India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, launched SPARK–4.0 (2025–26), the fourth edition of the Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK). The program aims to ignite scientific curiosity and research aptitude among undergraduate Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students across India. 300 BAMS students from National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) recognized colleges will receive a studentship of ₹50,000 (₹25,000 per month for two months). SPARK provides short-term independent research projects under faculty mentorship, covering research methodology, experimental design, and data analysis. The program fosters a research-oriented generation of Ayurveda professionals and strengthens the Ayush research ecosystem.

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India is promoting an AI-ready generation through the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme. Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme was launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) learning into school education and teacher training. The programme targets students from class six to twelve and educators across India. Students receive three 15-hour modules; teachers receive a 45-hour module covering AI, machine learning, data literacy, and ethical technology use. Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹500 crore to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education.

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India’s first Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing plant, SiCSem, will be set up in Odisha, marking a significant step in the semiconductor sector. SiCSem, an integrated device manufacturer, has received approval from the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and will be an Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facility in Bhubaneswar. The Rs 2,000-crore project aims to boost industrial growth in Bhubaneswar and attract investments. Odisha has also approved RIR Power Semiconductors and the 3DGS project, which uses glass substrate for semiconductor packaging. Odisha’s semiconductor and IT policies have been revised to strengthen the sector, with Bhubaneswar aiming to become a semiconductor hub.

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The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, launched the nationwide campaign ‘Hamara Shauchalaya, Hamara Bhavishya’ (Our Toilet, Our Future) on World Toilet Day 2025. The campaign focuses on the importance, maintenance, repair, and aesthetic upliftment of rural toilets, including Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) and Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs). It aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) objectives, promoting Open Defecation Free (ODF) sustainability and ODF Plus Model villages.

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Punjab inaugurated the first-ever dedicated courtroom under the State Scheduled Castes (SC) Commission in November 2025. The courtroom was inaugurated by Chairperson Jasvir Singh Garhi. It is designed to handle SC-related cases efficiently. The initiative aims for faster hearings and timely case disposal. A planned Online Court System will allow virtual appearances for complainants. This improves access to justice for SC communities, especially in remote areas. Punjab’s model is expected to guide other states in strengthening SC-related judicial mechanisms.

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The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, launched SIDDHI 2.0 in Vijayawada. SIDDHI means Scientific Innovation in Drug Development, Healthcare and Integration. The two day national conclave was organised by Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The event promotes research based product development and industry partnerships in Ayurveda. The platform supports start ups, shared Intellectual Property Rights and global quality standards.

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The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Nagaland Medical Council, Nagaland State Drugs Control Administration (NSDCA), and Nagaland State Pharmacy Council. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It sets and updates standards of drugs commonly used for treatment of diseases. It promotes rational use of generic medicines via the National Formulary of India (NFI). It prescribes standards for identity, purity, and strength of drugs for humans and animals. It provides IP Reference Substances (IPRS) for accurate drug testing and purity verification.

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The Ministry of Tourism of India launched the Incredible India 2.0 campaign with a shift from general promotion to thematic tourism in major global markets. The campaign aims to attract more international tourists to India through focused promotion. India is promoted as a holistic tourism destination with stress on sustainability and responsible tourism. Special promotion is given to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. Promotion is done through social media, official websites, fairs, and exhibitions.

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Rajasthan became the first state to achieve 100% digitisation of voter lists under Special Intensive Revision 2026 (SIR-2026). More than 97% voter mapping completed; only 3% voters need document verification during claims and objections. This equals about 30 voters per polling booth needing extra checks. Success credited to Booth Level Officers (BLOs), supervisors and district officials. Digitisation made the process more transparent, improved booth-wise voter management, and reduced repeated document submission by voters.

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Karnataka introduced AI, STEM, and robotics labs in government schools through the VijAIpatha programme. The initiative is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project by the Cyient Foundation. It was launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December 2025. The labs have been set up in schools in Hosapete Taluka, Vijayanagara district. The programme aims to provide future-ready skills, enhance digital literacy, and foster innovation among students in the public education system.