Daily PIB Quiz – 08 Aug 2025

1. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) refutes certain media reports on its budget. What is the central issue highlighted by the ASI’s response?

A. Misreporting of excavation site numbers
B. Inaccurate portrayal of the budget allocation and expenditure
C. Lack of transparency in ASI’s operational procedures
D. Misrepresentation of the ASI’s scientific research findings

2. Based on the provided data, what can be inferred about the ASI’s expenditure on exploration and excavation?

A. Expenditure has always strictly matched the budget allocation.
B. Expenditure consistently fell short of the allocated budget.
C. Expenditure has generally been close to the allocated budget, with minor variations.
D. Expenditure significantly exceeded the budget allocation in most years.

3. Considering the context of women’s empowerment in India, what is the significance of the target set by the Prime Minister to create 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’?

A. It signifies a shift from welfare-oriented schemes to entrepreneurship-focused initiatives for women.
B. It aims to uplift women from poverty by providing direct cash transfers.
C. It emphasizes the government’s commitment to skill development and entrepreneurship for women.
D. It primarily focuses on providing employment opportunities in the rural sector for women.

4. Which of the following statements regarding the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) are correct?

1. NMBA is a nationwide initiative operational in all districts of India.

2. The campaign primarily focuses on creating awareness about drug abuse among the youth.

3. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal ministry for drug demand reduction and coordinates NMBA activities.

4. The initiative exclusively targets higher education institutions and university campuses.

A. 1, 2, and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1, 2, 3, and 4
D. 2 and 4 only

5. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) event on Raksha Bandhan highlighted the involvement of multiple stakeholders. Which of the following best describes the collaborative approach demonstrated?

A. The event solely involved the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
B. The event involved collaboration between the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the CRPF.
C. The event showcased collaboration among the Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment, Home Affairs, and Health and Family Welfare, along with the CRPF.
D. The event was limited to the Brahma Kumaris and the CRPF.

6. The event celebrating 5 years of NMBA and Raksha Bandhan underscores which key aspect of the campaign?

A. The focus on punishment and strict law enforcement to curb drug abuse.
B. The importance of individual responsibility and spiritual practices in overcoming addiction.
C. The reliance solely on government initiatives for drug demand reduction.
D. The integration of community engagement and awareness campaigns to combat drug addiction.

7. Which of the following statements regarding the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) is/are correct?

1. The NCMM aims to achieve self-reliance in critical minerals by supporting the filing of 1000 patents by FY 2030-31.

2. The mission’s scope encompasses the entire critical mineral value chain, from exploration to recycling.

3. The NCMM’s patent filing initiative is a recent development, commencing after the mission’s approval in January 2025.

4. The NCMM primarily focuses on minerals relevant to the information technology sector.

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 4 only
D. 2 and 4 only

8. The National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) is primarily focused on which of the following?

A. Increasing India’s dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals
B. Reducing domestic production of critical minerals to protect the environment
C. Promoting self-reliance in critical minerals through innovation and technology development
D. Restricting the use of critical minerals in strategic sectors

9. Considering the information provided, what can be inferred about the impact of the NCMM on India’s strategic autonomy?

A. It is likely to reduce India’s dependence on other nations for critical minerals
B. It will have no significant impact on India’s strategic autonomy
C. It will increase India’s reliance on foreign technology in the critical minerals sector
D. It will lead to a decrease in investment in domestic R&D related to critical minerals

10. The National Task Force’s approach to addressing mental health in higher education can be best described as:

A. Reactive and institution-specific
B. Proactive and solely research-based
C. Multi-faceted and participatory
D. Punitive and regulatory

11. Which of the following stakeholders are NOT directly involved in providing input to the National Task Force on Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention?

A. Students and parents
B. Faculty and mental health professionals
C. Government officials and NGOs
D. International organizations and foreign experts

12. Which of the following statements regarding World Food India (WFI) 2025 are correct?

1. WFI 2025 will be a collaborative effort involving multiple government ministries and organizations.

2. The event will primarily focus on showcasing the Indian food processing sector to domestic stakeholders.

3. The event is scheduled to take place in September 2025 in New Delhi.

4. International participation and collaborations are a key objective of WFI 2025.

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

13. The Ambassadors’ Meet held in New Delhi aimed to facilitate which of the following?

A. Promote domestic food processing within India
B. Discuss investment opportunities in the Indian agricultural sector
C. Secure international participation in World Food India 2025
D. Enhance bilateral trade agreements related to food imports

14. Which of the following statements regarding the PM E-DRIVE scheme are correct?

1. The scheme’s duration has been extended to four years from its initial two-year period.

2. The total budgetary allocation for the scheme remains unchanged at ₹10,900 crore.

3. The scheme aims to promote ‘Make in India’ initiatives through a phased manufacturing program.

4. All components of the scheme, including e-rickshaws and e-buses, share the same extended deadline of March 2028.

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 4
D. 1 and 2 only

15. The extension of the PM E-DRIVE scheme until March 2028 is primarily attributed to which of the following factors?

A. The need to establish robust charging infrastructure across the country.
B. Delays in the procurement and installation of testing equipment for e-vehicles.
C. The nascent stage of the e-truck market and the complexities involved in e-bus deployment.
D. The government’s commitment to achieving ambitious electric mobility targets by 2030.

