India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Sankalp’ initiative on 6 October 2024. The initiative aims to combat drug trafficking and aid the rehabilitation of drug addicts. It was announced at an event by Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan in Shimla. A model de-addiction and rehabilitation center will be established at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district. The center will help drug addicts recover and reintegrate into society.

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Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand, famous for its centuries-old human skeletons, is shrinking due to climate change. The skeletons are believed to date back to the 9th century. Genetic studies show these individuals came from diverse groups, including a Mediterranean lineage. Theories suggest they were pilgrims or traders who died in a sudden hailstorm, with large hailstones as the possible cause of death.

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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has established the iGOT Lab to enhance online learning for its employees. This initiative aims to onboard all employees onto the iGOT portal by October 19 and offers 16 selected courses including Budget Management and Leadership. To promote engagement, the Ministry will recognize employees completing the most courses each quarter. This move follows a review of the Ministry’s Capacity Building Calendar and emphasizes the importance of skill enhancement, transparency, and timely grievance resolution.

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Meta launched the ‘Scam se Bacho’ campaign in collaboration with the Indian government to educate citizens on online safety. This initiative addresses the rising threat of cyber frauds, which reached 1.1 million cases in 2023. With over 900 million Internet users, India’s digital growth under the Digital India initiative has been remarkable but comes with increased risks. The campaign seeks to empower citizens with knowledge and tools to protect themselves, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to enhancing digital security.

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Clean drinking water is a major challenge for Soliga tribes in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. The Soliga are indigenous forest dwellers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, known as “children of bamboo” due to their deep connection with nature. They live near Biligiri Rangana Hills and Male Mahadeshwara Hills. Soligas were the first tribal community in a tiger reserve to get forest rights legally recognized. According to the 2011 Census, their population is about 33,871 in Karnataka and 5,965 in Tamil Nadu. They speak Sholaga, Kannada, and Tamil. Their economy relies on shifting cultivation, forest produce collection, and foraging, with honey being a key food source.

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The Delhi Government has adopted the PM-SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme. This centrally sponsored initiative aims to establish over 14,500 schools managed by various government bodies like KVS and NVS. It aligns with the National Education Policy (2020) and is part of the Samagra Shiksha scheme. The initiative focuses on creating safe learning environments with quality infrastructure and diverse educational experiences. It aims to nurture engaged citizens and promote inclusivity, benefiting over 20 lakh students directly. Implementation is planned from 2022-23 to 2026-27, with lessons for scaling up in other schools.

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The Delhi government is establishing special courts for people with disabilities, approved by Chief Minister Atishi. This initiative aims to streamline the judicial process, ensuring fair and swift justice for disabled individuals. This a historic step to reform the judicial system to better serve the interests of people with disabilities. The new courts will reduce challenges in accessing legal services and strengthen trust in the justice system. Designed to accommodate specific needs, these courts will resolve cases promptly in an inclusive environment, prioritizing the right to justice for all.

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The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying launched the 21st Livestock Census, which is conducted every five years. The first census took place in 1919-20, with the 20th edition using mobile technology for the first time. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries oversees the census, tracking counts of domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals. The 21st Census introduces data on pastoral animals, the role of pastoralists, livestock-based income, and gender details of stray cattle.

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The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) recently warned about illegal payment gateways created with mule bank accounts by transnational cybercriminals for money laundering. I4C, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, handles cybercrime across India in a coordinated manner. Located in New Delhi, it enhances collaboration among Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and stakeholders. I4C serves as a central point against cybercrime, identifying research needs, developing technology and forensic tools with academia, and preventing cyber misuse by extremist groups. It also recommends cyber law updates and manages international cooperation for cybercrime-related treaties.

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Aandhi, a village near Jaipur, is adopting a zero-waste model through innovative green technologies. Initiatives include an Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, and Constructed Wetlands, which convert waste into resources, support renewable energy, and improve water management. These efforts align with India’s sustainability goals, showcasing how rural communities can leverage technology for environmental stewardship and community upliftment, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.