MLC Daily Current Affairs – 15 February 2025

Today in History (February 15^th,1922)

Naresh Mehta (15 February 1922 – 22 November 2000), a renowned Hindi poet and one of the top writers of the Jnanpith Award, who is known for his deep vision of Indianness. Naresh
Mehta gave a new dimension to modern poetry with a neweuphemism. Naresh Mehta also edited the ‘Chautha Sansar’ Hindi daily published from Indore. He was born on 15 February 1922 in
Shajapur, British India.

Summary of Today’s News

Weekly Multiple Choice Questions

1. Under which article of the Indian Constitution is the “Annual Financial Statement” laid before the Parliament?
A) Article 112
B) Article 113
C) Article 121
D) Article 114
Answer: A)
Explanation: Article 112 of the Indian Constitution mandates the presentation of the “Annual Financial Statement,” which is the government’s budget. This statement includes the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the year.

2. When is the Union Budget of India typically presented each year?
A) 15th August
B) 1st April
C) 1st February
D) 31st March
Answer: C)
Explanation: Since 2017, the Union Budget of India is typically presented on 1st February. This change was made to ensure that the Budget is passed before the beginning of the new financial year (which starts on 1st April).

3. What is the purpose of the “Budget Speech” delivered by the Finance Minister of India?
A) To outline the government’s plan for the coming year and seek approval for the budgetary allocations
B) To present the current state of the nation’s economy to the public
C) To explain the constitutional provisions about the budget
D) To discuss the policies of the opposition parties
Answer: A)
Explanation: The Budget Speech is delivered by the Finance Minister to present the government’s financial proposals, policies, and plans for the coming year, and to seek approval from Parliament for the proposed allocations.

4. Who is responsible for preparing the Union Budget in India?
A) The President of India
B) The Ministry of Finance
C) The Comptroller and Auditor General of India
D) The Reserve Bank of India
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Union Budget is prepared by the Ministry of Finance, which includes various departments and officials responsible for budgeting and financial planning.

5. Which of the following is NOT part of the Union Budget in India?
A) Revenue Budget
B) Capital Budget
C) Special Budget for Defense
D) Annual Financial Statement
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Union Budget consists of two main parts: the Revenue Budget and the Capital Budget, and includes the Annual Financial Statement. There is no separate “Special Budget for Defense.” The defense budget is part of the overall Union Budget.

6. Which of the following is true regarding the “Vote on Account” in India?
A) It is a temporary budget granted by Parliament to meet government expenses before the full budget is passed.
B) It is a provision only for defense-related expenditures.
C) It allows the government to stop expenditure for a short period.
D) It is a budget provision specifically for states.
Answer: A)
Explanation: A “Vote on Account” is a provision that allows the government to meet its immediate expenses, typically for a period of two months, before the formal budget is passed. It is often used when the full budget has not yet been approved by Parliament.

7. Who approves the Union Budget of India?
A) The President of India
B) The Prime Minister
C) The Parliament of India
D) The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Union Budget is presented by the Finance Minister and must be approved by both Houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).

8. The first Union Budget of Independent India was presented by which of the following Finance Ministers?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) Morarji Desai
C) R. K. Shanmukham Chetty
D) Manmohan Singh
Answer: C)
Explanation: The first Union Budget of independent India was presented by R. K. Shanmukham Chetty on 26th November 1947.

9. According to the Indian Constitution, the Union Budget is presented to which of the following?
A) Only the Rajya Sabha
B) The President of India
C) The Parliament of India
D) The State Legislative Assemblies
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Union Budget is presented to the Parliament of India, which consists of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The President of India formally approves it after the Parliament’s approval.

10. In the Union Budget, which of the following reflects the government’s total expenditure for the year?
A) Revenue Receipts
B) Revenue Expenditure
C) Capital Receipts
D) Total Expenditure
Answer: D)
Explanation: The Total Expenditure in the Union Budget refers to the overall spending of the government, which includes both revenue expenditure (e.g., salaries, subsidies) and capital expenditure (e.g., infrastructure investment, loans).

11. What is the financial year for the Government of India?
A) January 1 to December 31
B) April 1 to March 31
C) July 1 to June 30
D) October 1 to September 30
Answer: B)
Explanation: The financial year for the Government of India runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. This period is used for budgetary purposes, tax calculations, and financial planning.

12. Which document contains the details of the government’s receipts and expenditures?
A) Union Budget
B) Appropriation Bill
C) Economic Survey
D) Finance Bill
Answer: A)
Explanation: The Union Budget contains a detailed report of the government’s planned receipts (revenues) and expenditures for the upcoming financial year. It is presented annually and forms the basis for the government’s fiscal planning.

