Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
With the launch of the Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) for pilots on 20 February 2025, India became which country in the world to implement it?
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Correct answer: C — Second
The Civil Aviation Ministry said India became the second country globally to implement the EPL system.
India's Electronic Personnel Licence for pilots follows ICAO's Amendment 178 to which Annex of the Chicago Convention?
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Correct answer: D — Annex 1 - Personnel Licensing
The EPL follows ICAO's Amendment 178 to Annex 1, Personnel Licensing, which encourages member states to adopt electronic licences.
What is the size of the Uttar Pradesh budget for 2025-26 presented on 20 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ₹8,08,736 crore
Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna tabled a ₹8,08,736 crore budget for 2025-26, up from ₹7,36,437 crore in 2024-25.
Who presented the Uttar Pradesh budget for 2025-26 in the state Assembly?
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Correct answer: A — Suresh Kumar Khanna
Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented the budget on 20 February 2025.
What is the size of the Gujarat budget for 2025-26 presented on 20 February 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹3,70,250 crore
Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai presented a ₹3,70,250 crore budget for 2025-26.
The Viksit Gujarat Fund proposed in Gujarat's 2025-26 budget is worth how much over five years?
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Correct answer: C — ₹50,000 crore
The Finance Minister proposed a ₹50,000 crore Viksit Gujarat Fund over the next five years, with ₹5,000 crore allocated for 2025-26.
The 'Namo Shakti Expressway' announced in Gujarat's 2025-26 budget will connect Banaskantha with:
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Correct answer: D — Saurashtra's coastal areas
The greenfield Namo Shakti Expressway is to connect Banaskantha to Saurashtra's coastal areas.
How many Guinness World Records were announced at the close of the first phase of the 'Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan' in Mumbai on 20 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Five
A Guinness World Records adjudicator announced five records at the closing ceremony in Mumbai.
INS Sujata and ICGS Veera of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron arrived at Cam Ranh Bay on 20 February 2025. Cam Ranh Bay is in:
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Correct answer: A — Vietnam
Cam Ranh Bay is in Vietnam, where the ships were welcomed by the Vietnam People's Navy.
Gyanesh Kumar, who assumed charge on 19 February 2025, is India's which Chief Election Commissioner?
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Correct answer: B — 26th
The Election Commission's press note says Gyanesh Kumar assumed charge as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar belongs to the 1988 batch of the IAS from which cadre?
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Correct answer: A — Kerala
Gyanesh Kumar is a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre and served as District Collector of Ernakulam.
Who took charge as Election Commissioner on 19 February 2025, filling the vacancy created by Gyanesh Kumar's elevation as CEC?
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Correct answer: B — Vivek Joshi
Vivek Joshi, who was Haryana's Chief Secretary, took charge as Election Commissioner the same day; Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was already a member.
Under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, the Search Committee that prepares a panel of five names is headed by the:
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Correct answer: C — Minister of Law and Justice
Section 6 of the 2023 Act provides for a Search Committee headed by the Minister of Law and Justice, with two members not below the rank of Secretary, to prepare a panel of five persons.
Consider the following statements about the Selection Committee under Section 7 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023: 1. It is chaired by the Prime Minister. 2. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha is a member. 3. The Chief Justice of India is a member. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Section 7 names the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister as members; the Chief Justice of India is not on the committee, so only the first two statements are correct.
Which state received the largest share of the ₹1,554.99 crore NDRF assistance approved on 19 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was approved ₹608.08 crore, the largest share; Tripura got ₹288.93 crore and Odisha ₹255.24 crore.
Which of the following states was NOT among the five that received additional NDRF assistance approved on 19 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Kerala
The five states were Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Odisha, Telangana and Tripura; Kerala was not among them.
Consider the following statements about the NDRF assistance approved on 19 February 2025: 1. It was approved by a High-Level Committee chaired by the Union Home Minister. 2. It is subject to adjustment of 50% of the opening balance available in the states' SDRF. 3. In 2024-25 the Centre released SDRF funds to all 28 states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
The High-Level Committee chaired by Amit Shah approved the aid subject to adjustment of 50% of the opening SDRF balance; SDRF funds in 2024-25 went to 27 states, not all 28, so only the first two statements are correct.
