In the context of economic development in North Eastern India, the first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the North Eastern states was planned to be set up in which state?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your awareness of regional economic development measures in India, specifically in the North Eastern region. Special Economic Zones, or SEZs, are designated areas that offer tax and regulatory incentives to promote investment and exports. Knowing where key SEZs were first planned or set up is a frequent theme in general awareness sections of competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the first SEZ in the North Eastern states of India.
• The options are Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
• We assume this refers to official government announcements about setting up the very first SEZ in that region.

Concept / Approach:
SEZs are critical tools for attracting investment to less developed regions. The North Eastern states were identified for special focus, and the first SEZ for this region was planned in Mizoram. By recalling press releases, government documents, or exam prep material that highlighted Mizoram in this context, we can identify the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the central government decided to set up an SEZ specifically for the North Eastern region.Step 2: Remember that among the North Eastern states, Mizoram was chosen for the first such SEZ project.Step 3: Compare this with options such as Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, which have important projects but were not selected for this first SEZ.Step 4: Associate Mizoram with early policy announcements about SEZs in the region.Step 5: Choose Mizoram as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
This fact can be verified from economic survey notes, regional development reports, and government press releases that discuss special measures for the North Eastern states. Coaching material for competitive exams often summarises such points under headings like “First SEZ in North Eastern region”, clearly mentioning Mizoram as the selected state. Cross-checking across two or more such sources builds confidence in the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Manipur: An important North Eastern state but not the one chosen for the first SEZ.Arunachal Pradesh: Strategically significant but not associated with the first SEZ in this context.Nagaland: Also part of the region but not the state identified for the first SEZ project.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes guess based on which state they think is more developed or more frequently in the news. However, economic policy announcements are specific, and relying only on guesswork can be risky. It is better to prepare a list of “first in India” facts, especially those linked with different regions, so that such questions are answered accurately rather than intuitively.

Final Answer:
The first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the North Eastern states was planned to be set up in Mizoram.