1. How many LPG connections have been provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana as of July 2025?
A) 8.5 crore
B) 9.2 crore
C) 10.33 crore
D) 11.5 crore
E) 12.0 crore
Answer: C) 10.33 crore
2. What is the financial support provided per LPG connection under the PMUY for FY 2025-26?
A) Rs. 1,600
B) Rs. 2,200
C) Rs. 2,500
D) Rs. 3,000
E) Rs. 3,500
Answer: B) Rs. 2,200
3. When was the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana launched?
A) May 1, 2014
B) May 1, 2016
C) August 10, 2018
D) August 10, 2021
E) July 1, 2023
Answer: B) May 1, 2016
4. How many new semiconductor assembly and testing facilities were approved by the Union Cabinet on August 12, 2025?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
E) 6
Answer: C) 4
5. What is the total financial budget for the four new semiconductor facilities approved under the India Semiconductor Mission?
A) Rs. 3,000 crore
B) Rs. 4,600 crore
C) Rs. 5,500 crore
D) Rs. 6,000 crore
E) Rs. 7,500 crore
Answer: B) Rs. 4,600 crore
6. What was the total defence production value in India for FY 2024-25?
A) Rs. 79,071 crore
B) Rs. 1.27 lakh crore
C) Rs. 1.51 lakh crore
D) Rs. 1.75 lakh crore
E) Rs. 2.00 lakh crore
Answer: C) Rs. 1.51 lakh crore
7. What was the percentage increase in defence production in FY25 compared to FY20?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 90%
D) 110%
E) 130%
Answer: C) 90%
8. What was the purpose of the MoU signed between DPIIT and Zepto Private Limited?
A) To promote digital payments
B) To launch the Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge for manufacturing startups
C) To support agricultural startups
D) To develop renewable energy solutions
E) To enhance cybersecurity for startups
Answer: B) To launch the Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge for manufacturing startups
9. What is the duration of the Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge programme?
A) 3 months
B) 6 months
C) 9 months
D) 12 months
E) 18 months
Answer: B) 6 months
10. What is the purpose of the MoU between NLCIL and BARC?
A) To develop renewable energy projects
B) To extract Rare Earth Elements from fly ash
C) To improve coal mining efficiency
D) To enhance nuclear power generation
E) To promote sustainable agriculture
Answer: B) To extract Rare Earth Elements from fly ash
11. Where will the pilot project for extracting Rare Earth Elements from fly ash be established?
A) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
B) Neyveli, Tamil Nadu
C) Kolkata, West Bengal
D) Jharkhand, Ranchi
E) Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Answer: B) Neyveli, Tamil Nadu
12. What is the objective of the trade cooperation pact signed between India and Zambia on July 18, 2025?
A) To promote tourism between the two nations
B) To enhance trade alliances between cooperatives
C) To develop joint infrastructure projects
D) To establish a free trade agreement
E) To promote educational exchanges
Answer: B) To enhance trade alliances between cooperatives
BANKING & FINANCE
13. What is the purpose of the MoU signed by NABARD, APGB, and Aqua Exchange Agritech?
A) To provide microloans for small businesses
B) To launch IoT-enabled collateral-free loans for shrimp farmers
C) To promote organic farming
D) To develop rural infrastructure
E) To support renewable energy projects
Answer: B) To launch IoT-enabled collateral-free loans for shrimp farmers
14. What is the initial loan disbursement amount under the NABARD-APGB-Aqua Exchange pilot project?
A) Rs. 1.25 crore
B) Rs. 5 crore
C) Rs. 10 crore
D) Rs. 25 crore
E) Rs. 50 crore
Answer: D) Rs. 25 crore
15. What is the target loan disbursement amount for shrimp farmers in FY27 under the NABARD-APGB-Aqua Exchange initiative?
A) Rs. 50 crore
B) Rs. 100 crore
C) Rs. 150 crore
D) Rs. 200 crore
E) Rs. 250 crore
Answer: E) Rs. 250 crore
16. Who is the technology provider in the RBL Bank and CAMSPay partnership for the digital payment gateway?
A) RBL Bank
B) CAMSPay
C) Reserve Bank of India
D) Visa
E) Mastercard
Answer: B) CAMSPay
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
17. What is the purpose of the partnership between Nelco Limited and Eutelsat OneWeb?
A) To develop 5G networks in India
B) To provide LEO satellite connectivity across India
C) To enhance cybersecurity for enterprises
D) To promote digital banking services
E) To establish data centers in remote areas
Answer: B) To provide LEO satellite connectivity across India
18. How many satellites does Eutelsat OneWeb operate globally after its merger in 2023?
A) 500
B) 569
C) 669
D) 769
E) 869
Answer: C) 669
19. What is the name of India’s first Quantum Valley Tech Park being developed in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh?
