India Current Affairs [Nation & States] MCQs

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PM Modi visited solar panels installed under the PM Muft Bijli Solar Yojana in Gujarat. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Solar Yojana encourages rooftop solar adoption by offering financial subsidies and easier installation. Households can get up to 300 units of free electricity each month. Gujarat leads in rooftop solar capacity with 4,195 MW, followed by Maharashtra with 2,487 MW, and Rajasthan with 1,269 MW. India’s total installed rooftop solar power capacity is 13,889 MW.

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India rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on religious minority abuses.
USCIRF is an independent U.S. federal agency created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. It monitors global religious freedom violations and provides policy recommendations to the U.S. President, Secretary of State, and Congress.
USCIRF’s nine commissioners are appointed by the President or Congressional leaders, with support from a nonpartisan staff. It issues an annual report on religious freedom, highlighting “Countries of Particular Concern.” The report uses international standards, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to assess violations.

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Assam has launched the “co-district” initiative, a new governance model that replaces the traditional civil sub-division system. Co-district commissioners will have the same powers as district commissioners for more localized control. It is the first initiative of its kind in India, aiming to decentralize administration and improve accessibility to governance.
The initiative was launched in 39 Assembly constituencies on October 4, 2024, with a second phase expanding to 35 more constituencies. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that it will make governance more responsive and citizen-friendly.

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On Valmiki Jayanti, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that all Scheduled Tribe residential schools and Raichur University will be named after Maharishi Valmiki. Siddaramaiah praised Maharshi Valmiki’s journey from being a hunter to becoming a scholar and authoring the Ramayana. He highlighted Valmiki’s emphasis on equality, justice, and equal opportunities for all.

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The first anniversary of Namo Bharat Trains was celebrated as Namo Bharat Diwas in New Delhi. Namo Bharat Trains are India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The first 17-kilometer section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 20 October 2023. Two more sections became operational, including Duhai to Modinagar North (March 2024) and Meerut South (August 2024). The current 42-kilometer corridor covers nine stations, soon expanding to 54 kilometers with new additions. RRTS offers high-speed, efficient suburban connectivity, promoting sustainable urban transport solutions.

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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated Himachal Pradesh’s first digital library in Bilaspur. The library includes seating for 40 people and essential amenities. It houses around 2,500 books, with offline access to NCERT and CBSE books for classes 1 to 12. The library provides free reading access to the public.

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The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved a proposal to introduce diploma and certificate courses in animal husbandry and para-veterinary medicine. Both private and government institutions will offer these courses to train para-vets. The initiative aims to improve veterinary care, especially in rural areas, where para-vets assist with vaccinations, first aid, and animal health care. UP currently has a shortage of para-vets, with only 8,193 compared to 34,500 across India. The policy will standardize training, course content, and institutional guidelines. Expert committee will finalize the policy, based on a report prepared for this purpose.

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Tamil Nadu has declared snakebite envenomation a notifiable disease under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939. Snakebite envenomation is life-threatening and a major health concern in rural, snake-endemic areas, affecting agricultural workers, children, and tropical/subtropical populations. WHO lists snake antivenoms as essential medicines and has launched a global strategy to reduce snakebite-induced deaths and disabilities. India’s National Action Plan for Snakebite aims to reduce snakebite deaths by 50% by 2030 through a ‘One Health’ approach. The notifiable status will enhance data collection, improve clinical infrastructure, ensure anti-venom supply, and integrate reporting into the State’s health information system.

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The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Program to enhance research in Indian universities. PAIR uses a hub-and-spoke model, pairing top universities (hubs) with emerging ones (spokes) for mentorship. Hub institutions include the top 25 NIRF-ranked universities and 50 Institutions of National Importance. The program aims to bridge research gaps, promote regional diversity, and foster innovation, aligning with NEP 2020. ANRF, established under the ANRF 2023 Act, provides strategic direction for scientific research, replacing the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

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Telangana has introduced a 100% exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles (EVs) until December 31, 2026. This initiative aims to promote sustainable transport and reduce air pollution, especially in cities like Hyderabad. The exemption applies to various EVs, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers (both private and commercial), three-wheelers, electric buses, and light goods carriers. Electric buses run by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) receive indefinite tax exemption. Private industry buses for employee transport are also exempted until December 2026. The policy aims to make EVs more affordable and support the state’s sustainability goals.