Daily PIB Quiz – 19 Aug 2025

1. The Central Monitoring Committee’s (CMC) review of river rejuvenation efforts highlighted progress in which of the following areas?

1. Floodplain demarcation and encroachment removal in Assam and Punjab.

2. Treated wastewater reuse in Odisha and Maharashtra.

3. Comprehensive waste management in Meghalaya and Mizoram under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.

4. Significant reduction of polluted river stretches in all states between 2018 and 2022.

A. 1, 2, and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. All of the above

2. Which of the following statements accurately reflect Prime Minister Modi’s address to the 2024 batch of IFS Officer Trainees?

1. He emphasized India’s role as a ‘Vishwabandhu’ in a multipolar world.

2. He highlighted India’s capacity-building initiatives for the Global South.

3. He stressed the importance of improving communication with the Indian diaspora through better website management.

4. He urged the trainees to focus solely on traditional diplomatic approaches, neglecting the role of technology.

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

3. The Prime Minister’s interaction with the IFS trainees covered various topics. Which of the following areas were specifically mentioned as part of their training and research?

A. Maritime diplomacy and Artificial Intelligence
B. Ayurveda and cultural diplomacy
C. Food and soft power strategies
D. All of the above

4. In his address, the Prime Minister suggested using ‘Know Your Bharat’ quizzes and debates to generate global interest in India. What aspect of India’s image building is this initiative primarily aimed at?

A. Improving India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy
B. Strengthening economic ties with other nations
C. Enhancing India’s military capabilities
D. Promoting India’s technological advancements

5. Which of the following statements regarding the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) recent approval is/are correct?

1. The CCI has approved the acquisition of approximately 3.06% shareholding in Micro Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. by an entity controlled by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

2. Micro Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. is primarily involved in the manufacturing and sale of medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, and self-testing kits.

3. The acquiring entity carries out significant business activities in India and has a substantial physical presence in the country.

4. The acquisition involves both subscription to newly issued shares and the purchase of existing shares from another entity.

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

6. The Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) approval pertains to a foreign investment in which sector of the Indian economy?

A. Information Technology
B. Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
C. Renewable Energy
D. Telecommunications

7. What is a significant implication of the CCI’s approval of this acquisition for India’s economic landscape?

A. Increased foreign direct investment in the renewable energy sector
B. Reduced competition in the medical device market
C. Potential boost to India’s healthcare infrastructure and innovation
D. Significant job losses in the IT sector

8. The Competition Commission of India’s approval of the acquisition signifies which of the following principles of competition law?

A. Protection of small and medium enterprises from large corporate acquisitions.
B. Promoting competition by preventing monopolies and anti-competitive practices.
C. Prioritizing foreign investment in Indian real estate markets.
D. Ensuring the free flow of capital without regulatory oversight.

9. Considering the businesses of both The Phoenix Mills Limited (Acquirer) and Island Star Mall Developers Private Limited (Target), what is the primary sector impacted by this acquisition?

A. Manufacturing
B. Information Technology
C. Real Estate
D. Agriculture

10. Consider the following statements about Quest Global Services Pte. Ltd. and the recent acquisition:

1. Quest Global is headquartered in India and primarily serves the domestic market.

2. The acquisition involves a significant stake sale by its founder and CEO.

3. Quest Global’s services include embedded and software engineering, mechanical engineering, and digital engineering.

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

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

11. With respect to the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) approval of the acquisition of Skechers U.S.A., Inc., which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. 3G Capital Partners is acquiring all outstanding shares and sole control of Skechers.

2. Kakapo Investment Pte. Ltd. is making an investment in Skechers.

3. The CCI’s detailed order regarding the acquisition will be released subsequently.

4. 3G Capital is a newly established firm focused solely on short-term investment gains.

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

12. The Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) recent approval relates to a transaction involving which sector?

A. Information Technology
B. Pharmaceuticals
C. Footwear, apparel, and accessories
D. Automotive

13. The Indian government’s promotion of Nano Fertilizers involves which of the following strategies?

A. Utilizing Kisan Drones for efficient application
B. Collaborating with fertilizer companies for awareness programs
C. Making Nano Fertilizers available through Kisan Samridhi Kendras
D. All of the above

14. Based on the provided data, which two states show the highest sales of Nano Urea and Nano DAP, respectively, as of July 31, 2025?

A. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra
B. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh
C. Punjab and Gujarat
D. Uttar Pradesh and Punjab

15. Which of the following statements regarding the PRIP scheme and the integration of AYUSH systems are correct?

1. The PRIP scheme, with a ₹5,000 crore outlay, has established seven Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs).

2. The CoEs under PRIP have approved over 100 research projects by July 2025.

3. India’s collaboration with the WHO involves establishing a global hub for traditional medicine in Jamnagar and developing a standardized coding system for AYUSH interventions.

4. The primary goal of integrating AYUSH into global health systems is to immediately replace conventional medicine with traditional practices.

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

16. The establishment of the Global Traditional Medicine Centre of the WHO in Jamnagar primarily aims to:

A. Promote the complete replacement of modern medicine with traditional practices.
B. Restrict the use of traditional medicine to only India.
C. Facilitate research, innovation, and policy dialogue on traditional medicine.
D. Discourage further research into modern medical practices.

17. Consider the following statements about the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme:

1. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

2. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in NIPERs.

3. The main objective is to improve the quality of pharmaceutical products exported from India.

4. The scheme aims to promote research and development in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors.

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

18. The recent high-level meeting between India and China focused on several key areas. Which of the following is NOT a central theme of the discussions?

A. Maintaining peace and tranquility along the India-China border
B. Resolving the boundary question through dialogue
C. Strengthening economic cooperation through increased trade and investment
D. Promoting cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

19. Considering the context of the India-China meeting and the broader geopolitical landscape, what is the significance of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra’s resumption?

A. It symbolizes improved people-to-people contact and potentially eases tensions.
B. It indicates a complete normalization of relations, resolving all outstanding issues.
C. It is primarily a religious event with little impact on political relations.
D. It signals a significant shift in India’s foreign policy towards China.

20. Which of the following statements regarding the Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme is/are correct?

1. PMAY-G aims to provide housing to all rural households by offering one-time financial assistance.

2. The scheme’s grievance redressal mechanism operates at the Gram Panchayat, Block, District, and State levels, with a 15-day resolution timeframe.

3. The scheme exclusively relies on the CPGRAMS portal for grievance redressal.

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

21. The PMAY-G scheme’s evaluation involved studies by which institutions?

1. National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP)

2. National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR)

3. NITI Aayog

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

22. Which of the following best describes the PMAY-G scheme’s approach to house construction?

(2) a) The government directly constructs houses for beneficiaries.

(3) b) Private contractors are hired to construct houses for beneficiaries.

(4) c) Beneficiaries construct houses themselves or under their supervision with government assistance.

(5) d) Houses are constructed by local NGOs under government supervision.

A. a
B. b
C. c
D. d

23. Which of the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is/are correct?

1. PMGSY-II was launched to construct new rural roads to enhance rural infrastructure.

2. RCPLWEA aims to improve road connectivity in LWE-affected areas, benefiting both security operations and socio-economic development.

3. PMGSY-III focuses on upgrading rural roads connecting key facilities like Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs).

A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. None

24. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has multiple phases and verticals. Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of any PMGSY phase or vertical?

A. Providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations
B. Upgrading existing rural roads to improve infrastructure
C. Improving road connectivity in Left Wing Extremism affected areas
D. Constructing new national highways to connect major cities

25. PMGSY’s impact has been evaluated. Which of the following best reflects the findings of this evaluation concerning the scheme’s broader societal effects?

A. PMGSY primarily benefits the construction industry, with minimal impact on rural communities.
B. PMGSY has had a negligible impact on poverty reduction and rural development.
C. PMGSY has demonstrably improved rural connectivity, leading to enhanced access to markets, livelihoods, and social services.
D. PMGSY’s impact is limited to infrastructure development, with no discernible effect on poverty levels.

26. The DAY-NRLM’s strategy for credit access to rural poor involves multiple stakeholders. Which institution plays a crucial role in issuing guidelines to banks regarding lending to women’s SHGs?

