1. What was the total worth of the development projects inaugurated or laid foundation for by PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Gujarat from August 25 to 26, 2025?
a) Rs. 3,400 crore
b) Rs. 4,400 crore
c) Rs. 5,400 crore
d) Rs. 6,400 crore
e) Rs. 7,400 crore
Answer: c) Rs. 5,400 crore
2. Which railway project was dedicated by PM Narendra Modi during his Gujarat visit in August 2025?
a) Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail
b) Mehsana-Palanpur Rail Line Doubling
c) Surat-Vadodara Rail Expansion
d) Gandhinagar-Rajkot Rail Line
e) Kutch-Deshalpur New Rail Line
Answer: b) Mehsana-Palanpur Rail Line Doubling
3. Under which scheme were the power distribution projects worth Rs. 1,000 crore inaugurated in Gujarat in August 2025?
a) Saubhagya Scheme
b) Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
c) Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana
d) Integrated Power Development Scheme
e) Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana
Answer: b) Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
4. What is the name of the first Made-in-India global Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) flagged off by PM Modi in Hansalpur, Gujarat?
a) e-Nexon
b) e VITARA
c) e-Harrier
d) e-Brezza
e) e-Grand Vitara
Answer: b) e VITARA
5. Which company is involved in the Joint Venture (JV) for the localized production of hybrid battery electrodes in Hansalpur, Gujarat?
a) Tata Motors, Reliance, and Suzuki
b) Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki
c) Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai
d) Mahindra, Toshiba, and Denso
e) Adani and Suzuki
Answer: b) Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki
6. What was the primary aim of Fiji PM Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka’s visit to India from August 24 to 26, 2025?
a) Strengthen maritime security and trade relations
b) Promote tourism between India and Fiji
c) Establish a new defense agreement
d) Discuss climate change policies
e) Launch a joint space mission
Answer: a) Strengthen maritime security and trade relations
7. How many MoUs were exchanged between India and Fiji during PM Rabuka’s visit in August 2025?
a) 5
b) 7
c) 9
d) 11
e) 13
Answer: c) 9
8. What was the theme of the 54th Sapru House Lecture delivered by Fiji PM Rabuka in New Delhi?
a) Ocean of Prosperity
b) Ocean of Peace
c) Pacific Unity
d) Sustainable Development
e) Maritime Security
Answer: b) Ocean of Peace
9. Which organization hosted the 54th Sapru House Lecture during Fiji PM’s visit to India?
a) Ministry of External Affairs
b) Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)
c) NITI Aayog
d) Confederation of Indian Industry
e) FICCI
Answer: b) Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)
