India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Central Electricity Authority has approved two new hydro-pumped storage plants in India. The 2000 MW Sharavathi Hydro-Pumped Storage plant in Karnataka will use the Talakalale and Gerusoppa dams, aiming to address the state’s power issues. Developed by KPCL and Megha Engineering, it’s the largest of its kind in India. The 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Plant in Odisha will utilize the Upper Indravati Reservoir’s released water, with construction by Odisha Hydropower Corporation Limited. Both projects require Central Electricity Authority approval as per the Electricity Act of 2003.

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The Indian government plans to introduce the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. This bill aims to create a comprehensive disaster database and set up Urban Disaster Management Authorities in state capitals and major cities. It will empower the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to independently prepare disaster plans and appoint experts. The bill also seeks to grant statutory recognition to bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee and propose the establishment of State Disaster Response Forces by state governments. This amendment aligns with the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations.

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The proposed Malwa canal project in Punjab aims to irrigate 2 lakh acres of land across seven districts. The 149.53-km canal will originate at Harike Headworks on the Sutlej river and carry 2,000 cusecs of water. The project is expected to take five years to complete but faces concerns over technical viability and funding. The canal’s construction will require significant investment amidst Punjab’s current funds crunch.

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K Kailashnathan has taken oath as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry at a ceremony held at Raj Nivas. Acting Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar administered the oath, while Chief Minister N Rangasamy and other officials attended. Kailashnathan has assumed office as the new Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, marking a new chapter in the union territory’s administration under his leadership and guidance.

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India and Israel have launched a joint project to establish a Centre of Water Technology at IIT Madras to enhance sustainable water management in India. The partnership is seen as a significant milestone, reflecting the growing collaboration between the two countries in addressing water scarcity issues. A Joint Statement of Intent was signed by the Embassy of Israel, IIT Madras, and the AMRUT mission, outlining the framework for the centre. The Centre will focus on innovation and research in urban water supply and technology. A capacity-building course on ’24/7 Water Supply in Urban Areas’ was held at IIT Madras as part of this initiative.

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Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the ‘National Conclave: Sangathan Swasthya Samriddhi’ in New Delhi. The event focuses on women’s roles in food, nutrition, health, and WASH. Health and nutrition are highlighted as essential for the nation’s development, with women playing a key role. Self-help groups are recognized as important for the country’s progress. Discussions emphasized the need for better basic health facilities and the idea that a healthy population leads to national growth. Women, including self-help groups from across the country, are attending the conclave.

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The Union Ministry of Education released the first edition of the e-magazine Sapno ki Udaan. The release coincided with National Space Day, celebrating the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Vikram lander soft landing on the Moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023. The e-magazine, available online on the NCERT portal, was launched virtually by the Union Minister for Education, with participation from other education officials. The inaugural edition focuses on Space and Chandrayaan missions, featuring articles, poems, and more. Sapno ki Udaan is produced by NCERT and the Department of School Education & Literacy.

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Uttar Pradesh’s first semiconductor park was inaugurated at Noida International Airport. Three companies have been approved to set up semiconductor units on 275 acres of land in the park. This project aims to create around 13,780 jobs. It will boost India’s self-reliance in the technology sector, particularly in chip manufacturing, addressing recent global shortages.

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Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Ministers announced the development of a new religious circuit named the ‘Shri Krishna Gaman Path’. The initiative is aimed at boosting religious tourism and preserving cultural heritage. The circuit will connect Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, with Ujjain, a sacred city in Madhya Pradesh. This project will trace the footsteps of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The ‘Shri Krishna Gaman Path’ is expected to enhance cultural ties and attract pilgrims and tourists to these significant religious sites.

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The Union Cabinet has approved twelve new greenfield industrial smart cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme.The total investment for these projects is estimated at 28,602 crore rupees. They are expected to create 1 million direct jobs and up to 3 million indirect jobs. The projects will be located across ten states along six major corridors. The planned locations include Khurpia (Uttrakhand), Gaya (Bihar), Rajpura-Patiala (Punjab), Zaheerabad (Telangana), Dighi (Maharashtra), Orvakal and Kopparthy (Andhra Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Jodhpur-Pali (Rajasthan), and Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh).