Daily Current Affairs August 25

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of  the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs August 25. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing  Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly  current affairs pdf.

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August 25 | Daily Current Affairs 2021

IMPORTANT DAYS – Daily Current Affairs August 25

1. World Water Week is observed on which week?
A) 23-26 August
B) 23-28 August
C) 23-27 August
D) 23-29 August
E) 23-30 August
Answer: C) 23-27 August

• Hosted and organized by SIWI, World Water Week is the leading annual global event for concretely addressing the planet’s major water issues.
• In 2021, World Water Week 2021 will be held entirely online, 23-27 August, with the theme Building Resilience Faster.
• World Water Week is the leading annual event on global water issues, organized by Stockholm International Water Institute since 1991.
• The Week attracts participants from more than 130 countries and consists of a broad array of parallel activities convened by leading international organizations on a broad array of water-related topics, ranging from food security and health to agriculture, technology, biodiversity, and the climate crisis.
• In 2021, World Water Week will be held in a new digital format so that people across the world can join, regardless of the circumstances.
• This will make World Water Week broader and more inclusive at a time when international cooperation is needed more than ever.
• The digital format makes it easier to welcome new stakeholders, who may not have a background in water.
• Another benefit is that the content produced can be revisited and reused also after the conference. In short, it takes us closer to our aim of being a year-round movement rather than a moment.

SPORTS – Daily Current Affairs August 25

2. Cyclist Paige Greco of which country claimed the first gold medal of the Tokyo Paralympic Games?
A) Zimbabwe
B) Iran
C) Iraq
D) Russia
E) Australia
Answer: E) Australia

• Cyclist Paige Greco of Australia claimed the first gold medal of the Tokyo Paralympic Games, winning the 3,000-meter pursuit on Wednesday on the velodrome track.
• Wang Xiaomei of China was second and bronze went to Denise Schindler.
• It was the first of 24 gold medals up for grabs on Wednesday as the Paralympics got underway in the middle of a pandemic that has seen new cases in Tokyo soar since the Olympics opened just over a month ago.

3. Arjun Erigaisi emerged victorious in the II Terras de Trás-os-Montes Chess Open. He was related to which country?
A) Zimbabwe
B) Germany
C) India
D) Russia
E) Philippines
Answer: C) India

• Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi emerged victorious in the II Terras de Trás-os-Montes Chess Open while his compatriot D Gukesh finished second.
• The 17-year old Erigaisi (Elo 2597) secured 8.5 points from nine rounds to finish clear winner in the field comprising over 140 players.
• Meanwhile, Gukesh, the fourth seed, won eight games but his defeat at the hands of Erigaisi put paid to his chances.
• The Chennai-based Gukesh’s wins came against GM Max Warmerdam (Holland), Georgia’s Nodar Lortkipanidze, Vojtech Zwardon (Cze) and Lennis Martinez Ramirez (Cuba).

BANKING AND FINANCE – Daily Current Affairs August 25

4. Which company Signs MoU With Institute of Company Secretaries of India for Special Term Loans to Its Members?
A) NeoBank
B) BharatPe
C) Innoviti
D) PhonePe
E) Poonawalla Fincorp
Answer: E) Poonawalla Fincorp

• India Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (Formerly Magma Fincorp Limited), has signed an MoU with Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) to provide collateral-free term loans to ICSI members as well as its employees.
• The scheme will benefit over 65,000 ICSI members across the country.
• The scheme offers an attractive interest rate, zero prepayment charges and host of other attractive benefits.
• This is a unique offering covering company secretaries professionals across the country powered by a completely digital and 100% paperless process along with E-Agreement and E-NACH for fully online offering.
• In line with the company’s objective of providing hassle-free loans to professionals to meet their financial needs, the company has planned for similar such tie-ups.
• It demonstrates its irrefutable support towards nation-building while creating opportunities of growth and development of professionals and entrepreneurs.

5. Decimal Technologies partners with which SFB to digitise loan origination with Saarathi?
A) Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
B) Janalakshmi Small Finance Bank.
C) Equitas Small Finance Bank.
D) A U Small Finance Bank.
E) Capital Small Finance Bank.
Answer: A) Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.