10. What is the name of India’s first National Biofoundry Network launched on August 27, 2025?
a) BioTech Network
b) National Biofoundry Network
c) BioE3 Innovation Hub
d) Biotech Research Network
e) National Biotech Alliance
Answer: b) National Biofoundry Network
11. How many institutions are part of the National Biofoundry Network under the BioE3 Policy?
a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 7
e) 8
Answer: c) 6
12. What is the theme of the BioE3 Challenge launched by Union Minister Jitendra Singh?
a) Innovate for Sustainability
b) Design Microbes, Molecules & More
c) Biotech for Tomorrow
d) Green Solutions for India
e) Biotechnology for All
Answer: b) Design Microbes, Molecules & More
13. What is the cash prize for each of the top 10 winners of the BioE3 Challenge?
a) Rs. 50,000
b) Rs. 75,000
c) Rs. 1 lakh
d) Rs. 1.5 lakh
e) Rs. 2 lakh
Answer: c) Rs. 1 lakh
14. Until when was the PM SVANidhi scheme extended by the Union Cabinet in August 2025?
a) December 31, 2028
b) March 31, 2030
c) June 30, 2029
d) December 31, 2030
e) March 31, 2028
Answer: b) March 31, 2030
15. What is the revised loan amount for the first tranche under the restructured PM SVANidhi scheme?
a) Rs. 10,000
b) Rs. 15,000
c) Rs. 20,000
d) Rs. 25,000
e) Rs. 30,000
Answer: b) Rs. 15,000
16. What is the maximum cashback incentive for street vendors under the PM SVANidhi scheme for digital transactions?
a) Rs. 1,000
b) Rs. 1,200
c) Rs. 1,400
d) Rs. 1,600
e) Rs. 1,800
Answer: d) Rs. 1,600
17. How many railway projects were approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on August 27, 2025?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
e) 6
Answer: c) 4
18. Which city was selected as the proposed host for the Commonwealth Games 2030?
a) New Delhi
b) Ahmedabad
c) Mumbai
d) Bengaluru
e) Chennai
Answer: b) Ahmedabad
19. What is the purpose of NHAI’s Project Aarohan launched on August 26, 2025?
a) Improve toll plaza infrastructure
b) Support higher education for children of toll plaza employees
c) Enhance road safety measures
d) Promote digital payments at tolls
e) Provide housing for toll plaza workers
Answer: b) Support higher education for children of toll plaza employees
20. How much scholarship is provided annually to postgraduate students under Project Aarohan?
a) Rs. 10,000
b) Rs. 25,000
c) Rs. 50,000
d) Rs. 75,000
e) Rs. 1,00,000
Answer: c) Rs. 50,000
21. Who signed the MoU between DESW and QCI on August 26, 2025?
a) Rajnath Singh and Jaxay Shah
b) Dr. P.P. Sharma and Chakravarthy Kannan
c) Tanmay Kumar and Santosh Kumar Yadav
d) Jitendra Singh and Neeraj Mittal
e) Arvind Kumar and Ashok Chandra
Answer: b) Dr. P.P. Sharma and Chakravarthy Kannan
22. What is the primary focus of the MoU between DESW and QCI?
a) Improve agricultural practices for veterans
b) Enhance pension, healthcare, and welfare services for veterans
c) Promote veteran-owned startups
d) Develop AI tools for defense training
e) Support infrastructure development for veterans
Answer: b) Enhance pension, healthcare, and welfare services for veterans
23. What milestone did C-DOT celebrate on August 25, 2025?
a) 40th Foundation Day
b) 41st Foundation Day
c) 42nd Foundation Day
d) 43rd Foundation Day
e) 44th Foundation Day
Answer: c) 42nd Foundation Day
24. Which technology did C-DOT showcase as a key achievement during its 42nd Foundation Day?
a) 5G network deployment
b) Indigenous 4G core for BSNL
c) Satellite communication system
d) Blockchain-based security
e) Quantum internet prototype
Answer: b) Indigenous 4G core for BSNL
25. How many women-led startups in ICT received grants under NIDHI during C-DOT’s 42nd Foundation Day?
a) 5
b) 8
c) 10
d) 12
e) 15
Answer: c) 10
26. Who chairs the 21-member National Designated Authority (NDA) for India’s carbon emissions trading system?
a) Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
b) Secretary, MoEFCC
c) NITI Aayog CEO
d) Minister of Power
e) Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs
Answer: b) Secretary, MoEFCC
27. Under which international agreement was the National Designated Authority (NDA) established?
a) Kyoto Protocol
b) Paris Agreement
c) Copenhagen Accord
d) Montreal Protocol
e) Glasgow Pact
Answer: b) Paris Agreement
28. What is the purpose of PNB’s first startup-centric branch launched in New Delhi?
a) Provide loans for real estate
b) Support entrepreneurial growth with tailored financial services
c) Promote digital banking for corporates
d) Facilitate international trade
e) Offer insurance products to startups
Answer: b) Support entrepreneurial growth with tailored financial services
29. With whom did PNB sign an MoU to support startups during the launch of its startup-centric branch?
a) NITI Aayog
b) Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
c) Startup India
d) SIDBI
e) FICCI
Answer: b) Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
30. What is the role of Aditya Birla Capital Digital Limited (ABCDL) after receiving RBI’s in-principle approval?
a) Microfinance institution
b) Online Payment Aggregator
c) Digital wallet provider
d) Insurance aggregator
e) Stock exchange platform
Answer: b) Online Payment Aggregator
31. According to the EY August 2025 report, by when is India projected to become the world’s second-largest economy in PPP terms?
