India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Centre for Southeast Asian Studies has been inaugurated at Nalanda University to strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast Asia. The initiative was announced by Narendra Modi during the ASEAN-India Summit 2025. It focuses on interdisciplinary research areas like climate, maritime studies, trade, public health, migration, and digital cooperation. The Centre will support the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action (2026–2030). It aims to act as a bridge by enhancing academic collaboration, policy engagement, and cultural ties between India and Southeast Asia.

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The Haryana government introduced Aadhaar-based biometric verification for crop procurement at mandis. Farmers or authorised representatives must verify identity via biometric scans before selling produce. Crop arrivals are cross-checked with the ‘Meri Fasal-Mera Byora’ portal (farmer registration database for land and crop details). The e-Kharid app (digital procurement platform) records vehicle number and captures load photographs before issuing gate passes. The system aims to prevent fraud (illegal sale of crops from other states under fake identities).

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A report by the Kerala State Food Commission highlighted discrepancies in ration distribution in Edamalakkudy, Kerala’s only tribal panchayat inhabited by the Muthuvan tribe. The Muthuvan tribe resides in the Western Ghats across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They speak the Muthuvan language, belonging to the Dravidian language family, with dialects like Malayalam Muthuvan and Pandi Muthuvan. They are known for harmonious coexistence with wildlife and deep ecological knowledge of hill ecosystems. The tribe possesses traditional medicinal knowledge passed down through generations.

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Recently, Project DANTAK of the Border Roads Organisation celebrated its 66th Raising Day (April 24, 2026) in Thimphu. It has played a key role in strengthening India–Bhutan relations and infrastructure development. It has constructed over 1,500 km of roads, including the East–West Highway (Trashigang to Thimphu). Recent works focus on road widening, modernisation, and connectivity improvement, including Samdrup Jongkhar–Trashigang highway. The project also ensures rapid restoration of roads during natural disasters.

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The Central Government has invited nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. It is a prestigious national award given annually by the Government of India. The award is administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It recognises children for excellence in Bravery, Art & Culture, Environment, Social Service, Science & Technology, and Sports. Eligible candidates must be Indian citizens aged between 5 and 18 years.

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Sikkim has been declared India’s first paperless judiciary state. The initiative aims to create a faster, transparent, and technology-driven judiciary. It emphasises the use of e-filing and digital case management systems. These digital tools are expected to improve efficiency and accessibility of justice delivery. The move will also make the judicial system more inclusive and user-friendly. The initiative aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. A technology-driven judiciary will help ensure fairness and build public trust. It will also contribute to sustainable development by strengthening governance systems.

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Indian Council of Medical Research and Indian Council of Agricultural Research jointly launched the SEHAT mission, which stands for Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation. The mission aims to integrate agriculture, nutrition, and public health to improve health outcomes in India. SEHAT focuses on biofortified crops, integrated farming systems, prevention of non-communicable diseases, occupational health of farmers, and strengthening the One Health approach. The initiative promotes nutrition-sensitive agriculture and encourages indigenous, evidence-based, and affordable innovations in healthcare and food systems.

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The Ministry of Coal started coal production at the Urtan Coal Mine and Dhirauli Coal Mine to strengthen India’s energy security and promote self-reliance in the energy sector. The Urtan Coal Mine in Anuppur district began production on 15 May 2026 and was allocated to JMS Mining Private Limited. Urtan became India’s first underground coal mine to start production under the commercial coal auction regime. The Dhirauli Coal Mine in Singrauli district started production on 17 May 2026 and was allocated to Mahan Energen Limited. The initiative aims to increase domestic coal availability, reduce import dependence, and support economic growth under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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Velimalai Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project recently received Terms of Reference clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The 1,100 MW project will be developed at Vellimalai in Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. It is Tamil Nadu’s first pumped storage hydropower project to be implemented under the public-private partnership model on a build-own-operate-transfer basis. The project follows provisions of Section 63 of the Electricity Act. It is designed as a closed-loop off-river pumped storage system for efficient energy management.

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The Anal Naga community in Manipur has traditionally protected forests through community-led systems called Uju and Rangkang. These traditional systems help conserve forests, water sources, biodiversity, and village ecosystems. The Anal Naga tribe is primarily found in Manipur, with the majority of the population concentrated in the Chandel district. They are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in India.