India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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The Central government’s Rs 72,000 crore Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project plans to build an airport, an international container terminal, and a township. However, it faces legal challenges from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Calcutta High Court due to inadequate impact assessments on Shompen and Nicobarese tribes and improper permissions. The Shompens are hunter-gatherers, and the project could affect the Nicobarese people’s ancestral lands.

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Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced the formation of a task force to remove illegal resorts and encroachments from the Western Ghats, covering 10 districts. Led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, this team will start clearing operations immediately. The Minister has also directed the removal of encroachments from 2015 onward and requested a report on the actions taken within a month.

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The proposed Malwa canal project in Punjab aims to irrigate 2 lakh acres of land across seven districts. The 149.53-km canal will originate at Harike Headworks on the Sutlej river and carry 2,000 cusecs of water. The project is expected to take five years to complete but faces concerns over technical viability and funding. The canal’s construction will require significant investment amidst Punjab’s current funds crunch.

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The Amrit Gyan Kosh and Faculty Development portals were recently launched under Mission Karmayogi. The Amrit Gyan Kosh portal provides a shared knowledge bank with India-centric case studies. The Faculty Development portal focuses on training practitioners and faculty to improve knowledge delivery to civil servants. Mission Karmayogi, launched in 2020, aims to build a competent civil service based on Indian values. It includes six key pillars: Policy Framework, Institutional Framework, Competency Framework, Digital Learning Framework (iGOT-Karmayogi), e-HRMS, and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.

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Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde inaugurated the state’s first ‘Solar Village’ in Manyachiwadi, Satara district. The state government aims to promote renewable energy and reduce reliance on traditional power sources. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has helped reduce electricity bills, while a 90-95% subsidy is provided for solar pump sets under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that 12,000 MW of solar power will be generated in the next 1.5 years, ensuring free daytime electricity for farmers. MSEDCL plans to provide 100% solar power to two villages in each district, expanding to over 70 villages.

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The Union Home Minister inaugurated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) zonal office in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The NCB is India’s main drug law enforcement and intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Established on November 14, 1985, it operates under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Its headquarters are in Delhi. The NCB coordinates actions across various laws related to drug enforcement and international drug traffic. It assists international and foreign authorities in fighting drug trafficking and drug abuse.

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Uttar Pradesh’s first semiconductor park was inaugurated at Noida International Airport. Three companies have been approved to set up semiconductor units on 275 acres of land in the park. This project aims to create around 13,780 jobs. It will boost India’s self-reliance in the technology sector, particularly in chip manufacturing, addressing recent global shortages.

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The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) celebrated its 54th Foundation Day in New Delhi. BPR&D was established in 1970 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, replacing the Police Research and Advisory Council. Its headquarters is in New Delhi. BPR&D aims to identify police needs, conduct research, and suggest solutions for challenges. It promotes the use of science and technology in police work. The bureau oversees training quality and modernization of state police forces and correctional administration. BPR&D helps develop standards for police equipment and coordinates the National Police Mission. It has five Central Detective Training Institutes across India.

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The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a bill to raise the minimum marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years. The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024, was approved by voice vote. The Bill amends the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which is a central law. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil stated that raising the marriage age provides better opportunities for women. Early marriages hinder women’s education, career progress, and health. The Bill aims to improve women’s physical development and prevent early motherhood. Early marriage limits women’s success and affects their overall well-being.

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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched the Voluntary Vehicle Modernization Program, also known as the Vehicle Scrapping Policy. The policy focuses on the voluntary scrapping of commercial and passenger vehicles that are deemed unfit based on their condition, regardless of their age. It aims to phase out polluting vehicles through Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities and Automated Testing Stations. For two years, commercial vehicle manufacturers will offer discounts, and for one year, passenger vehicle manufacturers will also provide discounts, given a Scrappage Certificate.