• Decimal Technologies, one of India’s leading fintech firms and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (USFB) Limited, a leading mass market bank entered into a partnership through which Ujjivan SFB and its channel partners will use Decimal’s digital lending platform – Saarathi.
• This collaboration will enable the Bank to digitize loan sourcing through its sales force as well as Direct Selling Agents (DSAs).
• This is part of the Bank’s strategy to strengthen its digital infrastructure which has been on one of it’ s key focus areas.
• Launched in 2020, Saarathi is an AI-based, ready-to-use digital lending platform specialising in digitisation of loan origination journeys.
• Saarathi can be used by bank’s sales channels to source loan files digitally.
• Unlike any digitisation project, Saarathi requires no upfront capital investment and significantly reduces the time-to-market by 95 pc (i.e. from 6-9 months to one week).
• As part of the partnership, Decimal’s ‘Saarathi’ is enabling 100% digitisation of Ujjivan SFB’s loan offerings, providing a simple user interface and helping to carry out business operations during lockdowns.
• Saarathi is dispensing verified and trusted channel partners to send digitized loan applications with a detailed risk assessment to Ujjivan SFB.
• Saarathi is also integrated with Credit Bureau, NSDL, document verifications systems, Google Maps for geo-tagging, bank statement analyser and more, resulting in improved efficiency of credit underwriting for Ujjivan SFB.

6. Which company launches first LIMITLESS Prepaid Cards in association with SBM bank & Rupay?
A) NeoBank
B) BharatPe
C) Innoviti
D) LoanTap
E) Poonawalla Fincorp
Answer: D) LoanTap

• LoanTap, a home-grown digital lender with its own NBFC, on Wednesday announced the launch of a range of LIMITLESS Credit line backed Cards in association with SBM Bank (State Bank of Mauritius) and Rupay network.
• The fast-growing start-up has witnessed a 120% growth in loan applications in the last 5 months and aims to offer over 450 million millennials financial empowerment with the new launch.
• With a credit limit of up to INR 3 lakh and limitless rewards, offers, and discounts, LoanTap aims to tap into 2 lakh+ customers by December 2021.
• The launch strengthens LoanTap’s commitment to delivering fast, flexible, friendly personal loans and takes it closer to its goal of capturing the INR 5,00,000+ crore personal loan market.
• The LIMITLESS Prepaid Card offers to turn purchases into easy EMIs and charges interest only on the borrowed amount.
• The pre-approved credit limit can also be used at POS, ECommerce platforms, and ATMs.
• The card also comes loaded with limitless rewards, offers, and discounts on 100+ brands including Airbnb, Eros Now, Peter England, etc.
• It also offers Accidental Insurance up to a limit of INR 10 Lakhs.
• Customers can avail LIMITLESS Credit line backed Card on LoanTap’s website or mobile app through basic documents like PAN Card, address and income proof.
• The mobile application would also allow the customers to track their repayment schedule.
• It also offers customers an opportunity to avail of top-up loans, if they are regular with their repayments.
• Along with SBM Bank as Banking Partner and with RuPay as the Payment Network, LoanTap assures smooth reconciliation, settlements, and will enable transactions with merchants on-boarded on the network.
• LoanTap along with a host of these millennial-friendly features, aims to make it convenient for the customers to utilize the sum borrowed.
• It’s innovative products, technical expertise, easy application with a quick approval process, and convenient mode of repayment will enable millions of millennials to cater to their lifestyle as well as their financial needs.

