Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

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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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Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary has launched a ₹530 crore ‘Skills Outcomes Fund’ campaign, anchored by the National Skill Development Corporation under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The fund aims to mobilise public and private capital to scale outcomes-based financing (OBF), linking investments directly to verified employment outcomes such as job placement, retention, and career progression. It promotes a blended finance model combining government funding with private sector investments and focuses on demand-driven, employer-led skilling.

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Reserve Bank of India proposed removing due diligence for onboarding Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platforms to enhance ease of doing business. Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) is an electronic platform enabling financing/discounting of MSME trade receivables via multiple financiers. The platforms are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Its objective is to ensure quicker payments and improved working capital for MSMEs.

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Saraswat Co-operative Bank Limited has become India’s largest Urban Co-operative Bank (UCB) after crossing ₹1 lakh crore total business in FY 2025–26. This milestone highlights the bank’s strong growth trajectory and leadership in the co-operative banking sector. The achievement is driven by an expanding customer base, improved services, and enhanced financial performance. It reflects the increasing importance of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) in India’s banking ecosystem. The development underscores growing trust and efficiency in cooperative banking institutions.

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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.

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Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) has received environmental clearance from the Government of Argentina for deep exploration of five brine-based lithium blocks. This marks a significant step in securing critical minerals, especially lithium, which is essential for batteries and clean energy technologies. Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) is a joint venture of three Central Public Sector Enterprises—National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL)—with a shareholding ratio of 40:30:30.

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Reserve Bank of India under its strategy ‘Utkarsh 2029’ (2026–2029 framework for financial sector reforms) plans to advance Project Sa-Mudra (currency management modernisation initiative). It aims to expand CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency: digital form of sovereign currency) for efficient cross-border payments. The framework rests on six pillars: robust regulations, inclusive finance, competitive markets, effective technology, future-ready organisation, and Global India. RBI will scale up ULI (Unified Lending Interface: digital platform for seamless credit access) to improve credit delivery to underserved sectors.

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Life Insurance Corporation of India launched MyLIC App (for customers) and Super Sales Saathi App (for intermediaries) to enhance digital insurance services. LIC manages over 260 million policies, highlighting its vast insurance footprint in India. MyLIC App offers a 360° digital platform with services like premium payment, policy tracking, e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer), claims support, and paperless loans. It enables users to revive lapsed policies and purchase insurance online seamlessly. Super Sales Saathi App provides digital tools for agents, including performance dashboards, AI-based insights, and real-time tracking.

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India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation stood at 1.64% in March 2026, as per provisional government data. The data was released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. On a month-on-month basis, WPI declined by 0.06%, indicating easing price pressures. Primary articles index stood at 197.3, showing mixed trends with a monthly decline but positive year-on-year growth. WPI reflects producer-level price changes, indicating supply-side inflation in the economy. The index is compiled using data from institutional sources and manufacturing units across India. WPI data is released monthly (around 14th), with April 2026 data scheduled for May 14, 2026.

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The Financial Intelligence Unit India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority to strengthen coordination against financial crimes. The MoU aims to enhance information sharing, training, and outreach for entities regulated by PFRDA. It focuses on improving Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) capabilities. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), established in 2004 under the Ministry of Finance. FIU-IND acts as the national agency for analysing suspicious financial transactions, while PFRDA regulates India’s pension sector