India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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NITI Aayog has declared Mizoram as the Ginger Capital of India, acknowledging its superior quality and expanding production of ginger. The state government is actively promoting ginger cultivation, value addition, and processing to strengthen farmers’ income. Major steps include large-scale procurement and financial disbursement to support growers. New ginger processing units and upcoming promotional events are planned to boost the ginger-based industry and market linkages even further.

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The Archaeological Survey of India organised a national workshop on Project Mausam titled “Islands at the Crossroads of Maritime Networks within Indian Ocean Region.” Project Mausam is a cultural-diplomacy and maritime heritage initiative launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Culture. It explores the Indian Ocean world, documenting cultural, commercial, and religious interactions through archaeological and historical research. The project identifies 39 Indian Ocean countries for study and potential UNESCO World Heritage inscription. It promotes research on maritime routes via international seminars and a multidisciplinary approach.

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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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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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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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Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the Jyoti–Vishnu International Art Centre in Guwahati, Assam. The Art Centre, costing around ₹291 crore, has a seating capacity of 5,000 and honors cultural icons Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha. Jyoti Prasad Agarwala made Assam’s first film, Joymoti, laying the foundation of Assamese cinema. He linked music, theatre, and literature with patriotism, inspiring self-respect and freedom consciousness among the people of Assam. Bishnu Prasad Rabha strengthened the freedom movement through art, connecting workers, farmers, and tribal communities.

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Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti launched Jal Seva Aankalan under the Jal Jeevan Mission. It is a Gram Panchayat-led digital tool on the JJM portal to assess drinking water service functionality. It is designed as a community-owned self-assessment, reducing reliance on external surveys. All Har Ghar Jal Gram Panchayats must complete the exercise by 26 January next year. It empowers Gram Panchayats to act as custodians of water supply systems and strengthens Gram Sabha-based decision-making.

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President Droupadi Murmu will attend a special programme under SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness on January 1 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi. SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness is an initiative of the Skill India Mission. The programme is organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to enhance India’s workforce preparedness for an AI-driven future. The programme includes a special “AI for Beginners” session led by a globally renowned AI expert in collaboration with Google, the ministry’s principal AI skilling partner.

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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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Tamil Nadu government signed an agreement with Sarvam AI to set up India’s first full-stack Sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) Park. The project has an initial investment of ₹10,000 crore and is expected to create over 1,000 high-skilled jobs. The park will function as a dedicated AI district with high-performance computing, secure data systems, and AI research labs. It will keep data, models, and computing within the state’s trust boundary to ensure ethics, security, and regulation. Sarvam AI, an Indian generative AI company, will anchor the technology stack and support India-language models.