Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Where was the 14th India–Nepal Joint Working Group meeting on border management held in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Dehradun
The 14th India–Nepal JWG met in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on 20–21 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the 14th India–Nepal Joint Working Group meeting: 1. India's delegation was led by a Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs. 2. The next meeting will be held in India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. India's delegation was led by Joint Secretary (BM-I) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the next meeting will be in Nepal.
How much is the ADB loan signed in August 2026 for Chennai's water supply and sewerage?
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Correct answer: A — $230 million
India and ADB signed a $230 million loan for the Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project.
Under the ADB-backed project, Chennai will become the first Indian city to implement:
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Correct answer: C — A comprehensive ring-main water supply solution
Chennai will be the first Indian city to implement a comprehensive ring-main solution, a closed-loop plumbing system that balances water pressure.
Consider the following statements about the Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project: 1. It is financed by a World Bank loan. 2. It will lay over 170 km of pipes and upgrade 7 water and 38 sewer pumping stations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The project is financed by a $230 million loan from the Asian Development Bank.
With the CEOs and founders of how many space start-ups did PM Modi interact on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 20
The Prime Minister interacted with CEOs and founders of 20 space start-ups at Seva Teerth.
During his August 2026 interaction with space start-ups, PM Modi suggested greater collaboration with which initiative to nurture young minds' interest in space?
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Correct answer: A — Atal Tinkering Labs
He suggested greater collaboration with Atal Tinkering Labs to nurture curiosity and interest in space among young minds.
Which shipyard built 'Mangrol', the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft delivered to the Navy in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Cochin Shipyard Limited
Mangrol is the third ASW Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.
The ASW Shallow Water Craft 'Mangrol' is named after a coastal town in which district of Gujarat?
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Correct answer: C — Junagadh
Mangrol is a coastal town and minor port in Junagadh district, Gujarat, known as a fishing harbour.
Consider the following statements about the ship 'Mangrol' delivered in August 2026: 1. It is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard. 2. It is propelled by conventional shafts and propellers. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. Mangrol is the third ASW SWC built by CSL, and it is propelled by waterjets.
When and where will the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) be held?
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Correct answer: B — Goa, 20–28 November 2026
The 57th IFFI is scheduled to be held in Goa from 20 to 28 November 2026.
For what conduct did the CCI sanction the Agro Input Dealers Association and Agro Input Welfare Association in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Cartelisation
The CCI found them guilty of cartelisation under Section 3(3)(b) read with Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.
Which Japanese Defence Minister held the Japan-India Defence Ministers' Meeting with Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Shinjiro Koizumi
Japan's Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi met Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 20 August 2026.
The India-Japan Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation signed on 20 August 2026 specifically covers which areas?
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Correct answer: D — MDA information sharing, Search and Rescue, and HADR
The Memorandum covers cooperation between the JMSDF and the Indian Navy, including MDA information sharing and cooperation in SAR and HADR.
Under which Japan-India air force exercise, scheduled for 2026, will Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft visit India for the first time?
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Correct answer: A — Veer Guardian 26
Under 'Veer Guardian 26', JASDF fighter aircraft will, for the first time, visit India and take part in the exercise.
Consider the following statements about the India-Japan defence engagement of 20 August 2026: 1. The Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation was signed directly between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy. 2. 'Dharma Guardian' is the Japan-India Army exercise. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Memorandum was signed between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of Defence of India; it provides for JMSDF-Indian Navy cooperation. Dharma Guardian is the Army exercise and JAIMEX the maritime exercise.
Which production unit will build the largest share of the 238 AC EMU rakes for the Mumbai Suburban Railway?
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Correct answer: C — Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
ICF Chennai will build 120 rakes, RCF Kapurthala 71 and MCF Raebareli 47.
What is the supply timeline for the 238 AC EMU rakes for Mumbai's suburban railway?
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Correct answer: D — Supply from 2027; completion by 2030
Supply is planned to begin in 2027, with the entire sanctioned quantity due by 2030.
Where are the principal seats of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which the Cabinet on 20 August 2026 allowed to sit as a bench in Ladakh?
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Correct answer: A — Srinagar and Jammu
The common High Court has its principal seats at Srinagar and Jammu; the Cabinet decision enables a bench to sit in Ladakh.
Consider the following statements about the Cabinet decision of 20 August 2026 on Ladakh: 1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision in a post on X. 2. The Ladakh bench will replace Jammu as a seat of the High Court. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The decision adds a bench sitting in Ladakh; the High Court's seats at Srinagar and Jammu remain.
With which Mauritian entity did Indian Oil Corporation sign a long-term petroleum products supply agreement on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — State Trading Corporation
IOCL and the State Trading Corporation (STC) of Mauritius exchanged a long-term sales and purchase agreement.
What is the duration of the IOCL-STC petroleum supply agreement with Mauritius?