7. Which bank launches KBL FASTag for seamless toll deduction?
A) Kotak Mahindra Bank
B) IndusInd Bank
C) Punjab National Bank
D) Karnataka Bank
E) Bank of Maharashtra
Answer: D) Karnataka Bank

• Karnataka Bank launched KBL FASTag for seamless movement of vehicles at toll plazas by facilitating automatic deduction of the toll amount.
• Karnataka Bank launched its KBL FASTag, a pre-loaded payment instrument to facilitate seamless movement of vehicles at the toll plazas across India, in association with NPCI and Worldline, the FASTag processor, the bank said in a release.
• Customers can procure FASTag through the bank’s website or by approaching the nearby branch, said the lender.
• A FASTag can be pre-loaded digitally for the required amount and can be recharged online through credit card, debit card, net banking, IMPS, among others.
• While driving through a toll plaza, the applicable toll amount gets automatically debited through the sensors at the plaza and the driver gets instant SMS alerts for the toll transactions, and balance maintenance.
• KBL FASTag can be used across all the toll plazas throughout the country, which are registered in the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme, the bank said.
• In future its utility can also be enhanced to pay parking fees, fuel charges and such other things, Karnataka Bank said.

8. Freo, has tied up with which SFB to launch zero-balance savings account that will offer a 7% interest rate on a minimum balance of ₹1 lakh?
A) Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
B) Janalakshmi Small Finance Bank.
C) Equitas Small Finance Bank.
D) A U Small Finance Bank.
E) Capital Small Finance Bank.
Answer: C) Equitas Small Finance Bank.

• India’s first credit-led neobank, Freo, has tied up with Equitas Small Finance Bank to launch zero-balance savings account that will offer a 7% interest rate on a minimum balance of ₹1 lakh.
• According to the neobank, the new product, Freo Save, will allow customers to make informed financial decisions and strengthen their credit profile in the process.
• Apart from facilities such as zero-balance and interest rate of 7%, the savings account will enable seamless integration with UPI to make funds transfer and bill payments easier.

ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS – Daily Current Affairs August 25

9. Which Bank divests over 2pc stake in CDSL for Rs 223cr?
A) Kotak Mahindra Bank
B) IndusInd Bank
C) Punjab National Bank
D) HDFC Bank
E) Bank of Maharashtra
Answer: D) HDFC Bank

• HDFC Bank has divested more than 2 per cent stake in Central Depository Services (India) Ltd (CDSL) in tranches during June-August this year, garnering nearly Rs 223 crore from the sale, according to a regulatory filing.
• HDFC Bank sold 23,11,000 equity shares of face value of Rs 10 each fully paid up held by the bank in CDSL through the secondary market route on the NSE, the private bank said in the regulatory filing.
• The divestment of 2.21 per cent stake in Central Depository Services (India) Ltd took place over a period from June 22 to August 24, 2021.
• The bank sold 20,36,000 shares (1.95 per cent) of CDSL at an average price of Rs 937.46 per piece on June 22. On August 23, it sold 2,13,481 shares at Rs 1,168.94 apiece and on August 24, it sold 61,519 shares for Rs 1,119.31 apiece.
• The shares were sold for a cash consideration of Rs 222.71 crore, HDFC Bank said.
• CDSL provides depository services to market participants.
• It has three operating services: depository, data entry and record keeping of KYC documents of capital market investors, and repository.
• Repository provides policyholders and warehouse receipt holders the facility to keep insurance policies and warehouse receipts in electronic form, as well as to undertake changes, modifications and revisions in it.

ReNew Power completes merger with US-based RMG II:

• ReNew Power Pvt Ltd (ReNew Power) said it has completed “business combination” with US-based RMG Acquisition Corporation II (RMG II).
• ReNew Power in February had announced merger with blank-check company RMG II, giving India’s biggest renewable power producer an enterprise value of USD 8 billion and listing on NASDAQ.
• A blank-check company is a developmental stage firm that does not have an established business plan.

Adani Ports gets Andhra Pradesh govt approval for 10.4% stake acquisition in Gangavaram Port:

• Adani Ports announced the approval of proposal of acquisition of 10.4% stake of Gangavaram Port (GPL) by the company from Government of Andhra Pradesh.
• The consideration for proposed acquisition of 10.4% equity stake of GPL is ₹644.78 crore and the transaction is expected to be completed within 1 month
  Gangavaram Port, incorporated in September 2001, is engaged in the business of handling various types of dry bulk and break bulk cargo.
• It is a multi-cargo facility and handled 32.81 MMT of cargo in FY21. It has a capacity of 64 MMT.
• The operational revenue for the financial year 2020-21 was ₹1,057 crore.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS – Daily Current Affairs August 25

