1. Who inaugurated the Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in August 2025?
A) President Droupadi Murmu
B) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
C) Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
D) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
E) Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi
Answer: B) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
2. What was the theme of the Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference held in New Delhi?
A) Green Revolution 2.0
B) Evergreen Revolution – Path to Bio-Happiness
C) Sustainable Agriculture for All
D) Food Security and Innovation
E) Agricultural Transformation for Future
Answer: B) Evergreen Revolution – Path to Bio-Happiness
3. What commemorative items were released by PM Narendra Modi during the Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference?
A) A statue and a biography
B) A Rs 100 commemorative coin and a centenary memorial stamp
C) A postage stamp and a documentary
D) A medal and a research grant
E) A book and a certificate
Answer: B) A Rs 100 commemorative coin and a centenary memorial stamp
4. Who was the first recipient of the Global M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace?
A) Prof. Ademola A. Adenle
B) Dr. Vandana Shiva
C) Dr. Norman Borlaug
D) Prof. Rattan Lal
E) Dr. Swati Nayak
Answer: A) Prof. Ademola A. Adenle
5. What is the total financial outlay for the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme?
A) Rs. 2,100 crore
B) Rs. 3,000 crore
C) Rs. 4,200 crore
D) Rs. 5,000 crore
E) Rs. 6,000 crore
Answer: C) Rs. 4,200 crore
6. How many technical institutions will benefit from the MERITE Scheme?
A) 200
B) 225
C) 250
D) 275
E) 300
Answer: D) 275
7. What is the total financial implication of the Special Development Packages approved for Assam and Tripura in August 2025?
A) Rs. 4,250 crore
B) Rs. 5,000 crore
C) Rs. 7,250 crore
D) Rs. 8,000 crore
E) Rs. 10,000 crore
Answer: C) Rs. 7,250 crore
8. Which community’s infrastructure development in Assam was allocated Rs. 500 crore under the Special Development Packages?
A) Bodo Community
B) Dimasa Community
C) Karbi Community
D) Ahom Community
E) Mising Community
Answer: B) Dimasa Community
9. Until when has the PM E-DRIVE Scheme been extended?
A) 31st March 2026
B) 31st March 2027
C) 31st March 2028
D) 31st March 2029
E) 31st March 2030
Answer: C) 31st March 2028
10. What is the budget outlay for the PM E-DRIVE Scheme?
A) Rs. 8,000 crore
B) Rs. 9,500 crore
C) Rs. 10,900 crore
D) Rs. 12,000 crore
E) Rs. 15,000 crore
Answer: C) Rs. 10,900 crore
11. What is the subsidy amount per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for FY 2025-26?
A) Rs. 200
B) Rs. 250
C) Rs. 300
D) Rs. 350
E) Rs. 400
Answer: C) Rs. 300
12. What is the total expenditure approved for the continuation of targeted subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in FY 2025-26?
A) Rs. 8,000 crore
B) Rs. 10,000 crore
C) Rs. 12,000 crore
D) Rs. 15,000 crore
E) Rs. 18,000 crore
Answer: C) Rs. 12,000 crore
13. What is the total cost approved for the construction of the 46 km, 4-lane stretch between Marakkanam and Puducherry?
A) Rs. 1,560 crore
B) Rs. 2,157 crore
C) Rs. 2,500 crore
D) Rs. 3,000 crore
E) Rs. 3,500 crore
Answer: B) Rs. 2,157 crore
14. What was the theme of the 9th Foundation Day of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in 2025?
A) Digital Transformation for All
B) Ease, Access and Inclusion
C) Transparency in Procurement
D) Empowering Sellers
E) Inclusive Growth
Answer: B) Ease, Access and Inclusion
15. What was the Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) recorded by GeM in FY-25?
A) Rs. 3.5 lakh crore
B) Rs. 4.2 lakh crore
C) Rs. 5.4 lakh crore
D) Rs. 6.0 lakh crore
E) Rs. 7.5 lakh crore
Answer: C) Rs. 5.4 lakh crore
16. What is the primary aim of the Cancer Artificial Intelligence & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program?
A) To develop AI tools for cybersecurity
B) To support AI solutions for cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment
C) To promote AI in agricultural innovation
D) To enhance AI-based education systems
E) To improve AI-driven financial services
Answer: B) To support AI solutions for cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment
17. What is the maximum funding available for pilot projects under the CATCH Grant Program?
A) Rs. 25 lakh
B) Rs. 50 lakh
C) Rs. 75 lakh
D) Rs. 1 crore
E) Rs. 1.5 crore
Answer: B) Rs. 50 lakh
18. What is the purpose of the ‘Work for Viksit Bharat’ portal launched by NITI Aayog?
A) To provide free education to professionals
B) To recruit professionals for national development initiatives
C) To offer loans to startups
D) To promote rural entrepreneurship
E) To support agricultural innovation
Answer: B) To recruit professionals for national development initiatives
19. How many jobs are targeted to be created under the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana by 31 July 2027?