16. Consider the following statements about the PM E-DRIVE scheme:

1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

2. The scheme includes financial support for the deployment of over 14,000 e-buses.

3. The scheme’s funding is unlimited and will continue until all project milestones are achieved.

4. The scheme’s success is directly linked to the acceleration of electric mobility and the growth of the domestic EV manufacturing sector.

A. 1, 2, and 4 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

17. Which of the following statements regarding the revamp of the Indian Railways Passenger Reservation System (PRS) are correct?

1. The revamp includes upgrading hardware, software, and network equipment to handle new features.

2. The current PRS system, deployed in 2010, uses Itanium servers and open VMS.

3. The new system will be cloud technology compliant, addressing evolving passenger needs.

4. The RailOne app allows booking only reserved tickets.

A. 1, 2, and 3 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

18. The Indian Railways’ decision to reduce the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for certain trains from 120 days to 60 days primarily aims to:

A. Increase revenue by encouraging last-minute bookings
B. Improve punctuality of trains by reducing passenger load
C. Reduce ticket cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances and better manage booking trends
D. Simplify the ticketing process for passengers

19. Which of the following statements regarding India’s ethanol blending program are correct?

1. The 20% ethanol blending target (E20) was initially set for 2030 but was achieved in 2025.

2. The program has led to significant foreign exchange savings and increased farmer income.

3. The increase in maize-based ethanol production demonstrates a successful policy shift.

4. There have been widespread reports of engine failures due to the increased ethanol blending.

A. 1, 2, and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

20. India’s approach to promoting ethanol blending demonstrates which of the following policy strategies?

1. Phased implementation with progressively higher blending targets.

2. Reliance on a single feedstock for ethanol production.

3. Guaranteed pricing mechanisms to incentivize ethanol production.

4. Discouraging the use of flex-fuel vehicles.

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 2, and 3 only
D. 1, 3, and 4 only

21. The successful implementation of the E20 fuel blend in India can be attributed to which of the following factors?

1. Strong policy support and industry readiness.

2. Public acceptance and a lack of opposition from vested interests.

3. Technological advancements in ethanol production and distribution.

4. Significant reduction in the cost of fuel for consumers.

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3, and 4
D. 3 and 4 only

22. The Ayush Grid, mentioned in the context of the WHO-IRCH workshop, is primarily focused on which of the following areas?

A. Promoting international collaborations in traditional medicine research
B. Regulating and standardizing herbal medicines across the globe
C. Developing and implementing digital initiatives for Ayurvedic medicine
D. Creating a global database of herbal medicine efficacy and safety

23. Which of the following statements regarding the appointment of judges to High Courts in India is/are correct?

1. The President of India appoints judges to High Courts based on the recommendations of the Chief Justice of India.

2. The appointment process involves consultation between the President and the Chief Justice of India.

3. Additional Judges of High Courts can be appointed for a fixed term, which can be renewed.

4. Only judicial officers can be appointed as judges of High Courts.

A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3
D. 1 and 4 only

24. The recent appointments of judges to various High Courts highlight which constitutional provision?

A. Article 124
B. Article 217
C. Article 32
D. Article 360

25. Considering the appointments mentioned, which High Court received the most new judges?

A. Andhra Pradesh High Court
B. Calcutta High Court
C. Delhi High Court
D. It is not possible to determine from the given information.

26. Which of the following statements regarding the Cancer AI & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program are correct?

1. The program is a joint initiative of IndiaAI and the National Cancer Grid (NCG).

2. Selected projects can receive up to ₹50 lakh in funding, with potential for additional funding up to ₹1 crore for successful pilot projects.

3. The program primarily focuses on AI solutions for cancer treatment, excluding areas like screening and diagnostics.

4. Applications are open to startups, technology companies, and academic institutions but exclude public or private hospitals.

