CGPSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
KHANJAR is a joint special forces exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: C — Kyrgyzstan
KHANJAR is the India–Kyrgyzstan joint special forces exercise; its 12th edition was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025.
Which Kyrgyz unit took part in Exercise KHANJAR-XII alongside India's Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)?
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Correct answer: D — Scorpion Brigade
Kyrgyzstan was represented by its Scorpion Brigade.
Consider the following statements about Exercise KHANJAR: 1. It began in 2011 and is held annually, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan. 2. The 11th edition, held before KHANJAR-XII, took place in Kyrgyzstan. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the previous edition was held in India in January 2024; KHANJAR-XII was in Kyrgyzstan.
What did PM Narendra Modi do with his social media platforms on International Women's Day 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Handed them over to women achievers
On 8 March 2025, the PM handed over his social media platforms to women achievers from diverse fields.
Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni, who posted from the PM's X account on Women's Day 2025, are respectively:
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Correct answer: B — A nuclear scientist and a space scientist
Elina Mishra is a nuclear scientist and Shilpi Soni a space scientist; they urged more women to pursue science.
What was the UN theme for International Women's Day 2025?
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Correct answer: B — For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
The UN theme for 8 March 2025 was 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.' The other options were UN themes of 2024, 2023 and 2022.
International Women's Day 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. At which event was it adopted?
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Correct answer: D — Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by 189 governments at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.
In which year did KVIC launch the Honey Mission, under which 2,050 bee boxes were distributed on 8 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 2017
KVIC launched the Honey Mission in 2017, inspired by the PM's 2016 call for a 'Sweet Revolution'.
From which place did the Prime Minister call for a 'Sweet Revolution' in 2016, as recalled by the KVIC Chairman in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Deesa, Banaskantha (Gujarat)
The PM called for a 'Sweet Revolution' alongside the 'White Revolution' from Deesa in Banaskantha, Gujarat, in 2016.
What was the theme of the 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas, observed on 7 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Jan Aushadhi: Daam Kam Dawai Uttam
The 2025 theme was 'Jan Aushadhi: Daam Kam Dawai Uttam' (lower price, better medicine).
How many Jan Aushadhi Kendras were there after more than 200 new ones opened during the 2025 Jan Aushadhi week?
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Correct answer: C — 15,291
More than 200 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras opened, taking the total to 15,291 as of 7 March 2025.
On the 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas (7 March 2025), Union Minister J.P. Nadda visited the Jan Aushadhi Kendra at which AIIMS?
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Correct answer: B — AIIMS Bilaspur
Nadda visited the Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and interacted with beneficiaries.
Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): 1. It began in November 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme of the Department of Pharmaceuticals. 2. It was revamped in 2015 as the Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Yojana before being given its present name. 3. It is administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
The scheme was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals with Central Pharma PSUs, revamped in September 2015 as Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Yojana, and later renamed PMBJP. It is under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, not the Health Ministry.
The scheme notified on 7 March 2025 lets cooperative sugar mills convert their ethanol plants to also use which feedstocks?
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Correct answer: A — Maize and damaged food grains
The conversion lets cooperative sugar mills use grains like maize and damaged food grains (DFG), so ethanol can be produced year-round.
Consider the following statements about the scheme for cooperative sugar mills notified on 7 March 2025: 1. Interest subvention is 6% per annum or 50% of the rate of interest charged by banks, whichever is lower. 2. The subvention is for five years, including a one-year moratorium. 3. The scheme was notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
The subvention is 6% a year or 50% of the bank rate, whichever is lower, for five years including a one-year moratorium. The scheme was notified by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, under the modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme.
With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign a $248 million contract for T-72 tank engines on 7 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Rosoboronexport
The contract was signed with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russia, for 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks.
The T-72 tanks of the Indian Army, which will get 1,000 HP engines under the March 2025 deal, are currently fitted with engines of what power?
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Correct answer: B — 780 HP
The T-72 fleet is at present fitted with a 780 HP engine; the 1,000 HP engine will improve mobility and offensive capability.
Under the March 2025 T-72 engine deal, technology will be transferred to which Indian facility for licensed production?
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Correct answer: B — Heavy Vehicle Factory, Avadi
Rosoboronexport will transfer technology to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai.
TROPEX, which concluded in March 2025, is the capstone exercise of which force?
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Correct answer: C — Indian Navy
TROPEX (Theatre Level Operational Exercise) is the Indian Navy's capstone exercise; the Army, IAF and Coast Guard also took part.
The theatre of TROPEX 2025 extended about 5,000 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz in the west to which straits in the east?
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Correct answer: D — Sunda and Lombok Straits
The exercise area extended about 5,000 nm from the Strait of Hormuz to the Sunda and Lombok Straits, and about 4,300 nm north–south up to 35° South.