10. Stargazing: The Players in My Life is authored by whom?
1) Tanushree Podder
2) Bimal Prasad
3) Ravi Shastri
A) Only 1
B) Only 3
C) Only 2
D) Only 1 & 3
E) Only 2 & 3
Answer: B) Only 3

• Stargazing: The Players in My Life is authored by Ravi Shastri published by HarperCollins India
• HarperCollins presents ‘Bullets Over Bombay’ by Uday Bhatia.
• HarperCollins presents ‘The Parsi Kitchen: A Memoir of Food and Family’ by Anahita Dhondy.

Kalki Koechlin’s debut book on motherhood struggles to come out on September 27:

• Actor Kalki Koechlin’s debut book as an author, an illustrated non-fiction account of motherhood titled “Elephant In The Womb”, will release on September 27.
• Illustrated by Ukaranian artist Valeriya Polyanychko, the graphic book will be published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI).

APPOINTMENTS – Daily Current Affairs August 25

11. Harish Parvathaneni appointed as India’s next Ambassador to which country?
A) Zimbabwe
B) Germany
C) Iraq
D) Russia
E) Philippines
Answer: B) Germany

12. Who is appointed as Brand ambassadors of Shyam Steel?
1) Lovlina Borgohain
2) Bimal Prasad
3) Manpreet Singh
A) Only 1
B) Only 3
C) Only 2
D) Only 1 & 3
E) Only 2 & 3
Answer: D) Only 1 & 3

• Shyam Steel, one of leading producers and manufacturers of TMT Bars has appointed Olympic medallists Lovlina Borgohain and Manpreet Singh as their brand ambassadors.

Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu to be face of Adidas ‘Stay in Play’ campaign:

• German footwear and accessories major Adidas said it has roped in Tokyo Olympic Silver-medalist Mirabai Chanu as the face of its ”Stay in Play” campaign for its latest product innovation designed to keep more menstruating women in sports.
• The new TechFit Period Proof tights, featuring an absorbent layer to help protect against leaks when worn with a tampon or pad, Adidas said in a statement.

13. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Sandeep Bakhshi, MD & CEO, of ICICI Bank with effect from October 15, 2021, till _____?
A) October 3, 2022
B) October 3, 2023
C) October 3, 2024
D) October 3, 2025
E) October 3, 2027
Answer: B) October 3, 2023

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Sandeep Bakhshi, MD & CEO, of ICICI Bank with effect from October 15, 2021, till October 3, 2023.
• According to a notification to the stock exchange, the shareholders at the annual general meeting held on August 9, 2019, had already approved the appointment of Bakhshi for a period effective from October 15, 2018, upto October 3, 2023.
• Bakhshi was appointed the MD & CEO of the bank, with effect from October 15, 2018.
• RBI had approved a three-year stint for Bakhshi back then as opposed to a five-year stint that the bank had sought.
• Bakhshi took over as the CEO of the bank after Chanda Kochhar, who was facing inquiry on allegations of alleged quid pro quo in extending loans to certain entities, resigned as the CEO of the bank.

AWARDS – Daily Current Affairs August 25

14. Dr Deepak Abrol has been conferred with CME Excellence Dronacharya Award. He was related to which state/UT?
A) Karnataka
B) J & K
C) Haryana
D) Arunachal Pradesh
E) Assam
Answer: B) J & K

• Renowned cancer specialist (oncologist) from Jammu Dr Deepak Abrol has been conferred with CME Excellence Dronacharya Award.
• As per communique received here, IHW Council Advisory Board, comprising health experts, thought leaders, and health policy doyens, had selected his name for the prestigious CME Dronacharya Award.
• This honor is for his exemplary contribution towards continuing medical education in the field of Oncology- IHW office said in a statement.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS – Daily Current Affairs August 25

15. Which edition of Indo- Kazakhstan Joint Training Exercise, “KAZIND-21” will be conducted at Training Node, Aisha Bibi, Kazakhstan?
A) 5
B) 6
C) 4
D) 3
E) 2
Answer: A) 5

• As part of military diplomacy and to strengthen the growing strategic relation with Kazakhstan, the 5th edition of Indo- Kazakhstan Joint Training Exercise, “KAZIND-21” will be conducted at Training Node, Aisha Bibi, Kazakhstan, from 30 August to 11 September 2021.
• The exercise is a joint training between both the Armies, which will boost the bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan.
• The Indian Army contingent represented by a battalion of The Bihar Regiment consists of a total of 90 personnel led by a Contingent Commander. The Kazakhstan Army will be represented by a company group.