A) Quantum Hub
B) Quantum Valley
C) Tech Valley
D) Innovation Park
E) Quantum Nexus
Answer: B) Quantum Valley
20. Which company is deploying the IBM Quantum System Two at the Quantum Computing Centre in Amaravati?
A) LTIMindtree
B) Larsen & Toubro
C) IBM
D) Government of Andhra Pradesh
E) Tata Consultancy Services
Answer: C) IBM
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
21. Who was appointed as the brand ambassador of Odisha’s handloom industry in August 2025?
A) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
B) Madhuri Dixit
C) Priyanka Chopra
D) Deepika Padukone
E) Anushka Sharma
Answer: B) Madhuri Dixit
22. On which occasion was Madhuri Dixit announced as the brand ambassador of Odisha’s handloom industry?
A) Odisha Foundation Day
B) 11th National Handloom Day
C) International Women’s Day
D) World Textile Day
E) Bharat Tex Expo
Answer: B) 11th National Handloom Day
SPORTS
23. Where was the final Group-D qualifying match for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 held?
A) Kolkata, India
B) Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, Myanmar
C) Bangkok, Thailand
D) Hanoi, Vietnam
E) Seoul, South Korea
Answer: B) Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, Myanmar
24. Which country will host the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026?
A) India
B) Myanmar
C) Thailand
D) Vietnam
E) Japan
Answer: C) Thailand
IMPORTANT DAYS
25. What is the theme of World Steelpan Day 2025?
A) Harmony in Diversity
B) From Roots to Resonance: Echoing Across Generations and Nations
C) Celebrating Musical Heritage
D) Steelpan for Sustainable Development
E) Unity Through Music
Answer: B) From Roots to Resonance: Echoing Across Generations and Nations
26. When was the first World Steelpan Day observed?
A) August 11, 2021
B) August 11, 2022
C) August 11, 2023
D) August 11, 2024
E) August 11, 2025
Answer: C) August 11, 2023
27. What is the theme of World Elephant Day 2025?
A) Protecting Elephant Habitats
B) Bringing the World Together to Help Elephants
C) Elephants and Climate Change
D) Preserving Gentle Giants
E) Elephant Conservation and Biodiversity
Answer: B) Bringing the World Together to Help Elephants
28. Who inaugurated the 2025 World Elephant Day celebration in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu?
A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
B) Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav
C) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
D) Union Minister Jitendra Singh
E) Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy
Answer: B) Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav
29. What is the theme of International Youth Day 2025?
A) Youth and Innovation
B) Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond
C) Empowering Young Leaders
D) Youth for Climate Action
E) Building a Sustainable Future
Answer: B) Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond
30. When was the first International Youth Day observed?
A) August 12, 1995
B) August 12, 1998
C) August 12, 2000
D) August 12, 2005
E) August 12, 2010
Answer: C) August 12, 2000
STATE NEWS
31. What is the purpose of the ‘Garuda Drishti’ initiative launched by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis?
A) To promote digital education
B) To detect cyber frauds and hate speech on social media
C) To enhance public transportation systems
D) To monitor environmental pollution
E) To improve healthcare services
Answer: B) To detect cyber frauds and hate speech on social media
32. How many social media posts were analyzed by the Garuda Drishti system, as reported in August 2025?
A) 10,000
B) 20,000
C) 30,000
D) 40,000
E) 50,000
Answer: C) 30,000
33. What is the main goal of Karnataka’s KATALYST initiative?
A) To promote tourism in Bengaluru
B) To establish 500 new Global Capacity Centres by 2029
C) To develop renewable energy projects
D) To enhance rural infrastructure
E) To improve public healthcare
Answer: B) To establish 500 new Global Capacity Centres by 2029
34. How many new jobs are expected to be created by the KATALYST initiative in Karnataka by 2029?
A) 1.5 lakh
B) 2.5 lakh
C) 3.5 lakh
D) 4.5 lakh
E) 5.5 lakh
Answer: C) 3.5 lakh
Current Affairs Today: 13 August 2025
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Key Updates
- Overview: As of July 2025, PMUY has provided over 10.33 crore LPG connections to empower rural households with clean cooking fuel.
- Cabinet Approval (August 2025):
- Subsidy: Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (up to 9 refills/year); proportional for 5 kg cylinders.
- Support: Rs. 2,200 per connection in FY26.
- Outlay: Rs. 12,000 crore for FY26.
