India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath launched a scholarship scheme for all Sanskrit students in the state. Plans were announced to revive Gurukul-style Sanskrit schools across UP to preserve cultural heritage. The new scholarship program removes age restrictions and expands eligibility, benefiting 69,195 students with ₹586 lakh in scholarships. Students must open bank accounts for direct fund transfers.

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Aandhi, a village near Jaipur, is adopting a zero-waste model through innovative green technologies. Initiatives include an Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, and Constructed Wetlands, which convert waste into resources, support renewable energy, and improve water management. These efforts align with India’s sustainability goals, showcasing how rural communities can leverage technology for environmental stewardship and community upliftment, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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The Toto tribe, with fewer than 1,600 members, lives in Totopara village, West Bengal, near the Bhutan border. They are a Tibetan-Mongoloid ethnic group and are considered one of the most endangered tribes, categorized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Their language, Toto, is Sino-Tibetan, written in the Bengali script. Totos are endogamous and follow a unique culture of having only one wife and opposing dowry practices. They live in elevated bamboo huts with thatched roofs and are facing identity struggles and poor infrastructure.

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Telangana has introduced a 100% exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles (EVs) until December 31, 2026. This initiative aims to promote sustainable transport and reduce air pollution, especially in cities like Hyderabad. The exemption applies to various EVs, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers (both private and commercial), three-wheelers, electric buses, and light goods carriers. Electric buses run by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) receive indefinite tax exemption. Private industry buses for employee transport are also exempted until December 2026. The policy aims to make EVs more affordable and support the state’s sustainability goals.

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Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, will have India’s first night safari at Kukrail Night Safari Park and Wildlife Centre. The 900-acre park will offer both night and day safaris, promoting eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targets project completion by June 2026 with a focus on sustainability and solar energy. The initiative aims to boost tourism and provide a unique wildlife experience for visitors. Kukrail will be the fifth night safari destination globally.

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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.

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The YesToAccess app, developed by the Association of People with Disability (APD), is India’s first AI-enabled tool for conducting accessibility audits. Launched during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it allows users to assess public spaces by photographing structures and analyzing features like ramps and signage. This initiative aims to promote barrier-free environments and enhance inclusivity, empowering citizens to contribute to accessibility improvements across India as part of the Accessible India Campaign.

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Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched PMeVIDYA Channel 31, a 24×7 platform dedicated to Indian Sign Language (ISL). The channel promotes ISL as both a language and school subject, ensuring inclusivity for children with hearing impairments. NEP 2020 prioritizes education for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) and standardizes ISL nationally while respecting local sign languages. ISL-based learning content covers school curricula, career guidance, skill training, and mental health, accessible on TV and YouTube. The initiative fosters inclusivity, aligns with constitutional rights, and aims to create global benchmarks and employment opportunities for the hearing-impaired community.

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Uttar Pradesh is the first state in India to fully integrate its procurement system with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The state abolished its old tendering system, making service providers comply with central government regulations. The state issued a government order on Nov 26, 2024, to abolish over 33 old procurement rules. This integration will help save over Rs 2,000 crore annually and improve procurement efficiency. The state recently used GeM to procure materials for 18 Atal Residential Schools, ensuring quality and competitive pricing.

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Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, launched the ‘CHARAK’ scheme, a health-centric Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. ‘CHARAK’ stands for “Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal.” The scheme aims to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker patients in Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts. It ensures access to quality healthcare, easing the financial and emotional burden on affected families. Eligible residents with an annual family income below Rs. 8 Lakhs can access specialized healthcare services, addressing critical health issues like malignancies, TB, and cardiovascular diseases, thus improving the socio-economic conditions of the region.