India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) signed an MoA to enhance human resource development in High Performance Computing (HPC) and related areas. Key initiatives include Master Trainer Programs, Quality Improvement Programs, HPC courses on the SWAYAM platform, industry-aligned course development, and offering C-DAC’s HPC learning platforms to AICTE-nominated institutes. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and meet industry and academic needs.

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The District Panchayat of Kottayam (Kerala) has formed a technical committee to tackle the water hyacinth problem. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a fast-growing aquatic plant from Brazil that spreads through seeds and vegetative reproduction. It forms dense mats on water surfaces, blocking sunlight and reducing oxygen levels, which disrupts fisheries, transportation, and recreation. It’s often called the “terror of Bengal” due to its invasive nature.

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The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) declared Jharkhand’s mica mines child labor-free on July 5, 2024. This milestone marks the first successful effort to cleanse a supply chain of child labor. The initiative began 20 years ago, involving state and central governments, civil society, and local authorities. Around 20,000 children were previously employed in mica mining but have since been rehabilitated and enrolled in schools.

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The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched its first integrated tribal development program in Kulathupuzha Gram Panchayat, Kollam, on July 8. Implemented by Thanal, the five-year project aims to enhance the livelihoods of 413 tribal families through diverse agricultural and non-agricultural activities. It includes water resource development, skill training, and the creation of a Tribal Farmer Producer Company (FPO) to empower the community economically.

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Uttar Pradesh government has launched ‘Mitra Van’ under Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan-2024, aiming to plant 35 crore saplings along the Uttar Pradesh-Nepal border. Coordinated by the Forest Department, the campaign will involve 35 forest divisions and neighboring state dignitaries. Key districts include Saharanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Maharajganj. Additional initiatives like ‘Shakti Van’ and ‘Yuva Van’ will also be established. The campaign starts on July 20.

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CA Institute and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) are collaborating to develop an AI Audit Tool to track corporate performance and detect frauds, announced President Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal. This tool will help companies remain ‘going concerns’. Agarwal highlighted the focus on ‘AI in ICAI’ during his presidency. ICAI has allocated ₹25 crore for AI tools, with plans to increase the budget to ₹100 crore.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the ‘Ladka Bhau’ Yojana on July 17, 2024, in Pandharpur. This scheme offers job training and stipends to unemployed male youth, providing Rs 6,000 to 12th-pass, Rs 8,000 to diploma holders, and Rs 10,000 to graduates. The program aims to enhance employability by offering apprenticeships in various sectors. The announcement coincides with the upcoming legislative assembly elections in November 2024.

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The Ministry of Education and UGC launched the ASMITA Project to develop 22,000 books in Indian languages within five years. ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) aims to enhance educational resources and integrate Indian languages into the education system. Thirteen nodal universities will lead this collaborative effort, with UGC creating a standard operating procedure for the book-writing process, ensuring quality and accessibility.

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The Union Minister of Coal and Mines inaugurated the National Landslide Forecasting Centre at the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Kolkata. The Bhusanket Web Portal and Bhooskhalan Mobile App were launched to facilitate landslide hazard data dissemination and forecasting. The GSI, established in 1851, focuses on geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment through surveys and research. The GSI headquarters is in Kolkata, with six regional offices across India.

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The Maharashtra government announced a pension scheme for Warkaris, participants in the annual pilgrimage to Lord Vitthal temple in Pandharpur. The Warkari sect, part of Hindu culture since the 13th century, worships Lord Vitthal, a form of Vishnu or Krishna. They chant, sing holy songs, and read sacred texts during their pilgrimage on Ashadi Ekadashi. Warkaris, strict vegetarians, wear Tulasi bead malas and practice Brahmacharya.