1. What was the total value of development projects inaugurated or initiated by PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Bihar and West Bengal on August 22, 2025?
A) Rs. 10,000 crore
B) Rs. 15,000 crore
C) Rs. 18,000 crore
D) Rs. 20,000 crore
E) Rs. 22,000 crore
Answer: C) Rs. 18,000 crore

2. Which of the following projects was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in Gaya, Bihar on August 22, 2025?
A) Aunta-Simaria bridge project
B) Kolkata Metro expansion
C) 6-lane elevated expressway in West Bengal
D) Bakhtiyarpur-Mokama railway line
E) Dibang Valley connectivity project
Answer: A) Aunta-Simaria bridge project

3. What is the length of the Aunta-Simaria bridge project on National Highway (NH-31) in Gaya, Bihar?
A) 6.15 km
B) 7.15 km
C) 8.15 km
D) 9.15 km
E) 10.15 km
Answer: C) 8.15 km

4. What is the cost of the six-lane bridge built across the Ganga river as part of the Aunta-Simaria project?
A) Rs. 1,500 crore
B) Rs. 1,870 crore
C) Rs. 2,000 crore
D) Rs. 2,200 crore
E) Rs. 2,500 crore
Answer: B) Rs. 1,870 crore

5. Which section of National Highway (NH-31) was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in Bihar?
A) Patna-Gaya section
B) Bakhtiyarpur-Mokama section
C) Mokama-Simaria section
D) Gaya-Aunta section
E) Simaria-Patna section
Answer: B) Bakhtiyarpur-Mokama section

6. What was the total value of development projects inaugurated or for which foundation stones were laid by PM Narendra Modi in Kolkata, West Bengal?
A) Rs. 3,200 crore
B) Rs. 4,200 crore
C) Rs. 5,200 crore
D) Rs. 6,200 crore
E) Rs. 7,200 crore
Answer: C) Rs. 5,200 crore

7. What is the length of the newly built metro network inaugurated in Kolkata, West Bengal on August 22, 2025?
A) 10.61 km
B) 11.61 km
C) 12.61 km
D) 13.61 km
E) 14.61 km
Answer: D) 13.61 km

8. When will the Income-Tax Act, 2025 come into effect?
A) April 1, 2025
B) April 1, 2026
C) April 1, 2027
D) January 1, 2026
E) January 1, 2027
Answer: B) April 1, 2026

9. How many sections are there in the Income-Tax Act, 2025 compared to the Income-Tax Act, 1961?
A) 536 sections in 2025 vs. 819 in 1961
B) 819 sections in 2025 vs. 536 in 1961
C) 600 sections in 2025 vs. 700 in 1961
D) 500 sections in 2025 vs. 900 in 1961
E) 700 sections in 2025 vs. 600 in 1961
Answer: A) 536 sections in 2025 vs. 819 in 1961

10. What is the major change introduced in the Income-Tax Act, 2025 regarding terminology?
A) Renaming Financial Year to Tax Year
B) Renaming Assessment Year to Fiscal Year
C) Renaming Tax Year to Financial Year
D) Renaming Fiscal Year to Assessment Year
E) No change in terminology
Answer: A) Renaming Financial Year to Tax Year

11. Who chairs the High-Powered Groups (HPGs) formed to drive next-gen reforms and Viksit Bharat goals?
A) Amit Shah
B) Rajnath Singh
C) Rajiv Gauba
D) TVS Swaminathan
E) Narendra Modi
Answer: C) Rajiv Gauba

12. What is the purpose of Panel 1 of the High-Powered Groups (HPGs) formed in August 2025?
A) Regulatory reforms in the financial sector
B) Driving the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047
C) Enhancing connectivity in border areas
D) Promoting renewable energy adoption
E) Improving rural infrastructure
Answer: B) Driving the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047

13. Which ministry’s secretary is NOT a member of the High-Powered Groups (HPGs) formed in August 2025?
A) Ministry of Power
B) Ministry of Finance
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) Ministry of MSME
E) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
Answer: C) Ministry of Home Affairs

14. Who heads the state-level deregulation committee established to resolve regulatory bottlenecks?
A) Rajiv Gauba
B) TVS Swaminathan
C) Amit Shah
D) Rajnath Singh
E) Narendra Modi
Answer: B) TVS Swaminathan

