India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Indian Railways recently launched the SHINE app on International Women’s Day to promote workplace safety and empowerment for women employees. SHINE stands for Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment. The app allows women employees to lodge complaints of sexual harassment while maintaining confidentiality. Complaints are addressed promptly by the Internal Complaints Committee in accordance with Visakha Guidelines (1997) and government instructions. Complaints can be filed through the Human Resources Management System (HRMS) and the Employee Self Service portal.

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V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority became the first Indian port to launch the Digital Twin initiative for port management on 23 February 2026. Digital Twin creates a real-time virtual replica of the port’s infrastructure, assets, and maritime ecosystem for enhanced visibility, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making. Features include real-time monitoring of berth occupancy, vessel movements, crane utilisation, yard capacity, predictive maintenance, and berth/traffic optimisation. It supports energy and emissions tracking, scenario simulation, and “what-if” modelling for peak demand and operational disruptions.

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National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) tested an indigenously developed Floating LiDAR Buoy System off Muttom coast, Tamil Nadu. It is a high-tech ocean instrument that measures wind conditions using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. The system combines a floating buoy with laser-based sensors to study atmospheric conditions over the sea. It emits laser pulses that reflect from air particles, and the returned signals are analysed to measure wind speed, direction, and patterns. It can capture detailed wind data up to 300 metres above sea level, which is better than traditional instruments.

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In alignment with the declaration of 2026 as the ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer’ by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the United Nations, the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) has launched the Krishi Sakhi Initiative to empower women farmers and promote inclusive growth in agriculture. The initiative aims to create sustained awareness, increase participation of women in agriculture and crop insurance, and recognize their contribution to strengthening the agricultural sector in India. It is being implemented through structured month-wise activities across AIC’s Head Office and Regional Offices to ensure continuous engagement throughout the year.

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The Indian Navy has commenced the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative from 16 March 2026, reinforcing India’s commitment to maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The initiative follows India’s assumption of the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in February 2026 and includes participation from 16 member nations. IOS SAGAR is part of India’s broader vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and aligns with the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) framework. It aims to enhance maritime partnerships, improve interoperability, and strengthen regional security cooperation.

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Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) has established 53 cells across 36 States and Union Territories and provides services in 20 languages. The helpline has handled more than 34.34 lakh calls, reflecting its wide reach and usage. The Tele-MANAS mobile application was launched on 10 October 2024 by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to provide comprehensive mental health support from well-being to disorders. The programme provides multiple referrals including counselling, clinical evaluation, Mental Health Professionals (MHPs – Mental Health Professionals), and emergency psychiatric care.

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Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched three major initiatives to strengthen India’s media, broadcasting, and digital sector while promoting the creative (‘Orange’) economy. The initiatives are National AI Skilling Initiative in partnership with Google and YouTube via Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT); MyWAVES citizen creator platform on WAVES OTT; and Advanced Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) with in-built satellite tuners for DD Free Dish. The initiatives aim to build an AI-skilled workforce, expand opportunities for creators, strengthen public broadcasting, and improve content accessibility, especially in remote areas

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As of February 2026, 1,244 Labour Rooms (LRs) and 917 Maternity Operation Theatres (MOTs) in public health facilities are certified under LaQshya. The LaQshya (Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative) is a program by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. It improves the quality of care in public health facility labour rooms and maternity OTs during delivery and the immediate postpartum period, focusing on respectful care and improved clinical processes.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Kaynes semiconductor plant at Sanand, Gujarat. The plant is set up by Kaynes Technology as an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility. It is established under the India Semiconductor Mission. The facility manufactures Intelligent Power Modules (IPMs) used in electric vehicles, automotive, and industrial automation. It marks India’s entry into the global semiconductor value chain and boosts high-tech manufacturing.

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The Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MH-EWDSS) marks a major advancement in India’s disaster risk reduction and weather forecasting framework. It is developed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) using open-source technology and in-house expertise. It is part of Mission Mausam, a digital transformation initiative, and was launched in 2024. It uses Geographic Information System (GIS) maps for real-time data collection, analysis, and dissemination.