A) 2.5 crore
B) 3.0 crore
C) 3.5 crore
D) 4.0 crore
E) 4.5 crore
Answer: C) 3.5 crore
20. Which ministry oversees the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)?
A) Ministry of Home Affairs
B) Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
C) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
D) Ministry of Finance
E) Ministry of Education
Answer: B) Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
21. How many awards will be given under the 23rd National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026?
A) 12
B) 14
C) 16
D) 18
E) 20
Answer: C) 16
22. What was the amount of the monetary penalty imposed by RBI on ICICI Bank in August 2025?
A) Rs. 50 lakh
B) Rs. 75 lakh
C) Rs. 100 lakh
D) Rs. 125 lakh
E) Rs. 150 lakh
Answer: B) Rs. 75 lakh
23. What was one of the reasons for the RBI penalty on ICICI Bank in August 2025?
A) Failure to maintain minimum balance accounts
B) Violation of guidelines on Valuation of Properties – Empanelment of Valuers
C) Non-compliance with KYC norms
D) Unauthorized lending practices
E) Misreporting financial statements
Answer: B) Violation of guidelines on Valuation of Properties – Empanelment of Valuers
24. What is the purpose of the MoU signed between BSNL and NRL in August 2025?
A) To develop 4G networks in Assam
B) To implement India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network in the refinery sector
C) To promote renewable energy projects
D) To enhance rural connectivity
E) To establish a new telecom infrastructure
Answer: B) To implement India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network in the refinery sector
25. Which technologies are facilitated by the BSNL-NRL collaboration for Industry 4.0 adoption?
A) Blockchain and Cryptography
B) Digital Twins, AI-powered 3D Printing, and IoT
C) Cloud Computing and Data Storage
D) Machine Learning and Cybersecurity
E) Virtual Reality and Biometrics
Answer: B) Digital Twins, AI-powered 3D Printing, and IoT
26. What is the name of the solid rocket motor tested by Skyroot Aerospace in August 2025?
A) Vikram-1
B) KALAM-1200
C) Agni-5
D) BrahMos-II
E) Prithvi-3
Answer: B) KALAM-1200
27. Where was the static test of the KALAM-1200 motor conducted?
A) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Kerala
B) Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
C) ISRO Propulsion Complex, Tamil Nadu
D) Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Karnataka
E) Space Applications Centre, Gujarat
Answer: B) Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
28. What is the payload capacity of the Vikram-1 Launch Vehicle to a 500 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit?
A) 200–250 kg
B) 290–320 kg
C) 350–400 kg
D) 450–480 kg
E) 500–550 kg
Answer: B) 290–320 kg
29. Who is the KALAM-1200 motor named after?
A) Vikram Sarabhai
B) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
C) Homi J. Bhabha
D) Satish Dhawan
E) C.V. Raman
Answer: B) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
30. Who authored the book ‘Why the Constitution Matters’ to be published by August 2025?
A) Justice Ranjan Gogoi
B) Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud
C) Justice Dipak Misra
D) Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde
E) Justice N.V. Ramana
Answer: B) Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud
31. What is the primary objective of the book ‘Why the Constitution Matters’?
A) To analyze global constitutions
B) To promote public engagement with India’s constitutional values
C) To critique judicial reforms
D) To document historical court cases
E) To explain legislative processes
Answer: B) To promote public engagement with India’s constitutional values
32. What was the theme of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in 2025?
A) Indigenous Cultures and Heritage
B) Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures
C) Empowering Indigenous Communities
D) Indigenous Rights and Climate Change
E) Preserving Indigenous Languages
Answer: B) Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures
33. When was the first International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples observed?
A) 1993
B) 1994
C) 1995
D) 1996
E) 1997
Answer: C) 1995
34. On which date was World Sanskrit Day 2025 observed?
A) August 6
B) August 9
C) August 12
D) August 19
E) August 28
Answer: B) August 9
35. What is the significance of World Sanskrit Day?
A) To celebrate the birth of Kalidasa
B) To mark the birth anniversary of Panini
C) To promote Hindi as a classical language
D) To commemorate the inclusion of Sanskrit in the Constitution
E) To honor ancient Indian scriptures
Answer: B) To mark the birth anniversary of Panini
36. What is the total capacity of the Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) planned by the Chhattisgarh Government and NHPC?