By what margin did New Zealand beat Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi?
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Correct answer: D — 60 runs
New Zealand made 320 for 5 and bowled Pakistan out for 260, winning by 60 runs.
Who was named Player of the Match in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener between Pakistan and New Zealand?
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Correct answer: B — Tom Latham
Tom Latham, unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls, was named Player of the Match.
Besides Tom Latham, which New Zealand batter scored a century against Pakistan in Karachi on 19 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Will Young
Will Young made 107 off 113 balls, the other century in New Zealand's 320 for 5.
Where was the first General Assembly of IALA held, at which India was elected to the Vice Presidency in February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Singapore
India was elected to IALA's Vice Presidency at the body's 1st General Assembly in Singapore.
IALA, whose first General Assembly was held in February 2025, was originally established in which year?
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Correct answer: D — 1957
IALA was established in 1957 as a non-governmental organisation.
What change in IALA's status was marked by its first General Assembly in Singapore?
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Correct answer: B — It moved from a non-governmental to an inter-governmental organisation
The first General Assembly marked IALA's transition from a non-governmental organisation to an inter-governmental organisation.
Which Jayanti of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was marked on 19 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 395th
The padyatra in Pune marked the 395th Jayanti of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
What was the name of the padyatra led by Mansukh Mandaviya and Devendra Fadnavis in Pune on Shivaji Jayanti 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Jai Shivaji Jai Bharat
The 'Jai Shivaji Jai Bharat' Padyatra in Pune was joined by over 20,000 MY Bharat volunteers.
Who presented the Rajasthan Budget 2025-26 in the state Assembly on 19 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Diya Kumari
Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari presented the 2025-26 Rajasthan Budget.
How much did Rajasthan provide under its first Green Budget, presented with the 2025-26 Budget?
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Correct answer: A — ₹27,854 crore
The Budget speech says ₹27,854 crore has been provided across sectors under the state's first Green Budget for 2025-26.
Rajasthan's estimated fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is what share of its GSDP?
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Correct answer: B — 4.25%
The fiscal deficit of ₹84,643 crore is 4.25% of GSDP, as stated with the Budget.
Which edition of the Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) met in Kuala Lumpur on 19 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 13th
The 13th MIDCOM meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur on 19 February 2025.
At the 13th MIDCOM, India and Malaysia exchanged terms of reference for a forum on the maintenance of which aircraft, flown by both air forces?
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Correct answer: D — Su-30
The finalised terms of reference for a Su-30 Forum were exchanged, to share expertise and best practices in Su-30 maintenance.
Who was the Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes when it marked its 22nd Foundation Day on 19 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Antar Singh Arya
Chairperson Antar Singh Arya spoke on the Commission's work; Hansraj Gangaram Ahir chairs the backward classes commission and Nirupam Chakma is an NCST member.
How much did Bihar receive as the second instalment of XV Finance Commission untied grants for rural local bodies, announced on 19 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — ₹821.80 crore
Bihar received ₹821.80 crore as the second instalment of untied grants, plus ₹47.93 crore withheld from the first instalment; Haryana got ₹202.47 crore.
Which leader of Qatar paid a State Visit to India on 17-18 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani
The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, paid his second State Visit to India on 17-18 February 2025.
During the Amir of Qatar's visit in February 2025, India-Qatar relations were elevated to which level?
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Correct answer: A — Strategic Partnership
The two sides signed the Agreement on the Establishment of Bilateral Strategic Partnership.
How much investment in India did Qatar commit to, according to the India-Qatar Joint Statement of 18 February 2025?
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Correct answer: B — USD 10 billion
The Qatar side announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, manufacturing and food security.
What bilateral trade target did India and Qatar set in February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Double trade by 2030
Both sides set the target to double bilateral trade by 2030 and agreed to explore a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Consider the following statements about the Amir of Qatar's visit to India in February 2025: 1. It was his second State Visit to India. 2. The Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce was elevated to a Joint Commission headed by the Commerce Ministers. 3. India and Qatar signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement during the visit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
It was the Amir's second State Visit, and the trade working group became a Joint Commission headed by the Commerce Ministers; on a CEPA, the sides only agreed to explore the possibility, so only the first two statements are correct.