15. Which company signed an MoU with the Indian Army’s Dao Division to enhance connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh?
A) Reliance Jio
B) Bharti Airtel
C) Vodafone Idea
D) BSNL
E) MTNL
Answer: B) Bharti Airtel

16. In which districts of Arunachal Pradesh will the Indian Army and Bharti Airtel enhance connectivity?
A) Tawang and West Kameng
B) Dibang Valley and Anjaw
C) Changlang and Tirap
D) East Siang and Upper Subansiri
E) Lower Subansiri and Papum Pare
Answer: B) Dibang Valley and Anjaw

17. What is the validity period of the MoU signed between the Department of Posts and AMFI?
A) August 22, 2024 to August 21, 2027
B) August 22, 2025 to August 21, 2028
C) August 22, 2023 to August 21, 2026
D) August 22, 2025 to August 21, 2030
E) August 22, 2024 to August 21, 2029
Answer: B) August 22, 2025 to August 21, 2028

18. What is the purpose of the MoU signed between the Department of Posts and AMFI?
A) To enhance mobile connectivity in rural areas
B) To facilitate mutual fund investments in rural and semi-urban areas
C) To promote renewable energy projects
D) To improve postal services in urban areas
E) To provide insurance schemes through post offices
Answer: B) To facilitate mutual fund investments in rural and semi-urban areas

19. Where was the 23rd AIBD General Conference held in August 2025?
A) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
B) Bangkok, Thailand
C) Phuket, Thailand
D) New Delhi, India
E) Singapore
Answer: C) Phuket, Thailand

20. What was the theme of the 23rd AIBD General Conference held in 2025?
A) Media for Development and Progress
B) Media for People, Peace & Prosperity
C) Broadcasting for Sustainable Growth
D) Digital Media for Global Cooperation
E) Media for Unity and Innovation
Answer: B) Media for People, Peace & Prosperity

21. Who is the current President of the AIBD General Conference as of August 2025?
A) Rajiv Gauba
B) Gaurav Dwivedi
C) Narendra Modi
D) Tuhin Kanta Pandey
E) Manish Sabharwal
Answer: B) Gaurav Dwivedi

22. What is the maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio offered by South Indian Bank’s SIB Gold Xpress?
A) 80%
B) 85%
C) 90%
D) 95%
E) 100%
Answer: C) 90%

23. What is the loan amount range offered by SIB Gold Xpress?
A) Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 10 lakhs
B) Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 25 lakhs
C) Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 50 lakhs
D) Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 20 lakhs
E) Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30 lakhs
Answer: B) Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 25 lakhs

24. Which organization signed an MoU with IndusInd Bank to enhance credit access for MSMEs?
A) SIDBI
B) NSIC
C) FICCI
D) CII
E) ASSOCHAM
Answer: B) NSIC

25. Which flagship scheme of NSIC is supported by the MoU with IndusInd Bank?
A) Digital India Scheme
B) Credit Facilitation Scheme
C) Make in India Scheme
D) Startup India Scheme
E) Skill India Scheme
Answer: B) Credit Facilitation Scheme

26. Which certifications were received by Universal Sompo General Insurance Company in August 2025?
A) ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015
B) ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 22301:2019
C) ISO 20000:2018 and ISO 27001:2022
D) ISO 22301:2019 and ISO 31000:2018
E) ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 9001:2015
Answer: B) ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 22301:2019

27. Who was named the PFA Player of the Year for 2024-25?
A) James Trafford
B) Mohamed Salah
C) Mariona Caldentey
D) Morgan Rogers
E) Olivia Smith
Answer: B) Mohamed Salah

28. Who was the first female footballer to surpass the GBP 1 million transfer milestone?
A) Mariona Caldentey
B) Olivia Smith
C) Emma Hayes
D) Morgan Rogers
E) None of the above
Answer: B) Olivia Smith

29. Who was appointed as the CEO of FSSAI in August 2025?
A) Debashree Mukherjee
B) Rajit Punhani
C) V L Kantha Rao
D) Piyush Goyal
E) Ganji Kamala V. Rao
Answer: B) Rajit Punhani