a) 2030
b) 2035
c) 2038
d) 2040
e) 2045
Answer: c) 2038
32. What is India’s projected GDP in PPP terms by 2038 as per the EY August 2025 report?
a) USD 20.7 trillion
b) USD 25.5 trillion
c) USD 30.1 trillion
d) USD 34.2 trillion
e) USD 42.2 trillion
Answer: d) USD 34.2 trillion
33. Who was appointed as the Managing Director of Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) in August 2025?
a) Santosh Kumar Sarangi
b) Akash Tripathi
c) RP Gupta
d) Tanmay Kumar
e) Arvind Kumar
Answer: b) Akash Tripathi
34. What is the renewable energy capacity target that Akash Tripathi’s leadership at SECI aims to achieve by 2030?
a) 300 GW
b) 400 GW
c) 500 GW
d) 600 GW
e) 700 GW
Answer: c) 500 GW
35. Which entity acquired 100% equity in PSA Bharat Investments Private Limited as approved by CCI on August 27, 2025?
a) Adani Enterprises
b) PSA India Private Limited
c) Multiples Equity
d) Jaiprakash Associates
e) V.I.P. Industries
Answer: b) PSA India Private Limited
36. Which company’s acquisition of up to 100% shareholding of Jaiprakash Associates Limited was approved by CCI?
a) Reliance Industries
b) Adani Enterprises Limited
c) Tata Group
d) Birla Group
e) Mahindra Group
Answer: b) Adani Enterprises Limited
37. Which Indian Navy stealth frigates were commissioned simultaneously on August 2025 in Visakhapatnam?
a) INS Nilgiri and INS Shivalik
b) INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri
c) INS Vikrant and INS Viraat
d) INS Kolkata and INS Chennai
e) INS Arihant and INS Chakra
Answer: b) INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri
38. Which shipyard constructed INS Udaygiri, commissioned in August 2025?
a) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
b) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
c) Cochin Shipyard Limited
d) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
e) Goa Shipyard Limited
Answer: b) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
39. What is the name of the space camera launched by Elbit Systems on the NAOS satellite?
a) SATURN
b) JUPITER
c) MARS
d) VENUS
e) MERCURY
Answer: b) JUPITER
40. What is the ground resolution capability of the NAOS satellite carrying the JUPITER camera?
a) 30 cm
b) 40 cm
c) 50 cm
d) 60 cm
e) 70 cm
Answer: c) 50 cm
41. Where is the FIDE World Cup 2025 scheduled to be held?
a) New Delhi
b) Mumbai
c) Chennai
d) Goa
e) Bengaluru
Answer: d) Goa
42. What is the prize fund for the FIDE World Cup 2025?
a) USD 1 million
b) USD 1.5 million
c) USD 2 million
d) USD 2.5 million
e) USD 3 million
Answer: c) USD 2 million
43. How many Indian players are qualified for the FIDE World Cup 2025?
a) 15
b) 18
c) 21
d) 24
e) 27
Answer: c) 21
44. Which of the following is a key application of the JUPITER space camera on the NAOS satellite?
a) Deep space exploration
b) Military and environmental Earth observation
c) Weather forecasting
d) Asteroid tracking
e) Lunar mapping
Answer: b) Military and environmental Earth observation
45. Which ministry proposed the railway projects worth Rs. 12,328 crore approved on August 27, 2025?
a) Ministry of Finance
b) Ministry of Railways
c) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
d) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
e) Ministry of Urban Development
Answer: b) Ministry of Railways
Current Affairs Today: 29 August 2025
National Affairs
PM Modi’s Visit to Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gujarat from August 25 to 26, 2025, to launch projects worth over Rs. 5,400 crores.1 Key highlights include the inauguration of railway and power projects, the flagging off of the first “e VITARA” (a made-in-India global Battery Electric Vehicle), and the inauguration of a hybrid battery manufacturing plant at Hansalpur.2
Fiji PM’s Visit to India: Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka visited India from August 24 to 26, 2025, to strengthen bilateral ties.3 During his visit, nine MoUs were exchanged, and both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.4 The Fijian PM also articulated his vision of an “Ocean of Peace” at the 54th Sapru House Lecture.5
Biofoundry Network & BioE3 Challenge: Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched India’s first National Biofoundry Network and the BioE3 Challenge on August 27, 2025.6 The Biofoundry Network is a strategic initiative under the BioE3 Policy involving six institutions.7 The BioE3 Challenge is a nationwide competition for youth to design biological solutions for health, agriculture, and the environment.8
