India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Dongria Kondh tribe of Odisha was recently highlighted for showcasing their vibrant identity and cultural resilience during a festival near the Niyamgiri Hills. They are an indigenous community classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). The Dongria Kondh are known for their environmental stewardship and strong resistance against bauxite mining in the Niyamgiri hills. They live in scattered hamlets within the Niyamgiri hill range, located across Rayagada and Kalahandi districts in southwestern Odisha. These hills are ecologically rich and hold spiritual significance, being the home of their revered deity, Niyam Raja.

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Recently, the Andhra Pradesh government announced property tax exemption for houses of Indian Defence Forces personnel within Gram Panchayat limits. This benefit now includes all active personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), not just retirees or those posted at borders. The exemption applies to one house that the personnel or their spouse own or reside in. This move was recommended by the Director of Sainik Welfare. It honours the sacrifices of soldiers like Agniveer Murali Naik, who died during Operation Sindoor at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Operation Keller is a counter-terrorism operation conducted by the Indian Army in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, specifically in the Shoekal Keller area. The operation, launched on May 13, 2025, aimed to neutralize terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) members, believed to be hiding in the region. It was conducted following intelligence inputs from a Rashtriya Rifles unit and is seen as a follow-up to the aggressive counter-terror policy in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

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Recently, Rajasthan’s famous sangri bean from the Thar Desert received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This tag officially links the sangri bean to its region, recognising it as a unique product of Rajasthan’s harsh desert climate. Sangri, from the khejri tree, is used in the traditional dish ker sangri, which is slow-cooked with regional spices and curd. The GI tag gives sangri global recognition and legal protection, ensuring authenticity and boosting local pride and economy.

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The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) recently installed India’s longest rail flyover girder at Kalamboli, Maharashtra under the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The WDFC is a 1,500-kilometre project to modernise India’s freight transport system. It was installed 34 metres across live railway tracks without disrupting Indian Railways operations, using advanced heavy-lifting machines. This first-of-its-kind feat shows India’s growing technical strength in railway infrastructure. The flyover will boost cargo flow between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Maharashtra’s industrial hubs. It will reduce transit time, improve logistics efficiency, and shift cargo from road to rail, which is cleaner and energy-efficient.

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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched three digital platforms—Depot Darpan Portal, Anna Mitra App, and Anna Sahayata Platform—to improve India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). These platforms aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, benefiting over 81 crore people under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Depot Darpan Portal allows depot officials to assess their performance using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, CCTV, and real-time analytics, and may save ₹275 crore in Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots. Anna Mitra App helps Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers and officers track stock, alerts, and reports in real time. Anna Sahayata Platform enables easy grievance filing via WhatsApp, Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS), and speech tools for PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) users. These steps support the Digital India mission and aim to build a developed India or “Viksit Bharat” through technology-driven welfare delivery.

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Nagshankar Temple in Biswanath district of Assam has recently been designated as a model temple for turtle conservation. It is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. The temple was originally built by King Narasankar of Nagakha in the 4th century AD and later renovated by Ahom king Su-sen-pha in 1480. The temple has a large pond that is home to around 250–300 turtles, including rare species like black softshell, Indian softshell, and Malayan softshell turtles. Some turtles in the pond are believed to be hundreds of years old. The temple campus also houses peacocks, deer, and pythons, adding to its biodiversity significance.

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Rajasthan’s traditional dish Ker Sangri has recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, highlighting its cultural and regional identity. It is made using Sangri pods from the Khejri tree and Ker berries from the Ker tree, both of which are native to the Thar Desert. Preparing Ker Sangri is a slow process involving soaking, boiling, and cooking with curd, red chillies, and spices. The dish is known for its tangy, spicy, and earthy flavour. It is high in fibre, low in fat, and commonly eaten with bajra roti and ghee. The Khejri tree is sacred to the Bishnoi community, symbolising life and environmental protection.

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The world’s largest container ship, MSC Irina, is making its maiden call at Vizhinjam Port in Kerala, marking its first entry into a South Asian port. MSC Irina is a part of the Irina-class ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) and was built in 2023. It sails under the Liberian flag and is operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), based in Switzerland. It uses green technologies like air lubrication, energy-efficient propellers, and an advanced hull to reduce carbon emissions.

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The Central Government has approved ₹951.27 crore for building the Tura Bypass in Meghalaya. The bypass will connect National Highway-127B (NH-127B) to National Highway-217 (NH-217) with a 2-lane road and paved shoulders. It will cover 29.03 km in Tura district and begin at Sanchonggre village and end at Jenggitchakgre village. It aims to ease congestion, improve travel time, and boost freight movement. The project will also enhance road safety and regional connectivity.