30. Which state’s Chief Minister unveiled the “Viksit Tripura-2047” vision document?
A) Assam
B) Manipur
C) Tripura
D) Meghalaya
E) Nagaland
Answer: C) Tripura

31. What is the theme of the “Viksit Tripura-2047” vision document?
A) Advanced Tripura, Best Tripura
B) Developed Tripura, Prosperous Tripura
C) Modern Tripura, Vibrant Tripura
D) Sustainable Tripura, Inclusive Tripura
E) Progressive Tripura, Global Tripura
Answer: A) Advanced Tripura, Best Tripura

32. With which organization did Maharashtra sign an MoU to strengthen business ties with the UK?
A) UK India Business Council
B) Global India Business Corridor
C) Confederation of Indian Industry
D) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce
E) Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Answer: B) Global India Business Corridor

33. What is the target Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Tripura by 2047 as per the “Viksit Tripura-2047” vision?
A) USD 100 billion
B) USD 124 billion
C) USD 150 billion
D) USD 175 billion
E) USD 200 billion
Answer: B) USD 124 billion

34. When was the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition first observed?
A) 1997
B) 1998
C) 1999
D) 2000
E) 2001
Answer: B) 1998

35. What is the theme of National Space Day 2025?
A) Space for All
B) Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities
C) Exploring the Moon and Beyond
D) Chandrayaan-3: A New Era
E) Viksit Bharat through Space Technology
Answer: B) Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities

Current Affairs Today: 24,25 August 2025

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Bihar & West Bengal – August 22, 2025

On August 22, 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Bihar and West Bengal (WB), inaugurating and initiating development projects worth over Rs. 18,000 crore.

Highlights of the Visit:

• Bihar (Gaya): PM Modi dedicated projects worth around Rs. 13,000 crore.
  
  • Aunta-Simaria Bridge Project: Inaugurated the 8.15 km long NH-31 bridge project, including a 1.86 km six-lane bridge across the Ganga (costing over Rs. 1,870 crore).
    
  • Bakhtiyarpur–Mokama Section: Inaugurated the 4-lane NH-31 stretch, worth around Rs. 1,900 crore.
    
• West Bengal (Kolkata): Inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs. 5,200 crore.
  
  • Metro Expansion: 13.61 km new metro network and services in Kolkata.
    
  • 6-Lane Elevated Expressway: Expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease congestion.
    
    

Income-Tax Act (I-T Act), 2025 Gets Presidential Assent

In August 2025, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Income-Tax Act, 2025, replacing the I-T Act, 1961. The new Act will be effective from April 1, 2026.

Key Highlights:

• Simplification: Sections reduced from 819 → 536, and chapters from 47 → 23.
  
• Clarity: Word count reduced from 5.12 lakh → 2.6 lakh; introduces 39 tables & 40 formulas.
  
• Major Change: AY (Assessment Year) & FY (Financial Year) renamed as Tax Year.
  
• No New Taxes: No additional tax rates introduced.
  

GoI Constituted Rajiv Gauba-led Panels for Next-Gen Reforms

The GoI has set up two High-Powered Groups (HPGs) chaired by Rajiv Gauba (NITI Aayog, ex-Cabinet Secretary) to drive Viksit Bharat goals and non-financial sector reforms.

Key Points:

• Panel 1: Drives Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
  
• Panel 2: Focuses on regulatory reforms & competitiveness.
  
• Members: Secretaries of DPIIT, MSME, Expenditure, Power; DGs of FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM; leaders like Dr. Pawan Kumar (IN-SPACe), Manish Sabharwal, Janmejay Sinha (BCG India).
  
• Oversight: Works with committees led by Amit Shah (MHA) & Rajnath Singh (MoD).
  
• State-level Reforms: Deregulation committee headed by TVS Swaminathan.
  
  

Indian Army & Bharti Airtel MoU for Border Connectivity

The Dao Division of Indian Army signed an MoU with Bharti Airtel to enhance mobile connectivity in Dibang Valley & Anjaw districts, Arunachal Pradesh.

Purpose:

• Improve network coverage in remote border villages.
  
• Support Digital India & strengthen communication for security forces.
  
