India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

Notes:
NITI Aayog launched ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0’, a 3-month campaign from 28th January to 14th April 2026, to saturate key indicators in Aspirational Districts and Blocks. The campaign builds on Sampoornata Abhiyan 2024, targeting 112 Aspirational Districts and 513 Aspirational Blocks under the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme. Districts/Blocks will develop 3-month action plans, track monthly progress, conduct awareness campaigns, and perform concurrent monitoring visits. NITI Aayog, Central Ministries, States, and UTs will coordinate for planning, capacity building, and sustainable service delivery.

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Dhamtari district became the first in India to launch online tax collection through the SAMARTH Panchayat portal. The initiative was rolled out at Sankara Gram Panchayat in Nagri block, Chhattisgarh. A resident successfully paid property tax using a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)–linked online gateway. The system allows rural citizens to pay taxes from home, reducing arrears and easing administration. It will cover nearly 400 gram panchayats in the district. Sankara became India’s first gram panchayat with end-to-end digital tax payment.

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Indian Railways operationalised India’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)–Diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. The 1,400 horsepower (HP) DEMU driving power cars were converted to run on a dual-fuel system. LNG replaces about 40% of conventional diesel consumption in the modified train. The converted power cars successfully completed field trials covering over 2,000 kilometres. The train is now running in regular passenger service without operational issues. The initiative reduces carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions significantly.

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Bihar approved the first three grain ATM machines in Patna as a pilot project. Grain ATM, also called Annapurti, is an automated machine dispensing wheat or rice. The technology was developed by the World Food Programme in collaboration with the Food Corporation of India and state governments. Machines operate 24×7 and can be solar-powered. They use internet connectivity to access the Public Distribution System database and the profile of Below Poverty Line cardholders.

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The Supreme Court directed the Centre to set up a tribunal for the long-pending Pennaiyar River water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu filed the case in 2018 against Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion works. Tamil Nadu argued that water in an inter-state river is a national asset and cannot be claimed exclusively by any state. Pennaiyar River, also called South Pennar, Dakshina Pinakini, Thenpennai, or Ponnaiyar, flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

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Mumbai’s Coastal Road has introduced India’s first musical road, showcasing an innovative blend of infrastructure and technology to enhance public experience. A 500-metre stretch between Nariman Point and Worli, named Sangeet Marg, plays the Oscar-winning song “Jai Ho” when vehicles travel at a speed of 60–80 km per hour. The musical effect is created using specially engineered rumble strips carved into the asphalt at precise intervals. The concept is based on Hungarian technology and has already been implemented in countries such as Hungary, Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

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Kerala Government declared tidal flooding as a State-specific disaster for the first time in India. Tidal flooding, also called sunny day flooding, king tide flooding, or nuisance flooding, is temporary flooding of low-lying coastal areas. It happens due to high tides influenced by strong winds, offshore storms, and full moon or new moon cycles. Unlike cyclone storm surges, it occurs twice daily and becomes severe during full or new moons. Along Kerala coast, the Arabian Sea level rises above a fixed limit and floods nearby areas briefly. Victims will receive financial aid under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

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India intensified action against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) through “Operation Demolishment”. The drive targets memorials and monuments linked to Naxal ideology. Aim is to weaken ideological influence and prevent youth recruitment. Total 203 memorials demolished in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. In Chhattisgarh, 149 structures removed from 2023–2026, with 130 in 2026 alone. In Maharashtra, 55 structures removed, including 45 in 2026. Memorials were used to glorify slain cadres and hold events. Operation is part of broader counterinsurgency strategy. Focus is on dismantling both armed network and ideological support base.

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Pratik Sharma, Northern Commander of the Indian Army, inaugurated ‘Banwat Ekta Sthal’ in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. The monument is located near the Line of Control (LoC). It symbolises national pride, unity and sovereignty. The project was completed in a record 45 days. It features a 105-feet tall National Flag, the tallest in Poonch district. The site also includes a children’s park for recreation. An ‘Ekta Mandap’ has been built to promote peace and harmony.

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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.