India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Indian Navy has launched Operation Urja Suraksha to safeguard India-bound energy shipments in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising West Asia tensions. The operation is conducted carefully and discreetly to ensure safe transit of Indian-flagged cargo vessels carrying critical energy supplies. A total of 22 vessels have been identified for secure transit, including 20 high-priority ships carrying LNG, LPG, and crude oil.

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Telangana government passed the Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill in April 2026 to regulate gig work and ensure welfare. The bill provides for a welfare board, aggregator levy, unique identification for workers, and penalties for non-compliance. It aligns with provisions of Code on Social Security, 2020 recognizing gig workers. The initiative addresses issues like income insecurity, lack of social protection, and financial exclusion. Similar legislation has been enacted in states like Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Bihar.

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Government launched the India’s first dedicated programme on “Administrative Capacity Building for Scientists and Academicians” under Mission Karmayogi in April 2026. The launch took place during the SADHANA (Strengthening Adaptive Development and Humane Aptitude for National Advancement) Saptah at Vigyan Bhawan. The programme aims to equip scientists and academic leaders with governance, administrative, and decision-making skills.

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Exports of Makhana, also known as Fox Nuts, have declined due to reduced demand and prices caused by the ongoing West Asia war. Makhana is the dried edible seed of the prickly water lily or gorgon plant (Euryale ferox) and is nicknamed the “Black Diamond” because of its dark outer layer. The plant is native to South-East Asia and China but is now cultivated worldwide. In India, it is mainly produced in Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, with Bihar as the leading producer. Makhana is included under the Union government’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.

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Delhi Traffic Police aunched Project SANGAM (Synergistic Action and Networked Governance for Area Mobility) initiative for coordinated traffic management) to improve traffic systems in Delhi. It focuses on community participation and coordinated governance. It brings together Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs: local resident groups), Market Welfare Associations, and civic bodies like Public Works Department (PWD: government infrastructure agency) and Municipal Corporation. It aims at real-time resolution of issues like congestion, unauthorised parking, and pedestrian safety.

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The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) and Credit Repayment Guarantee Sub-Scheme (CRGSS) in New Delhi. The Urban Challenge Fund has a total Central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore, aimed at boosting urban infrastructure financing. It promotes market-based financing, with only 25% central funding and at least 50% through bonds, loans, and public-private partnerships (PPP).

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Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has become India’s first water-neutral railway coaching depot, marking a major step in sustainable railway operations. The depot achieves water neutrality by treating and reusing wastewater generated from coach washing and maintenance activities. It saves around 1.60 lakh litres of water daily, significantly reducing dependence on freshwater resources. The system uses phytoremediation (plant-based treatment) along with filtration and disinfection to recycle water efficiently. This initiative by Indian Railways promotes environmental conservation, cost efficiency, and serves as a model for green infrastructure.

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Chenchu tribals in Amrabad Tiger Reserve opposed relocation citing forest-based livelihood concerns. The Chenchu are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) mainly living in Nallamalai forests of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They are classified under the Proto-Australoid group and also inhabit Karnataka and Odisha. Settlements called “Penta” consist of scattered huts based on kinship; “Peddamanishi” acts as village head. Society is based on small families with relatively equal gender roles and marriage at maturity.

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Israel recently conducted Operation Wings of Dawn to airlift members of the Bnei Menashe amid West Asia tensions. The Bnei Menashe, also called Shinlung, originate from Mizoram and Manipur and belong to Tibeto-Burman groups like Chin, Kuki, and Mizo. They claim descent from the Biblical tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Lost Tribes exiled by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC. Initially Christians, they later adopted Judaism and celebrate festivals like Sukkot. Migration routes included Persia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and China before reaching India ~300–500 years ago.

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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) partnered with Sikkim government to document Ru-Soam bridges. Ru-Soam is a traditional cane bridge built by the Lepcha community in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve. ‘Ru’ means cane and ‘Soam’ means bridge in Lepcha language. Bridges can extend up to 100 metres and support limited people. It reflects ecological balance and indigenous engineering knowledge. These bridges are still functional and represent sustainable design practices.