A) 1,200 MW
B) 1,500 MW
C) 1,800 MW
D) 2,000 MW
E) 2,500 MW
Answer: C) 1,800 MW
37. What is the estimated investment for the 800 MW Hasdeo Bango Pumped Storage Project in Chhattisgarh?
A) Rs. 2,500 crore
B) Rs. 3,417 crore
C) Rs. 4,000 crore
D) Rs. 5,000 crore
E) Rs. 6,000 crore
Answer: B) Rs. 3,417 crore
Current Affairs Today: 10 August 2025
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
- PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Conference
- Event: August 7–9, 2025, at Pusa, New Delhi; inaugurated by PM Modi, presided by MoA&FW Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
- Theme: “Evergreen Revolution – Path to Bio-Happiness.”
- Purpose: Commemorates M.S. Swaminathan’s 100th birth anniversary (Father of Green Revolution; Bharat Ratna 2024).
- Highlights:
- Release of Rs. 100 commemorative coin and centenary memorial stamp.
- First Global M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace to Prof. Ademola A. Adenle (Nigeria).
- Significance: Honors Swaminathan’s legacy in food security, sustainable agriculture.
- Union Cabinet Approves MERITE Scheme
- Event: August 8, 2025; approved by Cabinet under PM Modi with Rs. 4,200 crore outlay (Rs. 2,100 crore World Bank loan) for 2025-26 to 2029-30.
- Details: Central Sector Scheme aligned with NEP 2020; targets 275 technical institutions (175 engineering, 100 polytechnics; e.g., NITs, state institutes, ATUs).
- Objectives: Enhance quality, equity, governance; benefits ~7.5 lakh students.
- Outcomes: Digitalization, multidisciplinary programs, improved learning/employability, research/innovation boost.
- Cabinet Approves Special Development Packages for Assam and Tripura
- Event: August 8, 2025; Rs. 4,250 crore central outlay (Assam adds Rs. 3,000 crore; total Rs. 7,250 crore).
- Components:
- Assam (2025-26 to 2029-30, Rs. 4,000 crore):
- Adivasi areas: Rs. 500 crore.
- Dimasa (NCHAC, DNLA/DPSC): Rs. 500 crore.
- ULFA-affected areas (per 2023 MoS): Rs. 3,000 crore.
- Tripura (2025-26 to 2028-29): Rs. 250 crore.
- Assam (2025-26 to 2029-30, Rs. 4,000 crore):
- Purpose: Promote peace, rehabilitation, infrastructure, socio-economic development; builds on Bodo/Karbi MoS successes.
- MHI Extends PM E-DRIVE Scheme Tenure
- Event: August 8, 2025; announced by MHI Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy; extended to March 31, 2028 (from March 31, 2026).
- Details: Rs. 10,900 crore scheme (notified Sep 29, 2024); incentives for e-2W/3W end March 2026; e-buses/trucks/ambulances continue till 2028 (fund-dependent).
- Incentives: Rs. 5,000/kWh (FY25), Rs. 2,500/kWh (FY26) for e-2W/3W (capped at 15% ex-factory price); Rs. 4,391 crore for 14,028 e-buses.
- Objective: Accelerate EV adoption, charging infra, manufacturing ecosystem.
- Cabinet Approvals on August 8, 2025
- PMUY Subsidy Continuation (FY26):
- Rs. 12,000 crore outlay; Rs. 300 subsidy per 14.2kg LPG cylinder (up to 9 refills/year); proportional for 5kg cylinders.
- Ensures affordability for low-income households amid global price volatility.
- OMC Compensation:
- Rs. 30,000 crore for IOCL, BPCL, HPCL to offset losses from regulated LPG pricing; supports key expenses.
- Marakkanam-Puducherry Road:
- 46km, 4-lane East Coast Road (Tamil Nadu); Rs. 2,157 crore (Rs. 1,118 crore construction, Rs. 442 crore land) under HAM.
- Significance: Enhances energy access, infrastructure; supports economic stability.
- PMUY Subsidy Continuation (FY26):
- GeM Marks 9th Foundation Day
- Event: August 9, 2025; celebrated by GeM (MoC&I) with theme “Ease, Access and Inclusion.”
- Achievements: FY25 GMV Rs. 5.4 lakh crore; 1.5 lakh women-led enterprises, startups, SHGs, artisans, MSEs.
- Reforms: Eliminated caution money, rationalized vendor fees, reduced transaction charges (97% orders exempt).
- Features: AI-powered tools, multilingual LMS, voice navigation, region-specific training.
- Background: Launched August 9, 2016, under Digital India; managed by GeM SPV (DPIIT); aligns with “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”
- IndiaAI and NCG Launch CATCH Grant Program
- Event: Launched August 2, 2025; applications open until September 2, 2025; by IndiaAI (DIC, MeITY) and NCG (DAE).
