Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

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SEBI plans to launch a “when-listed” platform for trading shares of companies after their initial public offering (IPO) but before listing on stock exchanges. This aims to reduce grey market activity, which is unregulated and influences IPO listings. Currently, shares are listed T+3 days after an IPO, with allotment on T+1. Between allotment and listing, trading occurs in the grey market, an unofficial, unregulated market where shares are traded based on supply and demand. Investors often check the grey market premium before deciding to invest in an IPO.

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Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida has launched BIMCOIN, a blockchain-powered digital currency for campus transactions. It is the first business school in India to introduce such technology, following IIT Madras. BIMCOIN aims to provide students with real-world fintech experience and promote blockchain learning. It operates on a permissioned blockchain, ensuring secure, transparent, and decentralized transactions. Unlike traditional banking, BIMCOIN minimizes fraud and errors by securely recording transactions on the blockchain. This initiative sets a new trend for integrating digital currency in academic institutions.

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Tata Steel has become the first Indian company to develop hydrogen-compliant pipes for transporting hydrogen. This is a major step in supporting India’s clean energy transition and aligns with the National Hydrogen Mission. These pipes meet all critical requirements for safe hydrogen transportation. This innovation strengthens Tata Steel’s role in sustainable energy and infrastructure development. It supports the global push for clean energy solutions and reinforces India’s commitment to hydrogen as a future energy source.

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India’s largest solar cell and module manufacturing unit was inaugurated at Gangaikondan SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre, Tamil Nadu. The facility is set up by TATA Power’s TP Solar Limited with an investment of ₹3,800 crore. It will produce 30-GW photovoltaic cells and modules annually for solar power generation. Equipped with advanced robotic automation, it features TOPCon and Mono Perc technology for high efficiency. The plant will also manufacture raw materials for solar modules. Vikram Solar is setting up an additional 3-GW solar cell and 6-GW module facility at the same site.

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SEBI has introduced the digital platform MITRA (Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant). MITRA helps investors track and reclaim inactive or unclaimed mutual fund folios. It addresses issues like lost investments due to outdated contact details or unawareness. Investors can identify overlooked investments and update KYC details. It is developed by Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs), it provides a searchable database at the industry level. SEBI has revised the Unit Holder Protection Committee (UHPC) mandate to review inactive folios, unclaimed dividends, and redemptions.

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Axis Bank became the first Indian bank to implement compliance for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) 2023 in partnership with Privy by IDfy. The DPDP Act 2023 sets new standards for data protection and accountability. It requires privacy notices in 22 languages, maintaining consent records, obtaining parental consent for minors, and reporting privacy breaches. The initiative reflects Axis Bank’s commitment to customer privacy, ethics, and transparency.

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The urban unemployment rate in Q3 FY25 (October-December 2024) remained unchanged at 6.4%, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). PLFS was launched in 2017 to provide frequent labour force data for better policy-making. The survey helps in assessing employment and unemployment trends in both urban and rural areas. The unchanged unemployment rate indicates stability in urban job opportunities during the quarter.

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The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set up a high-powered Dinesh Khara Committee, led by former SBI chairman Dinesh Khara, to review and update the Insurance Act, 1938. The committee will assess the feasibility of 100% FDI in the insurance sector and propose the introduction of composite insurance companies offering life, non-life, and health insurance under one entity. It also aims to enhance policyholder protections and ensure revenue retention within India. The committee’s recommendations will be submitted to the Union Finance Ministry for legislative amendments to align the sector with modern needs.

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India became the second country after China to launch an Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu launched the EPL on 20 February 2025 at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi. The EPL is part of the Digital India initiative and aims to improve Ease of Doing Business. It replaces the existing smart card with a digital license accessible through the eGCA Mobile App.

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RBI launched RBIDATA, a mobile app for seamless access to macroeconomic and financial data on the Indian economy. The app serves researchers, students, policymakers, and the public with over 11,000 economic data series. It connects to RBI’s Database on the Indian Economy (DBIE) for structured and interactive data exploration. A banking facility locator helps users find bank branches within a 20 km radius. The app also provides financial data from SAARC nations for regional economic comparisons.