India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

Notes:
The Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative (MGGSI) aims to build rural self-reliance in khadi, handloom, and handicrafts and to promote employment-oriented growth through development of scalable, export-oriented rural enterprises. It supports local weavers, artisans, and rural youth by creating backward and forward linkages across value chains and aligns with the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) implements the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), providing skill development, marketing, cluster development, infrastructure, and technology support to artisans.

Notes:
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) launched the “RuPay On-The-Go” National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-enabled smart card scheme on April 1, 2026, to modernize public transport. This initiative allows commuters to use digital, contactless cards for seamless travel on state-run buses. These Aadhaar-linked cards are designed for students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and women to easily avail travel concessions. The system supports offline, tap-and-pay transactions, enhancing convenience and digital efficiency.

Notes:
Recently, the Election Commission of India urged voters to use the “Know Your Candidates” (KYC) module on the ECINet platform to make informed electoral choices. ECINet is a single-point digital platform developed by Election Commission of India (ECI) for voters, election officials, political parties, and civil society. It integrates over 40 existing ECI apps, including Voter Helpline App, cVIGIL, Suvidha 2.0, Saksham, and others. The platform offers a user-friendly interface (UI/UX) with all electoral services in one place.

Notes:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India conducted nearly 4 lakh inspections across food establishments in 2025-26. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Notes:
Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation for India’s first Pod Taxi project (Automated Rapid Transit System – ARTS) in Mumbai. The project was inaugurated in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar. It is a driverless, AI-powered transport system operating on battery-powered pods. Pods run on a dedicated guideway, ensuring smooth and congestion-free travel. Each pod can carry up to 6 passengers.

Notes:
Chenchu tribals in Amrabad Tiger Reserve opposed relocation citing forest-based livelihood concerns. The Chenchu are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) mainly living in Nallamalai forests of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They are classified under the Proto-Australoid group and also inhabit Karnataka and Odisha. Settlements called “Penta” consist of scattered huts based on kinship; “Peddamanishi” acts as village head. Society is based on small families with relatively equal gender roles and marriage at maturity.

Notes:
The Ministry of Textiles launched the ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’ initiative to globalise Indian handlooms. It was showcased at the 61st Femina Miss India held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The initiative is developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). It brings together 30 handloom weaves from different Indian states, each reinterpreted with design inspirations from 30 countries. The objective is to present Indian textiles in a contemporary global design framework and enhance international appeal.

Notes:
Two Indian waste sites—Secunderabad and Mumbai—are listed among the top global methane emitters. The data comes from University of California, Los Angeles report “Spotlight on the Top 25 Methane Plumes in 2025: Landfills”. The Mumbai facility emits approximately 4.9 tonnes of methane per hour. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide. Though it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter duration than carbon dioxide, methane traps significantly more heat. These emissions highlight the need for improved waste management and methane mitigation strategies in India.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh has become the first state to introduce a 10-year ‘warranty’ (Operations & Maintenance commitment) for rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Under the Jal Arpan initiative, ownership and management of water supply schemes have been transferred to Gram Panchayats. The move strengthens decentralised governance and community participation in water management. The state has expanded water quality monitoring infrastructure with district, state, and mobile laboratories (NABL-accredited).

Notes:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi approved ₹5659.22 crore for the Mission for Cotton Productivity (2026–27 to 2030–31). The mission aligns with the Government of India’s 5F vision—Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign. It focuses on developing high-yielding, climate-resilient and pest-resistant seeds and promoting advanced farming technologies. It aims to improve cotton quality through modern ginning, processing, and testing infrastructure. It promotes branding and traceability under Kasturi Cotton Bharat and supports digital market access for farmers. The mission targets higher productivity, sustainable practices, and benefits for about 32 lakh farmers.