India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Uttarakhand government’s Pirul Lao-Paise Pao campaign aims to tackle forest fires. Supreme Court expresses concern over fires that claimed five lives. Forest destruction and air pollution prompt action. CM Dhami launches campaign urging public involvement, including cooperatives and youth groups. Campaign entails collecting pine tree leaves for payment of Rs 50 per kg. Collected leaves sold to industries. Tehsildars oversee collection centers. Goal is to prevent further forest devastation.

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Responding to forest fires in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal sector, the IAF deployed Mi17 V5 helicopters for Bambi Bucket operations. This specialized firefighting technique involves suspending a container beneath a helicopter, filling it from a water source, and then releasing it over the fire zone. Bambi Buckets are vital for tackling wildfires in inaccessible areas. Globally, helicopters are often utilized in such firefighting efforts due to their versatility and effectiveness.

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The Indian Institute of Petroleum & Energy (IIPE) in Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with other research institutions, has recently discovered an eco-friendly solution for treating muddy river water. The solution is called the “Surface Modification Technique of Membrane”.

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The Telangana government has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine for one year starting May 24, 2024. This decision, driven by public health concerns, is enforced under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The ban aims to mitigate serious health risks like oral cancer and oral submucous fibrosis linked to these products.

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Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad announced a Rs 10,000-crore World Bank-funded project to combat state air pollution. The Haryana Clean Air Project will start in NCR districts, enhancing air quality monitoring infrastructure. The initial phase includes a state-of-the-art lab, modernizing existing labs, a program management unit for oversight, and training programs for stakeholders involved in air quality management.

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The Defense Accounts Department (DAD) collaborated with four banks to enhance its SPARSH program for pension administration. Banks like Bank of India, Canara Association, Central Bank of India, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank will establish SPARSH service centers in 1,128 branches nationwide under MoUs. This initiative aims to streamline pension management, ensuring direct payments to beneficiaries. SPARSH, a Ministry of Defence initiative, seeks to bring efficiency, responsiveness, and transparency to defense pension administration.

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In the recent Lok Sabha elections, 74 women were elected, a slight decrease from 78 in 2019. These 74 women MPs constitute 13.63% of the Lower House, still far from the desired 33% representation. Despite progress over the years, women’s representation in the Lok Sabha remains slow and inconsistent. However, this number marks a significant increase from the first elections in 1952, where only 22 women were elected.

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Indian traders have urged the central government to resume border trade with China through the Lipulekh Pass. Located in Uttarakhand at 5,334 meters, Lipulekh connects India with Tibet and is key for trade and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage. Historically significant as a trade route, it was the first Indian border post for trade with China, opened in 1992, followed by Shipki La and Nathu La passes.

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Oracle has partnered with Tamil Nadu for the Naan Mudhalvan program, aiming to train 200,000+ students in advanced IT skills like cloud computing, AI, data science, ML, and blockchain. This initiative underscores Oracle’s commitment to enhancing youth employability through digital and campus-based learning, offering certifications in cutting-edge technologies. The collaboration aims to equip students with skills essential for the future job market, emphasizing Oracle’s role in fostering technological expertise among the youth.

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Uttar Pradesh has established the world’s first conservation and breeding center for Asian king vultures in Maharajganj district. Named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, it aims to revive the critically endangered species, listed since 2007. The vultures face threats from habitat loss and diclofenac poisoning. Currently housing a male-female pair with plans to pair more females, the center monitors them round-the-clock. Once ready, pairs will be released into the wild to bolster their population and ensure their survival.