Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Health Ministry's action against Aveo Pharmaceuticals in February 2025 concerned the export of an unapproved combination of Tapentadol with which drug?
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Correct answer: D — Carisoprodol
The firm exported unapproved combinations of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol to West African countries.
Consider the following statements about Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, as stated by the Health Ministry in February 2025: 1. Both drugs are individually approved by CDSCO in India. 2. Both drugs are included in India's NDPS list. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The Ministry said both drugs are individually approved by CDSCO but their combination is not, and neither is included in the NDPS list, so only the first statement is correct.
Which industry bodies joined the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event led by Mansukh Mandaviya in Delhi on 23 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — FICCI and CII
Special guests from industry bodies FICCI and CII joined the ninth week of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Delhi.
Adilabad teacher Thodasam Kailash, praised in Mann Ki Baat in February 2025, composed a song with AI tools in which tribal language?
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Correct answer: B — Kolami
The PM said Thodasam Kailash composed a song in the Kolami language with the help of AI tools.
Where was the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council held on 22 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Pune
Amit Shah chaired the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Pune, Maharashtra.
Which Union Territory is a member of the Western Zonal Council along with Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa?
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Correct answer: B — Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
The Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu attended, as the UT is a member of the Western Zonal Council.
How many issues were discussed at the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council, apart from six issues of national importance?
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Correct answer: A — 18
A total of 18 issues were discussed, and six issues of national importance were also taken up.
Under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, apart from its Chief Minister, how many other ministers from each member state sit on a Zonal Council?
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Correct answer: A — Two, nominated by the Governor
Section 16 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 provides that each Zonal Council includes the Chief Minister and two other ministers of each member state nominated by the Governor; the Union Home Minister is the chairman.
Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das was appointed to which post on 22 February 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment as Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister.
Who continues as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister after Shaktikanta Das's appointment as Principal Secretary-2?
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Correct answer: C — P.K. Mishra
P.K. Mishra, a retired Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, continues as Principal Secretary to the PM.
Consider the following statements about Shaktikanta Das's appointment of February 2025: 1. It was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. 2. It is for a fixed term of five years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The ACC approved the appointment, but it is co-terminus with the PM's term or until further orders, not a fixed five-year term, so only the first statement is correct.
The SLBC tunnel, part of whose roof collapsed on 22 February 2025, is in which district of Telangana?
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Correct answer: B — Nagarkurnool
The collapse took place near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana.
What does SLBC stand for in the SLBC tunnel of Telangana?
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Correct answer: B — Srisailam Left Bank Canal
SLBC stands for Srisailam Left Bank Canal; the tunnel is being built for this irrigation project.
How many people were trapped inside the SLBC tunnel after the collapse of 22 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 8
Eight people, two engineers, two technical staff and four labourers, were trapped about 14 km inside.
Roughly how far inside the SLBC tunnel were the workers trapped?
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Correct answer: D — 14 km
The eight workers were trapped about 14 km inside the under-construction tunnel.
Who scored 165 for England against Australia on 22 February 2025, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history?
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Correct answer: D — Ben Duckett
Ben Duckett's 165 off 143 balls is the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
Whose unbeaten 120, his maiden ODI century, steered Australia's record chase against England in Lahore?
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Correct answer: A — Josh Inglis
Josh Inglis made 120 not out off 86 balls, his maiden ODI century, as Australia chased 352.
Where was the 6th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian scheduled from 24 February to 9 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — East Fuji Manoeuvre Training Area, Japan
The 6th edition was scheduled at the East Fuji Manoeuvre Training Area in Japan.
The Indian contingent for Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025 was drawn mainly from a battalion of which regiment?
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Correct answer: B — Madras Regiment
The 120-member Indian contingent was represented mainly by troops from a battalion of the Madras Regiment.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Dharma Guardian: 1. It is an annual exercise held alternately in India and Japan. 2. Its previous edition, before February 2025, was held in Rajasthan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The Defence Ministry said the exercise is annual and held alternately in India and Japan, and the previous edition was held in Rajasthan in February-March 2024, so both statements are correct.
The draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, whose consultation was concluded on 22 February 2025, sought to amend which law?
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Correct answer: B — Advocates Act, 1961
The draft sought to amend the Advocates Act, 1961; it drew objections from the Bar Council of India and lawyers.
