India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute launched a stock enhancement programme for short-neck clam (Paphia malabarica) in Ashtamudi Lake showing early signs of recovery. Short-neck clam is a valuable bivalve mollusk and India’s first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified species. It is the major fishery resource of brackish water Ashtamudi Lake.

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The Jal Shakti Ministry reported receiving 17,036 complaints of financial irregularities and poor-quality works under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) over the last three years and the current year. Uttar Pradesh accounted for 14,264 complaints (84%), the highest among all States. Actions have been taken against 621 departmental officials, 969 contractors, and 153 Third-Party Inspection Agencies (TPIAs) nationwide. Other States reporting complaints include Assam (1,236), Tripura (376), Rajasthan (183), Maharashtra (154), Karnataka (169), and West Bengal (173); some States reported none. States are responsible for inquiry and corrective action, with actions already reported in several cases. The JJM, launched in 2019, aims to provide tap water connections to all rural households.

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As part of National Handicrafts Week, the Ministry of Textiles launched the Chaupal Program nationwide in New Delhi. The program aims to promote handicraft traditions, build entrepreneurship, and form sustainable handicraft clusters under the National Handicrafts Development Program (NHDP). Chaupals will be permanent district-level platforms in 100 handicraft aspirational districts for artisan enrolment, scheme awareness, skill development, and entrepreneurship over the plan period. Chaupal Kits with audio-visual materials and essential equipment were distributed to facilitate workshops, demonstrations, and digital onboarding of artisans.

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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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Sunil Kumar Meena, IG of Police (Crime & Law & Order) and Chief Spokesperson, highlighted two major achievements of Uttarakhand Police. Uttarakhand Police secured first position in the ICJS (Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System) 2.0 national ranking with a score of 93.46. ICJS 2.0 integrates police, courts, prosecution, prisons, forensics, and fingerprint databases on a single digital platform. Uttarakhand completed most ICJS modules ahead of schedule, ensuring seamless case diaries, charge sheets, digital evidence, and judicial processes.

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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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Punjab Police launched ‘Operation Parhar’ to dismantle the gangster network and make the state gangster-free. 2,000 teams with 12,000 police officials have started raids across Punjab. Police are mapping 60 major gangsters and 1,200 associates involved in criminal activities. The operation targets the complete ecosystem, including financing, logistics, safe houses, weapons, and communication chains. An Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946) has been launched for citizens to report gangster activities. Caller identities will be kept confidential to ensure public participation and safety.

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A value-education initiative titled “Young Ambassadors of Change: Values for a Caring Community” was launched at a Government Adi Dravidar Primary School in Kattur, Tamil Nadu. The programme promotes values like honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility, discipline, patience, and gratitude. Teachers use value-based stories, prayers, and reflections during morning assemblies. Students practice values at school and home with parental support through WhatsApp communication. Children are rotated in batches every 15 days for equal participation. Assessment is done through observation, encouragement, badges, and quote walls instead of marks.

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Indian Railways operationalised India’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)–Diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. The 1,400 horsepower (HP) DEMU driving power cars were converted to run on a dual-fuel system. LNG replaces about 40% of conventional diesel consumption in the modified train. The converted power cars successfully completed field trials covering over 2,000 kilometres. The train is now running in regular passenger service without operational issues. The initiative reduces carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions significantly.