The Inland Waterways Terminal at Jogighopa, dedicated to the nation on 18 February 2025, is in which state?
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Correct answer: B — Assam
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal dedicated the Inland Waterways Terminal at Jogighopa, Assam, to the nation.
The Jogighopa terminal is located 91 km from which town in Bhutan?
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Correct answer: C — Gelephu
The terminal is 91 km from Gelephu in Bhutan, 108 km from the Bangladesh border and 147 km from Guwahati.
How much cargo is the Jogighopa Inland Waterways Terminal expected to handle per year by 2027?
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Correct answer: A — 1.1 million tonnes
By 2027 the terminal is expected to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo per annum.
Which state's Legislative Assembly adopted the National e-Vidhan Application and became a Digital House on 18 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Uttarakhand
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Speaker Ritu Khanduri inaugurated NeVA in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, making it a Digital House.
The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) was rolled out to state legislatures on the lines of the e-Vidhan system of which state's Legislative Assembly?
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Correct answer: A — Himachal Pradesh
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs was made nodal ministry to roll out e-Vidhan, re-designated NeVA, in all states and UTs with legislatures on the lines of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Where was the NAKSHA urban land survey pilot nationally launched on 18 February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Raisen
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the NAKSHA pilot at Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.
Which organisation is the technical partner for aerial surveys and orthorectified imagery under the NAKSHA programme?
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Correct answer: A — Survey of India
The Survey of India is the technical partner, conducting aerial surveys and providing orthorectified imagery to states and UTs.
Consider the following statements about the NAKSHA pilot launched in February 2025: 1. Its end-to-end web-GIS platform is being developed by the Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation. 2. Its cost of about ₹194 crore is fully funded by the Government of India. 3. It is being piloted only in urban local bodies of Madhya Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
MPSEDC is building the web-GIS platform and the roughly ₹194 crore pilot is fully centrally funded; the pilot covers 152 urban local bodies in 26 states and 3 UTs, not only Madhya Pradesh, so only the first two statements are correct.
According to the PLFS quarterly bulletin for October-December 2024, what was the urban unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above (CWS)?
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Correct answer: C — 6.4%
The urban unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above fell to 6.4% in October-December 2024 from 6.5% a year earlier.
What was the urban unemployment rate among women aged 15 and above in October-December 2024, as per the PLFS bulletin?
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Correct answer: B — 8.1%
The female urban unemployment rate fell from 8.6% in October-December 2023 to 8.1% in October-December 2024.
Near which creek did ASI's Underwater Archaeology Wing begin its initial investigations off Dwarka in February 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Gomati Creek
The team selected an area near the Gomati Creek for its initial underwater investigations off Dwarka.
Who led the ASI team that began underwater explorations off Dwarka in February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Prof. Alok Tripathi
The five-member team was led by Prof. Alok Tripathi, Additional Director-General (Archaeology); H.K. Nayak and Dr. Aparajita Sharma were team members.
In which period had ASI's Underwater Archaeology Wing earlier carried out offshore and onshore excavations at Dwarka?
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Correct answer: A — 2005 to 2007
The wing carried out offshore and onshore excavations at Dwarka from 2005 to 2007, when sculptures and stone anchors were found.
Where was the second All-India State Water Ministers' Conference held in February 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Udaipur
The conference, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, began in Udaipur, Rajasthan, on 18 February 2025.
'Water Vision @2047', on which the Udaipur conference built, was first formulated at the 2023 conference held in which city?
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Correct answer: C — Bhopal
Water Vision @2047 was first formulated at the 2023 Bhopal Conference and reviewed at the Secretaries' Conference in Mahabalipuram in 2024.
By when did Amit Shah ask the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure full implementation of the three new criminal laws, at the review on 18 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — April 2025
Amit Shah asked the UT administration to ensure full implementation of the three new criminal laws in Jammu and Kashmir by April 2025.
With which Nepalese institution did CSIR sign an MoU on science and technology cooperation on 18 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Nepal Academy of Science and Technology
CSIR and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) formalised the MoU at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi.
The Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM), launched by MeitY in February 2025, is part of which initiative?
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Correct answer: D — Gov.In: Harmonisation of Government of India's Digital Footprint
DBIM was launched under the 'Gov.In: Harmonisation of Government of India's Digital Footprint' initiative to give government websites a uniform identity.
How many murals feature in India's first Open-Air Art Wall Museum at Mausam Bhawan, opened to mark 150 years of IMD?
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Correct answer: D — 38
The Mausam Bhawan art showcase features 38 murals depicting India's meteorological history and the evolution of weather forecasting.
After reaching Port Stanley on 18 February 2025, INSV Tarini was to sail to which port before returning to India?
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Correct answer: B — Cape Town
Following its stop in Port Stanley, INSV Tarini was to sail to Cape Town before returning to India.
How much Advanced Chemistry Cell capacity was awarded to Reliance New Energy Battery Limited under the PLI scheme on 17 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 10 GWh
The Programme Agreement awards Reliance New Energy Battery Limited 10 GWh of ACC capacity after a global tender.
After the Reliance agreement of February 2025, how much cumulative capacity had been awarded under the PLI scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell?
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Correct answer: C — 40 GWh
With this signing, a cumulative capacity of 40 GWh has been awarded to four firms out of the scheme's 50 GWh target.
Consider the following statements about the PLI scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery storage: 1. It was approved by the Cabinet in May 2021 with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore. 2. It aims at a total manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh. 3. In the first round of bidding in March 2022, the entire 50 GWh was allotted. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
The scheme was approved in May 2021 with ₹18,100 crore for 50 GWh; the first round in March 2022 allotted only 30 GWh to three firms, so only the first two statements are correct.
What were India's estimated total exports (merchandise and services) in April-January 2024-25?
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Correct answer: A — USD 682.59 billion
Total exports in April-January 2024-25 were estimated at USD 682.59 billion, up 7.21% from USD 636.69 billion; USD 770.06 billion was the imports figure.
Which of the following was the fastest-growing major export category in January 2025, as per the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Electronic goods
Electronic goods exports grew 78.97% to USD 4.11 billion in January 2025, ahead of rice at 44.61% and drugs and pharmaceuticals at 21.46%.
In January 2025, how did India's estimated services exports compare with merchandise exports?
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Correct answer: C — Services exports exceeded merchandise exports
Services exports were estimated at USD 38.55 billion against merchandise exports of USD 36.43 billion in January 2025.
In how many states did the Agriculture Minister approve tur procurement under the Price Support Scheme for kharif 2024-25, as announced on 17 February 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 9
Tur procurement was approved in nine states, from Andhra Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh, for a total of 13.22 lakh tonnes.
Which central nodal agencies will purchase tur from farmers under the Price Support Scheme of PM-AASHA, as stated in February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — NAFED and NCCF
The Government said it is committed to purchasing 100% of tur produced by farmers through the central nodal agencies NAFED and NCCF.
Under the Budget 2025 announcement cited by the Agriculture Ministry, procurement of which pulses up to 100% of a state's production will continue for four more years?
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Correct answer: B — Tur, urad and masur
The Budget 2025 announcement continues procurement of tur (arhar), urad and masur up to 100% of the state's production for another four years.
Which Bill did the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet approve on 17 February 2025 to create a family-centric citizen database?
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Correct answer: D — Arunachal Pradesh Arun Parivar Patra Authority Bill, 2025
The Cabinet chaired by Pema Khandu approved the Arunachal Pradesh Arun Parivar Patra Authority Bill, 2025.
What is the name of the state think tank approved by the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on 17 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Institute for Transforming Arunachal
The Cabinet approved the Institute for Transforming Arunachal (ITA) to serve as the state's think tank.
Under the Arunachal Pradesh Arun Parivar Patra Authority Act, 2025, who is the ex-officio Chairperson of the Arun Parivar Patra Authority?
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Correct answer: B — The Chief Secretary of the State
Section 19(6) of the Act makes the Chief Secretary of the State the ex-officio Chairperson of the Authority, headquartered at Itanagar; the Secretary (Planning & Investment) chairs its Executive Committee.