India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

Notes:
The Himachal Pradesh government is working to reclaim the 110 MW Shanan Hydropower Project from Punjab, asserting its rightful ownership. The project, commissioned in 1932, was India’s first megawatt-capacity hydroelectric project. It is located in Joginder Nagar, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. It is built on the Uhl River. It was leased to Punjab in 1925 for 99 years, with the lease expiring in March 2024. Himachal Pradesh now seeks ownership, claiming the land originally belonged to it. The project is currently under Punjab’s control, and Himachal is seeking central government support for the transfer.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” campaign, initiated on November 25, aims to eliminate gender-based violence in India. It is a collaborative effort involving the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Rural Development, supported by UN Women. Coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the campaign underscores a national zero-tolerance stance and calls for accountability from all stakeholders, emphasizing the urgent need for action against violence towards women and girls.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with a ₹2,750 crore allocation until March 31, 2028. AIM, launched by NITI Aayog in 2016, aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in schools, research institutes, MSMEs, and industries. It has two main goals: promoting entrepreneurship through financial support and mentorship, and promoting innovation by creating a platform for idea generation. AIM supports four programs: Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, Atal Challenges, and Mentor India. It collaborates with academia, industries, and NGOs, and monitors initiatives via real-time MIS systems.

Notes:
Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi launched the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” campaign on 27th November 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The campaign is inspired by “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (2015). The campaign aims to eradicate child marriage and empower girls through education and entrepreneurship. Despite progress in child mortality, sex ratio, and education, 1 in 5 girls marry before 18 years, perpetuating poverty and human rights violations. A pledge against child marriage will involve 25 crore citizens. A “Child Marriage Free Bharat” portal will be launched for awareness and reporting.

Notes:
Gorakhpur will establish India’s first Integrated Waste Management City-cum-Learning Centre by September 2025. The 40-acre project in Suthni village aims to make the city garbage-free and promote sustainable waste management through a circular economy model. The centre will process various waste types, generating charcoal and Bio-CNG. The initiative will create jobs, boost revenue, and serve as a learning hub for technical expertise. It has been presented in Vishakhapatnam and Delhi and will be showcased at the National Chief Secretaries’ Conference in December 2024.

Notes:
The Prime Minister launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot for Mahakumbh Mela 2025. Mahakumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025. The chatbot blends culture and technology to enhance devotees’ experience. It offers text and voice interactions for a smooth and engaging experience. It aims to guide and update millions of attendees during the mega event.

Notes:
The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced two special visas: ‘e-student visa’ and ‘e-student-x visa’ for international students. The ‘e-student visa’ is for foreign nationals admitted to full-time programs in India, while the ‘e-student-x visa’ is for their dependents. Both visas are available for students registered on the Study in India (SII) portal and are valid for up to five years. The SII portal offers access to over 600 institutions and 8,000 courses across various disciplines, supporting higher education in India.

Notes:
Gujarat government launched the Har Ghar Connectivity (Fibre-to-Home) initiative to provide rural households with affordable high-speed internet. The project is under the state’s Science and Technology Department. The pilot phase aims to deliver 25,000 Fibre-to-Home (FTTH) connections with multiple value-added services. Services include Wi-Fi, cable TV (free and paid channels), OTT platforms, and gaming. The initiative will expand after the pilot phase to benefit more rural households.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs participated in the 20th Raising Day ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. NDRF was established in 2006 under Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, for specialized disaster response. It is a multi-skilled force equipped to handle natural and man-made disasters, including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and accidents. NDRF operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is led by a Director General.