India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Prime Minister inaugurated Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is a national memorial dedicated to the life, ideas, and values of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The complex is located on the banks of the Gomti River and spread over 65 acres. The lotus-shaped museum covers 98,000 square feet with five galleries and 12 interpretation walls showing the lives and ideas of the leaders.

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Over 20 percent of groundwater samples collected in Delhi in 2023 had nitrate levels exceeding the permissible limit of 45 mg/l, according to a submission by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). In some locations in Delhi, nitrate concentrations reached as high as 994 mg/l, which is more than 22 times the safe drinking water limit. Nitrate contamination poses serious environmental and public health risks, particularly causing methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome” in infants. Delhi ranked fifth among states and Union Territories in terms of peak nitrate concentration, while Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest nitrate level in the country at 2,296.36 mg/l.

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The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled a new logo and mascot to modernise its identity and improve public outreach. The initiative reinforces the role of official statistics in policy formulation, nation-building, and data-driven governance. The logo reflects the theme “Data for Development”, with the Ashoka Chakra symbolising truth, transparency, and good governance. The Rupee symbol (₹) highlights statistics’ role in economic planning and policymaking. The mascot “सांख्यिकी” makes statistics accessible, relatable, and citizen-centric, used across surveys, campaigns, education, digital platforms, and public events.

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Surat is set to become India’s first slum-free city with a population of over 70 lakh. Currently, Chandigarh is India’s first slum-free city with a population of 10 lakh. In 2006, 36% of Surat’s population lived in slums; it has now reduced to 5%. The government plans phased, result-oriented efforts and proper housing to achieve full slum-free status.

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The President of India graced a special programme under Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Programme. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The programme aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning into school education and training systems. It prepares students and teachers for a fast-changing digital world and AI-based careers. The government has allocated ₹500 crore to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education.

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Recently, Indian scientists began developing indigenously manufactured Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) using 3D-printing technology. The initiative is part of Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore programme under the Ministry of Earth Sciences to strengthen weather observation and forecasting. The first batch of 3D-printed AWS will be installed in major cities, starting with Delhi, from February. The project is led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. AWS automatically measure and transmit weather data like temperature, wind, humidity, and rainfall, reducing operational costs.

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Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant inaugurated India’s first fully paperless district judiciary in Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala, on 6 January. All courts in Kalpetta district now operate entirely digitally, with electronic filings, digital scrutiny, and instant access through the District Court Case Management System (DCMS) developed in-house by Kerala High Court. The system improves access to justice, reduces litigation costs, removes geographical barriers, and enhances transparency and trust. AI-based tools help judges generate summaries, retrieve case details, annotate documents, and mark statutory provisions.

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Karnataka Department of Women and Child Development has launched Gruha Lakshmi Digital Marketing to promote women entrepreneurs. It is a state-backed e-commerce portal showcasing women-made products to national and global markets. The initiative aims to boost women’s economic independence and digital inclusion. The portal highlights products from urban and rural women, including artisans and small businesses. Only verified women entrepreneurs are onboarded to ensure trust and quality. It offers a simple, customer-friendly digital interface for buyers.

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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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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.