India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute launched a stock enhancement programme for short-neck clam (Paphia malabarica) in Ashtamudi Lake showing early signs of recovery. Short-neck clam is a valuable bivalve mollusk and India’s first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified species. It is the major fishery resource of brackish water Ashtamudi Lake.

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Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become India’s first water-positive airport handling over 40 million passengers per year. Water-positive means the airport recharges more water than it consumes, helping conserve natural resources. The achievement was announced by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). This step also supports IGIA’s long-term goal of becoming a net-zero airport and improving climate readiness.

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The Government of India launched State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 and Mission Watershed PUNARUTTHAN at Kohima, Nagaland, to revive traditional water bodies, restore degraded lands, and strengthen water-harvesting systems for long-term water security. The mission focuses on community participation and convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to ensure sustainable rural livelihoods. Minister of State (MoS) Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar stated that “water security is national security” and highlighted the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations. Nagaland is leading community-driven watershed management through restoration of springs, renovation of water-harvesting structures, and rejuvenation of land resources.

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Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched the City Beautification Drive under the ‘My City’ campaign in Mawlai to promote community-led urban development. The initiative collaborates with Dorbar Shnong institutions to create clean, litter-free, and more livable neighbourhoods, reinforcing participatory governance and grassroots engagement. Beautification grants of Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 lakh were distributed to 60 localities to support community-driven public space improvements.

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On 19 December 2025, 3 metric tonnes (MTs) of GI-tagged Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka were exported to Oman, marking a new global market entry. Earlier, 3 metric tonnes were first exported to Dubai on 24 August 2025; subsequent exports reached nearly 12 MTs due to strong demand. Indi Lime is mainly grown in Vijayapura district of Karnataka. It has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its superior quality, strong aroma, high juice yield, and balanced acidity.

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Anu Garg, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Odisha. She has become the first woman to hold the topmost bureaucratic position in the state. Her appointment follows the superannuation of the outgoing Chief Secretary, Manoj Ahuja, on December 31, 2025. She was serving as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary in the Planning and Convergence Department. She also held additional charge of the Water Resources Department.

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Indian Railways will introduce its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, upgrading overnight rail travel in India. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that testing and certification are fully completed. The inaugural route will run between Guwahati (Assam) and Howrah (West Bengal). The train will have 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and AC First Class, carrying about 823 passengers. It features ergonomic berths, new suspension, and modern safety systems for comfortable overnight journeys. The service will boost regional connectivity and offer Assamese and Bengali cuisine on board.

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Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant inaugurated India’s first fully paperless district judiciary in Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala, on 6 January. All courts in Kalpetta district now operate entirely digitally, with electronic filings, digital scrutiny, and instant access through the District Court Case Management System (DCMS) developed in-house by Kerala High Court. The system improves access to justice, reduces litigation costs, removes geographical barriers, and enhances transparency and trust. AI-based tools help judges generate summaries, retrieve case details, annotate documents, and mark statutory provisions.

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The Tamil Nadu government has launched India’s first dedicated Deep Tech Policy called the Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025-2026 (TNDTSP). Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the policy at UmagineTN 2026 to strengthen innovation-led growth and position Tamil Nadu as a premier deep tech hub. The policy aims to foster advanced innovation, drive industrial growth, empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and accelerate Tamil Nadu’s journey towards a $1 trillion economy. The iTNT Hub will act as the nodal implementing agency, coordinating initiatives, managing funds, and serving as a single point of contact for stakeholders.

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Gujarat has launched Poshan Udaan 2026 during the Makar Sankranti festival to promote nutrition and health awareness across the state. The initiative uses the popular kite festival, with kites displaying nutrition and health messages, to engage communities in a symbolic and culturally rooted manner. The programme aims to highlight the importance of balanced diets and healthy practices for children, adolescent girls, and mothers. Poshan Udaan 2026 is implemented under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) framework through Anganwadi centres.