May 20, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025
What is the theme for World Day of Social Justice 2025?
  • (A) "Achieving Global Equality"
  • (B) "Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice"
  • (C) "Strengthening International Justice Systems"
  • (D) "Justice for All: A Global Commitment"
Show Answer

Answer: B

World Day of Social Justice is globally observed on February 20 each year, emphasizing the need to foster equitable societies by addressing injustices and labor insecurity that threaten social welfare.

  • The theme for World Day of Social Justice 2025 is “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice.”
  • On November 26, 2007, the UN General Assembly proclaimed February 20 as World Day of Social Justice, with the first observance in 2009.
World Anthropology Day is observed annually on the:
  • (A) Second Tuesday of February
  • (B) Third Thursday of February
  • (C) Fourth Monday of February
  • (D) First Friday of February  
Show Answer

Answer: B

World Anthropology Day is observed annually on the third Thursday of February, falling on February 20 this year.

  • The American Anthropological Association will officially celebrate Anthropology Day on February 20, 2025.
  • This day allows anthropologists to honor their field and share its significance with the world.
Consider the following statements regarding Mizoram Foundation Day:
1. Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on February 20, 1987.
2. It shares international borders with China and Myanmar.
3. Aizawl is the capital and largest city of Mizoram.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • (A) 1 and 3 only
  • (B) 2 and 3 only
  • (C) 1 and 2 only
  • (D) 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Mizoram Foundation Day is observed annually on February 20 to commemorate the state’s attainment of full statehood in 1987, making it the 23rd state of India.

  • Mizoram is a landlocked state in northeastern India, sharing international borders with Bangladesh to the west and Myanmar to the east and south.
  • Domestically, it borders the Indian states of Assam, Manipur, and Tripura.
  • Aizawl serves as the capital and largest city of Mizoram. Other significant towns include Lunglei, Champhai, and Serchhip.
  • Mizo and English are the official languages of the state.
Arunachal Pradesh shares an international border with which of the following countries?
  • (A) Nepal, China, Bhutan
  • (B) Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan
  • (C) China, Myanmar, Bhutan
  • (D) Pakistan, China, Nepal
Show Answer

Answer: C

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day is celebrated annually on February 20th to commemorate the day in 1987 when the region was granted statehood, becoming the 24th state of India.

  • Situated in northeastern India, Arunachal Pradesh shares international borders with Bhutan to the west, China to the north, and Myanmar to the east. Domestically, it borders the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south.
  • Itanagar serves as the state’s capital and largest town.
  • The name “Arunachal Pradesh” translates to “Land of the Rising Sun.” 
Consider the following statements:
1. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats, spanning Palakkad and Thrissur districts of Kerala.
2. The reserve is home to four indigenous tribes: Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar, and Mala Malasar.
3. The Godavari River flows through the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • (A) 1 and 2
  • (B) 2 and 3
  • (C) 1 and 3
  • (D) 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

A recent faunal survey by the Forest Department in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Kerala, recorded 15 new species in the protected area.

  • It is Situated in the Anamalai-Nelliyampathy landscape of the Western Ghats, spanning Palakkad and Thrissur districts, Kerala.
  • The Parambikulam River, a tributary of the Chalakudy River, flows through the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala.
  • The reserve is home to four indigenous tribes: Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar, and Mala Malasar, residing in six colonies within the sanctuary.
  • Diverse ecosystems include evergreen, semi-evergreen, deciduous, and shola The reserve also has marshy grasslands (vayals) and is home to the legendary Kannimara Teak tree.
  • Parambikulam is referred to as the “state capital for the massive gaur“.
Consider the following statements about the Devolution Index 2024:
1. The index ranks states based on six dimensions, including framework, finances, functionaries, and accountability.
2. Keralatopped the index, followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
3. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), prepares the index.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • (A) 1 and 3 only
  • (B) 2 and 3 only
  • (C) 1 and 2 only
  • (D) 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

The Devolution Index (DI) 2024 was released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.

  • It ranks states based on six key dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Enhancement, and Accountability.
  • Karnataka Tops Devolution Index 2024.

Overall Ranking

  1. Karnataka– 23 (Top State)
  2. Kerala– 59
  3. Tamil Nadu– 38
  4. Maharashtra– 44
  5. Uttar Pradesh– 07
  6. Gujarat– 26
  • National Average Score:89
  • Moderate Performers:Bihar, Assam, Sikkim, Uttarakhand

Top States in Key Dimensions

Framework (Legal & Institutional Structure)

  • Kerala (83.56), Maharashtra (74.74), Karnataka (74.43)
  • Assesses laws, elections, and reservation policies for Panchayati Raj

Functions (Powers Delegated to Panchayats)

  • Tamil Nadu (60.24), Karnataka (57.62), Odisha (57.46)
  • Evaluates taxation powers and autonomy of Gram Panchayats

 

Finances (Fiscal Decentralization & Funding)

  • Karnataka (70.65), Kerala (62.89), Tamil Nadu (55.78)
  • Examines fund releases under the 15th Finance Commission

 

Accountability (Transparency & Governance Monitoring)

  • Karnataka (81.33), Kerala (81.18), Maharashtra (80.36)
  • Karnataka excels in social audits, Gram Sabha transparency, and anti-corruption measures

Functionaries (Manpower & Resources at Panchayats)

  • Gujarat (90.94), Tamil Nadu (84.25), Kerala (82.99)
  • Evaluates the number of trained Panchayat officials

Capacity Enhancement (Training & Skill Development)

  • Telangana (86.19), Tamil Nadu (84.29), Gujarat (83.96)
  • Karnataka is among the top 10 statesin training Panchayat officials
Consider the following statements about the PMDKY:
1. The scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity and irrigation in 100 low-productivity districts.
2. It is implemented with a separate dedicated budgetfrom the Union Budget.
3. NABARD is one of the key implementing agencies under the scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • (A) 1 and 3 only
  • (B) 2 and 3 only
  • (C) 1 and 2 only
  • (D) 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY) during the Union Budget presentation.

  • The scheme aims to boost agricultural productivity, irrigation, crop diversification, and financial access for farmers in 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and low credit access.
  • Inspired by:Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) to enhance rural prosperity and farm income.
  • Ministries Involved:
    • Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
    • Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
    • Department of Financial Services
    • NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)

Key Features:

  • District Selection Criteria:
    • Low agricultural productivity
    • Moderate cropping intensity
    • Limited access to farm credit
  • Funding:No separate budget; implemented through convergence of existing agricultural schemes.
  • Beneficiaries:Around 7 crore farmers expected to benefit.
Consider the following statements regarding the National SKOCH Award 2024:
1. The Dharamsala Municipal Corporationreceived the award for excellence in waste management and sanitation.
2. The SKOCH Award is one of India’s highest independent honors in governance and public administration.
3. It is given annually by the NITI Aayogin collaboration with the SKOCH Group.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • (A) 1 and 2 only
  • (B) 2 and 3 only
  • (C) 1 and 3 only
  • (D) 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

The Dharamsala Municipal Corporation received the National SKOCH Award 2024 for excellence in waste management and sanitation.

About the SKOCH Award

  • Established in:2003 by the SKOCH Group (founded in 1997).
  • Organized by:SKOCH Group, a leading Indian think tank focusing on governance, economics, and social development.
  • Recognizes:Best practices in governance, finance, technology, and environmental sustainability.
  • Significance:One of India’s highest independent honors in governance and development.

© 2025 Civilstap Himachal Design & Development