Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

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The Economic Survey projects 6.3-6.8% growth for 2025-26, driven by a strong external account, fiscal consolidation, and stable private consumption. It stresses that domestic growth drivers will be more crucial than external factors in the future. The Survey calls for deregulation and reforms to focus on economic freedom for individuals and organizations. India’s growth is estimated at 6.4% in 2024-25, the slowest in four years. The retreat of globalization means India must leverage its demographic dividend and strong domestic balance sheets for future growth.

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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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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 It addresses issues like lost investments due to outdated contact details or unawareness.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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Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports, completed India’s first-ever commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia by sea. APEDA was established in 1985 under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act. It replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC) and functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. APEDA promotes and develops the export of scheduled products, requiring exporters to register. It provides financial assistance, information, and guidelines to support scheduled product exports.

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The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has inaugurated a new incubation facility in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The facility was launched by Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics and IT. The aim is to boost IT exports, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen the IT/ITeS industry in West Bengal. STPI focuses on nurturing startups and providing infrastructure and support for innovation. India is working on developing its own AI models and GPUs to empower researchers, students, and startups across the country.

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Paytm launched ‘Paytm Solar Soundbox’, India’s first solar-powered payment soundbox for merchants. The device charges quickly with minimal sunlight and provides full-day power for uninterrupted payments. It is a Made in India product and an eco-friendly solution using low-cost alternative energy. It is designed for rural and remote areas with electricity shortages, ensuring digital inclusion. The initiative supports small shop owners, promotes financial inclusion, and encourages sustainable practices across India.

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The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched the One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP). ONOP aims to standardize port operations across India’s major ports. The initiative removes inconsistencies in documentation, reduces inefficiencies, lowers costs, and minimizes delays. The Ministry reduced container operation documents by 33%, from 143 to 96. Bulk cargo documents were cut by 29%, from 150 to 106.

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The RBI released its quarterly House Price Index (HPI) for the December 2024-25 quarter on February 27, 2025. The all-India HPI grew by 3.1% in Q3 2024-25, lower than 4.3% in the previous quarter and 3.8% a year ago. Data is based on transactions from 10 major cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Mumbai. Kolkata saw the highest annual HPI growth (8.1%), while Kanpur had the lowest (0.1%). On a quarterly basis, HPI rose by 0.4%, with most major cities recording a price increase.

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Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched a centralized database portal for corporate bonds called Bond Central. It serves as a single, authentic source of information on corporate bonds in India. It is developed by the Online Bond Platform Providers Association (OBPP Association) with collaboration from Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) like stock exchanges and depositories. The portal is free to access and acts as an information repository for the public. It aims to enhance transparency and help investors make informed decisions.

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The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is celebrating its 175th year of geoscientific legacy. It was established in 1851 by Sir Thomas Oldham to locate coal deposits for the Railways. GSI provides geological expertise for policy-making, commercial, and socio-economic needs. It documents geological processes across India’s land and offshore areas. The organization conducts geological, geophysical, and geochemical surveys with advanced techniques. Its primary functions include updating geoscientific data and assessing mineral resources. GSI operates under the Ministry of Mines as an attached office.