India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism focused on infrastructure, sustainable tourism, global promotion, and skill development through initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, and SASCI. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) sanctioned 76 projects worth ₹5287.90 Crore, with 75 completed. The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme sanctioned 48 projects worth ₹1646.99 crore, with 23 completed. Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) supported 40 projects with ₹3295.76 crore to develop iconic tourist centers across 23 states. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) aims for responsible tourism development with a tourist-centric approach.

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Around 100 tribal people from Pulicat will receive training in pearl spot culture, crab fattening, and clownfish aquaculture, organized by the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR). NBFGR was established in 1983 under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), focuses on fish germplasm conservation. Its infrastructure was set up in Lucknow in 1999. NBFGR’s vision includes the sustainable utilization and conservation of fish genetic resources. The bureau works on documenting fish diversity, developing databases, genotyping, and genebanking to support fish population health and sustainability.

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Uttarakhand becomes the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) from January 27, 2025. The UCC aims to bring uniformity in personal civil matters, eliminating discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. It covers marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance laws, ensuring equal rights for all. Marriage registration will be mandatory within 60 days, with special provisions for older marriages. Scheduled Tribes and some protected communities are excluded from the Act.

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Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) initiative to support underprivileged Antyodaya families by promoting livelihoods and women’s empowerment. The scheme targets 50,000 Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholder families across 25 talukas in 10 districts over five years. Implemented by Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Ltd., it provides financial aid, skill training, and social development support.

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Delhi launched solar-hybrid river cruises on the Yamuna River, covering a 22 km stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. The initiative promotes eco-friendly tourism, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances sustainable urban mobility. The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas at 4,421 meters altitude.

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Byadgi chilli prices have dropped due to excess stock, strict export tests, and high production costs. It is a famous chilli variety from Karnataka, named after Byadgi in Haveri district. The chilli is bright red, 12-15 cm long, with wrinkled pods and a strong fragrance. It is widely used in pickles, masalas, chilli powder, and oleoresin extraction. Byadgi chilli has received Karnataka Geographical Indication status.

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The Assam Cabinet approved Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) for the Moran community living in Arunachal Pradesh. The Moran community has long demanded PRCs and recognition as residents of Arunachal Pradesh. They are an indigenous group from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman-origin Kachari family. Historically, they spoke the Moran language, which is closely related to Dimasa. Now, they predominantly speak Assamese. Their traditional customs have merged with Vaishnavism after conversion.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare introduced the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) System to collect real-time crop data through a mobile interface. It provides accurate, up-to-date crop area details for better production estimates. Agri Stack was developed under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, ensuring farmers’ data privacy and security. Farmers’ data is collected only with consent and shared securely using encryption, APIs, and token-based authentication. The system follows cybersecurity guidelines from MeitY and CERT-In, with regular security audits. Digital inclusion is ensured via Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Krishi Sakhis, and Common Service Centres (CSCs).

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The Telangana government launched a scheme to distribute fine rice for free to the poor through ration shops. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy formally launched the scheme in Huzurnagar, Suryapet district, on Ugadi festival. 6 kilograms of fine rice per person per month will be given free of cost through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The scheme will benefit over three crore people, covering 85% of the state’s population. The government aims to ensure food security with dignity and prevent the misuse of coarse rice, which was earlier rejected by beneficiaries.

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Lok Sabha passed a bill to establish Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat. The university is named after Tribhuvandas Patel, a pioneer of India’s cooperative movement. Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, and politician. He was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and involved in movements like civil disobedience and rural development. He founded Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. (KDCMPUL) in 1946. Inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he fought against farmers’ exploitation by Polson Dairy. He served as President of Harijan Sevak Samiti from 1948 to 1983.