India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) will issue notice to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies over alleged manipulation of Maharashtra poll data. It is the apex body of the Government of India for research in social and human sciences. It was founded in 1969 and functions under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It advances knowledge on social issues and challenges. It provides research-based solutions to policymakers and stakeholders. It plays a key role in nation’s development through initiatives and schemes.

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The Home Ministry has approved renaming Jalalabad town in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh as Parashurampuri. The approval has been communicated to the state Chief Secretary, and a gazette notification is expected soon. Residents long demanded the change to remove the town’s association with “ghulami” (slavery) and honour Lord Parashuram. Parashurampuri is regarded as the mythological birthplace of Lord Parashuram.

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The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) recently held a public hearing for environmental clearance of the Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project. The project is planned in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh on the Lohit River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River. It is a 1,200 MW run-of-river with pondage hydropower project being developed by THDC India Limited (formerly Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited).

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Kanichar, 60 km from Kannur, Kerala, is India’s first village panchayat to adopt a living lab approach for climate resilience. The approach integrates real-world settings, research, and innovation, involving government, experts, private agencies, and civil society. It is launched by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) to equip residents with knowledge and skills for natural hazards. The village was chosen after multiple landslides in 2022.

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Shri Manohar Lal, Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, launched Angikaar 2025 on 4th September 2025 in New Delhi under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0). The campaign will run till 31st October 2025 across 5,000+ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with door-to-door awareness, camps, loan melas and cultural events. It aims to accelerate PMAY-U 2.0, fast-track verification of applications, and complete pending houses. Focus is on Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust for Low Income Housing (CRGFTLIH), PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and Special Focus Groups. Under PMAY-U, 120 lakh houses sanctioned, 94.11 lakh completed, rest targeted via Angikaar 2025. PMAY-U 2.0 launched in September 2024 to give ₹2.50 lakh financial support to 1 crore additional urban families.

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The Indian Army’s Western Command, under ‘Operation Rahat’, is conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions in flood-hit North Indian states Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. More than 13,000 citizens received medical aid, including emergency evacuation of critical cases. Army and Air Force assets, including Advanced Light Helicopters, MI 17s, Cheetah helicopters, and a Chinook, flew 250+ hours of sorties. Coordination with civil administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) ensured timely relief and restoration of services.

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Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report 2023 shows 807 river locations unfit for bathing, down from 815 in 2022. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors river health using Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). A BOD above 3 mg/L indicates pollution and unfit for bathing. Polluted River Stretch (PRS) is defined as two consecutive locations exceeding the BOD criterion in a river. In 2023, 296 Polluted River Stretch (PRS) were recorded in 271 rivers. In 2022, there were 311 PRS in 279 rivers. Maharashtra had 54 PRS, followed by Kerala 31, Madhya Pradesh and Manipur 18 each, and Karnataka 14.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently warned Pakistan against any aggression in the Sir Creek region. He stated India would give a resounding and decisive response capable of altering “history and geography.” Sir Creek is a 96 km long tidal estuary in the Rann of Kutch, separating Gujarat (India) from Sindh (Pakistan). It flows into the Arabian Sea and is strategically sensitive due to its proximity to the international boundary. The area is important for national security, fishing rights, oil and gas exploration, and determining the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The recent warning highlights India’s firm stance on protecting its territorial and maritime interests.

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India has built the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass in eastern Ladakh at an altitude of 19,400 feet (5,913 metres). The road surpasses the earlier Umling La Pass record of 19,024 feet. It is constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Himank led by Brigadier Vishal Srivastava. The road is part of the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche alignment, connecting Hanle region with Fukche village near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Mig La Pass is higher than South Base Camp of Mount Everest (17,598 ft) and North Base Camp in Tibet (16,900 ft).

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai recently dismantled a transnational gold smuggling syndicate in Operation Golden Sweep. The crackdown took place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport. Officials seized 10.5 kilograms of foreign-origin 24-karat gold, valued at Rs 12.58 crore. 13 individuals of multiple nationalities were arrested, including couriers, airport staff, handlers, and the Mumbai-based mastermind. DRI highlighted the growing threat of insider complicity and recommended enhanced checks, rotational duties, and tighter background verifications. The operation demonstrates predictive intelligence and inter-agency cooperation and warns that no sophisticated smuggling escapes enforcement vigilance