Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The 'AI for Good Governance' workshop held at Pragna Bhawan, Agartala on 16 May 2025 was organised by Tripura's Directorate of IT in collaboration with:
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Correct answer: A — National e-Governance Division (NeGD), MeitY
The workshop was organised by DIT Tripura with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under MeitY.
Consider the following statements about the 'AI for Good Governance' workshop in Tripura (May 2025): 1. It was held at Pragna Bhawan, Agartala. 2. Over 150 officers from various departments took part. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PIB Agartala release.
The WADA Intelligence & Investigations workshop hosted by NADA India in May 2025 was organised in partnership with:
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Correct answer: C — INTERPOL and Sport Integrity Australia
The workshop was organised under WADA in partnership with INTERPOL and Sport Integrity Australia.
Consider the following statements about the WADA Intelligence & Investigations workshop (May 2025): 1. It was held in Mumbai. 2. Anant Kumar is the Director General of NADA India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The workshop was held in New Delhi from 12 to 16 May 2025.
As stated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries in May 2025, how many electric buses are to be allocated to 9 major cities under PM E-DRIVE?
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Correct answer: B — 14,000
14,000 electric buses are to be allocated to 9 major cities under PM E-DRIVE.
Consider the following statements about Karnataka's request for electric buses (May 2025): 1. The request was submitted by Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. 2. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said Karnataka would receive buses in a phased and prioritised manner. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Heavy Industries release of 16 May 2025.
The second IICA–DGR certification programme on independent directorship for senior defence officers (5–16 May 2025) was held at:
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Correct answer: D — IICA campus, Manesar, Gurugram
The programme was conducted at the IICA campus in Manesar, Gurugram.
Consider the following statements about the IICA–DGR programme concluded in May 2025: 1. It was the first batch of the programme. 2. It had 30 senior officers representing all three services. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. It was the second batch of the programme.
The first Indian biological experiment planned aboard the ISS, announced in May 2025, will study the effect of microgravity on:
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Correct answer: B — Edible microalgae
The first experiment will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae as a sustainable space nutrition source.
Consider the following statements about India's planned space biology experiments (announced May 2025): 1. They will be carried out aboard ISRO's Gaganyaan G1 mission. 2. The second experiment will compare growth of cyanobacteria such as Spirulina in urea- and nitrate-based media. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The experiments are part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a crew member.
How many startups did DPIIT approve for income tax exemption under Section 80-IAC, as announced on 15 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 187
187 startups were approved: 75 at the 79th and 112 at the 80th IMB meeting. Over 3,700 is the cumulative total.
Under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, eligible startups can claim:
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Correct answer: D — 100% deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive years within 10 years of incorporation
Eligible startups get a 100% income tax deduction on profits for any three consecutive years within a ten-year window from incorporation.
Consider the following statements about the Section 80-IAC startup tax benefit: 1. Startups incorporated before 1 April 2030 are now eligible to apply. 2. Under DPIIT's revised framework, complete applications are reviewed within 90 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Complete applications are reviewed within 120 days.
The India–EU joint research calls on Marine Plastic Litter and Waste to Green Hydrogen (May 2025) were launched under which mechanism?
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Correct answer: A — India–EU Trade and Technology Council
The calls were launched under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), set up in 2022.
Consider the following statements about the India–EU research calls launched in May 2025: 1. They carry a joint investment of ₹391 crore (about €41 million). 2. The India–EU Trade and Technology Council was established in 2022. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The TTC was set up in 2022 by PM Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The two India–EU coordinated research calls launched on 15 May 2025 address which areas?
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Correct answer: B — Marine Plastic Litter and Waste to Green Hydrogen
The calls focus on Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and Waste to Green Hydrogen (W2GH).
Which body wrote to all States and UTs in May 2025 seeking immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's 14 directives against manual scavenging?
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Correct answer: B — National Human Rights Commission
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) wrote to the Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all States and UTs.
How many directives did the Supreme Court issue in Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India (2023) to eliminate manual scavenging?
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Correct answer: D — 14
The Supreme Court issued 14 directives in its 2023 judgment.
Consider the following statements regarding the NHRC's May 2025 communication on manual scavenging: 1. It noted the Supreme Court's complete ban announced on 29 January 2025 in six cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. 2. It sought action taken reports within four weeks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The NHRC sought action taken reports within eight weeks.
The high-level fisheries review chaired by the Prime Minister on 15 May 2025 focused on:
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Correct answer: A — Fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone and high seas
The meeting focused on fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the high seas.
Consider the following statements about the PM's fisheries review (15 May 2025): 1. The PM suggested using drones, as per technical protocols, to transport fresh fish to nearby city markets. 2. The PM suggested exploring uses of seaweed for fuel, nutrition and pharmaceuticals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PMO release.
The DRDO laboratory that developed the high-pressure polymeric membrane for seawater desalination (May 2025) is based in:
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Correct answer: B — Kanpur
The membrane was developed by DMSRDE, DRDO's Kanpur-based laboratory.
Consider the following statements about DRDO's desalination membrane (May 2025): 1. It was developed for desalination plants on Indian Coast Guard ships. 2. Final operational clearance will be given after 500 hours of operational testing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Initial trials were held on an ICG Offshore Patrol Vessel.
