India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Gujarat recently faced a health crisis due to a surge in Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases, mainly impacting children and causing multiple deaths. AES involves sudden high fever, convulsions, altered consciousness, and organ dysfunction. Symptoms can also include vomiting, diarrhea, and severe cases may lead to respiratory failure and nasal bleeding. It can be caused by various pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or toxins. Diagnosing AES is difficult as it shares symptoms with other infections like Chandipura Vesiculovirus and Japanese Encephalitis. The outbreak affected 26 of Gujarat’s 33 districts, with cases in major cities and neighboring states. As of August 19, 2024, there were 178 cases and 78 deaths, with 28 children testing positive for Chandipura Vesiculovirus.

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The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) held a consultation meeting on the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Tilaiya Dam, as part of the Dam Safety Act of 2021. The meeting, chaired by DVC Chairman S Suresh Kumar, included government officials, DVC representatives, and local community members. Tilaiya Dam, built on the Barakar River in Jharkhand, India, was constructed in 1953 as the first of four dams in DVC’s initial phase. The dam is 1,200 feet long and 99 feet high, with a reservoir covering 36 square kilometers. It has a hydroelectric plant with two 2 MW units, and a third unit may be added in the future.

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Mangaluru district jail started a nursery program where prisoners grow ornamental plants like croton, hibiscus, jasmine, and royal farm plants. The program, led by Superintendent B T Oblesappa, involves 30 inmates and aims to rehabilitate them by teaching valuable agricultural skills. It provides prisoners with a potential way to earn a living after release.
The initiative has been well-received locally, with strong demand for the saplings. It also helps increase government revenue. This program highlights a successful approach to prisoner rehabilitation and promoting self-sufficiency.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the Vadhvan Port project in Palghar, Maharashtra, worth around ₹76,000 crore. Vadhvan Port is set to become one of the top 10 ports globally, with a handling capacity of 23.2 million TEUs. The port, near Dahanu town, Maharashtra, will be one of India’s largest deep-water ports, offering direct connectivity to international shipping routes. Equipped with modern technology and infrastructure, it will feature deep berths and efficient cargo handling. The project will create significant employment, boost local businesses, and support regional economic growth. It emphasizes sustainable development, minimizing environmental impact. Once operational, the port will enhance India’s maritime connectivity and strengthen its global trade position.

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Odisha granted habitat rights to Saora tribals in Gajapati district, making it the state with the most habitat rights for particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs). The Saora tribe is one of Odisha’s ancient tribes, mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. They are also known as Savaras, Sabaras, Saura, and Sora. Besides Odisha, Saoras live in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam. They speak the Sora language, a Munda language, and use the Sorang Sompeng script. Saoras have Proto Australoid features, a complex religion with many gods, and unique art and tattoo traditions.
Economically, they are divided into plains Saoras (agriculture and wage work) and hill Saoras (shifting and terraced cultivation).

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President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Vishwashanti Buddha Vihara in Udgir, Latur district. She installed a statue of Gautama Buddha inside the vihara and paid tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar by offering flowers at his statue. The event featured a traditional Buddha worship ceremony. Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and other leaders attended the event. The vihara is a replica of the Buddha Vihara in Kalburgi, Karnataka, spread over 15 hectares. It has a meditation center for 1,200 followers, and its main entrance is inspired by the Sanchi Stupa.

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The Union Home Minister addressed the first Foundation Day of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in New Delhi, launching new initiatives to combat cybercrime. The Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) was established to coordinate with banks, financial intermediaries, and law enforcement for immediate action on online financial crimes. The Samanvaya Platform is a web-based system for cybercrime data sharing, mapping, and coordination among law enforcement agencies. The ‘Cyber Commandos’ Program will create a special team of trained cyber experts to support state and central agencies in digital security. The Suspect Registry will enhance fraud risk management by maintaining a database of identifiers linked to cybercrime reports.

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The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) recently launched a website offering technical terms in all 22 official Indian languages. Established in December 1960, CSTT’s goal is to develop and define scientific and technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages. It operates under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, with its headquarters in New Delhi. The CSTT’s main functions are to create standardized terminology, promote its use, and ensure widespread distribution.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully dismantled a cybercrime network involving virtual assets and bullion through Operation Chakra III. This operation was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the US. Operation Chakra, initiated by the CBI in 2022, is a global effort supported by INTERPOL to tackle organized cyber-enabled financial crimes. Phase 1 of the operation began in 2022, followed by Phase 2 in 2023, with Phase 3 recently concluding.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park in Amravati, Maharashtra, covering 1,000 acres. The park is part of a plan to establish seven PM MITRA Parks to boost the textile industry, developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).