SF Prep

Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

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8241 news · 19312 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 78 questions
Government lists support for India's 11 classical languages in Lok Sabha reply
Q1

Which was the first language notified as a classical language by the Government of India, in 2004?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Tamil

PIB (3 Feb 2025, Lok Sabha reply): the languages earlier notified as classical were Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013) and Odia (2014).

Q2 Advanced

Which of the following languages was NOT among the five notified as classical languages on 4 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Odia

PIB (3 Feb 2025): Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali were notified on 4 October 2024. Odia was notified earlier, in 2014.

Q3 Advanced

Consider the following statements based on the Lok Sabha reply of 3 February 2025: 1. The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada is in Mysuru. 2. The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Malayalam is in Thiruvananthapuram. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

PIB (3 Feb 2025): the Classical Kannada centre is located in Mysuru, Karnataka, so statement 1 is correct. The Classical Malayalam centre operates from Tirur, Malappuram, Kerala, not Thiruvananthapuram, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.

CeNS Bengaluru develops high-entropy alloy catalyst for efficient green hydrogen
Q4 Advanced

The high-entropy alloy catalyst PtPdCoNiMn for green hydrogen, announced on 3 February 2025, was developed by researchers at:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru

PIB (3 Feb 2025): researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute of DST, developed the PtPdCoNiMn catalyst.

Q5 Advanced

Compared with a commercial catalyst, how much platinum does the CeNS PtPdCoNiMn catalyst use?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Seven times less

PIB (3 Feb 2025): the HEA catalyst used seven times less platinum than a commercial catalyst and offered better catalytic efficiency than pure platinum.

India's first Ferret Research Facility dedicated at THSTI Faridabad; GARBH-INi-DRISHTI launched
Q6 Advanced

Where was India's first Ferret Research Facility dedicated on 3 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — THSTI, Faridabad

PIB (3 Feb 2025): the nation's first Ferret Research Facility was dedicated at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana.

Q7 Advanced

GARBH-INi-DRISHTI, launched on 3 February 2025, is:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — A maternal and child health data repository of the Department of Biotechnology

PIB (3 Feb 2025): GARBH-INi-DRISHTI is a maternal and child health data repository of the Department of Biotechnology: the DBT Data Repository and Information Sharing Hub at THSTI, with data from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns and postpartum mothers.

CAQM revokes GRAP Stage-III across NCR as Delhi's AQI improves to 286
Q8 Advanced

On 3 February 2025, which body revoked Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sub-Committee on GRAP of the Commission for Air Quality Management

PIB (3 Feb 2025): the Sub-Committee on GRAP of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) revoked Stage-III in the entire NCR with immediate effect.

Q9 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the revocation of GRAP Stage-III on 3 February 2025: 1. Stage-III had been invoked on 29 January 2025 when Delhi's average AQI breached 350. 2. Delhi's AQI on 3 February 2025 was 286 as per the CPCB bulletin. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

PIB (3 Feb 2025): Stage-III was invoked by order dated 29 January 2025 when Delhi's AQI breached 350, and Delhi's AQI was 286 on 3 February as per the CPCB bulletin. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

National Metadata Structure (NMDS 2.0) shared with ministries for implementation
Q10 Advanced

The National Metadata Structure (NMDS 2.0), shared with ministries for implementation, is associated with which ministry?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

PIB (3 Feb 2025): MoS (I/C) for the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Rao Inderjit Singh said NMDS 2.0 has been shared with Ministries/Departments, and MoSPI interacts with their Statistical Advisors on it.

World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrated at Parvati Arga Ramsar Site, Gonda; India's Ramsar tally at 89
Q11

What was the theme of World Wetlands Day 2025, celebrated on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future

PIB (2 Feb 2025): the celebrations aligned with this year's theme, 'Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future'.

Q12

At which Ramsar site did the Environment Ministry hold the World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Parvati Arga, Gonda

PIB (2 Feb 2025): MoEFCC organised the World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.

Q13

According to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on World Wetlands Day 2025, India's tally of Ramsar sites had reached:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 89

PIB (2 Feb 2025): Bhupender Yadav said India's tally of Ramsar sites has reached 89. The Factbook released at Gonda covers 85 sites.

