India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched SHAKTI Scholars, a Young Research Fellowship programme aimed at promoting policy-oriented research on issues affecting women in India. The fellowship encourages multidisciplinary research in areas such as women’s safety and dignity, gender-based violence, legal rights and access to justice, cyber safety, health and nutrition, economic empowerment, and labour participation. The programme is open to Indian citizens aged between 21 and 30 years who have completed at least a graduate degree from a recognised institution. Selected candidates will be awarded a research grant of ₹1 lakh to conduct a six-month research study.

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Tuman village in Chawasi area of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, received its first motorable road after 78 years. The 2.7-kilometre road was constructed from Shakeld to Tuman by the Public Works Department (PWD). The village was earlier cut off from basic transport facilities for decades. A trial run of a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus was successfully conducted on the new road.

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The President of India graced a special programme under Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Programme. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The programme aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning into school education and training systems. It prepares students and teachers for a fast-changing digital world and AI-based careers. The government has allocated ₹500 crore to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education.

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Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant inaugurated India’s first fully paperless district judiciary in Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala, on 6 January. All courts in Kalpetta district now operate entirely digitally, with electronic filings, digital scrutiny, and instant access through the District Court Case Management System (DCMS) developed in-house by Kerala High Court. The system improves access to justice, reduces litigation costs, removes geographical barriers, and enhances transparency and trust. AI-based tools help judges generate summaries, retrieve case details, annotate documents, and mark statutory provisions.

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Sunil Kumar Meena, IG of Police (Crime & Law & Order) and Chief Spokesperson, highlighted two major achievements of Uttarakhand Police. Uttarakhand Police secured first position in the ICJS (Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System) 2.0 national ranking with a score of 93.46. ICJS 2.0 integrates police, courts, prosecution, prisons, forensics, and fingerprint databases on a single digital platform. Uttarakhand completed most ICJS modules ahead of schedule, ensuring seamless case diaries, charge sheets, digital evidence, and judicial processes.

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In Punjab, ‘Dhiyan Di Lohri’ (Lohri of Daughters) was celebrated in a Jalandhar village, honouring 5,100 newborn girls. Similar celebrations are being organized in various villages across the state. The celebrations aim to strengthen the national ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ movement. Celebrating the birth of daughters as a festival reflects progressive social change and promotes saving, educating, and empowering the girl child in society.

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Recently, European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were invited as Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations. They will visit India from 25–27 January and co-chair the 16th India–European Union (EU) Summit on 27 January. Both leaders will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An India–EU Business Forum will be held alongside the summit. India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004. The last summit was held virtually in July 2020.

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Recently, Odisha launched the five-year scheme ‘Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare’ to promote women empowerment and early childhood education. The scheme provides education for children aged 3–6 years in their mother tongue, aligning with the National Education Policy, 2020. Anganwadi workers will receive language-specific training, educational materials, and audio-visual content. Odisha also launched a 100-day campaign to prevent child marriage and a pilot project to prevent teenage pregnancy and support teenage mothers.

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Mumbai will host India’s first city-led climate action initiative, Mumbai Climate Week 2026, from 17 to 19 February 2026. The initiative highlights that climate action is a fundamental child rights issue. UNICEF India and YuWaah are official youth engagement partners, collaborating with Project Mumbai. The event empowers children and youth to become agents of change, linking grassroots participation with civic leadership. The Youth Green Innovation Challenge for ages 16–24 will showcase sustainable solutions in food systems, urban resilience, and energy transition.

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India’s first flat rolled products (FRP) aluminium unit was inaugurated at Hindalco’s Aditya Aluminium plant in Lapanga, Sambalpur, Odisha. A Rs 834-crore specialised battery foil unit was also inaugurated, and foundation laid for a Rs 21,162-crore smelter plant expansion. The projects are expected to create over 5,000 jobs, boost downstream manufacturing, and generate new livelihood opportunities.