India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is proposing a mandatory identification system for electric vehicle (EV) batteries using a unique 21-character “Battery Pack Aadhaar Number” (BPAN). BPAN will be assigned to every EV battery introduced in the market or used for self-consumption. The primary aim of BPAN is to ensure end-to-end traceability of batteries throughout their lifecycle—from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to usage, repurposing, and final disposal. This initiative was proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

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The Public Works Department (PWD) has mandated the use of QR codes on all existing and future road signage across roads under its control in Delhi. This move is part of an extensive drive to upgrade retro-reflective road signs and improve their quality, durability, and uniformity. The QR codes will initially provide basic details about the signboard, including warranty-related information. In a later phase, the QR codes may be integrated with the PWD Sewa mobile application to allow citizens to register complaints about damaged or faulty signage.

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Chhattisgarh leads among larger states in implementing the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) system. As of 7 January 2026, 50,60,941 APAAR IDs were generated out of 57,10,207 students in 57,045 schools, achieving 88.63% coverage. APAAR IDs provide a permanent, secure digital academic identity for students, storing achievements, certificates, and credits. Bemetara district has the highest coverage at 96.40%, followed by Rajnandgaon at 96.38%. Raigarh, Korea, Raipur, Korba, Dhamtari, Durg, and Balodabazar have over 93% coverage.

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Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, organized India’s first National Capacity Building Programme for Tribal Healers on 16–17 January 2026 in Hyderabad, Telangana. Programme aims to formally recognize, capacitate, and integrate tribal and indigenous healers into India’s public health system. A key highlight of the programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICMR–Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, to establish the Bharat Tribal Health Observatory (B-THO) under Project DRISTI.

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Recently, Jharkhand implemented rules under the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) after 25 years of statehood. PESA is intended to give tribal communities greater control over governance in Fifth Schedule Areas. The law empowers Gram Sabhas to manage local resources, resolve disputes, and preserve customary practices. The implementation covers 13 districts fully, with partial application in three more. Tribal leaders welcome the law but caution that administrative control may dilute true autonomy. The success of PESA will depend on effective and respectful implementation at the village level.

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Operation Trashi-I entered its fourth day in January 2026 in the dense forests of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. It is a multi-day counter-terrorism and area-domination operation in the Chatroo forest region. The operation is jointly conducted by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police including Special Operations Group (SOG), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It aims to track and neutralise terrorists, destroy hideouts and logistics, and disrupt infiltration routes.

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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Samikshya portal for real-time monitoring of development projects. It tracks works funded under the State Finance Commission (SFC) and Central Finance Commission (CFC) grants. Citizens, officials, and elected representatives can monitor projects like roads, drinking water, sanitation, street lights, parks, and public utilities. It emphasizes equity, regional balance, and the needs of rural and urban bodies. The portal aims to improve transparency, accountability, and timely execution of grassroots projects.

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Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the launch of the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) to strengthen urban development in India. The Urban Challenge Fund is a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The Fund aims to promote resilient, productive, inclusive, and climate-responsive cities, positioning urban centres as key drivers of India’s next phase of economic growth. Under the scheme, at least 50 per cent of project financing must be mobilised from market sources such as municipal bonds, bank loans, and Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs), while the remaining share can be contributed by States, Union Territories, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), or other sources.

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The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences achieved recognition from Guinness World Records for the most viewers of an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare lesson live stream on YouTube. NBEMS is an autonomous body functioning under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The record was achieved through a nationwide online training programme on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. The programme was specially designed for registered medical practitioners across India to promote digital skills in healthcare.

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The United Nations launches a project in partnership with four Indian states to develop a road safety financing framework. The initiative is being implemented in Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in India. The project focuses on strengthening institutional capacity for effective implementation of road safety action plans. It aims to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries through better planning, funding and monitoring mechanisms.