PM SVANidhi Scheme Extension: The Union Cabinet approved the restructuring and extension of the PM SVANidhi scheme until March 31, 2030, with a budgetary provision of Rs.9 7,332 crore. The scheme now includes enhanced loan tranches of Rs. 15,000 (first) and Rs. 25,000 (second), with cashback incentives of up to Rs. 1,600 for digital transactions.
Cabinet Approvals: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved four railway projects worth Rs. 12,328 crore across Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Assam, and Gujarat. Additionally, the Union Cabinet approved Ahmedabad’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games 2030.10
Project Aarohan: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched “Project Aarohan,” a scholarship program in partnership with Vertis Infrastructure Trust.11 The initiative aims to support the higher education of children of toll plaza employees with scholarships ranging from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 50,000.
DESW and QCI MoU: The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) signed an MoU with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to enhance welfare services for over 63 lakh military veterans.12 The partnership will leverage digital and AI tools to improve pension, healthcare, and resettlement services.
C-DOT Foundation Day: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day on August 25, 2025.13 The event highlighted C-DOT’s achievements, including the indigenous 4G core for BSNL and the development of an AI tool that disconnected five crore fraudulent SIMs.
National Designated Authority (NDA): The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) finalized a 21-member NDA to regulate India’s carbon emissions trading system under the Paris Agreement’s Article 6.14 Chaired by the Secretary of MoEFCC, the authority will ensure market activities align with India’s sustainable development goals.
Banking & Finance
PNB’s First Startup-Centric Branch: Punjab National Bank (PNB) opened its first startup-focused branch in New Delhi on August 27, 2025.15 This branch aims to provide tailored financial and advisory services to support entrepreneurial growth, in line with the Startup India initiative.
ABCDL Receives Payment Aggregator License: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted an in-principle license to Aditya Birla Capital Digital Limited (ABCDL) to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator.16 This will allow ABCDL to enable merchants and e-commerce platforms to securely process online payments.
Economy & Business
India’s Economic Projection by EY: According to the EY Economy Watch report, India is projected to become the world’s second-largest economy in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) by 2038, with an estimated GDP of USD 34.2 trillion.17 This growth is driven by a youthful population, strong domestic demand, and a sustainable fiscal outlook.
Appointments & Resignations
Akash Tripathi as MD of SECI: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Akash Tripathi as the new Managing Director of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Limited.18 A 1998-batch IAS officer, he will play a key role in achieving India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.
Acquisitions & Mergers
CCI Approvals: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved several acquisitions, including:
- PSA India’s acquisition of a 100% stake in PSA Bharat Investments.
- The Adani Group’s acquisition of up to a 100% shareholding in Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL).19
- A Multiples Equity-led consortium’s acquisition of up to a 32% stake in V.I.P. Industries Limited.20
Science & Technology
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri Commissioned: The Indian Navy commissioned two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.21 The ships are variants of the Project 17 class frigates and were designed in-house by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. Their induction into the Eastern Fleet will strengthen India’s maritime capabilities.
Israel’s JUPITER Space Camera Launch: The Israeli defense company Elbit Systems successfully launched its advanced JUPITER space camera aboard the NAOS satellite from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.22 The camera features multispectral imaging capabilities and will be used for military, environmental, and scientific Earth observation.
Sports
Goa to Host FIDE World Cup 2025: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) officially announced that Goa will host the FIDE World Cup 2025 from October 30 to November 27.23 The biennial knockout tournament will feature 206 players competing for a prize fund of USD 2 million. The top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.