- Details:
- Launch: May 1, 2016, in Ballia, UP; by MoPNG for BPL women.
- Phase 1: Targeted 5 crore connections, later 8 crore; Rs. 1,600/connection support.
- Ujjwala 2.0: Launched August 10, 2021; added 1 crore connections for last-mile delivery.
- Significance: Enhances health, reduces indoor pollution; empowers women; ensures affordability.
- Union Cabinet Approves 4 New Semiconductor Units
- Event: August 12, 2025; approved under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) with Rs. 4,600 crore outlay in Punjab, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh.
- Details:
- Total ISM projects: 10 (Rs. 1.60 lakh crore; 6 states).
- Facilities: Assembly and testing units; generate 2,034 direct jobs, numerous indirect jobs.
- ISM: Launched 2021 by MeitY (Rs. 76,000 crore) to build a full-stack semiconductor ecosystem.
- Significance: Boosts electronics manufacturing, reduces import dependency; aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- India’s Defence Production Hits Rs. 1.51 Lakh Crore in FY25
- Event: August 2025; announced by MoD Minister Rajnath Singh.
- Details:
- Production: Rs. 1,50,590 crore (FY25); +18% from Rs. 1.27 lakh crore (FY24); +90% from Rs. 79,071 crore (FY20).
- Contribution: DPSUs (77%), private sector (23%; up from 21% in FY24).
- Growth: DPSUs +16%, private sector +28%.
- Exports: Rs. 23,622 crore (FY25; +12.04% from FY24).
- Significance: Strengthens self-reliance, defence exports; supports 100% FDI in defence.
- DPIIT Signs MoUs with Zepto and Hero MotoCorp
- Event: August 12, 2025; DPIIT (MoC&I) signed MoUs to support manufacturing startups.
- Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge:
- Details: 6-month program; mentors startups in hardware, IoT, packaging, sustainable manufacturing; signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal (DPIIT), Kaivalya Vohra (Zepto).
- Support: Zepto integrates 100 startups into supply chain; offers mentorship, workshops; targets women-led ventures, Tier II/III cities.
- Hero For Startups:
- Details: Supports startups in future mobility, clean tech, deep tech; signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Utkarsh Mishra (Hero MotoCorp).
- Access: R&D facilities (India, Germany), dealer/supplier network, paid PoCs.
- Significance: Fosters innovation, startup ecosystem; aligns with Startup India.
- NLCIL and BARC MoU for Rare Earth Extraction
- Event: August 2025; MoU between NLCIL (Ministry of Coal) and BARC for REE extraction from fly ash.
- Details:
- Pilot project at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu; BARC provides technical support.
- REEs critical for healthcare, clean energy, electronics, defence, high-tech manufacturing.
- Significance: Reduces import dependency, enhances mineral security, promotes circular economy.
- India-Zambia Trade Cooperation Pact
- Event: MoU signed July 18, 2025; announced August 12, 2025; between India (MoC) and Zambia.
- Details:
- Objective: Promote cooperative trade alliances; implemented via NCEL.
- NCEL’s Other MoUs: Senegal, Indonesia (Sinton Vantage Trading, PT Sinton Surini Nusantara).
- Significance: Boosts Indian cooperatives’ global presence, enhances trade in goods/services, technical expertise.
BANKING & FINANCE
- NABARD, APGB, Aqua Exchange MoU for Shrimp Farming Loans
- Event: August 11, 2025; MoU signed in Vijayawada, AP.
- Details:
- Purpose: IoT-enabled, collateral-free, low-interest loans for shrimp farmers.
- Pilot: Rs. 25 crore for ~100 farmers (3–6 months); initial Rs. 1.25 crore for 5 farmers.
- Targets: Rs. 100 crore (FY26), Rs. 250 crore (FY27).
- Tech: IoT for water quality, feed, disease monitoring; Farm Rating Score (FRS) for creditworthiness under RBI’s ULI.
- Significance: Integrates farmers into formal credit, reduces informal lending, boosts sustainable aquaculture.
- RBL Bank and CAMSPay Launch Digital Payment Gateway
- Event: August 12, 2025; partnership in Mumbai for enterprise-focused platform.
- Details:
- RBL Bank: Provides settlement services.
- CAMSPay: Offers real-time settlement, secure card processing, analytics, automated reconciliation, Open APIs.
- Significance: Supports high transaction volumes, regulatory compliance; enhances digital payment ecosystem.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
- Nelco and Eutelsat OneWeb LEO Satellite Services
- Event: August 2025; Nelco (Tata Group) partners with Eutelsat OneWeb for LEO satellite internet.
- Details:
- Coverage: India’s landmass, territorial waters, remote regions; low-latency, high-speed, secure.
