India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Punjab Government recently introduced the ‘Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025’ in the legislative assembly. The Bill aims to preserve religious harmony and fraternity among people of different faiths in Punjab. It proposes strict punishment for offences like sacrilege, defacing, damaging, or burning any Holy Scripture. Holy Scriptures include Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif, and Holy Bible, including their extracts like Pothis and Gutka Sahib. The punishment includes imprisonment of minimum 10 years, which may extend to life, and a fine between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

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As of 14 July 2025, 15.45 lakh households have benefited under Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY). The scheme was launched in February 2024 by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It aims to provide rooftop solar panels to 1 crore households by March 2027. It offers 40–60% subsidy for residential solar installations. Gujarat leads with 5.23 lakh installations (33% of total), followed by Maharashtra with 3.79 lakh. States like Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Northeast states have less than 1,000 installations.

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Recently, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) launched AI-powered climate advisory services for farmers on July 30, 2025, in Hyderabad. The initiative is named “AI-powered Context-Specific Agromet Advisory Services for Climate-Resilient Agriculture at Scale.” It is a joint project by International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to deliver real-time, personalised climate and weather advisories.

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Recently, Sikkim became the first Indian state to launch a formal Sabbatical Leave scheme for its government employees. The scheme was introduced in August 2023 for regular employees with at least five years of continuous service. Eligible employees can take leave from 365 days up to 1,080 days with 50% of their basic pay during leave. Their seniority and continuity of service are protected during the leave period. The government can recall an employee anytime with a one-month notice.

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Odisha and Chhattisgarh, after a long legal battle in the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal, have now agreed to resolve the river water dispute mutually. Mahanadi River is a major east-flowing peninsular river in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It originates from the Sihawa range in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh. It flows eastward, enters Odisha near Cuttack, and drains into the Bay of Bengal near Paradip. Major tributaries include Seonath, Hasdeo, Ib, Ong, Mand, Tel, and Jonk. It is known for high silt deposition capacity.

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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Government of Telangana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up India’s first FIFA Talent Academy for girls. The academy will be located at the Gachibowli Stadium Complex in Hyderabad, Telangana. The MoU was signed during the Telangana Sports Conclave. AIFF will manage operations, technical framework, talent scouting, and training curriculum in coordination with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG) will handle infrastructure, logistics, education, finances, and welfare.

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‘Operation Mahakal’ was launched in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh on 5th August. It targets land mafia and extortion gangs involved in illegal land-grabbing. The operation also includes action against influential collaborators like government employees, public representatives, and journalists. Phase 1 runs till 5th September 2025 to prepare a list of suspects. Phase 2 starts from 15th September 2025 and includes confiscating illegal assets and filing charges. It aims to dismantle the entire criminal network involved in land grabbing and extortion. Strict action will be taken against both criminals and their white-collar supporters.

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Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi inaugurated the second edition of UN Women’s flagship capacity-building programme SheLeads II in New Delhi. The two-day workshop is organised by the UN Women India Country Office. The event comes after the passing of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, which mandates 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. SheLeads aims to advance gender equality in public and political leadership and prepare women leaders for upcoming elections.

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The Ministry of Law and Justice launched the Notary Portal to provide online services under the Notaries Act, 1952 and Notaries Rules, 1956. It connects Notaries appointed by the Central Government with the Government of India for various services. The portal ensures a faceless, paperless, transparent, and efficient system. Currently, modules for eligibility verification and issuance of digitally signed Certificates of Practice to new Notaries are live. As of 31 July 2025, over 34,900 such certificates have been issued across States and Union Territories. This information was shared by Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal in the Rajya Sabha.

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The Border Security Force (BSF) launched Operation Alert along the Rajasthan border from 11 to 17 August to strengthen security before Independence Day. The operation includes intensified patrols, drills, and a review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to counter potential threats. BSF aims to implement strict border management and improve preparedness through monitoring and counterplanning using advanced gadgets.