India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

Notes:
Under the Yuva Sangam initiative, 44 delegates from Bihar traveled to Karnataka, and 50 from Andhra Pradesh visited Uttar Pradesh. Yuva Sangam, launched by the Ministry of Education in 2023, aimed to strengthen youth connections across States and Union Territories. It fostered cultural immersion, knowledge sharing, and interactions to promote unity in diversity. A total of 4,795 youth joined 114 tours across phases.

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The Prime Minister launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot for Mahakumbh Mela 2025. Mahakumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025. The chatbot blends culture and technology to enhance devotees’ experience. It offers text and voice interactions for a smooth and engaging experience. It aims to guide and update millions of attendees during the mega event.

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The Malwa Canal project in Punjab will require the felling of nearly 1.30 lakh trees and plants for its 150-km length. It is Punjab’s first major irrigation and water management project since independence, with an estimated cost of ₹2,300 crore. The canal will originate from the Harike headworks on the Sutlej River in Ferozepur and end at Waring Khera village in Muktsar, near Haryana’s border. It will run parallel to the Sirhind and Rajasthan Feeder canals, carrying 2,000 cusecs of water.

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India’s first bio-bitumen highway on NH-44, Nagpur-Mansar Bypass, was inaugurated on 21st December 2024. The eco-friendly bio-bitumen, made from crop residues like lignin, reduces costs, prevents stubble burning pollution, and creates jobs. Bio-bitumen roads are 40% stronger than asphalt; a 1-km stretch was built using 15% bio-bitumen. Developed jointly by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and Praj Industries. Farmers encouraged to produce bio-CNG from agricultural waste and bamboo, especially in Vidarbha’s Bhandara-Gondia region.

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The central government has abolished the no-detention policy for classes 5 and 8, allowing schools to retain students who fail annual exams. This change affects over 3,000 central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. The policy was part of the 2009 Right to Education (RTE) Act. The new policy, notified on December 16, mandates remedial instruction and re-examinations for failed students. Schools must offer additional teaching and re-examination within two months. At least 18 states and Union Territories had already removed the no-detention policy after the 2019 RTE amendment.

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The Prime Minister inaugurated the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh on 25 December, 2024. This project aims to reduce carbon emissions, supporting India’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. It also conserves water by reducing evaporation. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Ken-Betwa river linking project, India’s first interlinking of rivers under the National Perspective Plan. This project will provide irrigation facilities to districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

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The ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative was launched on Good Governance Day by the Union Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It aims to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through innovative tools and capacity-building frameworks. Piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, it uses e-learning platforms, AI chatbots, and mobile apps to enhance governance and service delivery. The program promotes decentralized governance and participatory decision-making at the grassroots level. Part of the ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, it equips PRI officials for effective governance and sustainable rural development.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 45th edition of PRAGATI, a platform for pro-active governance and timely implementation. Eight major projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore were reviewed, including six metro projects, one road connectivity, and one thermal power project. States were directed to enhance rooftop solar installations under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana with improved vendor ecosystems and quicker processes. PRAGATI has reviewed 363 projects worth ₹19.12 lakh crore across 45 editions. PRAGATI is a multi-purpose platform launched on March 25, 2015. It addresses common people’s grievances while monitoring key government programs and projects. The platform reviews both central and state government projects. It promotes e-transparency and e-accountability among stakeholders.

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NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) launched “EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan” in partnership with New Shop under its Award to Reward (ATR) program. The initiative provides mentorship and training in retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development for women entrepreneurs. Fifty women aged 18–35 will be selected through an online application process based on specific criteria. The top 20 participants will receive a 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees, reducing barriers to owning retail businesses. The program targets women from Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

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Odisha has launched a pension scheme providing ₹20,000 per month for individuals detained during the Emergency (1975–1977). The scheme also covers medical expenses for eligible recipients alive as of January 1, 2025. Similar pension schemes exist in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Assam. Those arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, Defence of India Rules, and related laws during the Emergency can apply. Over 300 people in Odisha are eligible, with an annual cost of ₹8 crore for the state government. Applications are required for pension and medical benefits.