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Correct answer: D — Five years
The IOCL-STC agreement is a five-year assured supply commitment.
Consider the following statements about India-Mauritius energy agreements of August 2026: 1. IOCL will supply the entire import requirement of Mauritius for motor spirit, high-speed diesel and aviation turbine fuel. 2. The facility at Mer Rouge, Port Louis, whose groundbreaking Hardeep Singh Puri attended, is a 27.5 MMTPA oil refinery. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Mer Rouge project is Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd's 27.5 TMT (thousand metric tonnes) bunker marine fuel storage facility, not a refinery.
How many pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana were approved for Bihar on 20 August 2026, and with what allocation?
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Correct answer: D — About 11.19 lakh houses; ₹13,427 crore
Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced approval of 11,18,937 pucca houses with an allocation of ₹13,427 crore; 24.30 lakh is the two-year total.
Consider the following statements made at the Patna PMAY programme on 20 August 2026: 1. 24.30 lakh houses have been approved for Bihar in two years. 2. 53.83 lakh Farmer IDs have been created in Bihar. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Chouhan also said ₹29,164 crore had been spent on houses in two years and that PM Fasal Bima Yojana would be implemented in Bihar.
By how much did the Index of Core Industries grow year-on-year in July 2026 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: A — 5.4%
The ICI grew 5.4% in July 2026; June 2026 (final) was 6.0% and April-July cumulative growth was 4.3%.
Which core industry recorded the highest year-on-year growth in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Iron ore
Iron ore grew 29.5%, ahead of cement (13.1%), electricity (9%) and coal (7.6%).
Where was the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council held on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Mahabalipuram
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
According to Amit Shah at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting, what is the record of zonal council meetings since 2014?
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Correct answer: D — 70 meetings; about 80% of 1,869 issues resolved
Shah said that in 70 meetings held since 2014, approximately 80% of 1,869 issues had been resolved.
Consider the following statements about the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting: 1. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana agreed to resolve issues of division of assets and liabilities in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs. 2. Telangana was represented by its Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The meeting was attended by four Chief Ministers, the Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and the heads of three Union Territories.
About how many new affordable housing units does the Delhi Master Plan 2047 envisage?
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Correct answer: B — 40 lakh
The Delhi Master Plan 2047 envisages the development of around 40 lakh new affordable housing units.
Who unveiled the Delhi Master Plan 2047 (MPD-2047) on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal unveiled MPD-2047 in the presence of LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu and CM Rekha Gupta.
Consider the following statements about the Delhi Master Plan 2047: 1. It adopts area-based redevelopment for greenfield areas and ROW-based planning for brownfield areas. 2. It incorporates a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. It is the other way round: area-based redevelopment is for existing brownfield areas and ROW-based planning, with land pooling, is for greenfield areas.
Aboard which research vessel was most of the survey work behind CMLRE's 2026 national report on deep-sea fishery resources carried out?
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Correct answer: D — FORV Sagar Sampada
The Fishery and Oceanographic Research Vessel (FORV) Sagar Sampada served as the floating laboratory for the surveys.
Consider the following statements about CMLRE's National Report on Deep-Sea and Distant-Water Fishery Resources of the Indian EEZ: 1. It describes the mesopelagic 'twilight zone' as extending from 200 to 1,000 metres deep. 2. It covers India's Exclusive Economic Zone of about 2.37 million sq km. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The report also names biodiversity hotspots such as Kollam Bank and Angria Bank.
Which edition of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) did Piyush Goyal attend in Singapore on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 4th
Goyal took part in the 4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable and the 4th India-Singapore Business Roundtable.
What download milestone did the Aadhaar App cross, as announced on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5 crore
The Aadhaar App crossed 5 crore (50 million) downloads; over 60 lakh mobile number updates have been done through it.
Who chaired the first meeting of the newly reconstituted National Commission for Minorities on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Harjit Singh Grewal
Chairman Harjit Singh Grewal chaired the meeting; S. Munawari Begum is the Vice Chairperson.
What are the cost and length of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa NH-22 four-laning approved by the Cabinet on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹3,590.73 crore; 82.578 km
The project covers 82.578 km at a total capital cost of ₹3,590.73 crore.
On which mode will the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 be developed?
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Correct answer: A — Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)
The CCEA approved the project on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
Consider the following statements about the NH-22 Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa project: 1. It links the India-Nepal border at Sonbarsa with Muzaffarpur on NH-27 (East-West Corridor). 2. It is designed for a speed of 120 kmph. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The road is designed for 100 kmph, with an average speed of 80 kmph.
On which route was the proof of concept for domestic-to-international transshipment cargo run from 20 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Chennai-Delhi-Frankfurt
The proof of concept ran on the Chennai-Delhi-Frankfurt sector using DIAL's Transshipment Excellence Centre, with Air India operating end-to-end.
By how much did the transshipment proof of concept reduce average end-to-end transit time?
