India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Union Government launched a ₹476.03 crore Central Sector Scheme for holistic development of the makhana sector during the first meeting of the National Makhana Board. National Makhana Board was established as announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, aiming to modernize and strengthen India’s makhana industry. The Board is headquartered in Purnea, Bihar, a major hub for makhana cultivation. The initiative focuses on improving production, processing, marketing, and export potential of makhana, supporting farmers and the agri-based economy.

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The Government informed Parliament that India is the largest producer of makhana globally, contributing nearly 80 percent of world production. Bihar accounts for around 85 percent of the country’s total makhana output, making it the backbone of the sector. Darbhanga district in Bihar has been identified as a key hub for makhana cultivation and processing due to its high potential. Darbhanga hosts the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Research Centre on Makhana and is covered under the One District One Product initiative. To promote the sector, the Government has established the National Makhana Board through a gazette notification dated 14 September 2025.

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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced India’s first wildlife-safe road on National Highway 45 (NH-45) in Madhya Pradesh. The initiative aims to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and balance road development with wildlife conservation in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife-safe section covers a 2 km ghat portion of an 11.96 km highway project passing through the tiger reserve.

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In December 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified India’s first dedicated standard for bomb disposal systems. The standard is titled IS 19445:2025. It aims to strengthen India’s internal security preparedness and safety infrastructure. It was developed at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory. The standard provides guidelines to evaluate systems against blast loads and splinter effects. It aims to ensure uniform evaluation, quality manufacturing, and confidence in bomb disposal systems.

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Gujarat Government led by Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel approved the Indian Artificial Intelligence Research Organization (IAIRO) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar. Gujarat became the first state in India to establish a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) research institution under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. IAIRO will start operations on 1 January 2026 as a non-profit under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. It will follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model via State Government, Central Government and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).

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Sanskaar Shaala, a value-based programme for children aged 4–14 years, was inaugurated in Guwahati by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya. Sanskaar Shaala is a value-based programme aimed at developing ethical, social, and cultural awareness among children. The programme is implemented across Assam under the guidance of the Governor’s office with support from educational institutions. It uses interactive learning methods such as hands-on sessions, workshops, and skill-development activities. The initiative promotes holistic growth, social responsibility, and a deep understanding of Indian cultural and ethical values from an early age.

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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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Punjab has opened its first Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana as a pilot project. The initiative will be replicated across the state. The sanctuary aims to reduce dog bite cases in the city. It will operate according to Supreme Court guidelines.

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Lucknow became Uttar Pradesh’s first zero fresh waste dump city after launching the Shivari Solid Waste Management Plant under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U). The new plant processes 700 metric tonnes per day, taking total capacity to over 2,100 metric tonnes daily. Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) and Bhumi Green Energy operate three plants of equal capacity. Waste is segregated into organic (55%) and inorganic (45%) fractions. Organic waste is converted into compost and biogas, while inorganic waste is recycled or made into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF).

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Operation Trashi-I entered its fourth day in January 2026 in the dense forests of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. It is a multi-day counter-terrorism and area-domination operation in the Chatroo forest region. The operation is jointly conducted by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police including Special Operations Group (SOG), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It aims to track and neutralise terrorists, destroy hideouts and logistics, and disrupt infiltration routes.