13. Find the incorrect statement
A) India is a middle-income country
B) India is the world’s fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP
C) India’s target is to become US$ 30 trillion economy by 2047.
D) Middle income countries are home to 15% of the world’s population
Answer: D)
Explanation: India is a middle-income country. India is the world’s fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP. India’s target is to become US$ 30 trillion economy by 2047. According to World Bank data Middle income countries are home to 75% of the world’s population.

14. According to the World Bank’s classification, a country is considered a “Lower-Middle-Income” country if its GNI per capita is between:
A) $1,145 and $4,515
B) $4,516 and $14,005
C) $14,006 and above
D) $1,146 and $2,000
Answer: A)
Explanation: The World Bank classifies countries into income categories based on GNI per capita. Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) have a GNI per capita between $1,146 and $4,515.

15. Which of the following countries is NOT currently facing the “middle-income trap”?
A) China
B) Brazil
C) Saudi Arabia
D) United States
Answer: D)
Explanation: The United States is a high-income country, so it is not facing the “middle-income trap.” China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia are among the countries that are currently stuck in the middle-income trap.

16. Makhana Board will be established in _____ to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana.
A) Rajasthan
B) Bihar
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B)
Rationale: Makhana Board will be established in Bihar to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana.
17. Which Indian state is the largest producer of Makhana?
A) Rajasthan
B) Bihar
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B)
Rationale: Bihar is the largest producer of makhana in India, accounting for almost 90% of the country’s total production.

18. According to the Union Budget of 2025 which sector has been considered as the 2nd Engine of the growth of Indian Economy?
A) Agriculture
B) Manufacturing
C) Sugar industry
D) MSMEs
Answer: D)
Rationale: MSMEs as the second engine. Encompasses manufacturing and services with a focus on MSMEs totalling 5.7 crore. Over 1 crore registered MSMEs, employing 7.5 crore people, and generating 36% of our manufacturing, have positioned India as a global manufacturing hub.

19. MSMEs are responsible for ___ per cent of our exports.
A) 45%
B) 80%
C) 90%
D) 75%
Answer: A)
Rationale: Currently, over 1 crore registered MSMEs, employing 7.5 crore people, and generating 36 per cent of manufacturing. MSMEs are responsible for 45 per cent of our exports.

20. To enhance the productivity, quality and competitiveness of India’s ___________, a focus product scheme will be implemented.
A) Tourism sector
B) Information Technology sector
C) footwear and leather sector
D) Agriculture sector
Answer: c)
Rationale: To enhance the productivity, quality and competitiveness of India’s footwear and leather sector, a focus product scheme will be implemented.

21. Government will establish a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in _____.
A) Rajasthan
B) Bihar
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Delhi
Answer: B)
Rationale: Government will establish a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar.

22. When is World Braille Day observed annually?
A) January 1
B) January 2
C) January 3
D) January 4
Answer: D)
Rationale: World Braille Day is observed every year on January 4. To raise awareness about the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people. In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim January 4 as World Braille Day as a tribute to Louis Braille, the visionary behind the braille system.

23. The Government of India has announced a Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme. Find correct statement about this scheme.
A) Free books to all students in Hindi
B) Free books in Hindi to all students of class 1st to 5th
C) Free comics for all teenagers
D) To provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education
Answer: D)
Rationale: Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme: It provides digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education. Aim: To help students understand their subjects better.

24. The ______Mission will survey, document, and conserve over 1 crore manuscripts in collaboration with academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors.
A) Gyan Bharatam
B) Bharat Vidya
C) Vaidik vidya
D) Bharat Gurukul
Answer: A)
Rationale: The Gyan Bharatam Mission will survey, document, and conserve over 1 crore manuscripts in collaboration with academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors.

25. The Government of India in 2025 Budget has announced a digital public infrastructure, ________ for international trade will be set-up as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.
A) India Export club
B) India international Trade Centre
C) ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN)
D) India Trade council
Answer: C)
Rationale: A digital public infrastructure, ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade will be set-up as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.

26. In current Union budget 2025 the government has announced the FDI limit for the insurance sector will be raised from 74 to ___%.
A) 85%
B) 95%
C) 100%
D) 75%
Answer: C)
Rationale: The FDI limit for the insurance sector will be raised from 74 to 100 per cent.

27. What % of rupee comes from corporation tax, in the context of Union Budget 2025 data?
A) 17%
B) 45%
C) 55%
D) 80%
Answer: A)
Rationale: According to the Union Budget 2025-26, 17% of the rupee comes from corporate tax.

