October 2024 in Gurugram. Over 900 rural women artisans from around 30 states are participating. The fair showcases diverse products, including Tussar sarees, Bagh prints, Patola sarees, Katha sarees, and Rajasthani prints. Products include wooden crafts from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, dry fruits and handloom items from Jammu and Kashmir, and Palash and natural food from Jharkhand, representing rural culture across India.

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The first anniversary of Namo Bharat Trains was celebrated as Namo Bharat Diwas in New Delhi. Namo Bharat Trains are India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The first 17-kilometer section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 20 October 2023. Two more sections became operational, including Duhai to Modinagar North (March 2024) and Meerut South (August 2024). The current 42-kilometer corridor covers nine stations, soon expanding to 54 kilometers with new additions. RRTS offers high-speed, efficient suburban connectivity, promoting sustainable urban transport solutions.