India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) hosted the fourth edition of its Manasvi: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Mentorship Program for High School Girls from May 13 to 17, 2025. The five-day event welcomed 100 girls from Classes 9 to 12, mainly from government schools in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), to promote STEM learning. Organized by the Office of Academic Outreach and New Initiatives at IIT Delhi, Manasvi aims to boost confidence and interest among girls in STEM careers. The program included technical workshops, motivational talks, and hands-on sessions like solar lamp assembly at the MakerSpace Lab.

Notes:
Odisha government launched ANKUR – Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation and Reforms – to drive smart and citizen-friendly urban growth. The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with six key organisations to support this initiative. ANKUR aims to build resilient, livable, and future-ready cities as Odisha’s urban population is expected to triple by 2036. It supports four pillars – capacity building, knowledge and research, implementation support, and innovation – and aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Notes:
Mock drills were recently held in states and Union Territories near India’s western border under Operation SHIELD. The main goal is to check and improve India’s readiness against external threats. The drills simulate emergencies like enemy air raids, drone attacks, missile strikes, and mass evacuations. It includes silent and general recall of civil defence volunteers to test quick response. This helps authorities prepare better for real security situations along the border.

Notes:
The world’s largest container ship, MSC Irina, is making its maiden call at Vizhinjam Port in Kerala, marking its first entry into a South Asian port. MSC Irina is a part of the Irina-class ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) and was built in 2023. It sails under the Liberian flag and is operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), based in Switzerland. It uses green technologies like air lubrication, energy-efficient propellers, and an advanced hull to reduce carbon emissions.

Notes:
Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme to empower waste pickers. This digital platform will identify and support waste pickers by giving them formal identity, health insurance, skill training, and livelihood access. NAMASTE scheme now aims to enumerate 2.5 lakh waste pickers and integrate them into India’s formal sanitation and circular economy systems.

Notes:
At the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, Paris, Union Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh launched SAHAV, a digital ocean data portal to promote transparent and science-based ocean management. United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held from June 9–13, 2025, aims to support Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has digitised the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) to ensure quick, transparent, and efficient financial aid to poor families. The scheme offers ₹30,000 to the dependent of a deceased earning head, if the family’s annual income is below ₹56,460 in urban areas and ₹46,080 in rural areas. Funds are transferred through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) to Aadhaar-linked accounts.

Notes:
Recently, Dwarka Expressway became the first road in India to be equipped with an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS). The project is being implemented by Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL). Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) is a set of smart technologies designed to improve traffic efficiency, safety, and reliability on roads.

Notes:
With the monsoon season starting, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) launched the ‘Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao’ (SABB) campaign from 1 to 31 July 2025. The campaign aims to reduce health risks from water-borne and vector-borne diseases by promoting hygiene and clean surroundings. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will focus on drain cleaning, garbage hotspot reduction, and awareness drives. It partners with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and other ministries to strengthen public health.

Notes:
Recently, India achieved global recognition for its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at the Remount Veterinary Corps Centre and College, Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) approved the facility on 3rd July. The EDFC enables Indian sport horses to travel and compete internationally by meeting global biosecurity and animal health standards. The compartment is free from Equine Infectious Anaemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, Surra, and African Horse Sickness.