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 4 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2, and 3 only

27. The IndiaAI Mission, under which the CATCH Grant Program falls, aims to achieve which of the following objectives?

1. Promote ethical and responsible AI development and deployment.

2. Enhance India’s global standing in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

3. Limit the benefits of AI to specific sectors of society.

4. Foster technological dependence on foreign entities.

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 4 only
D. 1 only

28. What is a key feature of the CATCH Grant Program’s selection criteria for project proposals?

A. Prioritizing projects with immediate commercial viability over clinical impact
B. Focusing solely on AI solutions for cancer treatment, disregarding prevention or diagnostics
C. Emphasis on technical maturity, feasibility, and alignment with healthcare needs
D. Restricting participation to established multinational corporations in the healthcare sector

29. The IndiaAI Mission, as described, primarily aims to achieve which of the following goals?

A. Promote private sector dominance in AI development
B. Centralize AI research solely within government institutions
C. Create an accessible and inclusive AI ecosystem aligned with national development priorities
D. Restrict AI development to specific sectors like healthcare and agriculture

30. Consider the following statements about the AIKosh platform and its associated initiatives:

1. AIKosh serves as a centralized repository for diverse datasets, including those from government and non-government sources.

2. The platform primarily focuses on providing datasets for advanced AI applications, excluding simpler AI models or tools.

3. AIKosh incorporates mechanisms to ensure data privacy and security while making datasets accessible to developers.

(4) Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

31. Considering the context, which statement best describes the government’s approach towards the upcoming Bihar elections?

A. The government is actively campaigning for the elections, highlighting its developmental achievements.
B. The government is avoiding any discussion of the elections, focusing solely on developmental projects.
C. The government is indirectly addressing concerns about electoral reforms and potential infiltration, hinting at opposition strategies.
D. The government’s approach is to ignore the opposition’s concerns and focus on religious site development.

32. The initiatives related to the development of Punaura Dham and the broader Mithila region can be best interpreted as reflecting which of the following government priorities?

A. Solely religious tourism promotion and neglecting other aspects of development.
B. A balanced approach to infrastructure development and cultural preservation.
C. Prioritizing religious development over economic and social welfare initiatives.
D. Focusing on cultural preservation and tourism, with limited investment in infrastructure.

33. Which of the following statements accurately reflects India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, as conveyed in the recent conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin?

1. India advocates for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

2. India has actively supported military aid to Ukraine.

3. India has publicly condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

4. India has imposed comprehensive sanctions on Russia.

A. 1 only
B. 1, 2, and 3
C. 1, 3, and 4
D. None of the above

34. Which of the following statements regarding the Kalaasetu and Bhashasetu Challenges is/are correct?

1. The challenges aim to promote innovation in technology for bridging the digital language divide in India.

2. Startups participating must submit their Minimum Viable Concept (MVC) and other documents by a specified deadline.

3. The challenges are solely focused on developing AI-powered real-time translation tools.

4. The evaluation process for submitted projects begins immediately after the deadline for submissions.

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 2 and 4 only

35. The Kalaasetu Challenge primarily focuses on which of the following objectives?

A. Developing AI-powered language translation software
B. Promoting multilingualism through digital storytelling
C. Creating a national language policy for India
D. Standardizing regional languages for official communication

36. Consider the following statements about the WaveX platform and the challenges it hosts:

1. WaveX is an initiative under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

2. The platform provides support to startups working on projects related to digital language access.

3. Participation in the challenges requires startups to update their profiles on the WaveX portal.

4. Submissions are accepted indefinitely, allowing ample time for startups to complete their work.

A. 1, 2, and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

37. Considering the data on Indian Railways’ safety initiatives, which of the following inferences is most strongly supported?

A. Increased investment in safety has directly led to a proportional reduction in all types of railway accidents.
B. Technological advancements have played a more significant role than improved maintenance practices in enhancing safety.
C. The elimination of unmanned level crossings has been a crucial factor in the overall decline of accidents.
D. The focus on safety has been multi-pronged, encompassing technological upgrades, improved maintenance, and infrastructural developments.

38. Which of the following statements regarding the incident at Kasturba Gandhi Girls Residential School in Jehanabad, Bihar, are correct?

1. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the incident.

2. The incident involved a student being burned with a hot spatula after requesting food.

3. The NHRC issued notices to the state Chief Minister and the Director General of Police, seeking a report.

4. The cook involved had allegedly been accused of a similar incident in the past.

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 4 only
C. 1, 3, and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

39. The NHRC’s action in this case highlights which of the following principles?

1. The right to education

2. The right to life with dignity

3. The right to protection from violence

4. The right to free and compulsory education

A. 1 and 4 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3
D. 2, 3, and 4

40. In the context of the incident and the NHRC’s response, which constitutional body is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in residential schools?

1. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

2. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

3. The State Women’s Commission

4. The Ministry of Women and Child Development

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 4
D. 2 and 4