India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently introduced a technology-driven system to generate Index Cards and statistical reports after elections. Index Cards are a non-statutory, post-election Statistical Reporting Format developed by the ECI as a suo moto initiative. They make election data at the constituency level accessible to researchers, policymakers, journalists, and the public. The Index Cards cover candidates, electors, votes polled and counted, party and candidate vote shares, gender voting patterns, regional variations, and party performance. They form the basis for about 35 reports for Lok Sabha and 14 for State Assembly elections.

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Recently, the central government revised the procedure for the Foreigners Identification Portal (FIP) under the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS). States and Union Territories have been directed to use fingerprint scanners available in districts through the District Police Module (DPM) of the Immigration Visa Foreigner Registration Tracking system (IVFRT). NAFIS is a pan-India searchable database that stores fingerprints related to crime and criminals. NAFIS is managed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) at the Central Fingerprint Bureau in New Delhi.

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The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has digitised the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) to ensure quick, transparent, and efficient financial aid to poor families. The scheme offers ₹30,000 to the dependent of a deceased earning head, if the family’s annual income is below ₹56,460 in urban areas and ₹46,080 in rural areas. Funds are transferred through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) to Aadhaar-linked accounts.

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Himachal Pradesh has opened the Shipki La Pass to Indian tourists, aiming to boost local economy in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, which share a 240-km border with China. Shipki La Pass, once known as Pema La or Shared Gate, is a motorable mountain pass at 3,930 metres in tribal Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. It lies on the India-China border and is among the highest motorable passes in the region. The Sutlej River, called Langqen Zangbo in Tibet, enters India through this pass, which was historically used as a trade route between India and Tibet.

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Recently, the Central Government approved the setup of the South Asia Regional Centre of the International Potato Center (CIP) in India. The CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) will be established at Singna in Agra district, Uttar Pradesh. It will support farmers in major potato-growing states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, and also benefit South Asian countries. The goal is to boost food and nutrition security, farmers’ income, and job creation by improving productivity, post-harvest management, and value-addition in potato and sweetpotato sectors.

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Recently, an encounter broke out on 26 June between terrorists and security forces in Bihali area of Basantgarh, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, during a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. This incident occurred just ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled from 3 July to 8 August 2025, which draws thousands of pilgrims via Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The joint operation, named ‘Operation Bihali’, was launched based on specific intelligence, and contact was established with terrorists, according to the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps.

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Recently, an equestrian statue of Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao I was unveiled at the National Defence Academy (NDA) campus in Pune. The statue aims to inspire future Army, Navy, and Air Force officers training at NDA. Bajirao Peshwa was known for leading 41 victorious campaigns in 20 years and turning defeats into victories. The event highlighted the timeless values of patriotism, dedication, and sacrifice in warfare. Leaders emphasized that heroic legacies like Bajirao’s should motivate the younger generation. Operation Sindoor was mentioned as part of fulfilling the vision of India inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

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The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) recently recommended flushing 17 harmful drugs down the sink to avoid risks to people and pets. These drugs include narcotics like Fentanyl, Tramadol (a painkiller), and Diazepam (an anti-anxiety medicine). CDSCO is the Central Drug Authority under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

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The 75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) is inaugurated at Government Medical College, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. It is launched by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) provides integrated services like assessment, counselling, distribution, and aftercare for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and senior citizens. It is implemented through Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).

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Goa government recently launched India’s first Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferry service on the Mandovi River. The ferry connects Chorao Island to Panaji, the capital city of Goa. It aims to boost inland waterway transport and reduce dependence on road traffic. The service will significantly cut down travel time for daily commuters. It offers easier and faster connectivity for locals and tourists visiting the island.