India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Gujarat has emerged as the top-performing state in India for claim settlements under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana–Mukhyamantri Amrutum (AB PMJAY–MA). The scheme integrates the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat programme with the state-run Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana, covering around 1.20 crore families in Gujarat. In July 2023, the annual health insurance cover per family was increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, enhancing financial protection against major illnesses. The scheme ensures timely, cashless, and inclusive access to medical treatment for citizens across income groups, including remote and economically weaker areas.

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Gujarat’s Dahod district implements the UNICEF-supported Pa Pa Pagli initiative in Anganwadi centres for children aged 3–6 years. Pa Pa Pagli (First Steps of the Child) is a play-based pre-school education programme by the Gujarat Women and Child Development Department. It targets children in educationally backward districts to improve learning outcomes and confidence. It focuses on life-skills like social interaction, communication, hygiene, and routine habits. It transforms Anganwadis from nutrition and health centres to early cognitive development hubs. It uses digital and visual aids, with UNICEF India providing technical support.

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The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been linked to the National Population Register (NPR) to strengthen intelligence gathering and speed up criminal investigations. NATGRID is a real-time intelligence and data-access platform developed after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks (2008) to enable seamless information-sharing among security and enforcement agencies. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and consolidates over 20 categories of civil and commercial data, including bank transactions, telecom usage, passport and immigration records, tax IDs, police FIRs (CCTNS), and other e-governance sources.

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Anu Garg, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Odisha. She has become the first woman to hold the topmost bureaucratic position in the state. Her appointment follows the superannuation of the outgoing Chief Secretary, Manoj Ahuja, on December 31, 2025. She was serving as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary in the Planning and Convergence Department. She also held additional charge of the Water Resources Department.

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The first Yarn Processing Plant of Purvanchal will be set up in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh. The plant will provide locally processed yarn to the carpet industry, reducing dependence on other states. The Mirzapur–Bhadohi belt is a major hub for handmade carpet production and export. The project is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with an estimated investment of ₹8 crore. Local weavers and carpet manufacturers will benefit from lower raw material costs and timely yarn supply. The plant is expected to be completed by April 2026 and is supported by the Uttar Pradesh Textile & Garmenting Policy 2022.

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Recently, 50,373 public health facilities across all States and Union Territories were certified under National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS). National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) is a national quality framework created by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). It aims to improve the safety, quality, and patient-focused nature of public healthcare services. It first focused on District Hospitals to ensure reliable and quality care. Now it covers District Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals, Community Health Centres, and Ayushman Arogya Mandir Primary Health Centres, Urban Primary Health Centres, and Sub Health Centres.

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The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) celebrated its 125th Foundation Day at Dhanbad, Jharkhand. It is a regulatory agency under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. It ensures occupational safety, health, and welfare of workers employed in mines. It is headed by the Director-General of Mines Safety and headquartered at Dhanbad.

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Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced direct procurement of ginger and dry broomsticks from farmers starting February 2. The procurement is under the flagship Bana Kaih handholding scheme to ensure assured income to cultivators. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a ginger processing unit at Sairang near Aizawl. NITI Aayog has declared Mizoram as the ginger capital of India due to strong farmer-led production. Ginger cultivation has significantly increased farmers’ income and purchasing power.

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Punjab Police launched ‘Operation Parhar’ to dismantle the gangster network and make the state gangster-free. 2,000 teams with 12,000 police officials have started raids across Punjab. Police are mapping 60 major gangsters and 1,200 associates involved in criminal activities. The operation targets the complete ecosystem, including financing, logistics, safe houses, weapons, and communication chains. An Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946) has been launched for citizens to report gangster activities. Caller identities will be kept confidential to ensure public participation and safety.

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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.