During his visit to Australia (4–7 March 2025), CDS Gen Anil Chauhan laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in honour of Indian soldiers who fell in which campaign?
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Correct answer: A — Gallipoli campaign
Gen Chauhan laid a wreath honouring Indian soldiers who died in the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.
Who was Australia's Chief of Defence Force, with whom CDS Gen Anil Chauhan held talks in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Admiral David Johnston
Gen Chauhan held talks with Admiral David Johnston, Australia's Chief of Defence Force, at the Russell Offices.
CERT-In, which released the 'Cyber Security Handbook for Mahila Suraksha' in March 2025, is designated as the national agency for incident response under which provision?
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Correct answer: C — Section 70B of the IT Act, 2000
CERT-In is designated under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 as the national agency for incident response.
At his review of the cooperative sector on 6 March 2025, PM Modi stressed integrating UPI with which card to ease financial transactions?
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Correct answer: C — RuPay Kisan Credit Card
The PM highlighted the importance of integrating UPI with RuPay KCC cards.
As briefed to the PM on 6 March 2025, how many initiatives has the Ministry of Cooperation taken since its creation, and across how many areas?
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Correct answer: C — 60 initiatives across 7 areas
The Ministry of Cooperation has undertaken 60 initiatives across seven key areas, including computerisation of cooperatives.
Up to how much in EU-budget-backed defence loans for member states was proposed, as noted by the special European Council on 6 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — €150 billion
Leaders took note of the Commission's proposal for a new instrument giving member states loans of up to €150 billion backed by the EU budget.
Which EU member state did NOT join the other 26 leaders in backing the Ukraine text at the special European Council of 6 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Hungary
The text on Ukraine was firmly supported by 26 heads of state or government; Hungary's Viktor Orban stayed out.
To let member states spend more on defence, the European Council of 6 March 2025 welcomed the planned activation of the national escape clause of which framework?
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Correct answer: B — The Stability and Growth Pact
The Commission planned to recommend activating the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, the EU's fiscal rules, for defence spending.
With the Right to Services Commissioners of how many states did DARPG announce deeper collaboration on 6 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 10
DARPG is working with the RTS Commissioners of 10 states, including integration of state RTS portals with CPGRAMS.
What is the total outlay of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme approved on 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — ₹3,880 crore
The revised LHDCP has an outlay of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Which new component was added to the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Pashu Aushadhi
Pashu Aushadhi, for affordable generic veterinary medicines, is the new component, with ₹75 crore.
Under the revised LHDCP, generic veterinary medicines under Pashu Aushadhi will be made available through which network?
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Correct answer: C — PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and cooperative societies
Pashu Aushadhi medicines will be supplied through PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and cooperative societies.
Consider the following about the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (March 2025): 1. Its three components are NADCP, LH&DC and Pashu Aushadhi. 2. Mobile Veterinary Units are covered under the ESVHD-MVU sub-component of LH&DC. 3. Its outlay covers the five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the ₹3,880 crore outlay approved in March 2025 is for two years, 2024-25 and 2025-26.
By what margin did New Zealand beat South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 50 runs
New Zealand made 362/6 and held South Africa to 312/9, winning by 50 runs in Lahore.
Which two New Zealand batters scored centuries in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against South Africa?
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Correct answer: D — Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson
Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102) added 164 for the second wicket; Ravindra was Player of the Match.
Which South African batter scored an unbeaten 67-ball century in the losing chase in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Lahore?
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Correct answer: A — David Miller
David Miller made 100 not out off 67 balls, completing the century off the last ball, but South Africa finished on 312/9.
Who received the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados on behalf of PM Narendra Modi in Bridgetown on 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Pabitra Margherita
Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita received the award on the PM's behalf.
Who presented the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados at the State House ceremony of 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — President Dame Sandra Mason
The honour was presented by Barbados President Dame Sandra Mason; PM Mia Amor Mottley, who had announced it in November 2024, attended.
Under the initiative launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on 5 March 2025, at least one Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat is to be developed in each:
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Correct answer: B — District
The convention aimed to establish at least one Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat in each district of the country.
Which tool was launched at the National Convention on Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats in March 2025 to track their progress?
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Correct answer: C — A real-time monitoring dashboard
The convention unveiled a real-time monitoring dashboard, along with virtual training programmes for these panchayats.
With which organisation did NITI Aayog's Frontier Tech Hub release the paper 'Quantum Computing: National Security Implications & Strategic Preparedness' on 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Data Security Council of India
The paper was released by NITI-FTH in partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI).
By what margin did India beat Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on 4 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Four wickets
India chased 265 and won by four wickets with 11 balls to spare.
Who was the Player of the Match in India's Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final win over Australia?
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Correct answer: D — Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli was Player of the Match for his 84 off 98 balls in the chase.
Who top-scored for Australia with 73 in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against India in Dubai?
