Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

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Kotak Mahindra Bank became the first custodian in India to issue a Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) licence using only electronic signatures. It also completed the entire FPI account-opening process digitally, without any physical documents. The bank has already issued two FPI licences fully based on digitally signed papers. This marks a major step towards fully digital onboarding for overseas investors in India. The move follows the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) operationalising a unified digital workflow in January 2026. The initiative improves ease of doing business, speeds up compliance, and enhances transparency for foreign investors.

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Reserve Bank of India issued draft revised guidelines for the Lead Bank Scheme for public comments. Lead Bank Scheme was introduced in December 1969 on the recommendation of the Nariman Committee. The objective of scheme is to coordinate banks and development agencies to increase bank finance to priority and other sectors. It also promotes the role of banks in overall rural development. Under the scheme, one bank is assigned as the Lead Bank for each district. The Lead Bank coordinates credit institutions and Government efforts at district level.

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The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India, held the fifth National MSME Council meeting in New Delhi to review the World Bank–supported RAMP Programme. The RAMP Programme, Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance, was launched in 2022. It is implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises over 2022–23 to 2026–27 with assistance from the World Bank. It aims to improve access to market and credit for MSMEs. It strengthens institutions and governance at the central and state levels.

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Nagaland recorded the highest Goods and Services Tax growth in India at 37 percent, above the national average of 6.8 percent till December 2025. The achievement was announced by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla during the Budget Session of the Nagaland Assembly. Goods and Services Tax collections reached ₹987.38 crore by 31 January 2026. This exceeded the 2025–26 target of ₹949 crore. The figures show strong revenue performance and robust financial growth in the State.

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L&T Finance Ltd has launched a specialised programme called “Spoorthi” for women entrepreneurs to provide targeted financial support. The programme offers extended loan tenors up to 25 years for house property loans or Loan Against Property (LAP) for business expansion and working capital. Industrial LAP tenors of up to 12 years are also available, with enhanced eligibility norms, including higher debt-to-income ratios for greater financial flexibility. L&T Finance aims to leverage women borrowers’ strong repayment discipline to scale businesses and secure personal assets, promoting an inclusive financial ecosystem.

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National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Limited became the first mining company in India to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in a single financial year (2025–26). NMDC Limited is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Steel. It is the largest producer of iron ore in India and a key organisation for mineral resource development. Its aim is to explore, develop, and sustainably use mineral resources in India. It also ensures stable domestic supply of iron ore for the steel industry. NMDC supports India’s goal to expand steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030.

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Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2025 results released for January–December 2025 period. It is conducted by National Statistical Office (NSO) under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The purpose is to provide inputs for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimation and National Accounts. It covers unincorporated non-agricultural sector, including manufacturing, trade, and services. Tracks key indicators like employment, Gross Value Added (GVA), wages, and digital usage. It helps in understanding the informal economy and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.

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Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has directed hotels and restaurants not to charge extra costs like LPG or fuel charges. It was established under Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which replaced the 1986 Act and came into force in 2020. It works under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. CCPA protects and enforces consumer rights at a collective level. It prevents unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements.

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The Reserve Bank of India has launched a pilot Benchmark Issuance Strategy (BIS) to streamline state government borrowings starting from FY 2026–27. The strategy will be implemented across nine states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Under this strategy, states will issue State Development Loans in predefined benchmark tenor buckets based on a pre-announced borrowing calendar. The BIS aims to bring greater structure, predictability, and standardisation to state borrowings in the debt market.

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Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone announced that Mundra Port has become India’s largest automobile export hub, exporting a record 6,008 cars in a single vessel. Mundra Port exports vehicles to more than 100 countries through its Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) terminal, enabling efficient large-scale shipments. India’s automobile exports are rising steadily, with key markets in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe. The port plays a crucial role in strengthening logistics infrastructure and export competitiveness of Indian automakers.