India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Recently, the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Dissemination Portal was launched to share open data on student performance at National and State levels. It will help States and Union Territories design plans to improve learning outcomes and close skill gaps. PARAKH stands for Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development. It was set up under National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). It aims to set norms, standards, and guidelines for student assessments as per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It brings all State and Union Territory school boards onto a common platform.

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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.

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In July 2025, Gujarat became the first Indian state to officially join the Cruise Bharat Mission. Cruise Bharat Mission is a central government initiative to build a globally competitive cruise tourism ecosystem. Gujarat’s move is a major step towards leading India’s maritime tourism sector. The state has a long 2,340 km coastline and navigable rivers like the Sabarmati and Narmada. Gujarat aims to become a global cruise tourism hub through this strategic alignment.

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Recently, India campus of University of Southampton was inaugurated in Gurugram, Haryana by the Union Education Minister and Haryana Chief Minister. University of Southampton is a QS Top 100 global university and a founding member of the United Kingdom’s Russell Group. It is the first foreign university to start a campus in India under the University Grants Commission (UGC)’s 2023 Regulations for foreign higher educational institutions. This marks a historic milestone in India’s higher education reforms. It aligns with the vision of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to globalize Indian education. It also strengthens India–United Kingdom education ties under the India-UK Roadmap 2030.

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Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released the book ‘Sustainable Wellness of Students: A Collective Responsibility in Higher Education’ at the Chief Minister’s residence auditorium. The event was organized by the Chief Minister Office (CMO), Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister emphasized that higher education institutions must focus on student psychology to address modern life challenges. He highlighted that Uttarakhand was the first state to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NEP focuses on quality education, student welfare, and skill development.

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The Punjab government has lifted the ban on traditional heritage sports in August 2025. These include bullock cart races, dog races, horse races, and pigeon racing. The ban was in place since 1997 due to concerns over animal cruelty. Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann announced the decision during a public event in Ludhiana. New legislation ensures these events will be conducted without cruelty to animals. The move aims to reconnect people with Punjab’s cultural identity and rural heritage.

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Delhi Legislative Assembly became India’s first legislature fully powered by solar energy on August 4, 2025. A 500-kilowatt rooftop solar power plant was commissioned on the Assembly building. The solar plant is expected to cut electricity bills by Rs 15 lakh monthly, saving about Rs 1.75 crore annually. Surplus electricity will be generated through net metering and used efficiently. The Assembly also launched the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) to shift towards paperless functioning.

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M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) hosted the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference from 7–9 August 2025 in New Delhi. The event marks the birth centenary of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, known as the father of India’s Green Revolution. The conference is held in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS). The theme of the conference is “Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Bio happiness”, promoting sustainable, equitable, and hunger-free development.

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Recently, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the success of the Madak-Padarth Nished Asoochna Kendra (MANAS) Helpline-1933. It was launched on 18 July 2024 by Ministry of Home Affairs. It aims to fight drug menace and enable anonymous reporting of drug trafficking, illicit cultivation, and related crimes. It is a secure, bilingual digital platform offering a confidential multi-channel interface. Citizens can report drug crimes, seek counselling via Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) Helpline 14446, and access awareness resources. It also engages citizens in Drug-Free Bharat activities via quizzes, posters, and contests on MyGov.

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Recently, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launched the ‘Garud Drishti’ social media monitoring and cyber intelligence project in Nagpur to curb online hate, misinformation, and cybercrime. ₹10 crore recovered from cybercrime cases was distributed to victims during the event. The tool will help police detect hate posts, anti-India propaganda, caste-tension content, and online drug sales. It will be extended to other units to strengthen state-wide law and order.