India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Ministry of Road Transport recently made it mandatory to use the National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) analysis in all highway Detailed Project Reports. National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) is a unique geo-portal that provides space-based inputs and forecasts for all natural disasters in India. It serves as a national repository of multi-scale geospatial data with decision support tools. It was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the guidance of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The portal is maintained by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC).

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Punjab inaugurated the first-ever dedicated courtroom under the State Scheduled Castes (SC) Commission in November 2025. The courtroom was inaugurated by Chairperson Jasvir Singh Garhi. It is designed to handle SC-related cases efficiently. The initiative aims for faster hearings and timely case disposal. A planned Online Court System will allow virtual appearances for complainants. This improves access to justice for SC communities, especially in remote areas. Punjab’s model is expected to guide other states in strengthening SC-related judicial mechanisms.

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Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) released a revised draft of Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) to rate crash safety of cars. Bharat NCAP began in October 2023 to test vehicles as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS)-197 and give star ratings based on crashworthiness. New draft expands scope with new mandatory tests, revised scoring and focus on vulnerable road user protection for the first time. Bharat NCAP is voluntary and provides India-specific safety ratings; Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune issues ratings.

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Members of the Bonda tribe in Malkangiri, Odisha, will shift from thatched huts to permanent pucca houses under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). Bondas live mainly in Khairaput block, Odisha and are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). They are among the oldest tribes of India with Austroasiatic origin. They are divided into Upper Bondas (hilly areas) and Lower Bondas (border regions).

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Gujarat has launched Smart Blue Harbours to strengthen fisheries, coastal economy, and national food security. The initiative is supported by a partnership between the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Under a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), world-class Blue Harbours will be piloted at Jakhau (Gujarat), Vanakbara (Diu), and Karaikal (Puducherry). Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), ₹452.32 crore is invested in smart fishing infrastructure.

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Karnataka introduced AI, STEM, and robotics labs in government schools through the VijAIpatha programme. The initiative is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project by the Cyient Foundation. It was launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December 2025. The labs have been set up in schools in Hosapete Taluka, Vijayanagara district. The programme aims to provide future-ready skills, enhance digital literacy, and foster innovation among students in the public education system.

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The Public Works Department (PWD) has mandated the use of QR codes on all existing and future road signage across roads under its control in Delhi. This move is part of an extensive drive to upgrade retro-reflective road signs and improve their quality, durability, and uniformity. The QR codes will initially provide basic details about the signboard, including warranty-related information. In a later phase, the QR codes may be integrated with the PWD Sewa mobile application to allow citizens to register complaints about damaged or faulty signage.

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The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), in collaboration with the Keyi Panyor district administration, is developing India’s first “Bio-Happy District” in Arunachal Pradesh. It will focus on resident livelihoods, agro-biodiversity, and other ecological aspects within the district. Biohappiness, a concept coined by late agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, refers to well-being arising from biodiversity conservation and its use to improve human health, nutrition, and livelihoods. The concept emphasizes creating harmony between people and nature.

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The Home and Cooperation Minister launched the National IED Data Management System (NIDMS) to strengthen counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) security and internal security systems. It is a national digital platform developed by the National Bomb Data Centre of the National Security Guard (NSG). The system enables systematic collection and analysis of data related to Improvised Explosive Devices to improve terrorist incident investigations. It works as a two-way online platform for the National Investigation Agency, Anti-Terrorism Squads, state police, and Central Armed Police Forces.

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The National Dam Safety Authority issued a show-cause notice to the Narmada Valley Development Authority over safety issues at Bargi Dam. Bargi Dam is a major multipurpose project used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. It is built on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. Among about 30 major dam projects on the Narmada River, it is one of the earliest completed dams. The dam was developed under the Narmada Valley Development Project to support regional water and energy needs.