On which website was the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 placed for public consultation on 13 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Department of Legal Affairs
The Law Ministry said the draft was made available for public consultation on the website of the Department of Legal Affairs on 13 February 2025.
Which state amended its Prison Manual 2021 in February 2025 to end caste-based work allotment among prisoners?
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Correct answer: B — Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh amended all caste-based provisions of its Prison Manual 2021 through the Second Amendment, 2025.
Under the new paragraph 5.68 of the Himachal Pradesh Prison Manual, prisoners cannot be engaged in:
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Correct answer: C — Manual scavenging, sewer maintenance and septic tank cleaning
Paragraph 5.68 bars engaging prisoners in manual scavenging, sewer system maintenance and septic tank cleaning.
Consider the following statements: 1. 'Prisons' is a subject in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. 2. Himachal Pradesh made its February 2025 changes through the Himachal Pradesh Prison Manual Second Amendment, 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Entry 4 of List II (State List) covers prisons, reformatories and persons detained therein, and Himachal Pradesh notified the changes through the Prison Manual Second Amendment, 2025, so both statements are correct.
In which city was the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 held on 21-22 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Kochi
The summit was held at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre in Kochi.
Which agency organised the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025?
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Correct answer: D — KSIDC
The summit was organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) under the Department of Industries and Commerce.
Expressions of interest worth how much were received at the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025?
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Correct answer: A — About ₹1.52 lakh crore
Industries Minister P. Rajeeve said expressions of interest worth ₹1,52,905 crore came from 374 companies.
To how many PMAY-Gramin (Phase-2) beneficiaries did Amit Shah distribute sanction letters in Pune on 22 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 20 lakh
Sanction letters were given to 20 lakh beneficiaries, and 10 lakh received the first instalment.
According to Amit Shah at the Pune event, which state received the highest number of houses under PMAY-G Phase-2?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
Shah said Maharashtra had been allotted the highest number of houses under Phase-2 of the scheme.
About how many TB patients did India notify in 2024, as stated in the Health Ministry's update of 22 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Over 26 lakh
The Ministry said India notified over 26 lakh TB patients in 2024, with over 36% of notifications from the private sector.
The 'Compendium of Datasets and Registries in India, 2024' released by NSO in February 2025 covers about how many datasets and registries?
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Correct answer: D — 270
The compendium consolidates metadata for about 270 datasets and registries from 40 Ministries and Departments.
What was UNESCO's theme for International Mother Language Day 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Languages matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day
UNESCO's 2025 theme was 'Languages matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day'; 'Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development' was the theme of IGNCA's own event in New Delhi.
International Mother Language Day 2025 marked which anniversary of the Day?
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Correct answer: B — 25th
UNESCO celebrated 2025 as the 25th anniversary, or Silver Jubilee, of International Mother Language Day.
According to UNESCO, as highlighted on International Mother Language Day 2025, what share of learners lack access to education in a language they understand?
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Correct answer: C — 40%
UNESCO said 40% of learners do not have the opportunity to learn in a language they understand, and called for multilingual education.
The UN's International Decade of Indigenous Languages, referred to at IGNCA's Mother Language Day event in February 2025, covers which period?
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Correct answer: D — 2022-2032
UNESCO's South Asia director Tim Curtis referred to the UN declaration of 2022-2032 as the Decade of Indigenous Languages, aimed at documenting and revitalising languages.
Who presided over the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held in New Delhi in February 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Dr Tara Bhawalkar
Folklorist Dr Tara Bhawalkar was the president of the 98th Sammelan, which PM Modi inaugurated on 21 February 2025.
In which year was the first Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held, as recalled by the PM in February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 1878
The PM said the Sammelan, from its first edition in 1878, had witnessed 147 years of India's journey.
While inaugurating the 98th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, the PM noted that the nation was marking the 300th birth anniversary of:
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Correct answer: A — Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar
The PM said the Sammelan coincided with the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, the 350th anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj's coronation and 75 years of the Constitution.
Which organisation hosted the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi under the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal?
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Correct answer: B — Sarhad, Pune
The Sammelan's official site states it was organised by Sarhad, Pune, under the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, at Talkatora Stadium from 21 to 23 February 2025.
SECL's Dipka Megaproject, which commissioned new silos and a rapid loading system on 21 February 2025, is in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Chhattisgarh
The Dipka Megaproject of South Eastern Coalfields Limited is in Chhattisgarh.