16. The Union Cabinet approved the signing of a pact between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Institute of Professional Accountants of which country to strengthen cooperation in matters of accountancy profession?
A) Zimbabwe
B) Iran
C) Iraq
D) Russia
E) Philippines
Answer: D) Russia

• The Union Cabinet approved the signing of a pact between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Institute of Professional Accountants of Russia (IPAR) to strengthen cooperation in matters of accountancy profession.
• The pact would help in establishing mutual co-operation in the areas of professional accountancy training, professional ethics, technical research, advancement of accounting knowledge, professional and intellectual development, according to a release.
• The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between ICAI and IPAR, is expected to provide an additional impetus to prospects of the ICAI members to get professional opportunities in Russia in the short to long term future.

CCEA approves Rs 15,000-cr FDI proposal of Anchorage Infrastructure Investment Holding:

• The government cleared a Rs 15,000-crore foreign direct investment (FDI) proposal of Anchorage Infrastructure Investment Holding Ltd, a subsidiary of Canada-based pension fund, for the investment in the infrastructure sector.
• The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the FDI proposal specifically for the purpose of investment in infrastructure and the construction-development sectors.
• These may include transport and logistics, along with downstream investment in the airport sector and aviation-related businesses and services.
• The investment also includes transfer of share of Bangalore International Airport Limited to Anchorage, and investment of Rs 950 crore in Anchorage Infrastructure Investment Holding Ltd by the 2726247 Ontariao Inc, an official statement said.
• The 2726247 Ontariao Inc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of OAC, which is the administrator of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans.

Cabinet increases sugarcane FRP by Rs 5 to Rs 290/qtl for 2021-22:

• The Centre increased the minimum price sugar mills pay to sugarcane growers by Rs 5 to Rs 290 per quintal for the next marketing year starting October 2021.
• The decision to increase the fair and remunerative price (FRP) of sugarcane for the 2021-22 marketing year (October-September) was taken in the Cabinet meeting held here.
• The government had fixed sugarcane FRP at Rs 285 per quintal for the current 2020-21 marketing year.
• This was informed by Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goya

Cabinet approves FDI proposal of Rs 15K cr in Anchorage Infrastructure:

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the FDI proposal for an investment of up to Rs 15,000 crore in Anchorage Infrastructure Investment Holding Ltd, an India investment holding incorporated specifically for the purpose of investment in infrastructure and the construction-development sectors.
• The FDI will also be used for investments to be made in transport and logistics sectors along with downstream investment in the airport sector and aviation related businesses and services.
• The investment also includes transfer of share of Bangalore International airport Limited to Anchorage, and investment of Rs 950 crore in Anchorage Infrastructure Investment Holding Ltd by 2726247 Ontariao Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of OAC which is the administrator of OMERS’, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans.
• The investment will be a major boost to the infrastructure and construction sector and also to the Airport sector.
• The investment will substantiate government of India’s plan to develop world class Airport and transport related infrastructure though private partnership.
• It will also be a boost to the recently announced National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), as it will help fund leasing out of state-owned infrastructure assets which involves handling assets like roads, railways, airports, sports stadiums, power transmission lines and gas pipelines to private operators.
• Anchorage Infrastructure Investment Holding Ltd is proposing to make downstream investment in some of the sector covered under the NMP.
• The investment will also lead to direct employment generation as the sector in which Anchorage Infrastructure Investment Holding Ltd is proposing to make downstream investments is capital and employment intensive sector, a government statement said.
• The investment will also generate indirect employment during construction and ancillary activities, it added.

