India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Recently, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh reviewed progress of Shongtong–Karchham Hydroelectric Project during a visit to Kinnaur district. The Shongtong–Karchham Hydroelectric Project is located on the Satluj River in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a run-of-river (RoR) project, meaning electricity is generated using natural river flow without large storage reservoirs. The total installed capacity is 450 megawatts (MW), with 3 × 150 MW Francis turbines. It is being developed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), a state-owned company. The project aims to enhance clean energy generation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

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India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park is being established in Ladakh on the banks of the Indus River to preserve ancient rock art. Petroglyphs are prehistoric carvings or engravings on rock surfaces depicting symbols, figures, and inscriptions. The park aims to protect endangered petroglyphs threatened by tourism, infrastructure development, and environmental factors. It will relocate and conserve carvings from vulnerable and isolated sites across Ladakh for safe preservation and public display.

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Dhar city of Madhya Pradesh has been selected under the Safe Cities Project 2026 to enhance women’s safety. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and fully funded by the Central Government. An allocation of ₹10 crore has been made for a 5-year implementation period. It aims to make public spaces safer and women-friendly through infrastructure upgrades.

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The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application during a Chintan Shivir held in Chandigarh (24–26 April 2026). The app is developed under the SMILE Scheme, specifically its Beggary Sub-Scheme for comprehensive rehabilitation. It enables real-time digital data collection by district authorities and implementing agencies, improving accuracy and transparency. The application addresses issues like delayed and inconsistent reporting, ensuring timely monitoring and better coordination. It enhances capabilities for real-time data analytics, performance tracking, and evidence-based policy implementation.

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Border Roads Organisation Project Deepak celebrated its 66th Raising Day on May 4, 2026, at Shimla. Raised in 1961, it is one of the oldest projects of BRO, working in the Western Himalayas. Its area of responsibility includes key districts such as Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. It has constructed and maintained strategic roads, including the Hindustan-Tibet Road and Manali-Leh axis, covering over 1,100 kilometres. It also plays a major role in disaster management, rescuing stranded civilians during natural calamities such as Baralachala Pass and Chandrataal in 2023.

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The National Statistical Office released the 80th round of the National Sample Survey of Health report. Kerala recorded the highest Persons Reporting Illness Ratio (PPRA) or morbidity rate in India at 39.7%. West Bengal recorded the second-highest morbidity rate at 24.5%, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 21.1%. The national average morbidity rate was 13.1%. In Kerala and West Bengal, illness reporting was higher in urban areas and among women. Kerala’s high morbidity rate is linked to its aging population, high life expectancy, lifestyle diseases, and strong health awareness.

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According to the National Crime Records Bureau “Crime in India 2024” report, Odisha recorded the highest violent crime rate in the country in 2024. Odisha reported a violent crime rate of 161.6 victims per lakh population, the highest among all Indian states. Odisha also ranked second in India for crimes against women with a crime rate of 118.3 cases per lakh women population. Bihar recorded the second-highest violent crime rate at 83 victims per lakh population, much lower than Odisha’s rate.

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The foundation stone for the National Small Industries Corporation Technology cum Common Facility Centre (TCFC) was laid at Peenya Industrial Area, Bengaluru. The Centre is being established with support from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The facility will provide advanced testing laboratories, skilling infrastructure, innovation support, Industry 4.0 solutions, drone technology, and industrial automation services.

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The Centre felicitated Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Nagaland, and Rajasthan for integrating DigiLocker with state government services. The recognition was given during the National Consultative Workshop on Strengthening Cybersecurity Frameworks for State Data. The initiative was led by the National e-Governance Division to improve digital governance and citizen-centric service delivery. Karnataka recorded the highest number of DigiLocker accounts with over 2.7 crore registered users, while Gujarat onboarded 65% of its services onto DigiLocker.

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Muzaffarpur is popularly known as the “Litchi Capital of the World” due to its massive production of litchi. The region’s fertile alluvial soil, warm summers, and high humidity in the Gangetic plains create ideal conditions for litchi cultivation. Bihar is the largest producer of litchi in India, with Muzaffarpur at the centre of the production belt along with Vaishali and Samastipur. Shahi litchi received a Geographical Indication Tag, recognising its unique regional identity. Litchi farming has been practiced in the region for generations and forms an important part of the local economy and culture. During the May–June harvest season, Muzaffarpur supplies litchis to markets across India and abroad.