- Details: Cancer AI & Technology Challenge; Rs. 50 lakh per pilot project, up to Rs. 1 crore for scale-up.
- Focus: AI for cancer screening, diagnostics, clinical support, patient engagement, efficiency, research, data curation.
- Eligibility: Startups, health tech firms, academic institutes, hospitals.
- Significance: Enhances cancer care via AI; leverages NCG’s hospital network.
- NITI Aayog Launches ‘Work for Viksit Bharat’ Portal
- Event: August 8, 2025; portal (workforbharat.niti.gov.in) for skilled hiring in national development.
- Domains: Agriculture, education, health, urban infra, governance, S&T, women & child development.
- Related Scheme: PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY; MoL&E); Rs. 99,446 crore for 3.5 crore jobs by July 31, 2027 (1.92 crore for first-time workers).
- Purpose: Recruits professionals for Viksit Bharat; supports multi-sector growth.
- DARPG Partners with RTS Commissioners for NeSDA
- Event: August 8, 2025; DARPG (MoPPGP) collaborates with state/UT RTS Commissioners.
- Details: Enhances e-services (22,000+ under NeSDA) in land, labour, finance, environment; evaluated via NIC’s AAKLAN tool.
- NAeG 2026 Guidelines:
- 16 awards (10 Gold, 6 Silver; Rs. 10 lakh/Rs. 5 lakh each).
- Categories: Process re-engineering, AI/innovative tech, cybersecurity, district/grassroots initiatives, replication of mission-mode projects, data analytics.
- Purpose: Strengthens public service delivery; promotes e-governance innovation.
BANKING & FINANCE
- RBI Imposes Rs. 75 Lakh Penalty on ICICI Bank
- Event: August 2025; penalty for regulatory violations post-ISE 2024 (financial position as of March 31, 2024).
- Violations:
- Property Valuation: Non-compliance with empanelment of independent RBI-approved valuers for mortgage loans.
- Current Accounts: Breached RBI guidelines on opening/maintaining accounts.
- Significance: Reinforces regulatory discipline; no impact on customer services.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
- BSNL and NRL Sign MoU for 5G CNPN
- Event: August 3, 2025; signed during Industry 4.0 Workshop (MoF) in Guwahati.
- Objective: India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network in refinery sector; enhances efficiency, cybersecurity, automation.
- Technologies: Digital Twins, AI-powered 3D printing, AR/VR/MR, IoT, Big Data.
- Impact: Replicable for other industries; boosts jobs in Northeast; supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, WoG approach.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
- Skyroot Aerospace Tests KALAM-1200 Motor
- Event: August 2025; static test at SDSC, Sriharikota (AP); first stage of Vikram-1 LV.
- Details:
- Motor: 11m long, 1.7m diameter; 30-tonne HTPB propellant; 1,200 kN thrust; named after Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Test: Validates thrust, combustion, nozzle integrity, structural performance.
- Vikram-1: 3-stage solid propulsion LV; 290–320kg to 500km SSO, 480kg to LIO; launch in 2025.
- Significance: Aligns with Indian Space Policy 2023; boosts private space sector.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
- ‘Why the Constitution Matters’ by Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud
- Event: Set for August 2025 release by Penguin Random House India (Gurugram).
- Author: Justice D.Y. Chandrachud (50th CJI, 2022–24).
- Themes: Right to dissent, free speech, privacy, gender equality, disability rights, environmental justice; simplifies constitutional concepts via landmark judgments.
- Purpose: Judicial memoir; promotes civic engagement with India’s Constitution.
IMPORTANT DAYS
- International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – August 9, 2025
- Theme: “Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.”
- Purpose: Raises awareness of Indigenous rights, cultures, challenges.
- Background: UNGA Resolution A/RES/49/214 (1994) for 1995–2004; A/RES/59/174 (2004) for 2005–14; first observed 1995.
- World Sanskrit Day – August 9, 2025
- Details: Observed on Shravana Purnima; promotes Sanskrit as “Mother of All Languages” and “Language of the Gods.”
- Background: Initiated 1969 by MoE; commemorates Panini; Sanskrit in Eighth Schedule (2005).
- Sanskrit Week: August 6–12, 2025.
STATE NEWS
- Chhattisgarh Inks Agreement with NHPC for 1,800 MW PSP
- Event: August 2025; agreement with NHPC and CSPGCL for two Pumped Storage Projects.
- Projects:
- Hasdeo Bango (Korba): 800 MW, Rs. 3,417 crore.
- Kurund: 1,000 MW, Rs. 6,000 crore.
- Details: Stores energy via water elevation using surplus renewable power; supports grid stability.
- Significance: Boosts renewable energy integration; enhances Chhattisgarh’s power infra.