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Correct answer: D — From 60 hours to 20 hours
Ram Mohan Naidu said the proof of concept cut average end-to-end transit time from 60 hours to 20 hours.
Consider the following statements about the transshipment cargo reform at IGI Airport: 1. London and Copenhagen were added as new international destinations on 19 August 2026. 2. The framework allowing secured transshipment cargo to move without re-screening was notified by the DGCA. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The framework was notified by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) through Addendum-II to AVSEC Circular No. 6/2024 on 21 July 2025.
How many women-only bus services did the Delhi government launch on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 56
Delhi launched 56 women-only services: 30 Ladies Special trips on 15 routes and 26 University Ladies Special trips on 13 routes.
Consider the following statements about Delhi's bus induction on 19 August 2026: 1. With 200 new buses, Delhi's electric bus fleet crossed 5,000. 2. All 200 new buses are 12-metre electric buses. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The 200 buses comprise 88 twelve-metre e-buses and 112 nine-metre DEVI buses.
Which institutions developed the 'smart' cancer drug RK-251 announced in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — IASST Guwahati and IIT Guwahati
RK-251 was developed by researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, and IIT Guwahati.
What triggers the activation of the cancer drug RK-251 inside cancer cells?
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Correct answer: B — High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Cancer cells produce high levels of reactive oxygen species; these trigger RK-251 to release the anticancer compound NBDHEX.
Consider the following statements about RK-251: 1. On activation it releases the anticancer compound NBDHEX. 2. In preclinical studies it showed strong activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Zebrafish embryo tests showed no obvious toxicity, but more studies are needed before patient trials.
The four railway multitracking projects approved by the Cabinet on 19 August 2026 have what total cost and will add roughly how much to the network?
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Correct answer: D — About ₹9,450 crore; about 410 km
The four projects cost about ₹9,450 crore and will add about 410 km to the Indian Railways network.
Which of the four multitracking projects approved on 19 August 2026 spans Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: B — Gummidipundi-Gudur 3rd and 4th lines
The 90-km Gummidipundi-Gudur 3rd and 4th lines span Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; the other three are in Odisha or West Bengal-Odisha.
Consider the following statements about the four railway projects approved on 19 August 2026: 1. They will improve connectivity to about 6,448 villages with a population of about 60 lakh. 2. The added capacity is expected to carry about 76 MTPA of additional freight. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The projects cover eight districts and are to be completed by 2030-31.
At what level did the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee keep the policy repo rate at its 3-5 August 2026 meeting, as recorded in the minutes released on 19 August?
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Correct answer: B — 5.25%
The MPC unanimously kept the repo rate at 5.25%; the SDF rate is 5.00% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate are 5.50%.
The RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting held from 3 to 5 August 2026 was its
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Correct answer: D — 62nd meeting
The minutes describe it as the sixty-second meeting of the MPC.
Consider the following statements about the RBI MPC minutes released on 19 August 2026: 1. The minutes are published under Section 45ZL of the RBI Act, 1934. 2. The MPC changed its stance from neutral to accommodative. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The MPC decided to continue with the neutral stance.
In which city was the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group meeting held on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Jaipur
The Ministry of Tourism hosted the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
In which city did the DRI bust an ivory artefact trafficking syndicate and seize 54 artefacts on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lucknow
The DRI operation was carried out in Lucknow; the four accused and the artefacts were handed to the UP Forest Department.
Consider the following statements about the DRI ivory seizure of 19 August 2026: 1. The seized artefacts and the accused were handed over to the CBI. 2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits trade in elephant ivory and articles made from it. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The artefacts and accused were handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
Which edition of the Coast Guard Global Summit will India host in New Delhi in February 2027?
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Correct answer: D — 5th
India will host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in February 2027, coinciding with the Indian Coast Guard's golden jubilee.
On which Kolkata street did a hotel fire kill nine people, including five Bangladeshi nationals, on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Mirza Ghalib Street
The fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street (Free School Street) in central Kolkata's New Market area.
Where were the BRICS Youth Council Meeting and BRICS Youth Summit held on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Gandhinagar
Both events were held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, under India's BRICS Chairship.
Who chaired the selection committee for the National Sports Awards 2025, announced on 18 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra
The selection committee was chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra.
Which entity received the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Army Paralympic Node, Pune
The Army Paralympic Node, Pune, was the sole entity named for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025.
Who received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025, and in which sport?
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Correct answer: A — I. Arumainayagam, football
Footballer I. Arumainayagam received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime); the others are Dronacharya awardees.
Consider the following statements about the National Sports Awards 2025: 1. Chess players Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh are among the Arjuna awardees. 2. The Dronacharya Award (regular category) went to coaches in athletics, boxing and shooting. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The regular Dronacharya awardees are Parveer Singh (athletics), Chhote Lal Yadav (boxing) and Neha Nandkumar Chavan (shooting).