Q14 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Ramsar sites added ahead of World Wetlands Day 2025: 1. Khecheopalri (Khachoedpalri) Wetland became Sikkim's first Ramsar site. 2. Udhwa Lake, one of the new sites, is in Jharkhand. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Government of Sikkim (2 Feb 2025): Khachoedpalri Wetland in West Sikkim is the state's first Ramsar site. The Hindu quotes the Environment Minister: the four new sites include Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand). Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Q15 Advanced

At the World Wetlands Day 2025 event in Gonda, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh announced a nature-culture tourism corridor between Ayodhya and:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Devi Patan

PIB (2 Feb 2025): a new nature-culture tourism corridor will be developed between Ayodhya and Devi Patan.

India beat South Africa by nine wickets to retain the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup
Q16

Which team did India beat in the final of the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025 on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — South Africa

ICC and BBC (2 Feb 2025): India beat South Africa by nine wickets in the final in Kuala Lumpur.

Q17

Who was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Gongadi Trisha

ICC media release (2 Feb 2025): India's Gongadi Trisha was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 309 runs in seven innings.

Q18 Advanced

In which city was the final of the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025 played?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Kuala Lumpur

ICC and BBC (2 Feb 2025): the final was played at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Q19 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025: 1. India also won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2023. 2. Gongadi Trisha scored the first century in U19 Women's World Cup history. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

ICC media release: India successfully defended the title they first won in 2023, and Trisha made the first century in U19 Women's World Cup history (110 not out against Scotland). Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Chandrika Tandon's 'Triveni' wins Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album
Q20

Chandrika Tandon won a Grammy at the 67th Grammy Awards on 2 February 2025 for which album?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Triveni

GRAMMY.com and PIB: Chandrika Tandon won for the album Triveni. Break of Dawn was Ricky Kej's nominated album in the same category.

Q21 Advanced

In which Grammy category did 'Triveni' win at the 67th Grammy Awards?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album

GRAMMY.com (2 Feb 2025): Triveni by Wouter Kellerman, Eru Matsumoto and Chandrika Tandon won Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album.

Q22 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Grammy-winning album 'Triveni': 1. Chandrika Tandon shared the award with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. 2. Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar were also nominated in the same category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

GRAMMY.com and The Hindu: Tandon won with Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto, and the category's other nominees included Ricky Kej (Break of Dawn) and Anoushka Shankar (Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn). Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Jitendra Singh inaugurates Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine at AIIMS Jammu
Q23 Advanced

Where did Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurate the Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — AIIMS Jammu

PIB (2 Feb 2025): Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Centre for Advanced Genomics & Precision Medicine at AIIMS Jammu.

Akashvani and Culture Ministry launch classical music radio series 'Har Kanthh Mein Bharat'
Q24 Advanced

'Har Kanthh Mein Bharat', launched by Akashvani and the Ministry of Culture on 2 February 2025, is a radio series on:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Indian classical music

PIB (2 Feb 2025): 'Har Kanthh Mein Bharat' is specially curated to showcase myriad shades of Indian classical music on the airwaves.

Q25 Advanced

From how many Akashvani stations is 'Har Kanthh Mein Bharat' broadcast simultaneously?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 21

PIB (2 Feb 2025): the series is broadcast at 9:30 am simultaneously from 21 stations across India every day till 16 February 2025.

Abhishek Sharma's 135 powers India to 150-run win over England in fifth T20I; India take series 4–1
Q26

By what margin did India beat England in the fifth T20I at the Wankhede Stadium on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 150 runs

India made 247 for 9 and bowled England out for 97 in 10.3 overs to win by 150 runs and take the series 4–1.

Q27 Advanced

Abhishek Sharma's 135 against England on 2 February 2025 became the highest T20I score by an India batter, surpassing the record of:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Shubman Gill

Abhishek's 135 off 54 balls is the highest individual T20I score for India, surpassing Shubman Gill's 126.

Q28 Advanced

Where was the fifth T20I between India and England, in which Abhishek Sharma scored 135, played on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The fifth and final T20I was played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, where India won by 150 runs.

PM Modi addresses Maha Kumbhabhishegam of Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam in Jakarta
Q29 Advanced

On 2 February 2025, PM Narendra Modi addressed the Maha Kumbhabhishegam of Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam, a temple of which deity, in which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Lord Murugan; Jakarta

PIB (2 Feb 2025): the PM congratulated devotees of Lord Murugan on the Maha Kumbhabhishegam of the Jakarta temple, Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam.

Q30 Advanced

In his Jakarta temple remarks on 2 February 2025, PM Modi said which festival of Odisha celebrates ancient maritime voyages connecting India and Indonesia?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Bali Jatra

PIB (2 Feb 2025): the Bali Jatra festival in Odisha celebrates the ancient maritime voyages that once connected India and Indonesia.