17. World’s largest and tallest observation wheel to open in which country?
A) Zimbabwe
B) UAE
C) Iraq
D) Russia
E) Philippines
Answer: B) UAE

• The world’s largest and tallest observation wheel will open here in the UAE on October 21, the latest landmark to join Dubai’s long list of record-breaking attractions, according to an official announcement.
• At nearly twice the height of the London Eye, Ain Dubai will take visitors to a height of 250 meters from where they could enjoy a majestic view of Dubai’s picturesque skyline
  located at Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai is the latest landmark to join Dubai’s long list of world record-breaking attractions.

18. India and which country agreed to set up a “permanent bilateral channel” for consultations on the issues arising in Afghanistan from the Taliban takeover of the country?
A) Zimbabwe
B) Iran
C) Iraq
D) Russia
E) Philippines
Answer: D) Russia

• India and Russia agreed to set up a “permanent bilateral channel” for consultations on the issues arising in Afghanistan from the Taliban takeover of the country.
• The decision came following a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a statement from the office of President of Russia said.
• National Security Advisors from the five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) met virtually to discuss developments in Afghanistan.
• On the agenda was cooperation among law enforcement agencies, health safety and healthcare and counter-terrorism.

19. Which country successfully test launches indigenously developed rocket system?
A) Zimbabwe
B) Pakistan
C) Iraq
D) Russia
E) Philippines
Answer: B) Pakistan

• Pakistan successfully test launched a indigenously developed guided multi-launch rocket system, Fatah-1, capable of precisely delivering conventional warheads deep into ”enemy territory.”
• ”The weapon system will give Pakistan Army the capability of precision target engagement deep in enemy territory,” the Army said in a statement.
• The Army said the rocket is capable of delivering conventional warheads.
• President of Pakistan Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa congratulated the troops and scientists on the successful conduct of flight test.
• This was the second flight of Fatah-1, after its first launch in January.
• At the time, Director General of Pakistan Army, Media Wing, Major General Babar Iftikhar, said Fatah-1 weapon system can hit targets up to a range of 140 km.

20. India contributes USD 1Million to which country to help tackle climate shocks?
A) Zimbabwe
B) Pakistan
C) Iraq
D) Russia
E) Philippines
Answer: A) Zimbabwe

• The Government of India has contributed almost USD one million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Zimbabwe to help affected populations tackle climate shocks.
• The contribution, provided through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, will be used to assist more than 5200 smallholder farmers in Chiredzi and Mangwe districts. Working alongside partners, WFP Zimbabwe will provide expertise through its Smallholder Agricultural Market Support (SAMS) programme, to strengthen the resilience and capacity of selected smallholder farmers.
• The project will promote the cultivation of drought-tolerant small grains and legumes – reducing the negative effects of recurring droughts in Zimbabwe.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS – Daily Current Affairs August 25

21. Who inaugurates India-ASEAN Engineering Partnership Summit?
A) Ram Nath Kovind
B) Narendra Modi
C) Rajeev Chandrasekhar
D) Anupriya Patel
E) Subhas Sarkar
Answer: D) Anupriya Patel

• Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Ms Anupriya Patel inaugurated the “India-ASEAN Engineering Partnership Summit” organised by the Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC) with the support from the Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Commerce.
• The focus of the summit is on collaborations in the engineering sector.
• The summit offers an important platform for engagement of Indian industry on India-ASEAN partnership in engineering trade and investments.
• This forum will also be instrumental in achieving the landmark export target set by the government both in terms of engineering as well as merchandise exports.
• The Government has recently approved the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme worth US$ 26 billion covering 13 sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, solar modules, speciality steel, automobiles, and medical devices for attracting investment and enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities.
• Supported by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of External Affairs, the four-day India-ASEAN Engineering Partnership Summit is expected to see the participation of over 300 delegates from the Indian industry.
• A sizable number of delegates from ASEAN countries will also join the summit.
• The summit will also cover B2B meetings, interactions etc.
• The thematic sessions will cover a range of topics including country sessions, and emerging areas of cooperation like Industry 4.0, integration of MSME in the regional value chain.
• The Government of Tamil Nadu joined the event as “Partner State” while the Government of Haryana was the “Focus State”.
• This year is special for both partners as it marks the 25thanniversary of the India-ASEAN dialogue partnership and 10 years of the Strategic Partnership.
• An E-Book on India-ASEAN trade and investment emphasizing the engineering and MSME sector was also launched during the inaugural session.
• The book covers several important aspects of enhancing bilateral trade and investment and also provides exhaustive information on India and ten ASEAN nations.