• Empower local communities with reliable mobile services.
  

DoP & AMFI MoU for Mutual Fund Distribution via Post Offices

The Department of Posts (DoP) signed an MoU with AMFI during AMFI’s 30th Foundation Day (Mumbai) to distribute mutual funds through India Post branches.

Highlights:

• Validity: Aug 22, 2025 – Aug 21, 2028.
  
• First-time rural citizens can invest in MFs through post offices.
  
• DoP will act as Mutual Fund distributor, boosting financial inclusion in semi-urban & rural India.
  

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Elected as Chairman of AIBD Executive Board

At the 23rd AIBD General Conference (Aug 19–21, 2025, Phuket, Thailand), India was elected Chairman of the Executive Board.

Key Facts:

• Theme: “Media for People, Peace & Prosperity”.
  
• Chaired by: Gaurav Dwivedi (CEO, Prasar Bharati).
  
• India: Founding member of AIBD, previously held chair in 2016.
  
• AIBD Members: 92 organizations from 45 countries.
  

BANKING & FINANCE

South Indian Bank Launches ‘SIB Gold Xpress’

• Offers up to 90% Loan-to-Value (LTV) of gold.
  
• Loan range: Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 25 lakh.
  
• Repayment period: Up to 3 years.
  
• Target: MSMEs, small businesses, and individuals.
  

IndusInd Bank & NSIC MoU for MSME Credit Access

• Entities: IndusInd Bank & NSIC (MoMSME).
  
• Aim: Enhance credit access for 6.7 crore MSMEs.
  
• Offerings: Working capital, term loans, structured credit.
  
• Supports NSIC schemes: CFS & SPRS.
  

Universal Sompo Gets ISO Certifications

• Certifications: ISO 27001:2022 (ISMS) & ISO 22301:2019 (BCMS).
  
• Focus: Enhances data security, business continuity, and risk resilience.
  

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

PFA Awards 2025 Winners

• Men’s Player of the Year: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 1st player to win 3 times (2018, 2022, 2025).
  
• Women’s Player of the Year: Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal).
  
• Championship Player Award: James Trafford (Man City).
  
• Merit Award: Gareth Southgate & Emma Hayes OBE.
  
• Young Players: Morgan Rogers (Men), Olivia Smith (Women – 1st £1m female transfer).
  
  

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Rajit Punhani Appointed CEO of FSSAI

• ACC approved appointment of Rajit Punhani (IAS, 1991 batch, Bihar cadre) as CEO, FSSAI.
  
• He replaces Ganji Kamala V. Rao (retiring on 31 Aug 2025).
  

Other Reshuffles:

• Debashree Mukherjee: Secretary, MSDE.
  
• V L Kantha Rao: Secretary, DoWRGR (MoJS).
  
• Piyush Goyal: Secretary, Ministry of Mines (MoM).
  

OBITUARY

Veteran CPI Leader Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy Passed Away

• Date: Aug 22, 2025; Place: Hyderabad, Telangana; Age: 83.
  
• Served as CPI General Secretary (2012–2019).
  
• Twice MP from Nalgonda, Telangana (1998 & 2004).
  
• Known for social security & labour rights advocacy.
  

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade & Its Abolition – Aug 23

• Observed by UNESCO since 1998.
  
• Marks the 1791 Haitian revolt against French colonial rule.
  

National Space Day – Aug 23, 2025

• Marks Chandrayaan-3 success (2023).
  
• 2025 Theme: “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities”.
  
• Celebrated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi with exhibitions, competitions & National Space Meet 2.0.
  

STATE NEWS

Tripura CM Unveils ‘Viksit Tripura-2047’

• Released by CM Dr. Manik Saha in Agartala.
  
• Theme: “Unnata Tripura, Shrestha Tripura”.
  
• Goals: 100% literacy, renewable energy, women empowerment, GSDP growth to USD 124 billion by 2047.
  

Maharashtra Signs MoU with GIBC (UK)

• Aim: Strengthen India–UK business partnership.
  
• Focus Sectors: Finance, Infrastructure, Tech, Renewable Energy, Healthcare, Education.
  
• Role of GIBC: Extended arm of Maharashtra’s Industries Dept. in UK & Europe.