India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Recently, the Karnataka government launched Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) initiative with an initial funding of ₹7,000 crore to accelerate major infrastructure projects in Bengaluru. B-SMILE is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a government-owned company created to plan, fund, and implement large-scale urban projects. It is part of the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, aimed at unified and efficient urban development. Unlike existing civic bodies like BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), BDA (Bangalore Development Authority), and BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board), B-SMILE will work centrally across zones. It will be governed by an 11-member Board and led by a full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO), an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. This move addresses issues like traffic congestion, overlapping authorities, and slow project execution by enabling professional, long-term planning.

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The Supreme Court of India recently quashed a Delhi High Court order that had asked the Wikimedia Foundation, which runs Wikipedia, to remove a user-created page and related discussions. The Court strongly upheld the “Right to Know” as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of Speech and Expression, and Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty. It said the Right to Know helps citizens take part in democracy, seek justice, and hold the government accountable. The judgment clarified that criticism of courts in public debate is allowed in a democracy and should not be called contempt without reason. Under Article 19(1)(a), the Right to Know includes information about government work, public decisions, and court actions. The Court said freedom of speech also means people have a right to receive information, which is key to a healthy democracy. Under Article 21, the Right to Know supports informed choices, justice access, and dignity in life, all of which are important for full participation in governance.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently inaugurated the upgraded Multi Agency Centre, also known as MAC. MAC is a national intelligence-sharing hub under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) where central and state agencies share information on terrorism. It was first set up in 2001 after the Kargil conflict and was strengthened after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. It now connects all police districts nationwide through a secure network built at a cost of ₹500 crore. The system includes Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools for better analysis. It helps map hotspots, predict threats, and coordinate real-time action against terrorism, crime, and cyberattacks.

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The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) recently installed India’s longest rail flyover girder at Kalamboli, Maharashtra under the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The WDFC is a 1,500-kilometre project to modernise India’s freight transport system. It was installed 34 metres across live railway tracks without disrupting Indian Railways operations, using advanced heavy-lifting machines. This first-of-its-kind feat shows India’s growing technical strength in railway infrastructure. The flyover will boost cargo flow between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Maharashtra’s industrial hubs. It will reduce transit time, improve logistics efficiency, and shift cargo from road to rail, which is cleaner and energy-efficient.

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India’s first Mahouts Village was recently inaugurated at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu. A total of 44 houses have been built for mahouts and their families, who care for and manage elephants. This is the first such dedicated settlement in India aimed at improving the lives of mahouts. The project has been developed at a cost of ₹5.6 crore. It provides permanent and well-equipped housing for mahouts and cavadis (assistants), recognizing their traditional skills and contribution to elephant care. The initiative highlights Tamil Nadu’s efforts to ensure welfare of both elephants and their caretakers.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and others. The case involves corruption in the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project (KHPP). KHPP is a Run-of-River hydroelectric scheme launched in 2019. It is expected to start commercial operation by July 2025. The project is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. KHPP lies between Kirthai II (upstream) and Kwar (downstream) power projects. KHPP aims to strengthen renewable energy infrastructure in northern India. The project site is near the confluence of the Chenab River with Singad and Bela streams, close to Patharnakki and Kiru villages.

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Bharat Seva Kendra (BSK) is a national initiative launched by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (CCI India). It aims to deliver government services and welfare schemes directly to rural citizens across India. It acts as a one-stop center for services related to healthcare, education, employment, financial aid, digital access, and agriculture. It is supported by 2.5 lakh sarpanches and 6.5 lakh BSK Sarthis who help villagers connect with government benefits. The initiative focuses on cutting bureaucratic delays by offering a single-window platform. It also promotes digital literacy through modern infrastructure and e-governance tools.

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Hyderabad teenager Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti recently became the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world to complete the Seven Summits Challenge. The Seven Summits Challenge involves climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. It was first proposed and completed by Richard Bass in 1985. The peaks include Mount Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, and either Kosciuszko in Australia or Puncak Jaya in Oceania.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched the Honorary Rank Promotion Scheme for retiring personnel of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles. This scheme, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, grants a one-rank honorary promotion from Constable up to Sub-Inspector. It is given on the retirement day to boost morale, pride, and self-respect of the personnel. The promotion is symbolic and does not involve any financial or pension benefits. It applies only if the higher rank exists within the service’s structure. The promotion does not affect the seniority of personnel. This move recognises dedicated service and aims to honour commitment with dignity.

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The Department of Posts has launched DHRUVA, which stands for Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address. It marks a major step toward building a nationwide Digital Address Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DHRUVA provides a geo-coded, standard, and interoperable digital address system. It aims to make address-related services simple, secure, and consent-based across government and private sectors. The core idea is Address-as-a-Service (AaaS), which allows users to manage their address data efficiently and with control.