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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Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It is Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest railway exhibition with 450 exhibitors from over 15 countries. The event showcases advanced railway and metro innovations, including Amrit Bharat and Tejas coaches, Vande Bharat, Kolkata Metro, and Namo Bharat trains. India is investing ₹2.56 lakh crore annually for railway modernisation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

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Laxman Jhula, the historic hanging bridge in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, was completed in 1929 and linked the villages of Tapovan and Jonk across the Ganges River. It is steeped in mythology, believed to be the spot where Lakshmana from the Ramayana crossed the river. The bridge was shut in 2019 for safety concerns and no longer allowed vehicles or pedestrians. The government decided to replace it with Bajrang Setu, a new 132.5-meter-long glass suspension bridge. Bajrang Setu features two-way lanes for light vehicles, pedestrian walkways with 3.5-inch thick toughened glass panels, and offers stunning views of the Ganges. The bridge design is inspired by Kedarnath Temple with intricate carvings on towers, reflecting local cultural heritage.

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The Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles launched a skill-based initiative under Operation Sadbhavana to empower women of the Ollo Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. The Ollo Tribe, also called Oloh or Lazu Naga, lives in the Laju Circle of Tirap district in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Myanmar. Despite living in two countries, they share the same language, religion, and traditions. They follow a clan-based hereditary chieftain system and a patriarchal society with male-dominated property rights. Historically known for facial tattoos and headhunting, they now focus on development while preserving heritage.

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Recently, the Head of Project at NHPC Limited and newly appointed General Manager (Electrical) met the Manipur Governor to discuss operational challenges of the Loktak Hydroelectric Project. The Loktak Hydroelectric Project is a 105 Megawatt (MW) hydropower project located in Manipur. It is built on Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. The Ithai Barrage is a key component, serving as an artificial reservoir for water storage. The project is owned by NHPC Limited (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation).

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2025 at IIIDEM, New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi interacted with 14 participants from France, South Africa, Belgium, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Colombia. Participants were briefed on India’s election process, including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), electoral roll preparation, and election conduct. The visitors will visit Bihar from November 5–6 to observe EVM dispatches and Phase-I polling of the Bihar Assembly elections. The IEVP promotes international cooperation with Election Management Bodies and showcases India’s electoral system and best practices.

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SeasonWatch, a citizen science project tracking tree phenology, observed that Indian laburnum (Cassia fistula) trees are flowering earlier than usual in recent years. Commonly known as Amaltas in North India and Kanikonna in South India, it belongs to the Fabaceae family. Also called the Golden Shower Tree, it is native to India and is the State Tree of Kerala and Delhi. It is a medium to large deciduous tree, growing 10–20 meters tall, and briefly leafless between March and May. It produces long clusters of bright yellow flowers, making it a popular ornamental tree in tropical regions

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The Directorate of Information Technology (DIT), Tripura, with Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, organized the National Cybersecurity Exercise “Cyber Bharat Setu: Bridging States, Securing Bharat.” The two-day workshop was held on 11th and 12th November 2025 at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala. It aimed to strengthen cyber awareness, readiness, and response capabilities of Tripura. The initiative focuses on building a cyber-resilient Bharat through capacity building, intelligence sharing, and proactive defence strategies. This reflects India’s recent efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and national security through state-level cyber preparedness.

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The Arunachal Pradesh ‘dao’, a traditional handcrafted blade, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognising its cultural and economic value. The dao is hand-forged by master artisans using techniques passed down through generations. Each dao reflects functional utility, courage, tribal identity, and cultural endurance. GI certification will improve market access, safeguard authentic production, and open new avenues for artisans.

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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.