R Praggnanandhaa wins Tata Steel Masters 2025, beating world champion D Gukesh in a tiebreak
Q31

Who won the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — R Praggnanandhaa

R Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Steel Masters 2025 after beating D Gukesh in a blitz tiebreak; Gukesh was second and Abdusattorov third.

Q32 Advanced

R Praggnanandhaa beat which player in the tiebreak to win the Tata Steel Masters 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — D Gukesh

Praggnanandhaa and world champion D Gukesh tied on 8.5/13; Praggnanandhaa won the blitz tiebreak 2–1, taking the sudden-death game.

Q33 Advanced

The 87th Tata Steel Chess Tournament, whose Masters section R Praggnanandhaa won in February 2025, was held in which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Netherlands

The 87th Tata Steel Chess Tournament was held from 18 January to 2 February 2025 at Wijk aan Zee in the Netherlands.

Inaugural Indian Navy Half Marathon held in New Delhi
Q34

Where was the inaugural Indian Navy Half Marathon held on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — New Delhi

PIB (2 Feb 2025): the inaugural edition of the Indian Navy Half Marathon was conducted on 2 February 2025 in New Delhi, hosted at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Budget 2025-26: ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission for small modular reactors
Q35

What is the outlay of the Nuclear Energy Mission for research and development of Small Modular Reactors announced in the Union Budget 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹20,000 crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): a Nuclear Energy Mission for R&D of Small Modular Reactors with an outlay of ₹20,000 crore will be set up.

Q36 Advanced

Under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, at least 5 indigenously developed Small Modular Reactors are to be operational by:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2033

PIB (1 Feb 2025): at least 5 indigenously developed SMRs will be operationalized by 2033.

Q37 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Union Budget 2025-26: 1. It said development of at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential for the energy transition. 2. It proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act for partnership with the private sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Budget speech (para 61): at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential, and the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will be amended for private-sector partnership. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Q38 Advanced

The modified UDAN scheme announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 aims to connect how many new destinations over the next 10 years?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 120

Budget speech: a modified UDAN scheme will enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years.

Union Budget 2025-26: fiscal deficit 4.8% in 2024-25 (RE), 4.4% target for 2025-26
Q39

What fiscal deficit target for 2025-26 (as a share of GDP) was announced in the Union Budget presented on 1 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 4.4 per cent

Budget speech (para 113): the fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.

Q40

According to the Union Budget 2025-26, what is the Revised Estimate of the fiscal deficit for 2024-25?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 4.8 per cent of GDP

Budget speech (para 111): the Revised Estimate of the fiscal deficit is 4.8 per cent of GDP.

Q41 Advanced

What capital expenditure did the Union Budget 2025-26 provide for 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹11.21 lakh crore

PIB Highlights (1 Feb 2025): capex is ₹11.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP). ₹10.18 lakh crore is the 2024-25 Revised Estimate and ₹14.82 lakh crore is gross market borrowings.

Q42

Which Budget document is mandated by Article 112 of the Constitution of India?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Annual Financial Statement

Key to Budget Documents 2025-26: the Annual Financial Statement, Demands for Grants and Finance Bill are mandated by Articles 112, 113 and 110(a) respectively; Budget at a Glance is an explanatory document.

Q43 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Union Budget documents: 1. Demands for Grants are mandated by Article 113 of the Constitution. 2. The Finance Bill is mandated by Article 110(a) of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Key to Budget Documents 2025-26: the AFS, Demands for Grants and Finance Bill are mandated by Articles 112, 113 and 110(a) respectively. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Union Budget 2025-26: no income tax up to ₹12 lakh under the new regime
Q44

Under the new tax regime announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 on 1 February 2025, no income tax is payable on normal income up to:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹12 lakh

Budget speech and PIB (1 Feb 2025): there will be no income tax payable on income up to ₹12 lakh under the new regime, other than special rate income such as capital gains.

Q45

For salaried taxpayers under the new regime, what is the nil-tax income limit after the Union Budget 2025-26, taking the standard deduction into account?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹12.75 lakh

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the limit will be ₹12.75 lakh for salaried taxpayers, with a standard deduction of ₹75,000.

Q46 Advanced

In the revised new-regime slabs of the Union Budget 2025-26, what rate applies to the income slab of ₹12-16 lakh?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 15 per cent

Budget speech (para 158): 12-16 lakh rupees is taxed at 15 per cent under the revised new-regime structure.