28. According to the Union Budget 2025-26, ___% of the union budget goes to Ministry of Defence Government of India.
A) 5
B) 6
C) 45
D) 13
Answer: D)
Rationale: In pursuance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ with technologically-advanced and ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Armed Forces, Union Budget of India has made a provision of Rs 6,81,210.27 crore for Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This allocation is 9.53% more than the Budgetary Estimate of FY 2024-25 and stands at 13.45% of Union Budget, which is highest among the Ministries.

29. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has come to its formal existence. Its headquarters will be in ____
A) China
B) Pakistan
C) Brazile
D) India
Answer: D)
Rationale: IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition comprising of 95 big cat range countries, non-range countries with an interest in big cat conservation. It has been Headquartered in India.

30 . Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised the World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site. This site is located in ____
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Bihar
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: A)
Rationale: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised the World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site. It is located in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh.

31. Which state’s UCC mandates the registration of live-in relationships?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Uttarakhand
D) Manipur
Answer: C)
Rationale: The Uttarakhand UCC mandates the registration of live-in relationships. It applies to both residents of Uttarakhand and individuals residing elsewhere in India.

32. What was India’s rank in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024?
A) 85
B) 96
C) 120
D) 105
Answer: B)
Explanation: India ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the CPI for 2024, with a score of 38 out of 100.

33. How does the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) rank countries?
A) Based on economic growth
B) Based on military power
C) Based on perceived levels of public sector corruption
D) Based on the level of industrialization
Answer: C)
Explanation: The CPI ranks countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, which is a measure of corruption in the government and public institutions.

34. What is the scale used in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)?
A) 0 to 50
B) 1 to 100
C) 0 to 100
D) 1 to 200
Answer: C)
Explanation: The CPI uses a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates highly corrupt and 100 indicates very clean.

35. According to the CPI 2024, which of the following countries is ranked as one of the least corrupt?
A) Venezuela
B) Somalia
C) Denmark
D) South Sudan
Answer: C)
Explanation: Denmark, along with Finland and Singapore, is ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in the world according to the CPI 2024.

36. Which country is ranked as the most corrupt according to the CPI 2024?
A) Pakistan
B) South Sudan
C) India
D) Brazile
Answer: B)
Explanation: South Sudan, along with Somalia and Venezuela, is ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world according to the CPI 2024.

37. What does the CPI 2024 report highlight about the impact of corruption?
A) It promotes economic growth
B) It helps improve human rights
C) It hinders global efforts to combat climate change
D) It has no significant impact
Answer: C)
Explanation: The CPI 2024 highlights how corruption is a key hindrance in global efforts to combat climate change, among other negative effects like undermining development, democracy, and human rights.

38. What percentage of the world’s population lives in countries with CPI scores below 50?
A) 50%
B) 75%
C) 85%
D) 90%
Answer: C)
Explanation: The CPI 2024 reveals that 85% of the world’s population lives in countries with CPI scores below 50, indicating widespread corruption in many regions.

39. Which of the following countries is considered the least corrupt according to the CPI 2024?
A) India
B) Finland
C) USA
D) Australia
Answer: B)
Explanation: Finland is one of the least corrupt countries, along with Denmark and Singapore, as per the CPI 2024.

40. What score did India receive in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024?
A) 50
B) 40
C) 38
D) 45
Answer: C)
Explanation: India received a score of 38 out of 100 on the CPI for 2024, indicating a significant level of perceived corruption.

41. Blair House is in news it is located in which country?
A) Britain
B) China
C) USA
D) Russia
Answer: C)
Rationale: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently staying at Blair House during his two-day visit to the United States.

42. Where was India’s first glass bridge over sea inaugurated?
A) Shillong
B) Kanyakumari
C) Amravati
D) Chennai
Answer: D)
Rationale: India’s first glass bridge over sea inaugurated in Kanyakumari In Tamil Nadu, the iconic tourist destination Kanyakumari had added another jewel to its crown. India’s first glass bridge over sea was inaugurated.

43. Who has taken charge as the CEO of _____
A) Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
B) NITI Ayog
C) ISRO
D) Railway board
Answer: A)
Rationale: IAS officer Bhuvnesh Kumar took charge as the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

44. Who released the book ‘Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through the Ages: A Visual Narrative of Continuities and Linkages’?
A) President of India
B) Amit Shah
C) Narendra Modi
D) Rajnath Singh
Answer: B)
Rationale: Amit Shah released Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through The Ages Book Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah has released the book ‘Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through the Ages: A Visual Narrative of Continuities and Linkages’ in New Delhi. The editor of the book is Professor Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).