India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Members of the Bonda tribe in Malkangiri, Odisha, will shift from thatched huts to permanent pucca houses under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). Bondas live mainly in Khairaput block, Odisha and are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). They are among the oldest tribes of India with Austroasiatic origin. They are divided into Upper Bondas (hilly areas) and Lower Bondas (border regions).

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More than 1,500 academics protested in Kolkata against the Central government’s plan to repeal the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Act, 1959. The Indian Statistical Institute, founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra (P.C.) Mahalanobis on 17 December 1931 in Kolkata, is India’s key centre for statistical research, education, and training. The Act applies to ISI, its governing body, staff, and students, and grants autonomy to support its national role. The Act declared ISI an institution of national importance under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative to promote industrial hemp. The initiative aims to make Himachal self-reliant by 2027 and turn hemp into a valuable industrial and medicinal resource. Hemp grows in Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba, and has applications in pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper, cosmetics, biofuels, and eco-friendly construction. It requires 50% less water than traditional crops and grows in marginal soils, helping farmers facing wildlife damage. The ‘Hemp-Hub’ vision aims to make Himachal a centre for hemp-based products like hempcrete, textiles, and Ayurvedic medicines.

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Researchers from the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) have shown that local ecological knowledge of the Adi community can improve efforts to track the critically endangered Chinese pangolin. Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is a small, nocturnal mammal fully covered in protective keratin scales. It inhabits subtropical, tropical, and deciduous forests and is distributed across southern China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Hainan, parts of Southeast Asia including Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The species has been listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

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Indian Railways will introduce its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, upgrading overnight rail travel in India. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that testing and certification are fully completed. The inaugural route will run between Guwahati (Assam) and Howrah (West Bengal). The train will have 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and AC First Class, carrying about 823 passengers. It features ergonomic berths, new suspension, and modern safety systems for comfortable overnight journeys. The service will boost regional connectivity and offer Assamese and Bengali cuisine on board.

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The Public Investment Board (PIB) approved the ₹26,070-crore, 1,720 Megawatt (MW) Kamala Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. The project is planned on the Kamala River, a major tributary of the Subansiri River, in Kamle district. It is a storage-based hydroelectric scheme with an important flood moderation component. A 216-metre-high concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse will be constructed. The project will generate 6,869.92 Million Units (MU) of green energy every year. It will also help reduce floods in the Brahmaputra valley.

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Prasar Bharati recently launched “Creator’s Corner” on DD News to empower digital creators across India. It is a dedicated platform to showcase content created by independent digital creators on a national television network. The initiative aims to promote the digital economy by encouraging quality content creation and wider outreach through collaboration. Content will cover news and current affairs, culture, travel, cuisine, art, literature, music, health, education, science and technology, environment, and entertainment. The programme will be telecast at 7:00 PM from Monday to Friday on DD News.

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Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced direct procurement of ginger and dry broomsticks from farmers starting February 2. The procurement is under the flagship Bana Kaih handholding scheme to ensure assured income to cultivators. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a ginger processing unit at Sairang near Aizawl. NITI Aayog has declared Mizoram as the ginger capital of India due to strong farmer-led production. Ginger cultivation has significantly increased farmers’ income and purchasing power.

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Recently, Maharashtra launched the ‘Arunodaya’ Mission for statewide sickle cell screening in 21 high-prevalence districts. The drive runs from 15 January to 7 February, covering tribal and high-risk populations. It is implemented by the Maharashtra Public Health and Family Welfare Department under Chief Minister guidance. It provides free screening, diagnostics, medicines, blood transfusions, and telemedicine services. Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary haemoglobin disorder causing sickle-shaped red blood cells, chronic anaemia, pain crises, infections, and organ damage.

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Maharashtra will build its first Innovation City near Mumbai to attract global investors and innovation ecosystems. The proposal was presented at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos under the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation Ecosystem theme. The project location is finalised and implementation will begin within six to eight month. The aim is to create a plug-and-play global innovation hub in Mumbai.