National News
1. What is Bima-ASBA introduced by IRDAI?
Answer: Bima-ASBA (Applications Supported by Blocked Amount) allows policyholders to authorize a one-time UPI mandate for insurance premium payments. Funds remain blocked until the insurer accepts the proposal, enhancing transparency and security.
2. Which state led India in the Great Backyard Bird Count 2025?
Answer: West Bengal topped the count for the third consecutive year, recording 543 bird species out of 1,068 nationwide.
3. What digital aviation initiative was launched by India?
Answer: India introduced the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, becoming the second country after China to implement digital pilot licensing.
International News
4. What natural disaster occurred in Indonesia on 20th February?
Answer: Mount Dukono erupted, sending ash clouds 2,000 meters high and prompting aviation warnings.
5. What strategic move did Brazil make in global energy policy?
Answer: Brazil joined OPEC+ as an observer, aiming to influence global energy discussions while maintaining production independence.
State News
6. What was the budget outlay for Uttar Pradesh in FY 2025–26?
Answer: ₹8,08,736 crore, with focus on R&D, IT, infrastructure, education, and AI.
7. What key decisions were made in Delhi’s first cabinet meeting under CM Rekha Gupta?
Answer: Implementation of Ayushman Bharat with ₹10 lakh coverage and tabling of 14 pending CAG reports.
8. What eco-tourism event was held in Assam?
Answer: The 2nd Simolu Festival celebrated Bombax ceiba blooms with cycling, camping, and cultural activities.
9. Which forest project in Nagaland won the SKOCH Award 2024?
Answer: The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), supported by JICA, for conservation and livelihood development.
10. What is celebrated on Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day?
Answer: The state’s transition to full statehood in 1987; it’s known as the Land of the Rising Sun.
11. What does Mizoram Foundation Day commemorate?
Answer: Mizoram’s statehood in 1987, marking its emergence as India’s 23rd state.
12. What drug disposal initiative was launched in Kerala?
Answer: nPROUD (New Programme for Removal of Unused Drugs) to safely dispose of expired medicines.
Economy News
13. What is India’s projected GDP growth for Q3 FY25?
Answer: 6.4%, driven by government spending and export recovery.
Banking News
14. What is RBI’s new RBIDATA app?
Answer: A mobile app offering access to over 11,000 macroeconomic and financial data series.
Appointments
15. Whose tenure as Chief Economic Advisor was extended?
Answer: V. Anantha Nageswaran’s term was extended until March 2027.
16. Who was appointed as Election Commissioner of India?
Answer: Vivek Joshi, an IAS officer from Haryana cadre, with tenure until February 18, 2031.
Sports News
17. What ODI milestone did Rohit Sharma achieve?
Answer: He became the second fastest to reach 11,000 ODI runs in 261 innings.
18. What record did Mohammed Shami break in ICC ODI events?
Answer: Fastest Indian to 200 ODI wickets and highest Indian wicket-taker in ICC ODI tournaments with 60 wickets.
Ranks & Reports
19. What did Forbes report about women billionaires in 2024?
Answer: Women comprised 13.3% of global billionaires, with the top 10 amassing over $500 billion collectively.
Important Days
20. What is the theme of International Mother Language Day 2025?
Answer: “Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day,” commemorating Bangladesh’s 1952 language movement.