India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Recently, experts clarified that reaching the Jarawa Tribe for enumeration is not difficult due to ongoing contact and welfare initiatives. The Jarawas are among the world’s oldest surviving indigenous communities. They are listed as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India. The Jarawa tribe is primarily found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Specifically, they live in nomadic bands of about 40–50 people in Middle and South Andaman Islands.

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Sigandur Bridge, India’s second longest cable-stayed bridge, in Shivamogga district, Karnataka. The bridge spans 2.44 km across the Sharavathi backwaters and is 16 meters wide. It connects Sagara and Marakutika, and is named after Goddess Chowdeshwari Devi. It reduces travel time and distance for devotees and locals visiting Sigandur from Sagara. The region lost connectivity after the Linganamakki dam was built in the 1960s.

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Uttar Pradesh has recently become the top state in India for Amrit Sarovar construction with 16,630 ponds built or rejuvenated. This is three times the original target of 5,550 set at the start of the programme in 2022. Mission Amrit Sarovar was launched on 24 April 2022 under “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” to celebrate 75 years of Indian independence. The mission aims to build or rejuvenate at least 75 ponds in every district to address rural water scarcity. It plays a key role in promoting local water sustainability and groundwater recharge.

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Many ex-servicemen recently reported that SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha) has made pension access difficult due to complex interface and unresolved corrections. SPARSH is a web-based pension system launched by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It aims to manage pension sanction and disbursement for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Civilians. The system is run by the Defence Accounts Department through the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Prayagraj. It removes third-party intermediaries and directly deposits pensions into bank accounts. SPARSH covers the full pension cycle: initiation, sanction, disbursement, revision, and grievance redressal.

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Maharashtra has inaugurated its first-ever glass skywalk over the Napne Waterfall in Sindhudurg district, creating a new tourism attraction. The Napne Glass Bridge was opened under the Sindhuratna tourism scheme. Napne Waterfall is a perennial waterfall located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The region is surrounded by dense forests, rich in biodiversity, including hornbills and exotic birds.

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Recently, Kerala became the first state in India to implement faceless adjudication under State Goods and Services Tax (GST). The pilot project was launched today in two districts of Kerala. Faceless adjudication means all procedures are done digitally without any face-to-face interaction between taxpayers and GST officials. All steps including issuing show cause notices, receiving responses, and passing final orders will be done on an online platform. This move aims to ensure transparency, reduce corruption, and improve ease of doing business.

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The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched the ‘Apna Ghar’ initiative to support truck drivers during long journeys. A total of 368 ‘Apna Ghar’ units with 4,611 beds have been set up by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) at highway fuel stations. These units provide dormitory beds, restaurants or dhabas, clean toilets, bathing facilities, cooking spaces, and purified drinking water. The initiative aims to ensure safe, hygienic, and comfortable resting spaces for truckers across national and state highways.

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Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has launched the ‘Heat Resilient Moodadi’ project in Moodadi Panchayat, Kozhikode, to tackle extreme heatwaves. This is Kerala’s first comprehensive local-level heat action plan, developed over 1.5 years with guidance from climate experts like Dr. Joy Ilamon and Dr. Shekhar Kuriakose. The project responds to last summer’s record 40°C+ temperatures, aiming for sustainable local heat regulation. Pilot phase targets Anganwadis in Muchukunnu Valiya Mala and Muchukunnu North, with later expansion to 32 Anganwadis, health centers, and institutions.

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Government informed Lok Sabha that over 85% of Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs) are in Tier 2 and 3 cities. These STPIs have created 2.98 lakh jobs in non-metro cities. STPI was established in 1991 with headquarters in New Delhi under Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It promotes Information Technology (IT) industry, innovation, research & development (R&D), start-ups, and product/intellectual property (IP) creation in emerging tech like Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Its vision aligns with National Policy on Software Products (NPSP), 2019.

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Recently, the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution informed about Anna-Chakra. Anna-Chakra is a supply chain optimisation tool under Public Distribution System (PDS). It is developed with World Food Programme (WFP) and Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT-Delhi. It is led by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. It uses advanced algorithms for optimal routes and smooth food grain movement.