22. _________ govt signs pact with microfinance firms to waive loans of women borrowers?
A) Karnataka
B) Odisha
C) Haryana
D) Arunachal Pradesh
E) Assam
Answer: E) Assam

• Inching towards fulfilling a poll promise, the Assam government signed an agreement with microfinance companies for a Rs 12,000-crore loan waiver scheme, which will benefit several lakhs of women borrowers.
• The Finance Department of the Assam government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to implement the Assam Micro Finance Incentive and Relief Scheme (AMFIRS), 2021, an official release said.
• The prominent MFIs and banks that signed the MoU include Microfinance Institutions Network, North East Small Finance Bank, Association of Small Finance Bank of India, Nightingale Finvest, Grameen Development and Finance, North East Micro Finance Association, Bandhan Bank, Arohan Financial Services, HDFC Bank, Fusion Microfinance, L&T Financial Services and Asirvad Microfinance.

23. Who hosts 11th Meeting of BRICS High Representatives Responsible for National Security?
A) Ram Nath Kovind
B) Narendra Modi
C) Ajit Doval
D) Anupriya Patel
E) Subhas Sarkar
Answer: C) Ajit Doval

• National Security Adviser Ajit Doval hosted the 11th Meeting of the BRICS High Representatives Responsible for National Security through video conferencing.
• India holds the Chairship of BRICS this year which coincides with the 15th anniversary of the BRICS grouping.
• The meeting of the High Representatives took place before the Summit Meeting of Leaders of the BRICS Nations that India will host this year, under the Chairship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The meetings of the High Representatives Responsible for National Security have emerged as an important platform for exchange of views on political and security issues among BRICS countries.

24. India University of Technology has signed a memorandum of understanding with which organisation set up by an Act of Parliament for leveraging each other’s expertise and domain knowledge in launching several programmes and initiatives on financial markets?
A) CII
B) CCI
C) ICAI
D) BEL
E) NITI Aayog
ANSWER: C) ICAI

• The MoU was signed by CA Nihar N Jambusaria, President, ICAI and Dr. Anshu Surana, President, University of Technology.
• The agreement was signed off by both partners on 20th August 2021 in the presence of senior representatives, including Mr. Chandrakant Dugar, Advisor, University of Technology, Mr. Kamal Kishor Jangid, Mr. Bijoy Prasad, Senior Academician.
• Under this MoU, University of Technology will accord its necessary recognition to Chartered Accountants Qualification as equivalent to Post Graduate Degree for the purpose of admission to Ph.D. in Management/ Commerce and allied Programs at University of Technology subject to their equivalency by Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi and statutory bodies, as enforced from time to time.

25. Reckitt inks pact with the Govt. of which state to launch ‘The Birds and the Bees’ programme for adolescents?
A) Karnataka
B) Odisha
C) Nagaland
D) Arunachal Pradesh
E) Assam
Answer: C) Nagaland

• Reckitt, the global leader in consumer-healthcare launched ‘The Birds and Bees Talk’ programme in Nagaland for children between the ages of 10-19.
• The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Shanavas C. (IAS), Principal Director, School Education Department, Government of Nagaland and Ravi, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships, South Asia, Reckitt.
• The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT) programme is a comprehensive growing up, life skills education curriculum that helps make children informed and empower them with critical information that promotes them to grow into responsible healthy adults.