- Applications: Government, enterprise, critical sectors (land, sea, air).
- Note: OneWeb (Bharti-backed) merged with Eutelsat (2023); 669 satellites.
- Significance: Bridges connectivity gaps, strengthens digital infra, national security.
- LTIMindtree Joins Quantum Valley in Amaravati
- Event: August 11, 2025; LTIMindtree and L&T collaborate with Andhra Pradesh government.
- Details:
- Quantum Valley Tech Park: India’s first; in Amaravati.
- LTIMindtree: Establishes CoE for deep-tech, quantum incubation, R&D.
- L&T: Manages infrastructure design/development.
- IBM: Deploys Quantum System Two (India’s largest quantum computer).
- Significance: Positions AP as quantum tech hub; boosts innovation, global competitiveness.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
- Madhuri Dixit Appointed Odisha Handloom Ambassador
- Event: August 7, 2025; announced by CM Mohan Charan Majhi during EKTA initiative launch, 11th National Handloom Day, Bhubaneswar.
- Details:
- Role: Promote Odisha’s handloom industry; enhance market access, training, financial aid for artisans.
- EKTA: Exhibition-cum-knowledge sharing for textile advantage.
- Madhuri Dixit: Padma Shri (2008), IFFI 2023 awardee; 70+ films, 4-decade career.
- Significance: Boosts Odisha’s cultural heritage, artisan livelihoods.
SPORTS
- India’s U-20 Women’s Football Team Qualifies for AFC Asian Cup 2026
- Event: August 2025; defeated Myanmar 1-0 in Group-D qualifier (Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon).
- Details:
- First qualification in 20 years; 32 teams, 8 groups, 11 spots.
- Finalists: Thailand (host), DPR Korea, Vietnam, Australia, India, China, Japan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Bangladesh, Taiwan.
- Tournament: April 1–18, 2026, Thailand; 12-team format; FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
- Significance: Marks resurgence in women’s football; boosts global presence.
IMPORTANT DAYS
- World Steelpan Day – August 11, 2025
- Theme: “From Roots to Resonance: Echoing Across Generations and Nations.”
- Details:
- 3rd edition; celebrates Trinidad & Tobago’s national instrument.
- Origin: Proposed by T&T to UNESCO (2022); UNGA Resolution A/RES/77/316 (2023); first observed 2023.
- Pan Month: Celebrated since 1992 by Pan Trinbago (Port of Spain).
- Significance: Promotes cultural heritage, sustainable development.
- World Elephant Day – August 12, 2025
- Theme: “Bringing the world together to help elephants.”
- Details:
- Conceptualized 2011 by Patricia Sims, Michael Clarke (Canazwest Pictures), Sivaporn Dardarananda (Thailand); first observed 2012.
- Event: MoEF&CC and Tamil Nadu Forest Dept. organized celebrations in Coimbatore; inaugurated by Minister Bhupendra Yadav.
- Significance: Raises awareness for elephant conservation; addresses habitat loss, poaching.
- International Youth Day – August 12, 2025
- Theme: “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”
- Details:
- Marks 10 years of 2030 SDGs, 30 years of WPAY.
- Origin: Proposed 1991 (UN Youth Forum, Vienna); WCMRY 1998 resolution; UNGA A/RES/54/120 (1999); first observed 2000.
- Significance: Celebrates youth contributions, promotes participation in sustainable development.
STATE NEWS
- Maharashtra Launches ‘Garuda Drishti’
- Event: August 2025; launched by CM Devendra Fadnavis at Police Bhavan, Nagpur.
- Details:
- AI-enabled system to detect cyber fraud, hate speech, fake news, communal misinformation, drug trafficking, financial scams.
- Analyzed 30,000 posts; removed ~650 to prevent unrest.
- Developed cost-effectively during Cyber Hack 2025.
- Infra: Cyber lab with 30 workstations, forensic tools (CDR analysis, mobile examination, malware detection).
- Significance: Enhances cybersecurity, public safety; scalable model.
- Karnataka Launches KATALYST for GCCs
- Event: August 12, 2025; launched in Bengaluru; aligned with GCC Policy 2024–2029.
- Details:
- Aims for 500 new GCCs by 2029 (total 1,000); USD 50B economic output, 3.5 lakh jobs.
- KATALYST: EoDB Cell to fast-track GCC setup, foster innovation ecosystem.
- GCCs: Offshore MNC units for IT, R&D, engineering, analytics, finance.
- Context: Precedes Bengaluru Tech Summit (November 2025).
- Significance: Positions Karnataka as global tech hub; boosts employment.