India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has recently revived two rare Ayurvedic texts—Dravyaratnakara Nighantu and Dravyanamakara Nighantu. The term “Nighantu” in Ayurveda refers to a collection of drug names, their synonyms, properties, and the parts used. Dravyaratnakara Nighantu, authored by Mudgala Pandita in 1480 AD, has 18 chapters with detailed information on drug actions and medicinal uses. It draws knowledge from earlier classical texts like Dhanvantari and Raja Nighantu, and adds new substances from plants, minerals, and animals. Dravyanamakara Nighantu, attributed to Bhisma Vaidya, focuses on homonyms in drug names. It acts as an important appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighantu and helps avoid confusion in Ayurvedic drug identification.

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Recently, 31 Maoists were killed in one of India’s biggest anti-Naxal operations called Operation Black Forest. It was a 21-day counterinsurgency mission in the Kurraguttalu Hills, spread across 1,200 square kilometres on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border. The aim was to destroy Naxal bases, remove top Maoist leaders, and regain control of the area. This supports India’s goal to end Left Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026. The forces involved included the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Special Task Force (STF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG). The Karregutta Hills, key to this operation, lie between Telangana and Chhattisgarh.

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On May 14, 2025, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced a first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence (AI) anchor named Ankita to promote digital transformation and citizen engagement. The AI anchor presented key decisions from the Assam Cabinet meeting, including renaming Dibrugarh Airport after cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika and a one-time grant for tea garden workers. Ankita delivered updates in fluent Assamese with realistic voice modulation and expressions, making the communication more relatable and interactive. This digital initiative aims to make governance more accessible for the digital generation and reflects Assam’s push toward AI-led good governance. Earlier, Assam had introduced ‘Iris’, the first AI teacher at Royal Global School in Guwahati, dressed in traditional Mekhela-Chador.

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Gujarat recently launched two new digital portals to improve governance and law enforcement under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The Cyber Crime Refund Portal, named “Tera Tujhko Arpan,” helps cybercrime victims get faster refunds, making financial recovery quicker. The i-PRAGATI (Integrated Portal for Reporting and Grievance Analysis Through Technology Initiatives) portal provides real-time Short Message Service (SMS) updates to complainants on key actions like First Information Report (FIR) filings and arrests. These portals make police services more transparent and efficient. They show Gujarat’s strong focus on using technology for public safety and better citizen services.

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Recently, on May 22, 2025, the National Commission for Women (NCW) launched the Yashoda AI initiative at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly. Yashoda AI Abhiyan aims to expand women’s access to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Digital Safety training. The campaign, titled “Your AI SAKHI,” focuses on improving women’s digital literacy and awareness in a tech-driven world. NCW launched this initiative in collaboration with Future Shift Labs (FSL). It targets women, especially from rural and semi-urban areas, empowering them to lead in India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The program covers AI-driven crimes, digital privacy, and safety strategies through community participation. Students, educators, and women in the police force actively engage to ensure women lead digital change.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and others. The case involves corruption in the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project (KHPP). KHPP is a Run-of-River hydroelectric scheme launched in 2019. It is expected to start commercial operation by July 2025. The project is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. KHPP lies between Kirthai II (upstream) and Kwar (downstream) power projects. KHPP aims to strengthen renewable energy infrastructure in northern India. The project site is near the confluence of the Chenab River with Singad and Bela streams, close to Patharnakki and Kiru villages.

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The Department of Posts has launched DHRUVA, which stands for Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address. It marks a major step toward building a nationwide Digital Address Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DHRUVA provides a geo-coded, standard, and interoperable digital address system. It aims to make address-related services simple, secure, and consent-based across government and private sectors. The core idea is Address-as-a-Service (AaaS), which allows users to manage their address data efficiently and with control.

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Recently, Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana took charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India’s first integrated theatre command, established in 2001. It is headquartered in Port Blair and integrates the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The command plays a crucial role in securing India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region. The post of Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) rotates among the three armed services.

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Recently, the Union Government launched the Clean Plant Programme for grapes, oranges, and pomegranates in Maharashtra. Clean Plant Programme is a government initiative to provide disease-free and high-quality planting materials for horticultural crops like fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It aims to improve crop productivity and reduce losses by giving farmers access to certified, healthy plants. The programme includes setting up nine Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) for disease diagnosis, treatment, and quarantine of planting materials.

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Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab and Anji rail bridges in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a major milestone in regional connectivity. The Chenab Rail Bridge is the world’s highest railway arch bridge. It is a steel-and-concrete engineering marvel spanning 1,315 meters across the Chenab River gorge. It is designed to withstand earthquakes and strong winds, and it will reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just about 3 hours. The Anji Rail Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, located in Reasi district.