India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) was inaugurated in Rajkot, Gujarat, on 18th July 2024. As India’s first such center, iCAL aims to set global standards for auditing local governance. It serves as a collaborative platform for policymakers and auditors, enhancing local government auditors’ independence and acting as a knowledge center. iCAL addresses governance issues and promotes best practices among India’s 2.5 lakh panchayats and 8,000 Urban Local Bodies.

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The Department of Posts launched the beta version of DIGIPIN, a geo-coded addressing system developed with IIT Hyderabad. DIGIPIN aims to simplify addressing for public and private services by creating and sensing geo-locations of addresses. This system will enhance public service delivery, emergency response, and logistics efficiency. It will serve as a robust pillar of Geospatial Governance and can be used as a base layer for various ecosystems requiring accurate addressing.

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In Mokokchung district, Nagaland, ‘Cassava villages’ are replacing plastics with compostable bioplastic bags made from Cassava starch, produced by the MSME Ecostarch. Cassava, a tropical crop native to South America, is known for its high starch content, making it ideal for bioplastics and bioethanol production. This plant thrives in warm, humid climates and well-drained soils, requiring over 100 cm of annual rainfall. Its versatility in growing conditions supports food security while providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. Bioplastics, made from plant materials like Cassava, are biodegradable and compostable, reducing environmental impact.

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PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), a unit within NCERT established in 2023, has recommended including student performance from Classes 9, 10, and 11 in the final Class 12 marks. Its goal is to standardize school board assessments across India, focusing on competency-based assessment, large-scale surveys, and equivalence of school boards. The unit, staffed by assessment experts, aims to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and create a common assessment platform.

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KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT DU) received special recognition from the UN Economic and Social Council, for its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Out of 476 global applicants, only 19 were honored, enhancing KIIT’s international reputation. KIIT signed an agreement with UN Volunteers, enabling students to join UN development projects. Additionally, KIIT partnered with the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) for student exchange programs. KIIT joins its sister institution, KISS, in holding Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC.

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A contentious bill to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to include non-Muslim individuals and Muslim women in Waqf bodies, is set to be presented in the Lok Sabha. The Waqf Act of 1954 defines a Waqf as a property dedicated for religious and charitable purposes. It can be established by deed or long-term usage and fund institutions like mosques and schools. Waqfs are non-transferable, perpetual, and managed by a mutawali under the Waqf Act, 1995.

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Gujarat recently faced a health crisis due to a surge in Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases, mainly impacting children and causing multiple deaths. AES involves sudden high fever, convulsions, altered consciousness, and organ dysfunction. Symptoms can also include vomiting, diarrhea, and severe cases may lead to respiratory failure and nasal bleeding. It can be caused by various pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or toxins. Diagnosing AES is difficult as it shares symptoms with other infections like Chandipura Vesiculovirus and Japanese Encephalitis. The outbreak affected 26 of Gujarat’s 33 districts, with cases in major cities and neighboring states. As of August 19, 2024, there were 178 cases and 78 deaths, with 28 children testing positive for Chandipura Vesiculovirus.

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The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) held a consultation meeting on the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Tilaiya Dam, as part of the Dam Safety Act of 2021. The meeting, chaired by DVC Chairman S Suresh Kumar, included government officials, DVC representatives, and local community members. Tilaiya Dam, built on the Barakar River in Jharkhand, India, was constructed in 1953 as the first of four dams in DVC’s initial phase. The dam is 1,200 feet long and 99 feet high, with a reservoir covering 36 square kilometers. It has a hydroelectric plant with two 2 MW units, and a third unit may be added in the future.

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The Union Cabinet has approved twelve new greenfield industrial smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme.The total investment for these projects is estimated at 28,602 crore rupees. They are expected to create 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs. The projects will be located across ten states along six major corridors. The planned locations include Khurpia (Uttrakhand), Gaya (Bihar), Rajpura-Patiala (Punjab), Zaheerabad (Telangana), Dighi (Maharashtra), Orvakal and Kopparthy (Andhra Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Jodhpur-Pali (Rajasthan), and Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh).

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The Indian Army launched Project NAMAN to support Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families. The project is based on the SPARSH digital pension system, simplifying pension processes for Defence personnel. Reception and facilitation centers were set up through an MoU between the Indian Army, CSC e-Governance India Limited, and HDFC Bank. These centers offer SPARSH-enabled pension services and other citizen services at one location. In the first phase, 14 centers were established in key cities like New Delhi, Jalandhar, and Bangalore. Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), often veterans, manage these centers with HDFC Bank’s financial support.