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Correct answer: A — Steve Smith
Captain Steve Smith made 73 and Alex Carey 61 as Australia were bowled out for 264.
Which Indian bowler took 3 for 48 in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against Australia?
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Correct answer: B — Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami took 3 for 48; Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) took two each.
What was the theme of National Safety Day/Week 2025, observed from 4 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat
The 2025 theme was 'Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat'.
Which edition of the National Safety Week began with National Safety Day on 4 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 54th
The 54th National Safety Week was observed from 4 to 10 March 2025.
The 'Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan', launched on 4 March 2025, is aimed at:
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Correct answer: D — Capacity building of women elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions
The campaign is a capacity-building initiative to strengthen the leadership and decision-making of women elected representatives of PRIs.
Which ministry launched the 'Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan' in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Panchayati Raj
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched it at a national workshop of over 1,200 women panchayat leaders.
About how many members were in the Belgian Economic Mission to India led by Princess Astrid, whom PM Modi met on 4 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 300
The PM appreciated Princess Astrid's initiative to lead a 300-member Economic Mission to India.
INS Kuthar, which arrived at Colombo on 4 March 2025, belongs to which fleet of the Indian Navy?
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Correct answer: C — Eastern Fleet
INS Kuthar is an Eastern Fleet ship under the Eastern Naval Command.
How many hydrogen refuelling stations are included in the five pilot projects for hydrogen buses and trucks sanctioned by MNRE (announced 3 March 2025)?
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Correct answer: A — 9
The five pilot projects include 37 vehicles and 9 hydrogen refuelling stations.
Consider the following statements about the hydrogen transport pilot projects announced by MNRE on 3 March 2025: 1. Of the 37 vehicles, 15 are hydrogen fuel cell-based and 22 use hydrogen internal combustion engines. 2. The vehicles will run on 10 routes, including Bhubaneswar–Konark–Puri. 3. The projects are funded under the PM e-DRIVE scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: 15 fuel cell and 22 hydrogen ICE vehicles will run on 10 routes including Bhubaneswar–Konark–Puri. Statement 3 is wrong: the pilots come under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with about ₹208 crore of central support.
Who chaired the Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the Indian Air Force, whose report was presented to the Raksha Mantri on 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — The Defence Secretary
The committee was chaired by the Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, who presented its report to Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.
Who served as Member Secretary of the Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the IAF (report presented on 3 March 2025)?
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Correct answer: D — Deputy Chief of the Air Staff
The Deputy Chief of the Air Staff was Member Secretary; the Vice Chief of Air Staff, Secretary (Defence Production), Secretary DDR&D and DG Acquisition were members.
India signed an MoU on cooperation in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector with which country on 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Nepal
India and Nepal signed the WASH MoU at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of C R Patil and Nepal's Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav.
Which of the following is listed as an area of cooperation in the India–Nepal WASH MoU signed on 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Groundwater management, including artificial recharge
The MoU covers capacity building, technology and knowledge transfer, and groundwater management including monitoring, quality improvement, artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting.
Who was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Government e Marketplace (GeM) with effect from 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Ajay Bhadoo
Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, was appointed GeM CEO with effect from 3 March 2025.
Before joining the Department of Commerce, the new GeM CEO Ajay Bhadoo (appointed March 2025) served in which post?
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Correct answer: B — Deputy Election Commissioner
Ajay Bhadoo, a 1999-batch Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, earlier served as Deputy Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of India.
Which state recorded the highest number of dolphins in India's first riverine dolphin estimation report released on 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal and Assam.
The first riverine dolphin estimation, whose report was released at Gir on 3 March 2025, surveyed how many rivers across how many states?
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Correct answer: A — 28 rivers in 8 states
The survey covered 28 rivers across eight states, with 3,150 mandays spent covering over 8,500 km.
What total number of dolphins was estimated in the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report released by the PM on 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 6,327
The report estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins; 3,150 was the number of mandays and 8,500 km the distance surveyed.
According to NITI Aayog's report 'From Borrowers to Builders' launched on 3 March 2025, how many women were monitoring their credit as of December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 27 million
As of December 2024, 27 million women were monitoring their credit, a 42% increase over the previous year.
Under NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform, which collaborative was mentioned at the launch of the 'From Borrowers to Builders' report on 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Financing Women Collaborative
NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam said the Financing Women Collaborative (FWC) has been constituted under WEP and invited financial sector stakeholders to join it.
What was the theme of World Wildlife Day observed on 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet
The 2025 theme was 'Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet'. The other options were themes of earlier years.
According to the Environment Ministry's World Wildlife Day 2025 backgrounder, how much of its 2025-26 budget is earmarked for the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats?
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Correct answer: D — ₹450 crore
₹450 crore is set aside for Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats out of the Ministry's total 2025-26 budget of ₹3,412.82 crore.