Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Indian Army's Central Command held its first-ever Strategic Communication Conclave on 7 March 2026 in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Lucknow
The Central Command's first Strategic Communication Conclave was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, with close to 500 attendees.
The National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), whose hackathon winners were announced at IIT Hyderabad in March 2026, is a gateway under which mission?
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Correct answer: B — Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
NHCX is one of the three gateways under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), run by the National Health Authority.
According to Shivraj Singh Chouhan at a post-Budget meeting in Chennai on 7 March 2026, about how many farmers in India are associated with coconut cultivation?
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Correct answer: C — 1.25 crore
He said nearly 1.25 crore farmers grow coconut, while about 3 crore people depend on the sector for their livelihood.
Who secured the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, whose result was declared on 6 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Anuj Agnihotri
Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate of AIIMS Jodhpur, topped with Medical Science as his optional subject.
How many candidates were recommended for appointment in the Civil Services Examination 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 958
UPSC recommended 958 candidates (659 men and 299 women); 2,736 had qualified for the Personality Test.
What was the optional subject of Anuj Agnihotri, the CSE 2025 topper?
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Correct answer: D — Medical Science
Anuj Agnihotri qualified with Medical Science as his optional subject.
Consider the following statements about the CSE 2025 result: 1. The top 25 candidates include 11 women. 2. The top five candidates include one woman. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the top 25 have 11 women and 14 men, and the top five have one woman (Rajeshwari Suve M, rank 2) and four men.
The Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the Civil Services Examination, is established under which Article of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: A — Article 315
Article 315 provides for a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State. Article 148 is the CAG, 280 the Finance Commission and 324 the Election Commission.
Who presented the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27 on 6 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Devendra Fadnavis
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the budget.
What is the approximate total outlay of the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27?
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Correct answer: D — ₹7.69 lakh crore
The budget has an outlay of about ₹7.69 lakh crore; ₹11.02 lakh crore is the projected debt.
The farm loan waiver announced in the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27 is named after whom?
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Correct answer: A — Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar
The scheme is the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana.
Consider the following statements about the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana: 1. It waives crop loans of up to ₹2 lakh for farmers with arrears as of 30 September 2025. 2. Farmers who repaid their loans regularly will receive an incentive of ₹50,000. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the waiver covers crop loans up to ₹2 lakh in arrears as of 30 September 2025, and regular repayers get ₹50,000.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented which number State Budget of his career on 6 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 17th
The 2026-27 budget was Siddaramaiah's record 17th State Budget.
What is the total outlay of the Karnataka Budget 2026-27?
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Correct answer: D — ₹4,48,004 crore
Total expenditure is ₹4,48,004 crore, 13.3% above the 2025-26 revised estimate of ₹3,95,307 crore.
Consider the following statements about the Karnataka Budget 2026-27: 1. The fiscal deficit is estimated at 2.95% of GSDP. 2. The budget shows a revenue surplus. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: the fiscal deficit is ₹97,449 crore (2.95% of GSDP), and the budget shows a revenue deficit of ₹22,957 crore, not a surplus.
A State Budget, such as Karnataka's for 2026-27, is constitutionally called the 'annual financial statement'. Which Article of the Constitution provides for it?
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Correct answer: A — Article 202
Article 202 requires the Governor to cause the annual financial statement of a State to be laid before the Legislature. Article 112 is the Union equivalent.
The 57th Raising Day ceremony of the CISF, attended by Amit Shah on 6 March 2026, was held at which place?
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Correct answer: A — Mundali, Odisha
Amit Shah addressed the CISF's 57th Raising Day ceremony at Mundali, Odisha.
According to Amit Shah on 6 March 2026, how many airports does the CISF secure?
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Correct answer: C — 70
He said the CISF secures 361 vital installations, including 70 airports.
Consider the following statements about the CISF, as stated at its 57th Raising Day: 1. It has been designated the nodal agency for drone security. 2. It will now also be responsible for the security of the country's ports. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Amit Shah said the CISF is the nodal agency for drone security and will also secure the country's ports.
Noida International Airport, which received its aerodrome licence on 6 March 2026, is located at which place?
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Correct answer: B — Jewar
The airport is at Jewar in Gautam Budh Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, the developer of Noida International Airport, is a subsidiary of which company?
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Correct answer: D — Zurich Airport International AG
YIAPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.
Consider the following statements about Noida International Airport: 1. It is being developed under a PPP model with a 40-year concession that began on 1 October 2021. 2. On completion of all four phases it will be able to handle up to 70 million passengers a year. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation: a 40-year PPP concession from 1 October 2021, and 70 million passengers a year after all phases (12 million in Phase 1).
What wheat procurement estimate was fixed for Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27 at the State Food Secretaries' meeting on 6 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 303 LMT
The estimate for wheat procurement for RMS 2026-27 was fixed at 303 lakh metric tonnes.
In which state was a pilot to add QR code tags on foodgrain packaging bags successfully completed, as reported on 6 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Andhra Pradesh
The Department of Food and Public Distribution said the QR-code pilot was completed in Andhra Pradesh, with more pilots planned.
