India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Recently, Ambaji Marble received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its high-quality white stone. Ambaji Marble is named after Ambaji town in Gujarat, where it is mainly quarried. It is known for its milky white colour, natural beauty, and strong durability. It often shows subtle grey or beige veins formed naturally by minerals during its creation. Ambaji Marble is widely used in temples, memorials, religious structures, and iconic buildings, including the famous Ambaji Temple.

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Goa Police has become the first state police in India to achieve 100% response rate in cyber fraud calls. The cyber fraud call centre received over 5,000 calls, registering 581 complaints. Around 1,500 missed calls were also successfully responded to, ensuring full accessibility. The 1930 cloud-based call centre was launched last month and inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Nine police personnel from the cyber police station attend calls 24/7. The system provides complainants’ details (mobile number, name, date, time) to facilitate follow-up. The initiative significantly improves accessibility and efficiency in handling cyber fraud complaints.

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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 government informed Lok Sabha that 1,469 film titles, equal to 4.3 lakh minutes, have been digitized under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM). NFHM was launched by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to restore and preserve India’s film heritage. The National Film Archive of India in Pune implements the mission. The mission also conducts training workshops and uses a web-based IT system for smooth preservation processes.

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Gujarat has launched Smart Blue Harbours to strengthen fisheries, coastal economy, and national food security. The initiative is supported by a partnership between the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Under a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), world-class Blue Harbours will be piloted at Jakhau (Gujarat), Vanakbara (Diu), and Karaikal (Puducherry). Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), ₹452.32 crore is invested in smart fishing infrastructure.

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The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched SHAKTI Scholars, a Young Research Fellowship programme aimed at promoting policy-oriented research on issues affecting women in India. The fellowship encourages multidisciplinary research in areas such as women’s safety and dignity, gender-based violence, legal rights and access to justice, cyber safety, health and nutrition, economic empowerment, and labour participation. The programme is open to Indian citizens aged between 21 and 30 years who have completed at least a graduate degree from a recognised institution. Selected candidates will be awarded a research grant of ₹1 lakh to conduct a six-month research study.

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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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Project Veer Gatha 5.0 is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Ministry of Education (MoE) under Republic Day celebrations. Approximately 1.92 crore students from around 1.90 lakh schools participated, marking the highest participation since its launch in 2021. A total of 100 national-level “Super-Winners” were selected: 25 each from Preparatory (Grades 3–5) and Middle (Grades 6–8), and 50 from Secondary (Grades 9–12). Each national-level winner will receive a cash prize of ₹10,000 and will attend the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path as a special guest.

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The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), in collaboration with the Keyi Panyor district administration, is developing India’s first “Bio-Happy District” in Arunachal Pradesh. It will focus on resident livelihoods, agro-biodiversity, and other ecological aspects within the district. Biohappiness, a concept coined by late agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, refers to well-being arising from biodiversity conservation and its use to improve human health, nutrition, and livelihoods. The concept emphasizes creating harmony between people and nature.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated a cancer screening mobile unit called ‘Asha Van’ in Gandhinagar. The van is equipped with EVA-Pro diagnostics, a mammography unit, and expert teleconsultation facilities for early detection and diagnosis of cancer. It can screen for 10 types of cancer, including lung, oral, blood, cervical, pancreatic, liver, breast, and prostate cancers, using ultra-modern equipment at any location. The initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Health and Wellness for All’, particularly benefiting rural areas.