India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Byadgi chilli prices have dropped due to excess stock, strict export tests, and high production costs. It is a famous chilli variety from Karnataka, named after Byadgi in Haveri district. The chilli is bright red, 12-15 cm long, with wrinkled pods and a strong fragrance. It is widely used in pickles, masalas, chilli powder, and oleoresin extraction. Byadgi chilli has received Karnataka Geographical Indication status.

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National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Private Limited successfully completed the trial run of Unit 2 (200 MW) of the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project in Himachal Pradesh. The Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-the-river project in Sainj, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, harnessing the lower Parbati River, a tributary of the Beas River. A concrete gravity dam at Pulga village diverts water through a 31.52 km head race tunnel to a powerhouse in Suind village, Sainj Valley. The project has a total capacity of 800 MW (four units of 200 MW each). Once fully operational, it will generate 3,074 million units of electricity annually. National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Private Limited owns 100% of the project.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister launched the P4 Bangaru Kutumbam-Margadarsi initiative in Velagapudi on Ugadi. P4 stands for Public-Private-People Partnership, a mission-mode initiative for social and economic transformation. It aims to eradicate poverty and uplift marginalised families by creating model families called “Bangaru Kutumbam.” The initiative targets over 2 million beneficiaries in the initial phase. It provides free gas cylinders, educational support, and women empowerment schemes. The initiative promotes inclusive development, governance innovation, and a replicable welfare model for other states.

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The Sagarmala Programme, launched in March 2015, aims to revolutionize India’s maritime sector. It was launched by Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. India’s 7,500 km coastline and 14,500 km of waterways offer significant growth potential. It focuses on streamlining logistics, reducing costs, and improving trade competitiveness via efficient coastal and waterway networks. The program emphasizes port modernization, industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable development. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 sets targets for shipbuilding and port handling, aiming to make India a top global maritime leader. 839 projects worth ₹5.79 lakh crores, with 272 completed, investing ₹1.41 lakh crore.

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Rajasthan has the highest number of railway stations with installed solar power plants, totaling 275 stations. This information was provided by Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in the Lok Sabha on 2nd April 2025. During the financial year 2024-25, India added 25 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, including 6 GW of solar energy. As of 31st March 2025, the total installed solar power capacity in the country has reached 21 GW. Indian Railways aims to achieve 100% electrification by 2025-26 and become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030. Indian Railways aims to install 20 GW of solar power capacity on its vacant land by 2030.

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West Bengal has launched a ‘Triple Elimination’ pilot project to stop mother-to-child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), syphilis, and Hepatitis B by 2026. This is India’s first such initiative and is being carried out with the William J Clinton Foundation (WJCF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Led by the State Health Department, the project focuses on preventing sexual and vertical (mother-to-child) transmission. All three diseases have long incubation periods and cause lifelong health issues. Infected mothers and newborns face high health risks like deformities from congenital syphilis and liver disease from early Hepatitis B infection.

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A recent study found that the Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) reduced air pollution by 20–30% and helped industries lower compliance costs. Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) was launched in 2019 in Gujarat and is the world’s first market to trade in particulate matter emissions. It aims to control air pollution using a cap-and-trade system. Each industry is given a pollution limit, and those that pollute less can sell their extra permits to others who exceed the limit. This system is similar to those used in Europe for greenhouse gases and in China for carbon emissions. Industries trade permits through a platform run by National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange e-Markets (NeML).

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah launched the e-SEHAT App to improve healthcare access in the Union Territory. The app was developed by the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department. e-SEHAT stands for Electronic Solutions for Enabling Health Access Through Technology. It aims to serve both patients and healthcare providers like doctors and paramedics. The app allows users to access healthcare services in public and private hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir. It provides details on doctor availability, appointment booking, diagnostic and surgical services, teleconsultation, and telemedicine.

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Recently, the Khadi and Village Industries sector achieved its highest-ever turnover of ₹1.7 lakh crore, marking a major milestone. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) played a key role in this achievement. KVIC is a statutory body set up under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956. It operates under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. KVIC’s main aim is to promote rural development by supporting khadi, which is hand-spun and hand-woven cloth, and other village industries. It also focuses on generating employment in rural areas.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently launched ‘Creator Land’, India’s first transmedia entertainment city, at the WAVES (Wealth, Assets, Values, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability) Summit. The project involves an investment of ₹10,000 crore and aims to create 25,000 direct jobs over the next six years. It is designed to make Amaravati a global centre for digital media, gaming, Artificial Intelligence (AI) content, and virtual production. Creator Land will have infrastructure for storytelling, filmmaking, music, and AI-based content development. A special Creator Land Academy will train youth in digital media and content creation. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the digital economy of Andhra Pradesh and enable global partnerships.