India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Shinku La Tunnel is a strategic infrastructure project aimed at enhancing year-round connectivity between Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and Leh (Ladakh), reducing travel distance significantly. Expected to open soon, this 4.1-km long tunnel will facilitate the transportation of essential supplies to Indian Army troops stationed in Ladakh, especially during harsh winter months when passes are closed due to heavy snowfall. This development is crucial for ensuring the logistical support necessary for troop sustenance and operational readiness in the region, particularly following increased military deployments since the Galwan clash in 2020.

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NHAI developed the first ‘Oxygen Bird Park’ in Nagpur, focusing on bird species and plants of central India. The park, called Amrit Mahotsav Park, was initiated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. It provides a green, natural habitat for birds and promotes environmental sustainability. Located at Jamtha clover leaf on NH-44 near the Jamtha International Cricket Stadium, it covers 8.23 hectares. Built at a cost of Rs 14 crore, it features fast-growing, oxygen-producing trees to reduce air pollution. The Social Forestry Division of Nagpur plays a key role in its development and maintenance.

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The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has traced the Sahibi River’s flow. The river starts in Rajasthan and passes through Haryana and Delhi. It is a tributary of the Yamuna River and was formerly known as the Drishadvati River. Pollution and encroachment have greatly diminished its natural flow. Now, the river is divided into canals and nullahs, and it only flows during heavy rains in its catchment areas.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (SWIFT) project to rejuvenate 129 wetlands (beels) with a budget of Rs 800 crore. The project, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, aims to improve water management and enhance fish production. It will restore 4,000 hectares of beel fisheries, crucial for flood control, groundwater replenishment, and river flow regulation. The initiative will boost indigenous fish production by 1,200 kg per hectare annually, benefiting local communities. The project focuses on sustainable management to support Assam’s environmental goals and improve the local economy.

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PM Narendra Modi inaugurated three airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) from Varanasi: Rewa (MP), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (UP). Flights will soon operate from these airports under the RCS-UDAN scheme. RCS-UDAN aims to improve connectivity in remote and underserved regions, launched in 2016 under India’s National Civil Aviation Policy. The first RCS-UDAN flight, Shimla to Delhi, began in 2017. The scheme has facilitated travel for over 144 lakh passengers, boosting air travel accessibility across India.

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The “Writers’ Village” is a new cultural initiative in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, promoting global literary and cultural exchange. It was inaugurated by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister in Thano on 27th October 2024. This inauguration coincided with an International Art, Literature, and Culture Festival from 23rd to 27th October, 2024. More than 300 writers, artists, and litterateurs from 65 countries participated in the five-day festival. The festival served as a platform to discuss literature, language, and art, promoting Hindi and showcasing Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage.

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The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Pandemic Fund Project in New Delhi to strengthen animal health security in India. This $25 million initiative is funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund. The project aims to enhance the capacity of low- and middle-income countries to respond to animal health threats and pandemics through financial investments. The project focuses on preventing zoonotic diseases, as 5 of the 6 public health emergencies declared by WHO have animal origins. It aims to minimize socio-economic impacts, as seen with past outbreaks like SARS and Avian flu.

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The Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the ‘Digital Memorial of Valour’ to honor RPF and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) martyrs. This website provides details about martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. It supports the ‘Digital India’ initiative, allowing broader public engagement. Users can pay tribute on the portal and subscribe to a digital copy of the “Compendium of Martyrs in RPF.”

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Aandhi, a village near Jaipur, is adopting a zero-waste model through innovative green technologies. Initiatives include an Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, and Constructed Wetlands, which convert waste into resources, support renewable energy, and improve water management. These efforts align with India’s sustainability goals, showcasing how rural communities can leverage technology for environmental stewardship and community upliftment, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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The Union Home Minister launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app to integrate technology with governance.
The app, developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGCCI), enables registration of births and deaths nationwide. It simplifies the process, allowing citizens to register these events anytime, from anywhere, in their state’s official language. The RGCCI, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, oversees the Census, compiles population data, and manages the CRS. Established in 1961, RGCCI provides data essential for social, economic, and policy decisions across government levels.