India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

Notes:
In December 2025, the Rajasthan government launched a digital platform called ‘e-Swasthya Samvad’ to enhance governance, transparency, and coordination in the medical education department. The platform serves as a digital interface connecting all stakeholders in medical education and health services for faster decision-making and effective implementation of programmes. ‘e-Swasthya Samvad’ will be conducted twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, via video conferencing. The initiative aims to ensure accountability, reduce delays, and strengthen coordination across all levels of the medical education system.

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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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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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Tuman village in Chawasi area of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, received its first motorable road after 78 years. The 2.7-kilometre road was constructed from Shakeld to Tuman by the Public Works Department (PWD). The village was earlier cut off from basic transport facilities for decades. A trial run of a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus was successfully conducted on the new road.

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Recently, around 60 people were injured when a loco train carrying workers hit a goods train inside the Pipalkoti tunnel of the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project. The Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project (VPHEP) is a run-of-river hydropower project on the Alaknanda River, a major tributary of the Ganga River, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The project will generate about 1,665 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. It is developed by THDC India Limited, a joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, with World Bank funding.

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The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is proposing a mandatory identification system for electric vehicle (EV) batteries using a unique 21-character “Battery Pack Aadhaar Number” (BPAN). BPAN will be assigned to every EV battery introduced in the market or used for self-consumption. The primary aim of BPAN is to ensure end-to-end traceability of batteries throughout their lifecycle—from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to usage, repurposing, and final disposal. This initiative was proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

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The Tamil Nadu government has launched India’s first dedicated Deep Tech Policy called the Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025-2026 (TNDTSP). Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the policy at UmagineTN 2026 to strengthen innovation-led growth and position Tamil Nadu as a premier deep tech hub. The policy aims to foster advanced innovation, drive industrial growth, empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and accelerate Tamil Nadu’s journey towards a $1 trillion economy. The iTNT Hub will act as the nodal implementing agency, coordinating initiatives, managing funds, and serving as a single point of contact for stakeholders.

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Indore declared a waterborne disease outbreak as an epidemic after reported fatalities in Bhagirathpura, marking a serious public health emergency. The declaration prompted immediate emergency containment and response measures. Special teams from central and state agencies were deployed to identify the source of contamination. Experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (ICMR-NIRBI) assisted in the investigation. Authorities are examining whether pipeline leaks caused single or multiple contamination points, emphasizing the need for infrastructure safety.

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Recently, Maharashtra launched the ‘Arunodaya’ Mission for statewide sickle cell screening in 21 high-prevalence districts. The drive runs from 15 January to 7 February, covering tribal and high-risk populations. It is implemented by the Maharashtra Public Health and Family Welfare Department under Chief Minister guidance. It provides free screening, diagnostics, medicines, blood transfusions, and telemedicine services. Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary haemoglobin disorder causing sickle-shaped red blood cells, chronic anaemia, pain crises, infections, and organ damage.

Notes:
The Government increased the Central Silk Board’s financial approval limit to ₹1 crore from ₹50 lakh by amending Rule 22 of the Central Silk Board Rules, 1955. The Central Silk Board is a statutory body established in 1948 by an Act of Parliament. It functions under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The headquarters of the Central Silk Board is located in Bengaluru. It advises the Central Government on development of the silk industry, including import and export of raw silk. It prepares reports on the silk sector as required by the Government.