Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Recently, Andhra Pradesh emerged as India’s top investment destination, capturing 25.3% of all proposed investments in the first nine months of FY26. It leads other states like Odisha (13.1%) and Maharashtra (12.8%), showing a shift of industrial momentum to eastern and southern corridors. Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra together account for 51.2% of India’s total proposed capital investment. Nationwide, investment announcements reached Rs 26.6 lakh crore, up 11.5% year-on-year. Andhra Pradesh’s performance is credited to investor-friendly policies, fast-track approvals, infrastructure development, and sector-focused strategies.

Notes:
A Sakthivel has been appointed as the Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), marking his fifth term leading the organisation. Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) was established in 1978. It was set up under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. AEPC is the official body representing apparel exporters in India. It functions under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Its main role is to promote and support exports of Indian garments and textiles globally.

Notes:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched an initiative to support agri-food and agri-tech startups. APEDA is a statutory body under the Government of India, established by the APEDA Act in December 1985. It replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC) and works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The objective is to develop and promote the export of scheduled products like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy, confectionery, biscuits, bakery products, honey, and jaggery.

Notes:
The Special Secretary of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) inaugurated the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway–Land Port Management System (ICEGATE–LPMS) at the Integrated Check Post (ICP), Agartala, Tripura. Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) was established in 2007 as the national portal of Indian Customs under Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). It provides electronic filing (e-filing) services to traders, cargo carriers, and other trading partners. It acts as a centralized platform for electronic interaction between Indian Customs and the trading community.

Notes:
Karnataka Bank won the Best Fintech & DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) Adoption award at the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) Banking Technology Awards. It was adjudged runner-up in Best Tech Talent category. The bank also received Special Mention for Best Technology Bank, Best Digital Financial Inclusion, and Best Digital Sales. The recognition highlights the bank’s focus on digital innovation, technology talent, and customer-centric banking solutions. Karnataka Bank reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital capabilities to meet evolving customer needs.

Notes:
According to SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), India ranks first globally in the number of IPOs and is among the top three countries by value of IPOs. In the first nine months of the current financial year, 311 IPOs raised ₹1.7 trillion, while total equity mobilisation exceeded ₹3.8 trillion. Market capitalisation-to-GDP ratio increased from 69% in FY16 to over 130%, reflecting deeper investor participation. The number of investors grew from 43 million in FY20 to 137 million, with unique mutual fund investors exceeding 59 million.

Notes:
The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) demanded lower income tax for non-corporate manufacturing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and faster Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds in the Union Budget. EEPC India is the premier trade and investment promotion body for India’s engineering sector. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and advises the Government of India. It acts as an interface between the engineering industry and the government.

Notes:
Data under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) shows outward remittances by Indians fell to a two-year low of 1.94 billion US dollars in November 2025 due to reduced spending on foreign studies. Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) operates under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999 to regulate outward remittances. It allows resident individuals, including minors, to remit up to 250,000 US dollars per financial year without prior approval. The scheme was introduced in 2004 and applies only to individuals, not companies or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs).

Notes:
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) launched the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme (NSPS) as a pilot project. It is introduced as a Proof of Concept under the Regulatory Sandbox Framework of PFRDA. The scheme links health-related financial support with the existing National Pension System (NPS). It aims to support out-patient and in-patient medical expenses along with pension savings. It will operate as a sector-specific contributory pension scheme under the Multiple Scheme Framework of NPS. The scheme is voluntary and open to Indian citizens for a limited period.

Notes:
Union Budget 2026–27 announced the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to strengthen traditional rural industries. It focuses on khadi, handloom, and handicrafts sectors across India. The initiative aims to improve global market access, branding, and strong market linkages. It seeks to make traditional industries more competitive and economically sustainable. The programme ensures stable livelihoods for artisans and weavers. It targets weavers, village industries, rural youth, and beneficiaries of One District One Product (ODOP).