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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As per recent report by Indian government, India surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 4.18 trillion. India is expected to overtake Germany to become the third-largest economy by 2030 with projected GDP of USD 7.3 trillion. India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy despite global trade uncertainties. Real GDP grew 8.2% in Quarter 2 of 2025–26, rising steadily from previous quarters. Growth is driven mainly by strong private consumption and domestic demand. The United States (US) ranks first and China second in global economy size.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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India’s eight core infrastructure industries grew 3.7% in December 2025, driven by higher production of cement, steel, coal, electricity, and fertilisers. The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) rose to 175.7 points from 169.4 points in December 2024. Core industries include coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, and electricity, accounting for 40.27% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

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The World Economic Forum (WEF) is establishing five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including one in Andhra Pradesh, India. India already has two such centres: in Mumbai and Telangana. The Fourth Industrial Revolution Network, launched in 2017, connects national and thematic centres worldwide to advance responsible development of emerging technologies. Other new centres will be in France, the U.K., and the UAE.

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The Finance Minister announced SHE-Mart to support women entrepreneurs through a new market platform. SHE stands for Self-help Entrepreneur, and these marts will be community-owned retail outlets. They will be set up within cluster-level federations using innovative and enhanced financing tools. The aim is to give women better market access, branding support, and stable income. It will strengthen grassroots institutions like Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The initiative builds on the success of the Lakhpati Didi programme.

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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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Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the establishment of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (Startup India FoF 2.0). The Fund has been launched under the Startup India initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. It aims to accelerate the next phase of India’s startup ecosystem by mobilising long-term domestic capital, strengthening the venture capital framework, and supporting innovation-led enterprises. The scheme adopts a targeted and segmented funding approach to support deep-tech and technology-driven innovative manufacturing sectors that require patient and long-term capital investment.