Who took oath as Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission on 15 May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Dr Ajay Kumar
Dr Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary, took oath as UPSC Chairman. Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd), the senior-most Member, administered the oath.
Consider the following statements about the new UPSC Chairman (May 2025): 1. He is a 1990-batch IAS officer. 2. The oath of office was administered to him by the President of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Dr Ajay Kumar is a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, and the oath was administered by Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd), the senior-most Member of the Commission.
As per the PLFS monthly bulletin for April 2025, the unemployment rate (Current Weekly Status, age 15+) was:
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Correct answer: D — 5.1%
The unemployment rate in CWS for persons aged 15 and above was 5.1% in April 2025.
The labour force participation rate (CWS, age 15+) in April 2025, as per the PLFS monthly bulletin, was:
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Correct answer: A — 55.6%
LFPR was 55.6%. 52.8% was the overall WPR, 58.0% rural LFPR and 50.7% urban LFPR.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS bulletin for April 2025: 1. The PLFS sampling methodology was revamped from January 2025. 2. The female unemployment rate was higher than the male unemployment rate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The male UR (5.2%) was slightly higher than the female UR (5.0%).
Which body revoked the security clearance of M/s Celebi and its associated companies in May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the clearance on grounds related to national security.
Consider the following statements about the revocation of Celebi's security clearance (May 2025): 1. It was revoked on grounds related to national security. 2. It was revoked by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The clearance was revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
India's total exports (merchandise and services) in April 2025 were estimated at:
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Correct answer: A — US$ 73.80 billion
Total exports were US$ 73.80 billion. US$ 65.48 billion was the April 2024 figure, US$ 82.45 billion was total imports and US$ 38.49 billion was merchandise exports.
Among the following export categories, which recorded the highest year-on-year growth in April 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Electronic goods
Electronic goods exports grew 39.51%, against 11.28% for engineering goods, 10.74% for gems and jewellery and 2.37% for drugs and pharmaceuticals.
Consider the following statements about India's trade in April 2025: 1. Merchandise exports were US$ 38.49 billion, up 9.02% year-on-year. 2. Total imports (merchandise and services) were estimated at US$ 82.45 billion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Commerce Ministry's release of 15 May 2025.
The College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry of Central Agricultural University (Imphal), whose new block was inaugurated in May 2025, is located at:
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Correct answer: D — Jalukie
The college is at Jalukie, Nagaland.
How much financial assistance did Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announce for Nagaland's agriculture sector on 15 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹338.83 crore
He announced ₹338.83 crore for the overall development of Nagaland's agriculture sector.
Which campaign was formally launched in New Delhi on Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025 (15 May) to make the capital accessible for persons with disabilities?
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Correct answer: D — Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan
The Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan was launched, building on the success of the earlier Sugamya Dwarka Abhiyan.
Consider the following statements about the Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan launch (May 2025): 1. It was organised by the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities with the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association. 2. The launch consultation was held at the CCPD office in Dwarka, New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment release.
Under the Government's partnership-mode initiative, how many new Sainik Schools are to be set up?
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Correct answer: D — 100
The initiative is to set up 100 new Sainik Schools; 86 have been approved so far.
Consider the following statements about the new Sainik Schools initiative (May 2025): 1. The Ministry of Defence has approved 86 schools as new Sainik Schools. 2. Registration for the fourth round was open from 15 May to 14 June 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release of 15 May 2025.
On 15 May 2025, a new ATC Tower cum Technical Block cum Fire Station was inaugurated at which airport in Maharashtra?
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Correct answer: B — Kolhapur
MoS Murlidhar Mohol inaugurated the facility at Kolhapur Airport.
The inaugural Star Air flight flagged off from Kolhapur on 15 May 2025 connects Kolhapur with:
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Correct answer: D — Nagpur
The inaugural Star Air flight was between Kolhapur and Nagpur.
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, sworn in on 14 May 2025, is which Chief Justice of India?
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Correct answer: C — 52nd
Justice B.R. Gavai is the 52nd Chief Justice of India; he succeeded Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
Consider the following statements about Chief Justice B.R. Gavai: 1. He succeeded Justice Sanjiv Khanna as Chief Justice of India. 2. He is the second Chief Justice of India from the Scheduled Caste community, after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
Where was Justice B.R. Gavai sworn in as Chief Justice of India on 14 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan
The ceremony was held in the Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he took the oath before the President.
The semiconductor unit approved by the Union Cabinet on 14 May 2025 will be set up in Uttar Pradesh at:
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Correct answer: D — Near Jewar airport, YEIDA
The HCL–Foxconn unit will be set up near Jewar airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area.
Consider the following statements about the semiconductor unit approved on 14 May 2025: 1. It is a joint venture of HCL and Foxconn. 2. It will manufacture display driver chips. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The chips are for mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, PCs and other devices with displays.
The HCL–Foxconn semiconductor plant approved in May 2025 is designed for a capacity of:
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Correct answer: A — 20,000 wafers per month
The plant is designed for 20,000 wafers per month, with a design output of 36 million units per month.
