India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The central government has launched the ‘Anuvadini’ app, an AI-based platform, to promote multilingualism in education. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it aims to provide digital study materials for all courses in Indian languages from the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. Directives from the Ministry of Education instruct the UGC, AICTE, and the Department of School Education to ensure the availability of study materials in regional languages, supporting the emphasis on studying in one’s mother tongue.

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Punjab and West Bengal have challenged the central government’s decision to expand the Border Security Force’s (BSF) operational jurisdiction from 15 km to 50 km. They argue that this move violates federal principles and encroaches on state law and order powers. The BSF, established in 1965 after the India-Pakistan war, is a vital part of India’s security apparatus, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It has over 2 lakhs personnel and is primarily deployed along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, including the Indo-Pakistan International Border and Indo-Bangladesh International Border.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 19,100 crore in Bulandshahr, UP. The projects include a 173-km double-line electrified section on the dedicated freight corridor (DFC) between New Khurja and New Rewari. Goods trains were flagged off through a video conference. Additionally, Modi inaugurated a rail line connecting Mathura-Palwal and Chipiyana Buzurg-Dadri sections, enhancing rail connectivity between the national capital and southern-western and eastern India.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (HPCL) Biomass-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant in Budaun. The event, attended by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and other dignitaries, aligns with India’s goal to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. This initiative, part of the National Biofuel Policy 2018, contributes to the government’s aim of decreasing import dependency by 10%, focusing on second-generation biorefineries and Compressed Bio-Gas Plants.

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National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan introduced the book ‘Ek Samandar, Mere Andar,’ penned by Sanjeev Joshi, Deputy CEO of BrahMos Aerospace. The book, consisting of 75 poems, was unveiled at the India International Centre.

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In March 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir police launched Operation Kamdhenu to curb cattle smuggling. The operation’s goal is to catch the masterminds of cattle smuggling and to scrutinize their activities. The operation includes a meticulous approach, such as documenting details like the engine and chassis numbers, mobile numbers, and Aadhar card details of vehicles involved in smuggling.

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In March 2024, Bengaluru received the first set of six driverless train coaches as part of its Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) system. The coaches are part of the 18.8 km-long Yellow Line, which is under construction and connects RV Road and Bommasandra. The CBTC system is a radio-based communication system that provides timely and accurate train control information.

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The Ministry of Rural Development and IIT Delhi signed an MoU for rural advancement through geospatial technology and AI. Led by Shri Amit Kataria and Prof. Manabendra Saharia, the collaboration focuses on “BhuPRAHARI” project under MGNREGA. Officials, including Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, highlighted the partnership’s significance in enhancing MGNREGA’s efficiency and transparency. The integration of advanced tech aims to modernize rural development processes, ensuring accountability and optimal resource allocation.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has consistently ranked among the top 10 ministries in the Grievance Redressal Assessment Index (GRAI) for 2023-2024. The MHA performed well in all 15 indicators, with an average redressal time of 8 days. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has also collaborated with states on initiatives to effectively resolve public grievances.

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certifies nearly 100 prisons as Eat Right Campuses nationwide. The initiative aims to promote safe, healthy, and sustainable food in various institutions. It’s voluntary but offers significant benefits for health, economics, and sustainability. Campuses are rated on a five-star scale, needing three stars for certification. Valid for two years, each campus appoints a nodal person to maintain best practices.