India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Chennai is the first city in Tamil Nadu to adopt the City Biodiversity Index (Singapore Index). The initiative is a joint effort by ICLEI South Asia, Greater Chennai Corporation, and state agencies. The index measures native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and governance through 23 indicators. For baseline year 2024, Chennai scored 38 out of 72 across 18 indicators, showing resilience and areas for improvement.

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The Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the Unified Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) portal on 5 September 2025 in New Delhi. The launch took place during the 5th meeting of the Central Advisory Council. The Unified RERA portal aims to strengthen transparency and accountability in the real estate sector. RERA empowers homebuyers, ensures timely project delivery, and enforces discipline among developers. States and Union Territories (UTs) were urged to implement RERA fully to safeguard citizens’ interests. The portal provides a centralized platform for project registration, grievance redressal, and real-time monitoring of real estate developments.

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Bhubaneswar became the first Indian city to release an Integrated Heat and Cooling Action Plan (IHCAP). Integrated Heat and Cooling Action Plan (IHCAP) aims to tackle rising heat stress and soaring air-conditioning (AC) demand. Heat stress in Bhubaneswar now spans February to October, with night-time temperatures increasing risks. Rapid urbanisation increased built-up area by 23%, reduced vegetation by 10%, and water bodies by 75%, intensifying the urban heat island (UHI) effect.

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A grand tribute was paid to the under-construction Statue of Hindubhushan of Maratha King Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The statue is a 180-foot bronze monument located in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra. On 14 September 2025, it was honoured with the largest-ever Dhol-Tasha salute. The ceremony highlighted how history is commemorated via monuments and cultural events. Maharashtra continues to promote its historical legacy and Maratha identity through large-scale cultural tributes.

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Andhra Pradesh won the Best State Award under the ‘Mera Resham – Mera Abhiman’ programme. The programme is initiated by the Central Silk Board (CSB), Government of India, to support silk farmers and reelers. The award was presented on 20 September 2025 during the 76th Central Silk Board Foundation Day in Bengaluru. Awareness programmes conducted in Sri Sathya Sai, Chittoor, Annamayya, Anantapur, Prakasam, and Kakinada districts increased cocoon production and encouraged mulberry cultivation. Andhra Pradesh previously won the Best Tableau Award during Independence Day 2025.

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Kerala launched the Spice Route Initiative under Muziris Projects Limited to promote heritage and spice-based tourism. 10 unique Spice Route tourism circuits will be created within a year, linking ancient ports, heritage sites, and intangible cultural heritage. The initiative focuses on reviving intangible heritage and offering diverse experiences for travellers. The initiative also promotes educational tourism and strengthens historical trade relations with other countries.

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Rajasthan’s first ‘Namo Biodiversity Park’ was inaugurated at Pratap Bandh, Alwar with a symbolic tree plantation ceremony. The park is named ‘NAMO VAN’ and aims to serve as a green lung for the region. It will enhance local greenery, contribute to cleaner air, and promote environmental awareness among visitors. The park encourages citizens to adopt environment-friendly and sustainable lifestyles. It marks a milestone in Rajasthan’s green infrastructure development. The initiative supports India’s biodiversity conservation and climate action goals.

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On World Mental Health Day 2025, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched new initiatives for the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS). Tele MANAS stands for Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States. It was started by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2022. It aims to provide universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality mental health care through 24×7 tele-mental health services. Tele MANAS is a key digital component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). Services are available across all Indian States and Union Territories with assured linkages for seamless care.

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India is launching a cooperative-driven national ride-hailing platform called Bharat Taxi to promote trust, inclusion, and technology. National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Digital India Corporation, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) will provide advisory and technical support. NeGD will provide platform integration with DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu, cybersecurity and compliance, governance advisory, and UI/UX & accessibility support.

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The South Central Railway announced the renaming of Aurangabad Railway Station in Maharashtra as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station. The station has been renamed after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This follows the 2022 renaming of Aurangabad city to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The new station code under the Nanded Division of South Central Railway is CPSN. The official approval and gazette notification were issued by Maharashtra’s Mahayuti alliance government on October 15. The original Aurangabad Station was opened in 1900 under the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The renaming comes amid recent tensions in the region over Aurangzeb’s tomb controversy.