What investment will the semiconductor unit approved by the Cabinet on 14 May 2025 attract?
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Correct answer: B — ₹3,700 crore
The new semiconductor unit will attract an investment of ₹3,700 crore.
According to the MHA (14 May 2025), how many Naxalites' bodies were recovered in the operation at Karreguttalu Hill?
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Correct answer: B — 31
Bodies of 31 uniformed Naxalites were recovered; 35 weapons were recovered, 21 encounters took place, and 16 of those killed were women.
Karreguttalu Hill, the site of a major anti-Naxal operation in April–May 2025, lies on the border of which two states?
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Correct answer: D — Chhattisgarh and Telangana
Karreguttalu Hill lies on the border of Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) and Mulugu (Telangana).
Consider the following statements about the Karreguttalu Hill operation: 1. It ran from 21 April to 11 May 2025. 2. Several security force personnel were killed during the operation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The MHA stated there were no casualties among the security forces.
Annual WPI-based inflation for April 2025 (provisional) was:
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Correct answer: A — 0.85%
WPI inflation was 0.85% in April 2025. 2.05% was March 2025, 2.45% was February 2025, and -0.19% was the month-on-month change.
Consider the following statements about WPI data for April 2025: 1. The WPI series uses 2011-12 as the base year. 2. Inflation in primary articles was negative. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Primary articles inflation was -1.44% in April 2025.
The Bharat 6G Vision aims for India to design, develop and deploy 6G technologies by:
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Correct answer: B — 2030
The Bharat 6G Vision aims to design, develop and deploy 6G technologies by 2030.
Consider the following statements: 1. 'Bharat 6G 2025', held in New Delhi in May 2025, was the 3rd International Conference and Exhibition in the series. 2. The Bharat 6G Vision was launched in 2021. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Bharat 6G Vision was launched by the Prime Minister on 23 March 2023.
How many field-level electoral officials took part in the ECI training programme inaugurated at IIIDEM on 14 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 371
371 officials took part: 306 BLOs from Bihar, 30 from Haryana and 35 from Delhi. Over 2,600 is the number trained in two months.
Consider the following statements about the ECI training programme of 14 May 2025: 1. It was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at IIIDEM, New Delhi. 2. The 306 Booth Level Officers in the batch were from Haryana. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The 306 BLOs were from Bihar.
The NHRC's Short Film Awards scheme on human rights, whose 11th edition was announced in May 2025, was instituted in:
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Correct answer: B — 2015
The Short Film Awards scheme was instituted by the NHRC in 2015.
Consider the following statements about the NHRC's 11th short film competition (2025): 1. Films can be up to 30 minutes long. 2. Films must be in Hindi only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Films must be 3 to 10 minutes long and may be in English or any Indian language with English subtitles.
International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2025 marked which anniversary of IDY?
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Correct answer: D — 10th
IDY 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga.
'Samyoga', a signature event of IDY 2025, primarily aims to:
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Correct answer: B — Integrate evidence-based yoga practices into contemporary healthcare systems
Samyoga aims to translate evidence-based yoga practices into contemporary healthcare systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy and Sowa Rigpa.
The low-cost catalyst for oxygen electrocatalysis developed by CeNS, Bengaluru (May 2025) is based on:
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Correct answer: C — Iron-doped nickel selenide
CeNS developed a nickel selenide catalyst doped with a small amount of iron, derived from a metal-organic framework.
Consider the following statements about the CeNS catalyst (May 2025): 1. CeNS is a Bengaluru-based autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology. 2. The catalyst relies on ruthenium as its main active metal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The catalyst is iron-doped nickel selenide and outperformed ruthenium-based catalysts.
The NCPCR national consultation of 14 May 2025 focused on awareness of which laws?
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Correct answer: D — POCSO Act, 2012 and Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
The consultation covered the POCSO Act, 2012 and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
Consider the following statements about the NCPCR consultation of 14 May 2025: 1. The NCPCR Chairperson is Preeti Bharadwaj Dalal. 2. About 300 participants took part. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The NCPCR Chairperson is Tripti Gurha; Preeti Bharadwaj Dalal is a Member of the Commission.
The Northern Region Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute, which received CMVR testing approval for agricultural tractors in May 2025, is located at:
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Correct answer: D — Hisar
NRFMTTI is located at Hisar, Haryana.
Consider the following statements about NRFMTTI, Hisar (May 2025): 1. It became an approved agency for CMVR testing of agricultural tractors, in addition to combine harvesters. 2. It received NABL accreditation for CMVR testing of agricultural tractors and combine harvesters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare release.
All-India CPI-based headline inflation for April 2025 (provisional) was:
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Correct answer: C — 3.16%
Headline CPI inflation was 3.16%. 2.92% was rural inflation and 1.78% was food inflation.
Consider the following statements about CPI data for April 2025: 1. Headline CPI inflation was the lowest year-on-year rate since July 2019. 2. Food inflation (CFPI) was the lowest since October 2021. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per MoSPI's release of 13 May 2025.
The Consumer Price Index released by MoSPI for April 2025 uses which base year?
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Correct answer: D — 2012
The CPI numbers are on base 2012=100.