India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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Under the GOI’s green initiative and National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Indian Navy and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) collaborated to introduce a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus for trials and performance testing. This effort marks a significant step towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the Armed Forces. The initiative aims to reduce carbon footprint and improve air quality. An MoU was signed to facilitate the comprehensive study of the bus’s performance and reliability.

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In Mokokchung district, Nagaland, ‘Cassava villages’ are replacing plastics with compostable bioplastic bags made from Cassava starch, produced by the MSME Ecostarch. Cassava, a tropical crop native to South America, is known for its high starch content, making it ideal for bioplastics and bioethanol production. This plant thrives in warm, humid climates and well-drained soils, requiring over 100 cm of annual rainfall. Its versatility in growing conditions supports food security while providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. Bioplastics, made from plant materials like Cassava, are biodegradable and compostable, reducing environmental impact.

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The Government of Nagaland signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SBI General Insurance to implement the Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS), making Nagaland the first state in India to adopt such a measure. The DRTPS aims to safeguard critical infrastructure and mitigate economic losses from floods, droughts, and mudslides. The government will cover the insurance premium for three years, addressing the rising risks from climate change-related extreme weather events.

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The Quality Council of India introduced the QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework to drive excellence among states in key sectors. It focuses on four pillars: Shiksha (Education), Swasthya (Health), Samriddhi (Prosperity), and Sushasan (Governance). The August rankings highlight Uttar Pradesh leading in Shiksha, while Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Mizoram, and Manipur excel in Swasthya. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan lead in Samriddhi. The initiative aims to improve citizens’ quality of life and recognize innovation.

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The central government has launched four major projects worth Rs 920 crore under Namami Gange Mission 2.0 in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These projects will enhance sewage treatment capacity by 145 megaliters per day and improve sewer networks using advanced technology. They aim to significantly improve water quality in the Ganga and its tributaries. Namami Gange 2.0, extended to March 2026, focuses on pollution control and river rejuvenation.

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Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to give cash to adolescent girls for sanitary napkins. The cash is part of the state’s Sanitation and Hygiene scheme. Eligible school girls (class 7-12) receive ₹300 annually. Over ₹57 crore has been distributed to more than 19 lakh girls. The state also launched the Udita program in 2016 to address social taboos and raise awareness about menstruation. Under Udita, women and girls up to 45 years old can receive a free pack of six sanitary pads every month.

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The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) introduced a centralized pension processing software called ‘Bhavishya’ for all central government Ministries/Departments. ‘Bhavishya’ is an online Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System to address delays, clerical errors, and financial loss in pension processing. The software starts the pension process 15 months before retirement and uses a single form for the pensioner. It also integrates with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for seamless electronic pension payments.

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Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai inaugurated India’s first digital court, 24*7 ONCOURTS, in Kollam, Kerala, to handle cheque bounce cases. This digital court operates entirely online, from case filing to judgments, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce case backlog. The court will start accepting cheque bounce cases in September 2024 and may set a precedent for similar courts in Kerala. Automation is expected to improve productivity and reduce pending cases, with potential future expansion to cases under the Motor Vehicles Act.

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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the ‘National Medical Register Portal’ in New Delhi for the registration of all MBBS doctors eligible for registration in India. This portal will be a comprehensive and dynamic database for all registered allopathic doctors. The initiative aligns with the vision of making India’s health ecosystem digitally robust. The National Medical Register aims to strengthen the digital healthcare ecosystem and ensure quality healthcare. A similar register will be launched for paramedics and other healthcare professionals. The National Medical Commission will maintain the register electronically, including details like name, address, and qualifications of licensed doctors.

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On August 25, 2024, the Prime Minister visited Maharashtra and Rajasthan. In Jalgaon, Maharashtra, he participated in the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan. He distributed certificates and honored 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis. Since the Lakhpati Didi Yojana began in 2023, one crore women had become Lakhpati Didis. Women who became Lakhpati during the third term of his government were recognized. He released a ₹2,500 crore revolving fund, benefiting 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh SHGs. He disbursed ₹5,000 crore in bank loans to benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs. The Lakhpati Didi scheme aimed to create three crore Lakhpati Didis through Women’s SHGs.