26. Govt launches SAMRIDH Scheme to help startups in the early stage. What is expansion of S in SAMRIDH?
A) Study
B) Score
C) Scheme
D) Start
E) Startup
Answer: E) Startup

• Just over a week after newly-appointed Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government will support startups and entrepreneurs in their initial phase, where they face most challenges, he launched Startup Accelerators of MeitY for pRoduct Innovation, Development and growth (SAMRIDH) programme
• SAMRIDH will create a conducive platform for Indian software product startups to enhance their products and secure investments for scaling their business.
• The programme is being implemented by MeitY Start-up Hub (MSH).
• The SAMRIDH programme will focus on accelerating 300 start-ups by providing customer connect, investor connect, and international expansion opportunities in the next three years.
• Also, an investment of up to Rs 40 lakh to startups, based on their current valuation and growth stage will be provided through selected accelerators.
• It will also facilitate equal matching investment by the accelerator or investor.
• The programme aims to further the Indian startup growth which has seen the emergence of 63 unicorns n(Startups with over $1 billion valuation), making India the third largest unicorn hub globally with a total valuation of $168 billion.

27. Who began SUJALAM, a 100 days campaign to create more and more ODF Plus villages by undertaking waste water management at village level?
A) Ram Nath Kovind
B) Narendra Modi
C) Ajit Doval
D) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
E) Subhas Sarkar
Answer: D) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

• Jal Shakti Ministry began SUJALAM, a 100 days campaign as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations to create more and more ODF Plus villages by undertaking waste water management at village level.
• During this campaign ten lakh Soak-pits will be created.
• The Ministry said, the effort of campaign would be directed towards achieving the ODF plus status for villages across the country in an accelerated manner in a short time.
• The Campaign will continue to run for the next 100 days.

28. Who attends UNESCAP Regional Conversation Series 2021: Ministerial Panel on Disaster, Climate and Health Resilience?
A) Ram Nath Kovind
B) Nityanand Rai
C) Ajit Doval
D) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
E) Subhas Sarkar
ANSWER: B) Nityanand Rai

• Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai attended the UNESCAP Regional Conversation Series 2021: Ministerial Panel on Disaster, Climate and Health Resilience, through video conferencing.
• The conference was also attended by ministers from Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, Papua New Guinea and Thailand.

29. Which state has started implementing the ‘Nandurbar pattern’, a campaign to identify malnourished children and treat them, across the state?
A) Karnataka
B) Odisha
C) Maharashtra
D) Arunachal Pradesh
E) Assam
Answer: C) Maharashtra

• The Maharashtra government’s Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) has started implementing the ‘Nandurbar pattern’, a campaign to identify malnourished children and treat them, across the state.
• A ‘search operation’ is being conducted till August 31 to identify the children in the category of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
• According to data, there are 86,768 severe acute malnourished children and 4,97,007 moderate acute malnourished children in the state.
• The children identified via the search operation will be given proper treatment.
• After a thorough study of several problems and complications in the malnutrition eradication programme, a meeting was recently held under the chairmanship of state WCD Minister Yashomati Thakur.

30. Who unveiled the fourth edition of the Public Sector Bank (PSB) Reforms Agenda ‘EASE 4.0’ for 2021-22 – tech-enabled, simplified, and collaborative banking?
A) Ram Nath Kovind
B) Nityanand Rai
C) Ajit Doval
D) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
E) Nirmala Sitharaman
Answer: E) Nirmala Sitharaman

• Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman today unveiled the fourth edition of the Public Sector Bank (PSB) Reforms Agenda ‘EASE 4.0’ for 2021-22 – tech-enabled, simplified, and collaborative banking.
• She unveiled the annual report for the PSB Reforms Agenda EASE 3.0 for 2020-21 and participated in the awards ceremony to felicitate best performing banks on EASE 3.0 Banking Reforms Index.
• Shri Pankaj Jain, Additional Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Shri Amit Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Financial Services & Chairman IBA, Shri Rajkiran Rai G., were also present at the event.

SBI, BoB Union Bank of India win top honous:

• State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India have won the awards for best performing banks for PSB Reforms EASE 3.0 based on the EASE index.
• Indian Bank won the award for the best improvement from the baseline performance. SBI, BoB, Union Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Canara Bank won the top awards in different themes of the PSB Reforms Agenda EASE 3.0.

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