India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Students from Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur, developed the Veer Sahara App, a digital platform to connect defence families with government welfare schemes. The app uses a step-by-step form and AI-assisted voice guidance to help users easily navigate the process. It identifies relevant schemes and awards based on user input and provides direct application links. It aims to support ex-servicemen, widows, dependents, and families of martyrs by reducing complexity, delays, and dependence on intermediaries.

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The SHe-Box Portal (Sexual Harassment Electronic Box) was launched on 29 August 2024 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to strengthen implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act. As of March 2026, over 1.61 lakh workplaces (public and private) have been onboarded, with details of 68,460 Internal Committees (ICs) and 777 Local Committees (LCs) available on the portal. The portal helps in digital monitoring, complaint handling, and compliance tracking related to workplace sexual harassment cases.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Kaynes semiconductor plant at Sanand, Gujarat. The plant is set up by Kaynes Technology as an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility. It is established under the India Semiconductor Mission. The facility manufactures Intelligent Power Modules (IPMs) used in electric vehicles, automotive, and industrial automation. It marks India’s entry into the global semiconductor value chain and boosts high-tech manufacturing.

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Karnataka has recorded the highest number of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) trained as drone pilots under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana (NDDY). The scheme is a Central Sector initiative aimed at empowering women-led SHGs under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission by providing drone technology for agricultural services. It aims to enable SHGs to provide drone rental services to farmers, mainly for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides. Around 15,000 drones will be distributed to selected women SHGs during 2024–25 to 2025–26.

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Mumbai has launched India’s first AI-powered “breathable buildings” pilot, focusing on indoor air quality as a core infrastructure feature. Developer Superb Realty has partnered with deep-tech firm Praan to deploy the system across a 1 million sq ft commercial project, with plans to expand to residential and mixed-use developments. Praan’s system uses real-time environmental sensing and AI-driven optimisation to dynamically manage indoor and outdoor air conditions. The initiative represents a shift from “smart homes” to “healthy buildings,” where air quality may become a key real estate differentiator.

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Regional Passport Office Bhopal became the first in India to introduce Braille script and sign language services for differently-abled applicants. The initiative was launched under the Passport Seva Programme in the presence of senior officials including the Chief Passport Officer. Braille booklets explaining the passport application process and do’s and don’ts have been provided for visually impaired applicants. Braille signage plates have been installed within the office to enable easier navigation.

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The Minister of State for External Affairs highlighted the role of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in strengthening India’s cultural diplomacy during a visit to Yangon, Myanmar. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. It was established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister. ICCR promotes India’s external cultural relations through cultural exchanges and a global network of cultural centres.

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The State Health Agency of Tripura was recognised as the best small state for fast settlement of suspicious claims in FY 2025–26. The achievement was under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana. The award was presented at a two-day Chintan Shivir held in Pune. The state recorded the fastest turnaround time in processing and resolving suspicious insurance claims. The recognition reflects strong coordination among state agencies, districts, and stakeholders. It highlights efficient implementation and improved healthcare service delivery for beneficiaries.

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Recently, tribal communities in Koraput have been protesting for their legal rights over kendu leaves for the third consecutive year. Kendu leaf (Diospyros melanoxylon), also called tendu leaf, is known as the “Green Gold of Odisha” and is a major non-wood forest product. It is a nationalised forest product like bamboo and sal seed. It is widely produced in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, with Odisha being the third-largest producer. Odisha is unique in producing processed kendu leaves.

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A fossil bed from the Holocene epoch was discovered in Thoothukudi after heavy rains in 2023 exposed the site. The Holocene is part of the Quaternary period. The discovery will help scientists better understand India’s ancient wildlife, climate, and environmental conditions. A field survey was conducted by the Zoological Survey of India at the request of local authorities. The discovery highlights the importance of geological studies in reconstructing past ecosystems.