Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

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The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) India–NCB Carbon Uptake Report was released on the 63rd Foundation Day of the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB). NCB was established in 1962 as India’s apex research and development organisation for the cement and building materials sector. Its main objective is to promote scientific research and innovation related to cement manufacturing and building materials. NCB functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024-25. The report highlighted the banking sector’s continued resilience, supported by strong balance sheet growth, improved asset quality, and robust profitability. Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) saw double-digit growth in both deposits and credit in FY25, though at a slower pace than FY24. Asset quality improved, with gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio falling to 2.2% by March 2025 and 2.1% by September 2025. Strong stress resolution and better credit underwriting contributed to low GNPA levels. Bank profitability remained robust, with return on assets (RoA) at 1.4% and return on equity (RoE) at 13.5% in FY25

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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).

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India has taken over as Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for the year 2026. The Kimberley Process is a global partnership of governments, civil society, and the diamond industry to stop the trade in conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process has 60 participants representing 86 countries and covers over 99% of global rough diamond trade. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) ensures each rough diamond shipment carries a conflict-free certificate in tamper-proof containers.

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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.