At Sagar Sankalp in Kolkata on 6 March 2026, Rajnath Singh said India's defence exports are poised to reach about how much by April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹29,000 crore
He said defence exports are poised to reach approximately ₹29,000 crore by April 2026.
What shipbuilding target did Rajnath Singh mention at Sagar Sankalp?
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Correct answer: D — Top 10 by 2030 and top 5 by 2047
The government aims to steer India into the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and the top five by 2047.
According to the Commerce Ministry on 6 March 2026, India's FTA network now consists of how many FTAs spanning how many countries?
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Correct answer: B — 9 FTAs, 38 countries
The ministry said India's network has reached nine FTAs spanning 38 countries.
Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): 1. It was signed on 10 March 2024. 2. It entered into force on 1 October 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Commerce Ministry said the EFTA TEPA was signed on 10 March 2024 and entered into force on 1 October 2025.
Through which platform, mentioned by the PM at the post-Budget webinar on 6 March 2026, is the government building digital public infrastructure for agriculture?
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Correct answer: B — AgriStack
The Prime Minister said the government is developing digital public infrastructure for agriculture through AgriStack.
Under DGFT Public Notice No. 51/2025-26 of 6 March 2026, the export obligation period for eligible Advance and EPCG Authorisations has been extended up to which date?
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Correct answer: C — 31 August 2026
EO periods expiring between 1 March and 31 May 2026 are automatically extended to 31 August 2026, with no composition fee.
Nagaland University, whose 8th Convocation the Vice-President addressed on 6 March 2026, was carved out of which university in 1994?
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Correct answer: D — North Eastern Hill University
The Vice-President noted that Nagaland University was established in 1994 after being carved out of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
INS Tarangini, which reached Colombo on 6 March 2026 after training Sri Lanka Navy cadets, is what type of vessel?
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Correct answer: A — Sail training ship
INS Tarangini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship; it trained 3 officers and 26 trainees of the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy.
The XV Finance Commission grants released to Mizoram on 6 March 2026 will benefit how many Village Councils?
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Correct answer: C — 816
The ₹14.80 crore first instalment of untied grants will benefit all 816 eligible Village Councils in Mizoram.
What are the names of the Census-2027 mascots unveiled on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Pragati and Vikas
The mascots are 'Pragati' (female enumerator) and 'Vikas' (male enumerator).
What is the reference date for Census-2027 for most States and Union Territories?
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Correct answer: C — 1 March 2027
The reference date is 00:00 hours of 1 March 2027, except Ladakh and snow-bound areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (1 October 2026).
Which organisation developed the digital platforms soft-launched for Census-2027?
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Correct answer: D — C-DAC
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) developed the four digital platforms.
Consider the following statements about Census-2027: 1. Respondents can self-enumerate online in 16 languages before the door-to-door survey. 2. The caste-related question will be asked in Phase 1 (Houselisting and Housing Census). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The caste-related question will be included in Phase 2 (Population Enumeration, February 2027), not in the houselisting phase.
India defeated which team in the second semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — England
India beat England by seven runs at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Which England batter scored 105 off 48 balls in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against India?
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Correct answer: B — Jacob Bethell
Jacob Bethell made 105 off 48 balls, but England finished on 246 for 7.
What was India's total in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England at Wankhede?
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Correct answer: C — 253/7
India made 253 for 7, with Sanju Samson scoring 89 off 42 balls; England replied with 246 for 7.
Consider the following statements about the India–England T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final: 1. The match aggregate of 499 runs was the most in a men's T20 World Cup match. 2. The match was played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: the ICC said 499 runs was a men's T20 World Cup record. The match was played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote at the 11th Raisina Dialogue on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Alexander Stubb
Finnish President Alexander Stubb was chief guest and gave the inaugural keynote; PM Modi inaugurated the Dialogue.
During President Stubb's visit, India–Finland relations were elevated to which status?
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Correct answer: A — Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability
The two countries elevated ties to a 'Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability'.
By which year do India and Finland aim to double their bilateral trade?
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Correct answer: C — 2030
The two sides aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, capitalising on the India–EU FTA.
Consider the following outcomes of the Finnish President's visit to India in March 2026: 1. A Joint Task Force on 6G linking the University of Oulu and the Bharat 6G Alliance. 2. Co-hosting of the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are listed outcomes: a 6G Joint Task Force (University of Oulu and Bharat 6G Alliance) and co-hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026 with Finland's SITRA.
India's first riverine lighthouses, whose foundation stones were laid on 5 March 2026, will come up on which river?
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Correct answer: A — Brahmaputra
The four lighthouses will be built along the Brahmaputra, National Waterway-2, in Assam.
Which of the following is the only riverine lighthouse site on the north bank of the Brahmaputra?
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Correct answer: B — Biswanath Ghat
Pandu, Bogibeel and Silghat are on the south bank; Biswanath Ghat is the only north-bank site.
Consider the following statements about the riverine lighthouses on National Waterway-2: 1. They are being built by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships with the Inland Waterways Authority of India. 2. Each lighthouse will be solar-powered and 20 metres tall. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: DGLL and IWAI are building the four solar-powered, 20-metre lighthouses at about ₹84 crore.
