India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Mira Bhayander in Maharashtra launched its City Climate Action Plan 2024-2047, becoming the fifth city in the state with a climate-resilient roadmap. Four other cities are Mumbai, Sholapur, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad). The plan targets a 36% reduction in emissions by 2047 through renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and improved waste management. The city’s emissions in 2023 were 1.34 million tonnes CO2e, with 62% from stationary energy, 22% from transport, and 16% from waste. Six priority sectors include energy, water, urban flooding, greening, mobility, and waste management. Measures include flood early warning systems, rooftop solar adoption, green retrofitting, and decentralized wastewater treatment.

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The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member judicial committee to investigate the stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on 29 January 2025. The stampede, caused by a rush of millions for a holy dip, resulted in 30 deaths and 60 injuries. The committee is headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, with former DGP V K Gupta and retired IAS officer D K Singh as members. The committee will examine the causes and recommend preventive measures. It is required to submit its report to the government within a month.

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The Samudrayaan project under the Deep Ocean Mission received Rs 600 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26. It is managed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The aim is to develop a self-propelled manned submersible capable of carrying 3 people to a depth of 6,000 meters for deep ocean exploration. It will have an operational endurance of 12 hours and 96 hours in emergencies. The project focuses on biodiversity assessment and exploring mineral resources like manganese, cobalt, and copper, contributing to the Blue Economy.

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Thousands of Kodavas participated in the final leg of the “Kodavame Balo Padayatra” in Madikeri, Karnataka, covering 84 km. The march, organized by Akhila Kodava Samaja, aimed to seek constitutional safeguards for Kodava culture and traditions. The Kodava tribe, also called Coorgs, is an indigenous warrior community from Kodagu, Karnataka. They have a distinct ethnic identity, rich history, and vibrant culture. Their population is estimated to be over a hundred thousand, with most residing in Kodagu.

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Haryana government launched the ‘Har Khet-Swasth Khet’ campaign to collect soil samples from every acre and provide soil health cards to farmers. Around 70 lakh soil samples have been collected, and 55 lakh have been analyzed, with soil cards distributed. More than 86 lakh soil health cards have been issued so far. Haryana received a gold medal from the Skoch Group for the Soil Health Card Project in 2022.

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The Uttar Pradesh government launched the ‘Jal Kalash’ initiative at Prayagraj during Mahakumbh. It aims to collect and recycle plastic water bottles to prevent environmental harm. The initiative is led by G Ashok Kumar, former Director General of Namami Gange Mission. A 20-day campaign (Feb 1-20, 2025) is organized by Development Alternatives in collaboration with the HCL Foundation. Adarsh Seva Samiti and Mangal Bhumi Foundation are also providing local support to the initiative.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first edition of the “Sashakt Bharat” magazine in New Delhi. The magazine features poems on the bravery and sacrifices of Armed Forces personnel. It includes articles on government policies written by Ministry of Defence employees. The initiative promotes inclusivity by allowing contributions from all ranks.

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At least 14 BRO workers were recently rescued from an avalanche in Mana, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is India’s road construction force supporting the Armed Forces. It operates under the Ministry of Defence and was established on May 7, 1960. BRO builds and maintains roads in border areas and friendly neighboring countries.

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The Jammu and Kashmir government has allocated ₹3 crore annually for each MLA under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) scheme. MLAs can recommend development projects in their constituencies, focusing on infrastructure, public welfare, and essential services. Funds will support projects like roads, irrigation, power infrastructure, and housing for the underprivileged. Projects must be completed within a year, with exceptions for high-altitude areas. Certain projects, like government offices and places of worship, are not eligible for funding. The fund encourages projects costing up to ₹10 lakh per work.

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Indore is launching India’s first PPP-model green waste processing plant under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. The plant aims to convert green waste into valuable resources like wooden pellets as an alternative to coal, promoting energy conservation. The plant is built on 55,000 square feet land in Bicholi Hapsi, transforming green waste into valuable products. The initiative helps control Air Quality Index (AQI), reduces pollution, and supports environmental sustainability. The project promotes waste management, cleanliness, and revenue generation for IMC, aligning with the Garbage-Free Cities vision.