India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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India launched the Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It aims to empower rural communities and improve disaster preparedness. Gram Panchayats will receive a five-day weather forecast with hourly updates. The program will help farmers and villagers plan agricultural activities and manage weather-related risks effectively.

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The Thottiyar Hydroelectric scheme, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, utilizes water from the Deviyar stream, which connects to the Periyar River. This project, with a capacity of 40 MW, is notable for its low water requirement for power generation. The scheme includes a check dam and a complex system of canals and penstock pipes, designed to optimize electricity production while ensuring water is released back into the Periyar River post-generation.

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The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister urged the Central government to consider running green hydrogen trains on the Kalka-Shimla Railway (KSR). KSR is a narrow-gauge railway from Kalka (Haryana) to Shimla (Himachal Pradesh). It was built in 1898 to connect Shimla, then the British summer capital, to the Indian rail network. The 96 km line, opened in 1903, is known as the “toy train” and includes 18 stations, 102 tunnels, and over 850 bridges. The line climbs from 655 m to 2,076 m altitude, showcasing remarkable engineering with the Kanoh multi-arch bridge and Barog tunnel. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, it holds a Guinness World Record for its steep ascent.

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Madhya Pradesh has approved 35% reservation for women in all state government recruitments. This decision was made under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla. The recruitment age for assistant professors in medical colleges has been increased. These initiatives aim to empower women, boost employment, improve citizens’ lives, and drive economic growth.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the formation of the first all-woman CISF battalion, with over 1,000 personnel. This unit will be led by a senior commandant and includes 1,025 personnel from within CISF’s existing sanctioned strength. CISF currently has 12 reserve battalions, with women making up more than 7% of the force. This Mahila battalion aims to inspire more women to join CISF and boost female representation in the force. Established in 1969, CISF provides counter-terrorism security to nuclear, aerospace, and private sector facilities, including Infosys and Reliance refinery sites.

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General Upendra Dwivedi, Indian Army Chief, was conferred Honorary General of the Nepal Army by Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel. The ceremony took place at the President House, Sheetal Niwas. This tradition highlights the deep historical, cultural, and military ties between India and Nepal. The practice reflects mutual respect and enduring military cooperation since the 1950s. Honorary generalships are exchanged every three years between Indian and Nepali Army Chiefs. It symbolizes trust, strategic partnership, and shared security interests. The gesture reinforces close ties, transcending formal diplomacy and promoting peace and stability.

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Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recently launched the Ura Cabs initiative to boost local tourism and transport sectors. The Ura Cabs initiative aims to improve travel experiences for tourists while providing stable income for local taxi operators in Nagaland. This launch is part of a broader effort to enhance tourism infrastructure and economic empowerment in the region, showcasing the government’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and innovative solutions for the state’s growth.

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The Union Minister launched ‘Anna Chakra’ and SCAN portal to optimize the Public Distribution System (PDS) supply chain. Developed with the World Food Programme and IIT-Delhi, it uses advanced algorithms for route optimization and efficient food grain movement. It integrates with PM Gati Shakti and Railways’ FOIS portal, covering 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops and 6700 warehouses. Optimization for 30 states shows potential cost savings of ₹250 crore annually. Benefits include faster food distribution, reduced logistics costs, lower fuel consumption, and reduced carbon emissions, supporting 81 crore beneficiaries under the world’s largest food security program.

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1,500 members of the Angami Naga tribe recently participated in a cultural ceremony at Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival. The Angami Naga tribe, residing mainly in Kohima, Nagaland, migrated from Myanmar and is recognized in Manipur. They belong to the Mongoloid race and speak Tenyidie, with Nagamese as a common spoken language. Known for terrace wet cultivation, shifting cultivation, and animal husbandry, they also excel in cane and bamboo basketry. Their society is patriarchal and patrilineal, with most members practicing Christianity. The tribe celebrates the Sekrenyi festival.

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‘Pravasi Rajasthani Divas’ will be celebrated annually on December 10, announced by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. A separate department will be created for migrant Rajasthanis to address their needs. The department will have a ‘single point contact’ in each district to resolve issues faced by migrant families. The state will also confer the ‘Pravasi Rajasthani Samman’ to notable personalities from Rajasthan living abroad.