India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Madhya Pradesh has declared 2026 as the “Year of Agriculture,” announced by Governor Mangu Bhai Patel. Agriculture budget increased from ₹600 crore in 2002-03 to over ₹27,000 crore in 2024-25. A multifaceted agricultural development model with 10 activities is being implemented, including technology transfer, income enhancement, natural farming, marketing, export, innovation, and digital transparency. e-Mandi scheme covers 259 markets with 40 lakh farmers registered. Animal husbandry and milk production are being promoted; cow shelter grants doubled and 1,200 new milk cooperatives formed.

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Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi on 5 February 2026 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform aligned with the vision of Sahkar se Samriddhi. It is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and was established on 6 June 2025. The platform follows a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model with profits shared directly with drivers called Sarathis. Sarathis receive ₹5 lakh accident insurance and ₹5 lakh family health insurance.

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Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah informed in Rajya Sabha that Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh was selected as the pilot district under the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector (WLGSP). A 500 Metric Tonne (MT) godown built at Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) Parswada. The plan is implemented through convergence of schemes like Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI). The initiative will reduce post-harvest losses, prevent distress sales and strengthen food security.

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The Punjab Pollution Control Board launches a special drive to make Holla Mohalla celebrations free from single-use plastic. The initiative receives support from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which manages major gurdwaras. The Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib appeals to langar committees to replace plastic utensils with steel or biodegradable alternatives. PPCB announces free distribution of biodegradable plates and bowls to langar organisers during the festival. Holla Mohalla takes place from 27 February to 3 March at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib.

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India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in West Asia after the recent escalation of regional tensions and conflicts. The Operation Sankalp has Indian Navy ships already deployed in the region, which have been placed on standby for potential Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations if the situation worsens. Under Operation Sankalp, two Indian Navy warships—a frigate and a destroyer—are currently stationed in the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman. Operation Sankalp is a maritime security initiative launched by the Indian Navy to ensure the safety and security of Indian-flagged merchant vessels and to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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The Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched Project GANGA (Government Assisted Network for Growth & Advancement) to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to over 2 million households within 2–3 years. An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the State Transformation Commission (STC) and One OTT Entertainment Limited (OIL) in Lucknow. The project aims to expand digital connectivity in rural and semi-urban areas and generate over 1 lakh jobs. Around 8,000–10,000 Digital Service Providers (DSPs) will be developed at the Nyaya Panchayat level to deliver broadband and digital services in villages.

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Delhi Cantonment Board launched the Swachhata Monitoring & Automated Reporting Tool (SMART) to improve sanitation and civic service monitoring. SMART automates data collection, reporting and performance tracking, replacing manual systems that caused delays and fragmented monitoring. The system uses a four-tier monitoring structure: Supervisors submit updates, ASIs verify, Officers In-Charge track, and CEO reviews consolidated reports. AI-enabled analytics are being integrated to minimise human intervention, identify recurring issues, classify problems, generate intelligent alerts, and prioritise critical areas.

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Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Paatil, inaugurated the new office of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and launched its official website. The event introduced digital tools to strengthen dam safety monitoring. NDSA is a statutory body established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021 to regulate dam safety in India. It functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and ensures the structural integrity and safe operation of specified dams nationwide. NDSA implements policies framed by the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) and oversees national dam safety standards.

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Uttarakhand government has made special health arrangements for this year’s Char Dham Yatra through real-time monitoring on the ‘e-Swasthya Dham’ portal for immediate medical assistance. e-Swasthya Dham portal was launched by Uttarakhand government. Experienced doctors and paramedical staff will be deployed at permanent and temporary medical units along pilgrimage routes, major halting points, and all four Dhams. A total of 177 ambulances, including 108 emergency, advanced life support, and cardiac ambulances, will be stationed along the routes.

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Under PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises), over 1.72 lakh loans sanctioned till Dec 2025. It was launched in 2020 by Ministry of Food Processing Industries as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The objective is to formalise and upgrade micro food processing units. It supports FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations), SHGs (Self Help Groups), cooperatives, and entrepreneurs.