India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Maharashtra government has imposed a complete ban on physical and mental punishment in schools, reinforcing Section 17 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. A new government resolution makes it clear that teachers, headmasters, and temporary or contractual staff cannot punish students under any circumstances. The order also prohibits verbal abuse, taunting, offensive language, and any behaviour causing psychological distress or inferiority among students. Discrimination based on academic performance, caste, religion, gender, language, disability, or socio-economic background will be treated as a punishable offence. Teachers are barred from non-academic communication with students through personal messages or social media.

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The first Yarn Processing Plant of Purvanchal will be set up in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh. The plant will provide locally processed yarn to the carpet industry, reducing dependence on other states. The Mirzapur–Bhadohi belt is a major hub for handmade carpet production and export. The project is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with an estimated investment of ₹8 crore. Local weavers and carpet manufacturers will benefit from lower raw material costs and timely yarn supply. The plant is expected to be completed by April 2026 and is supported by the Uttar Pradesh Textile & Garmenting Policy 2022.

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Surat is set to become India’s first slum-free city with a population of over 70 lakh. Currently, Chandigarh is India’s first slum-free city with a population of 10 lakh. In 2006, 36% of Surat’s population lived in slums; it has now reduced to 5%. The government plans phased, result-oriented efforts and proper housing to achieve full slum-free status.

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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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Recently, Indian scientists began developing indigenously manufactured Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) using 3D-printing technology. The initiative is part of Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore programme under the Ministry of Earth Sciences to strengthen weather observation and forecasting. The first batch of 3D-printed AWS will be installed in major cities, starting with Delhi, from February. The project is led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. AWS automatically measure and transmit weather data like temperature, wind, humidity, and rainfall, reducing operational costs.

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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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Mumbai will host India’s first city-led climate action initiative, Mumbai Climate Week 2026, from 17 to 19 February 2026. The initiative highlights that climate action is a fundamental child rights issue. UNICEF India and YuWaah are official youth engagement partners, collaborating with Project Mumbai. The event empowers children and youth to become agents of change, linking grassroots participation with civic leadership. The Youth Green Innovation Challenge for ages 16–24 will showcase sustainable solutions in food systems, urban resilience, and energy transition.

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Punjab has opened its first Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana as a pilot project. The initiative will be replicated across the state. The sanctuary aims to reduce dog bite cases in the city. It will operate according to Supreme Court guidelines.

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Recently, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti inaugurated 25 JALAJ Livelihood Centres. JALAJ is a joint initiative of the Namami Gange Mission and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). It aims to link Ganga river conservation with sustainable livelihoods in the Ganga river basin. The initiative follows a circular economy model by training local people in eco-friendly livelihood practices. It promotes community ownership of conservation with special focus on women’s participation. JALAJ creates a symbiotic relationship between rivers and local communities.

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India launched its first pilot for an Artificial Intelligence (AI)–enabled university at Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) partnered with Google Cloud and CCSU for this initiative. The project was announced at Google’s AI for Learning Forum in Delhi. Google Cloud’s Gemini platform will support teaching, learning, and university administration. Students will get personalised AI tutors, skill-gap analysis, and career-linked learning support.