With the commissioning of Silos 3 and 4, what is the total coal dispatch capacity of the Dipka Megaproject?
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Correct answer: D — 40 MTPA
The new 25 MTPA silo system plus the earlier 15 MTPA Merry-Go-Round system take Dipka's total dispatch capacity to 40 MTPA.
From which country did India take over the chairmanship of BOBP-IGO on 21 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Bangladesh
India assumed the chairmanship of BOBP-IGO from Bangladesh at the 13th Governing Council meeting in the Maldives.
Where is the headquarters of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO)?
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Correct answer: D — Chennai
BOBP-IGO, a regional fisheries advisory body, is headquartered on St. Mary's Road, Abhiramapuram, Chennai.
Consider the following statements about BOBP-IGO: 1. Its members are Bangladesh, India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. 2. Myanmar and Thailand are full members of the organisation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
BOBP-IGO's members are Bangladesh, India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, while Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand are only cooperating non-contracting parties, so only the first statement is correct.
What does SOUL stand for in the SOUL Leadership Conclave inaugurated by PM Modi on 21 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — School of Ultimate Leadership
SOUL stands for School of Ultimate Leadership; its first Leadership Conclave was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Near which place did PM Modi say a new, vast campus of SOUL would be ready soon?
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Correct answer: A — GIFT City, Gujarat
The PM announced that a new, vast SOUL campus would be ready near GIFT City, Gujarat, in the near future.
The Prime Minister of which country addressed the first SOUL Leadership Conclave in New Delhi in February 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Bhutan
Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay addressed the conclave, and PM Modi said India remains committed to deepening its partnership with Bhutan.
Which organisation was appointed by the IWAI Board in February 2025 to carry out the feasibility study for Water Metro in 17 cities?
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Correct answer: A — Kochi Metro Rail Limited
The IWAI Board appointed Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to carry out the feasibility study.
The IWAI Board decided in February 2025 to explore Water Metro in how many cities?
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Correct answer: C — 17
The Board decided to explore Water Metro in 17 cities across 12 states.
Kerala reached their maiden Ranji Trophy final in February 2025 by taking a first-innings lead over which team in the semi-final?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat
Kerala made 457 and bowled Gujarat out for 455 in the semi-final in Ahmedabad, winning on first-innings lead.
By how many runs did Kerala lead Gujarat on the first innings in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy semi-final?
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Correct answer: B — 2
Kerala's 457 against Gujarat's 455 gave them a two-run first-innings lead.
Which Kerala bowler took the last three Gujarat wickets on the final morning of the Ranji Trophy semi-final?
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Correct answer: C — Aditya Sarwate
Left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate took all three remaining wickets on the fifth morning to finish with 4 for 111.
According to the Power Minister on 21 February 2025, average electricity supply in rural areas has risen to how many hours a day in 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 22.6 hours
Manohar Lal said rural supply rose from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours in 2025, and urban supply reached 23.4 hours.
AT&C losses in India's power sector fell from 22.62% in 2014 to what level in 2025, as stated by the Power Minister?
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Correct answer: A — 15%
The Minister said AT&C losses fell from 22.62% in 2014 to 15% in 2025.
Who scored a maiden ODI century as South Africa beat Afghanistan by 107 runs in the Champions Trophy at Karachi on 21 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ryan Rickelton
Ryan Rickelton scored 103 off 106 balls, his maiden ODI century, and was named Player of the Match.
How many new employees were enrolled under the ESI Scheme in December 2024, according to provisional ESIC payroll data?
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Correct answer: D — 17.01 lakh
ESIC's provisional payroll data showed 17.01 lakh new employees added in December 2024, with 20,360 new establishments.
Rekha Gupta, sworn in as Delhi Chief Minister on 20 February 2025, represents which Assembly constituency?
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Correct answer: D — Shalimar Bagh
Rekha Gupta, a first-time MLA, won the Shalimar Bagh seat by 29,595 votes.
Who administered the oath of office to Rekha Gupta as Delhi Chief Minister at Ramlila Maidan?
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Correct answer: A — Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath of office to Rekha Gupta and six ministers.
Rekha Gupta is Delhi's fourth woman Chief Minister. Which of the following has NOT been a Chief Minister of Delhi?
