India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Recently, the Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region interacted virtually with school students from North East visiting ISRO under NE-SPARKS programme. NE-SPARKS stands for North East Students’ Programme for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space. It is a flagship initiative of Ministry of Development of North-East Region (MDoNER) in collaboration with 8 North Eastern States. The programme aims to ignite curiosity in space science and promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among students. The funding pattern is 60:40 between Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and respective State Governments.

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Karnataka government launched LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Programme) with ₹1,000 crore investment for 5 years. The programme supports Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns with infrastructure, co-working spaces, mentorship, and market access. A 3.5-acre Technology Park in Mangaluru will provide space for 3,500 people. Karnataka follows the 3P strategy – people, policy, participation. The state plans 500 new Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in 4 years, creating 5 lakh jobs, and will soon launch a Circular Economy Policy.

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Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the Native Food Matters initiative at Govardhan Eco Village in Palghar, Maharashtra. He highlighted e-waste as a major challenge and praised the Eco Village for saving energy, conserving water, and promoting sustainable living. The initiative focuses on reviving traditional grains like millets for better health and environmental benefits. Awareness drives include Meri Maati Meri Thaali and Poshan Sakha-Sakhi to spread the message. As a pilot, local food varieties are being documented, seasonal vegetables mapped, and a special Palghar Thali introduced at the community café.

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The Centre announced 100 Aspirational Agriculture Districts under Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) across 29 states and Union Territories (UTs). Uttar Pradesh has the highest number with 12 districts, followed by Maharashtra (9), Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan (8 each), and Bihar (7). Other states and UTs have districts ranging from 1–4 each, with Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand having 2 districts each. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) aims to enhance agricultural productivity, crop diversification, sustainable practices, post-harvest storage, irrigation, and credit access.

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The Finance Ministry recently approved Maitri II, India’s newest research station in eastern Antarctica. Maitri II will be larger than Maitri I and designed as a green research base. The station will use renewable energy, including solar power for summer and wind energy to harness Antarctic winds. Automated instruments will record data and send it to mainland India, even if the station is temporarily unmanned. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2029. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will operate and manage Antarctic and Arctic missions.

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The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India. It plays a key role in promoting self-reliance and inclusive growth through the cooperative movement. NCDC supports farmer cooperatives to enhance production and productivity. It provides aid for post-harvest facilities such as processing, storage, cold chain, and marketing of agricultural produce. It ensures the supply of seeds, fertilizers, and other farm inputs. It assists income-generating cooperatives in non-farm sectors like dairy, livestock, handloom, and sericulture. Recently, NCDC continues to drive cooperative-based economic and social upliftment through its sponsored and Government of India schemes.

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The Delhi government launched the School Web App to modernise education and administration in government schools. It provides a single digital platform for students, teachers, and parents to access all school-related services. It gives access to timetables, homework, notes, attendance, and results remotely. The app reduces teachers’ workload and improves communication between schools and families. It promotes innovation, skill-based learning, and Fit India activities as per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has conducted India’s first Plastic Waste Brand Audit–2025 to tackle plastic pollution. The audit was carried out in six cities — Mohali, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, and Bathinda. It aimed to identify companies producing the most plastic waste in Punjab. 14 major companies, including 4 multinational firms, were found responsible for about 59% of non-recyclable (hard-to-recycle) plastic waste. PPCB analysed 11,810 plastic packets from different brands to determine waste contribution.

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India and Nepal began the 19th Exercise Suryakiran on 25 November–8 December in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The exercise strengthens synergy in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism in mountain terrain. It focuses on using niche technology to improve interoperability and share best practices. It reflects both nations’ commitment to global peace, security, and deeper defence cooperation. Exercise Suryakiran is held annually, alternating between India and Nepal. In the 18th edition (Dec 2024–Jan 2025) in Nepal, 334 Indian Army personnel trained on operations, aviation, medical skills and environmental conservation.

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Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 tabled by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma criminalises polygamy. Offence attracts up to 7 years jail and fine, 10 years if a person hides an existing marriage; punishment doubles for repeat offenders. Law applies statewide except Sixth Schedule areas; Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 are exempt due to customary laws allowing multiple marriages.