India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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All India Presiding officers’ conference concludes in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 84th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, emphasizing the ‘One Nation, One Legislative Platform’ through e-Vidhan and Digital Sansad. He commended the government’s removal of 2,000 outdated laws over the past decade. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, inaugurating the conference, expressed concerns about indiscipline in legislatures. The All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, celebrating its centenary in 2021, plays a crucial role in shaping legislative governance in India.

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Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra, launched India’s first city-specific Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP). The plan aims to boost the decarbonization of the building sector by 2050 and contribute to India’s goal of net zero by 2070. The plan includes a roadmap for public buildings, government-led affordable housing, commercial buildings, and homes. It also includes an implementation strategy to achieve net-zero buildings city-wide by 2050.

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The Indian government, in consultation with the Election Commission of India, has increased the minimum age for senior citizens to use postal ballots from 80 to 85 years, effective immediately. With India’s electorate at 96.88 crore, 1.85 crore citizens are aged above 80. The amended Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, now defines “senior citizens” eligible for postal ballot voting as those above 85 years, replacing the previous threshold of 80 years, aiming to enhance electoral convenience for the elderly.

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Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers has initiated a Credit Assistance Program for Jan Aushadhi Kendras, aiming to bolster the network nationwide. From 80 Kendras in 2014, there are now over 11,000 operational units. An estimated 10 to 12 lakh people visit these Kendras daily, accessing affordable medicines. The MoU between SIDBI and PMBI promises project loans up to Rs. 2 lakhs at competitive rates, benefiting small entrepreneurs and modernizing Kendra networks.

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The Rajasthan government plans to bolster millet production by distributing free seeds to farmers. 1.2M farmers will receive maize seeds, 800K will get pearl millet, 700K mustard, 400K moong, and 100K sorghum and moth seeds. Rajasthan contributes 26% to India’s millet output, with 41% of the country’s bajra. The government initiated the Rajasthan Millet Promotion Mission in 2022-23, allocating Rs 40 crore to establish 100 processing units.

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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently launched the myCGHS app for iOS devices. Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), it aims to improve access to Electronic Health Records and resources for CGHS beneficiaries. The app offers services such as appointment booking, accessing lab reports, and checking medical reimbursement status. Security features like 2-factor authentication ensure user data confidentiality. It’s designed to enhance information and accessibility for CGHS beneficiaries.

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The Supreme Court recently commended Railways for implementing the Kavach anti-collision system. Developed indigenously by Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with Indian industry, Kavach is a state-of-the-art ATP system meeting SIL-4 standards. Utilizing high frequency radio communication, it prevents collisions by updating train movement continuously. It’s the most cost-effective collision protection system, enforcing signal adherence, activating brakes if needed, and aiding operations in adverse weather with SOS functionality.

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IIT Guwahati collaborates with Kamrup Election District’s SVEEP to innovate a 3D printed dummy ballot unit, aiming to enhance voter awareness and engagement. Crafted to familiarize citizens, especially new and senior voters, with voting procedures, it aims to alleviate any apprehensions. Fabricated from eco-friendly PLA using advanced 3D printing, the unit features interactive elements like sound and light indicators, aiding users during voting. This pioneering initiative, developed within 48 hours, marks a first-of-its-kind effort in India to promote voter participation.

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India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The project aims to streamline air traffic management (ATM) by consolidating India’s four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) into a single system overseen from Nagpur. India’s airspace is currently divided into four FIRs and a sub-FIR at Guwahati. The FIRs are controlled by India through Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, with a sub-FIR at Guwahati. India also shares its FIRs with 12 neighboring countries.

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The Bombay High Court ruled that public sector banks can’t recommend Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against loan defaulters. LOCs are government directives to immigration authorities, restricting a person’s movement. They’re used by law enforcement to prevent individuals under investigation from leaving or entering the country. Typically issued by police or intelligence agencies, LOCs are a tool authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs to detain suspects at designated ports.