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Correct answer: B — Kiran Walia
The three earlier women Chief Ministers of Delhi were Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit and Atishi; Kiran Walia never held the post.
How many ministers took oath along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on 20 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Six
Six ministers took oath: Parvesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Ravinder Indraj Singh, Kapil Mishra and Pankaj Kumar Singh.
Consider the following statements about the National Capital Territory of Delhi under Article 239AA of the Constitution: 1. The Chief Minister is appointed by the President. 2. The number of ministers in the Council of Ministers cannot exceed 10% of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Article 239AA(5) provides that the Chief Minister is appointed by the President, and Article 239AA(4) caps the Council of Ministers at 10% of the Assembly's total membership, so both statements are correct.
Which of the following minerals was NOT among those shifted from minor to major minerals by the Ministry of Mines in February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Limestone
The minerals shifted were Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz; limestone was not part of this notification.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee that recommended reclassifying Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz as major minerals was chaired by:
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Correct answer: B — Dr V.K. Saraswat
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the mines and minerals sector was chaired by NITI Aayog Member Dr V.K. Saraswat.
Quartz, Felspar and Mica were reclassified partly because they occur in which rocks that are an important source of critical minerals like lithium and beryl?
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Correct answer: C — Pegmatite
Quartz, Felspar and Mica are found in pegmatite rocks, an important source of critical minerals such as beryl, lithium, niobium and tantalum.
Consider the following statements about the reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz as major minerals (February 2025): 1. Revenue from these mines will now accrue to the Central Government instead of the states. 2. Existing leases will be extended to 50 years from the date of grant under Section 8A of the MMDR Act, 1957. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The Ministry said revenue from these mines will continue to accrue to the state governments, while leases get extended to 50 years from the date of grant (or till the end of the renewal period, if later) under Section 8A, so only the second statement is correct.
Who scored an unbeaten century for India against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy at Dubai on 20 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill made 101 not out off 129 balls as India chased 229.
Mohammed Shami, who took 5 for 53 against Bangladesh, overtook whom to become India's leading wicket-taker in men's ICC tournaments?
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Correct answer: B — Zaheer Khan
With his five-for, Shami overtook Zaheer Khan as India's leading wicket-taker in men's ICC tournaments.
Which record did Mohammed Shami set during his 5 for 53 against Bangladesh on 20 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Quickest to 200 ODI wickets in terms of balls bowled
Shami became the quickest bowler to 200 ODI wickets in terms of balls bowled, and it was his sixth ODI five-wicket haul.
Which Bangladesh batter scored his maiden ODI century against India in Dubai on 20 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Towhid Hridoy
Towhid Hridoy scored 100 off 118 balls, his maiden ODI century, sharing a 154-run sixth-wicket stand with Jaker Ali.
Mizoram became which numbered state of India on 20 February 1987?
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Correct answer: C — 23rd
Mizoram became the 23rd state of India; Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th on the same day.
Arunachal Pradesh, which celebrates Statehood Day on 20 February, was earlier known as:
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Correct answer: A — North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
Arunachal Pradesh was earlier the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), became a Union Territory in 1972 and a state on 20 February 1987.
Which Article of the Constitution, inserted by the 53rd Amendment, contains special provisions with respect to Mizoram?
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Correct answer: B — Article 371G
Article 371G, inserted by the Constitution (Fifty-third Amendment) Act, 1986, has special provisions for Mizoram; Article 371H covers Arunachal Pradesh, 371A Nagaland and 371F Sikkim.
The Intensified Special NCD Screening Campaign launched on 20 February 2025 aims to screen all individuals above what age?
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Correct answer: A — 30 years
The campaign aims at 100% screening of all individuals aged 30 years and above.
Which of the following cancers is NOT among the three covered by the NCD screening campaign of February-March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Lung cancer
The campaign screens for diabetes, hypertension and three common cancers: oral, breast and cervical.
For which force did the Ministry of Defence sign a contract with BEL on 20 February 2025 for 149 Software Defined Radios?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Coast Guard
The ₹1,220.12 crore contract with BEL is for 149 Software Defined Radios for the Indian Coast Guard.
Under which procurement category was the February 2025 contract for 149 Software Defined Radios signed?
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Correct answer: B — Buy (Indian-IDDM)
The contract was signed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, where IDDM stands for Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured.