India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Sagarmala Programme was launched in March 2015 to promote port-led development and enhance India’s logistics efficiency and trade competitiveness. The programme currently includes 845 projects worth ₹6.06 lakh crore, out of which 315 projects worth ₹1.57 lakh crore have been completed. It aims to reduce transportation costs by promoting coastal shipping and inland waterways alongside existing road and rail networks. The programme is based on five pillars, namely port modernization and new port development, port connectivity enhancement, port-led industrialization, coastal community development, and promotion of coastal shipping and inland waterways transport.

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The Haryana government introduced Aadhaar-based biometric verification for crop procurement at mandis. Farmers or authorised representatives must verify identity via biometric scans before selling produce. Crop arrivals are cross-checked with the ‘Meri Fasal-Mera Byora’ portal (farmer registration database for land and crop details). The e-Kharid app (digital procurement platform) records vehicle number and captures load photographs before issuing gate passes. The system aims to prevent fraud (illegal sale of crops from other states under fake identities).

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Anusandhan National Research Foundation developed SARAL AI (Simplified Accessible Research and Learning Artificial Intelligence). SARAL AI converts complex research publications into simple, multilingual social media content, including videos. ANRF is a statutory body (legally established organisation) created under the ANRF Act, 2023. It functions under the Department of Science and Technology.

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The National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, works for socio-economic upliftment of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). In FY 2025–26, it achieved a record disbursement of ₹613.75 crore, benefiting 61,621 beneficiaries. Under the VISVAS Interest Subvention Scheme, ₹35.20 crore was utilised, supporting 1.92 lakh beneficiaries with loans worth ₹2,720 crore. The National Fellowship for OBCs disbursed ₹123.33 crore to 2,505 students. Under the SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes), ₹19.20 crore supported 28,476 beneficiaries.

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Recently, tribal communities in Koraput have been protesting for their legal rights over kendu leaves for the third consecutive year. Kendu leaf (Diospyros melanoxylon), also called tendu leaf, is known as the “Green Gold of Odisha” and is a major non-wood forest product. It is a nationalised forest product like bamboo and sal seed. It is widely produced in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, with Odisha being the third-largest producer. Odisha is unique in producing processed kendu leaves.

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Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth launched the Namo Stall distribution scheme in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The initiative aims to support street fruit and vegetable vendors by providing free stalls. In the first phase, five vendors received stalls, each costing around ₹50,000. The programme seeks to empower small traders and ensure stable livelihoods.

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Uttar Pradesh has become the first state to introduce a 10-year ‘warranty’ (Operations & Maintenance commitment) for rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Under the Jal Arpan initiative, ownership and management of water supply schemes have been transferred to Gram Panchayats. The move strengthens decentralised governance and community participation in water management. The state has expanded water quality monitoring infrastructure with district, state, and mobile laboratories (NABL-accredited).

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In Rudraprayag, authorities have launched Operation Kalanemi to ensure safety during the Kedarnath Dham Yatra. The operation has been initiated under directions of District Magistrate Vishal Mishra. Its objective is to identify and take action against anti-social elements posing as sadhus in the pilgrimage area. Police have been directed to verify suspicious individuals and maintain strict surveillance. The operation aims to ensure law and order, pilgrim safety, and a hassle-free yatra experience.

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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) partnered with Sikkim government to document Ru-Soam bridges. Ru-Soam is a traditional cane bridge built by the Lepcha community in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve. ‘Ru’ means cane and ‘Soam’ means bridge in Lepcha language. Bridges can extend up to 100 metres and support limited people. It reflects ecological balance and indigenous engineering knowledge. These bridges are still functional and represent sustainable design practices.

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Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) skilling initiative for the creative sector in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies. The programme has been developed in partnership with Google and YouTube to strengthen India’s creative economy and build industry-ready AI skills. The initiative will provide 15,000 AI skill scholarships for sectors such as media, animation, gaming, and digital storytelling. The initiative aims to prepare creative professionals with modern digital skills aligned with industry requirements.