Q47 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the income-tax changes in the Union Budget 2025-26: 1. Under the new regime, the 30% rate applies to income above ₹24 lakh. 2. The ₹12 lakh nil-tax threshold also covers special rate income such as capital gains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Budget speech: the top slab is above 24 lakh rupees at 30 per cent, so statement 1 is correct. The ₹12 lakh limit is for income other than special rate income such as capital gains, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.

Q48 Advanced

The Union Budget 2025-26 extended the time limit for filing updated income-tax returns for any assessment year from two years to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Four years

PIB Summary (1 Feb 2025): the time limit to file updated returns was increased from two years to four years.

Budget 2025-26: PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana for 100 districts, pulses mission, KCC limit to ₹5 lakh
Q49

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 will cover how many districts?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 100

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the programme will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters.

Q50 Advanced

How many farmers is the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana expected to help, as per the Union Budget 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1.7 crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the programme will help 1.7 crore farmers. The 7.7 crore figure refers to Kisan Credit Card beneficiaries.

Q51

The Union Budget 2025-26 raised the loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme for Kisan Credit Card loans from ₹3 lakh to:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹5 lakh

Budget speech (para 22): the loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme will be enhanced from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.

Q52 Advanced

The 'Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses' announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 will run for how many years and focus on which pulses?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 6 years; Tur, Urad and Masoor

Budget speech: a 6-year 'Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses' with a special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor; NAFED and NCCF will procure these pulses during the next 4 years.

Budget 2025-26: 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, 10,000 more medical seats, cancer day-care centres in all district hospitals
Q53

How many Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in government schools over the next 5 years, as announced in the Union Budget 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 50,000

PIB (1 Feb 2025): 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in government schools in the next 5 years.

Q54 Advanced

What outlay did the Union Budget 2025-26 provide for a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹500 crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education with a total outlay of ₹500 crore.

Q55 Advanced

According to the Union Budget 2025-26, how many medical seats are to be added over the next 5 years?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 75,000

Budget speech: 10,000 additional seats will be added in the next year, towards the goal of adding 75,000 seats in the next 5 years.

Q56 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Union Budget 2025-26: 1. Day Care Cancer Centres will be set up in all district hospitals in the next 3 years. 2. Gig workers on online platforms will be given healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Budget speech and PIB Highlights: Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals in the next 3 years (200 in 2025-26), and healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana for gig workers. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

DRDO conducts three successive flight-trials of VSHORADS off the Odisha coast
Q57

From where did DRDO conduct three successive flight-trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) on 1 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chandipur, Odisha

PIB (1 Feb 2025): DRDO conducted three successive flight-trials of VSHORADS from Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

Q58 Advanced

Which DRDO laboratory designed and developed the VSHORADS Man Portable Air Defence system, tested on 1 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Research Centre Imarat

PIB (1 Feb 2025): VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence system designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.

Budget 2025-26: MSME investment and turnover limits raised 2.5 and 2 times
Q59

By how many times did the Union Budget 2025-26 enhance the investment limit for classification of all MSMEs?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2.5 times

PIB (1 Feb 2025): investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs will be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times respectively.

Q60 Advanced

The Union Budget 2025-26 enhanced the credit guarantee cover for micro and small enterprises from ₹5 crore to:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹10 crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): credit guarantee cover for micro and small enterprises enhanced from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore.

Budget 2025-26: Makhana Board, food technology institute and greenfield airports for Bihar
Q61

In which state did the Union Budget 2025-26 announce the establishment of a Makhana Board?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Bihar

Budget speech and PIB (1 Feb 2025): a Makhana Board will be established in Bihar to improve production, processing, value addition and marketing of makhana.

Q62 Advanced

The Western Koshi Canal ERM Project, which got financial support in the Union Budget 2025-26, benefits farmers in which region of Bihar?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Mithilanchal

Budget speech: financial support will be provided for the Western Koshi Canal ERM Project, benefitting farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

Budget 2025-26: ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund; Jal Jeevan Mission extended to 2028
Q63 Advanced

The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 will finance up to what share of the cost of bankable projects?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 25 per cent

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the fund will finance up to 25 per cent of the cost of bankable projects, with at least 50 per cent of the cost funded from bonds, bank loans and PPPs.

Q64

Until which year was the Jal Jeevan Mission extended in the Union Budget 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 2028

PIB (1 Feb 2025): Jal Jeevan Mission extended until 2028, with the total budget outlay enhanced to ₹67,000 crore.