India's nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, praised by the WHO Director-General on 5 March 2026, targets how many adolescent girls?
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Correct answer: C — 12 million
Dr Tedros praised the campaign targeting 12 million adolescent girls as the world's largest free vaccination drive.
HPV vaccination, discussed by J.P. Nadda at the WHO briefing, is mainly meant to prevent which cancer?
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Correct answer: A — Cervical cancer
The briefing was on India's commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and screening.
By what date must memorandums be submitted to the 8th Central Pay Commission, as announced on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 30 April 2026
Submissions will be received up to 30 April 2026, only through the online portals.
Who chairs the 8th Central Pay Commission?
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Correct answer: D — Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai is the Chairperson, with Prof. Pulak Ghosh as part-time member and Pankaj Jain as member-secretary.
Consider the following statements about the 8th Central Pay Commission: 1. It was constituted by a Government resolution dated 3 November 2025. 2. It is required to make its recommendations within 18 months of its constitution. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Commission was constituted by a resolution dated 3 November 2025 and must report within 18 months.
The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games will be held in which state?
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Correct answer: A — Chhattisgarh
The inaugural Games will be held in Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja in Chhattisgarh from 25 March to 6 April 2026.
How many medal sports will feature in the first Khelo India Tribal Games?
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Correct answer: B — Seven
There will be seven medal sports, with mallakhamb and kabaddi as demonstration sports.
Which two sports are demonstration sports at the first Khelo India Tribal Games?
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Correct answer: D — Mallakhamb and kabaddi
Mallakhamb and kabaddi are the demonstration sports; archery and wrestling are medal sports.
The Indian Culture Portal, whose Version 2.0 was launched on 5 March 2026, was originally launched in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2019
The portal was originally launched in December 2019 to democratise access to India's cultural heritage.
Through which platform will UNICEF India channel CSR investments into nutrition under its Statement of Intent with NITI Aayog signed on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — IMPAct4Nutrition
UNICEF India will use its IMPAct4Nutrition (I4N) platform to engage businesses and channel CSR funds into nutrition.
The Cycling League of India, whose logo was unveiled on 5 March 2026, will have how many franchises?
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Correct answer: B — Eight
The league will have eight city- or region-based franchises, each with ten cyclists.
Which body of the Ministry of Jal Shakti organised the review of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 with Madhya Pradesh collectors on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — National Water Mission
The meeting was organised by the National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR, with the Madhya Pradesh government.
The Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank on 4 March 2026 off which coastal town?
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Correct answer: D — Galle, Sri Lanka
According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship was operating about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, Sri Lanka.
Where was the distress call from IRIS Dena received on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — MRCC Colombo
The distress call was received at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, as reported by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Which Indian Navy ship, operating nearby, reached the IRIS Dena search area by 1600 hrs on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — INS Tarangini
INS Tarangini was deployed to aid the rescue effort and arrived in the search area by 1600 hrs; INS Ikshak later sailed from Kochi.
According to AP, how many people did the Sri Lanka Navy rescue after IRIS Dena sank?
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Correct answer: B — 32
AP reported that the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 people and recovered 87 bodies.
Consider the following statements about the IRIS Dena incident of 4 March 2026: 1. The ship was in the search-and-rescue region under India's responsibility when it sent the distress call. 2. The ship had recently taken part in International Fleet Review 2026, an exercise hosted by India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Ministry of Defence said the ship was in the SAR region under Sri Lanka's responsibility, so Sri Lanka led the search; BBC reported its participation in International Fleet Review 2026 hosted by India.
The second phase of Meghalaya's FOCUS+ scheme was launched on 4 March 2026 in which district?
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Correct answer: C — North Garo Hills
CM Conrad K. Sangma launched FOCUS+ Phase II at Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, with 2,000 additional beneficiaries.
The FOCUS+ Phase II launch on 4 March 2026 coincided with the 10th death anniversary of which leader?
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Correct answer: D — P.A. Sangma
The programme marked the 10th death anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma and eight years of the MDA Government.
Consider the following statements about Meghalaya's Green Meghalaya programme as announced on 4 March 2026: 1. The programme, covering 50,000 hectares, is to be expanded by another 50,000 hectares. 2. Under the Green Meghalaya Plus model, incentives of up to ₹20,000 per hectare per year are paid through a Payment for Ecosystem Services framework. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct, as reported by the Meghalaya Times and Northeast News: coverage will double from 50,000 hectares, and Green Meghalaya Plus pays up to ₹20,000 per hectare per year under a Payment for Ecosystem Services model.
What was the HSBC India Services PMI for February 2026, released on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 58.1
The services PMI was 58.1 in February, compared with 58.5 in January.
Which agency compiles the HSBC India Services PMI?
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Correct answer: B — S&P Global
The HSBC India PMI series is compiled by S&P Global; data for February 2026 were collected from 9 to 25 February.
Consider the following statements about India's PMI data for February 2026: 1. New orders in the services sector rose at the slowest pace since January 2025. 2. The composite PMI fell from January's level. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. New services orders grew at a 13-month low, but the composite PMI rose to 58.9 from 58.4, the fastest private-sector growth in three months.