A. Ministry of Rural Development
B. Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)
C. State Level Bankers’ Committee
D. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NABARD

27. Consider the following statements about the performance of the DAY-NRLM’s SHG loan program:

1. The total amount disbursed in loans to women SHGs since the program’s inception exceeds Rs. 11 trillion.

2. A significant portion of the disbursed loans remains outstanding.

3. The Non-Performing Asset (NPA) rate for these loans is relatively low.

(4) Which of the statement(s) is/are correct?

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

28. Which of the following statements regarding the Online Management, Monitoring and Accounting System (OMMAS) for PMGSY is/are correct?

1. OMMAS is a web-based system designed to enhance transparency and accountability in PMGSY implementation.

2. The system monitors the quality of PMGSY projects through data uploaded by independent quality monitors using a mobile application.

3. OMMAS includes a Project Management Information System (PMIS) to manage construction activities under PMGSY-III.

4. OMMAS directly manages the financial transactions between the central government and state governments.

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

29. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) aims to improve rural connectivity. Which of the following is NOT a key feature of PMGSY’s approach to ensure quality and efficiency?

1. Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts (PBMC) for road maintenance.

2. Mandatory use of GPS-enabled Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS) for construction vehicles.

3. Centralized control over all aspects of road construction by the central government.

4. Quality assessment of construction materials based on Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms.

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

30. PMGSY-IV has been launched with a specific focus on connecting unconnected habitations. Consider the following statements:

1. PMGSY-IV prioritizes all-weather connectivity for habitations with a minimum population threshold, varying by region.

2. The Gram Sadak Survey App was used to identify eligible habitations for inclusion in PMGSY-IV.

3. PMGSY-IV exclusively focuses on habitations in the most underdeveloped districts of India.

4. The scheme is entirely funded and managed by the Central Government, without any state participation.

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

31. Which of the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) are correct?

1. PMAY-G aims to construct 4.95 crore pucca houses in rural areas by 2029.

2. The scheme converges with other government programs to provide beneficiaries with access to basic amenities like piped water and electricity.

3. As of August 13, 2025, more houses have been sanctioned under PMAY-G than have been completed.

4. The unit financial assistance provided under PMAY-G has recently been increased by the Union Cabinet.

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

32. PMAY-G’s impact extends beyond housing. Which of the following best describes a significant secondary effect of the scheme?

A. Increased urbanization of rural areas
B. Reduced reliance on MGNREGS for employment
C. Stimulation of employment in rural construction and related industries
D. Improved access to microfinance for rural households

33. Which of the following statements regarding the use of waste plastic in Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road construction are correct?

1. The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) has issued guidelines for using waste plastic in hot bituminous mixes.

2. A study by IIT Madras found that roads constructed using waste plastic have a lower Pavement Condition Index (PCI) compared to conventional roads.

3. States/UTs are mandated to use waste plastic in at least 70% of eligible road lengths involving the hot mix process.

4. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and improve road longevity.

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

34. The use of waste plastic in PMGSY road construction is primarily driven by which of the following objectives?

A. Reducing the cost of road construction materials
B. Promoting the use of locally available resources
C. Improving the aesthetic appeal of rural roads
D. Addressing environmental concerns related to plastic waste and enhancing road durability

35. Consider the following statements about the performance of roads constructed using waste plastic under PMGSY:

1. A performance evaluation was conducted by multiple research institutions.

2. The roads showed significantly higher instances of ravelling, cracking, and potholes compared to conventional roads.

3. The use of waste plastic led to a substantial increase in the overall life cycle cost of road construction.

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

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

36. Which of the following statements regarding the Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme are correct?

1. PMAY-G aims to construct 4.95 crore pucca houses in rural areas by 2029.

2. The scheme converges with other government programs to provide beneficiaries with basic amenities like piped water and electricity.

3. As of August 13, 2025, more than half of the targeted houses under PMAY-G have been completed.

4. The scheme has a component focused on training rural masons, some of whom have even found international work opportunities.

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

37. The PMAY-G scheme’s impact extends beyond housing provision. Which of the following best describes this broader impact?

A. Increased rural housing density without significant employment generation
B. Improved rural infrastructure but limited impact on employment
C. Significant employment generation across skilled and unskilled labor sectors, coupled with infrastructural improvements
D. Focus primarily on skilled labor employment with minimal impact on rural infrastructure