Budget 2025-26: FDI limit in insurance raised from 74% to 100%
Q65

The Union Budget 2025-26 raised the FDI limit for the insurance sector from 74% to:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 100 per cent

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the FDI limit for the insurance sector will be raised from 74 to 100 per cent.

Q66 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Union Budget 2025-26: 1. The enhanced insurance FDI limit is available only to companies that invest the entire premium in India. 2. The 'Grameen Credit Score' framework will be developed by the Reserve Bank of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

PIB and Budget speech: the higher FDI limit is for companies investing the entire premium in India, so statement 1 is correct. The Grameen Credit Score framework will be developed by Public Sector Banks, not the RBI, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.

Budget 2025-26: record ₹6.81 lakh crore for the Ministry of Defence, up 9.53%
Q67 Advanced

The Union Budget 2025-26 allocation for the Ministry of Defence was how much higher than the 2024-25 Budget Estimate?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 9.53%

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the allocation of ₹6,81,210.27 crore is 9.53% more than the Budgetary Estimate of 2024-25. 13.45% is its share of the Union Budget.

Q68 Advanced

How much did the Union Budget 2025-26 allocate for capital outlay on defence services?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹1.80 lakh crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): ₹1.80 lakh crore (₹1,80,000 crore), i.e. 26.43% of the total allocation, is for capital outlay on defence services; ₹1.12 lakh crore of the capital budget is earmarked for domestic procurement.

Indian Coast Guard celebrates its 49th Raising Day
Q69

What is the motto of the Indian Coast Guard, which celebrated its 49th Raising Day on 1 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Vayam Rakshamah

PIB (1 Feb 2025): with its motto 'Vayam Rakshamah' (We Protect), the ICG has ensured the safety and security of India's maritime zones.

Q70 Advanced

As of its 49th Raising Day on 1 February 2025, what was the Indian Coast Guard's force level?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 151 ships and 76 aircraft

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the ICG now comprises 151 ships and 76 aircraft; 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft is its 2030 target.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates New Delhi World Book Fair 2025
Q71

Who inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 on 1 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — President Droupadi Murmu

PIB (1 Feb 2025): President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 in New Delhi.

Budget 2025-26: 12.7 lakh tonne urea plant to be set up at Namrup, Assam
Q72

Where will the 12.7 lakh metric ton urea plant announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 be set up?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Namrup, Assam

Budget speech (para 23): a plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons will be set up at Namrup, Assam.

Budget Session 2025 begins with President Murmu's address to both Houses
Q73 Advanced

Under which Article of the Constitution did the President address both Houses assembled together on 31 January 2025, the first session of the year?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Article 87(1)

PIB 2118954: this being the first session of the year, the President addressed both Houses assembled together in terms of Article 87(1) on 31 January 2025.

Q74 Advanced

How many property cards had been issued under the SVAMITVA scheme, according to the President's address of 31 January 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2.25 crore

PIB 2097836: under SVAMITVA, 2.25 crore property cards had been issued, about 70 lakh of them in the last six months.

Economic Survey 2024-25 tabled: FY25 growth 6.4%, FY26 projected at 6.3–6.8%
Q75

What real GDP growth range did the Economic Survey 2024-25 project for FY26?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 6.3–6.8%

PIB 2097919: the real GDP is projected to grow between 6.3 and 6.8 per cent in FY26; FY25 growth was estimated at 6.4%.

Q76 Advanced

According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, the gross NPA ratio of scheduled commercial banks fell to a 12-year low of:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2.6%

PIB 2097919: GNPA of scheduled commercial banks declined to a 12-year low of 2.6 per cent.

Q77 Advanced

The Economic Survey 2024-25 used the German term 'Mittelstand' to refer to which sector it wants to build up in India?

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Correct answer: A — Small and medium enterprises

PIB 2097919: the focus of reforms and Ease of Doing Business 2.0 is to create India's Mittelstand, i.e. India's SME sector.

Q78 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Economic Survey 2024-25: 1. It estimated FY25 real GDP growth at 6.4%. 2. It said forex reserves of USD 640.3 billion could cover 10.9 months of imports. 3. It reported retail inflation rising from 4.9% in FY24 to 5.4% in April–December 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2097919: FY25 growth was 6.4% and forex of USD 640.3 billion covered 10.9 months of imports; retail inflation softened from 5.4% in FY24 to 4.9% in April–December 2024, so statement 3 reverses the figures.