51. Which country has launched its first polymer one-rial banknote that will circulate from January 11, 2026?
[A] UAE
[B] Oman
[C] Qatar
[D] Kuwait
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Oman]
Notes:
Oman introduced its first polymer one-rial banknote, to start circulation on 11 January 2026. It is issued by the Central Bank of Oman, replacing traditional cotton-based notes with durable polymer for longer life and better security. The note size is 145 × 76 mm and showcases Oman’s cultural and economic identity. Front side features the Oman Botanic Garden, symbolising commitment to natural heritage. Rear side shows Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex, Duqm Port and Refinery, highlighting cultural and economic progress. The polymer notes will circulate alongside existing one-rial notes and remain legal tender.
52. National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) functions under the administrative control of which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Heavy Industries
[B] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of Mines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
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.
53. Which institution released the Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024-25?
[A] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
[B] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[C] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]
Notes:
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
54. As per recent report, India recently surpassed which country to become the world’s fourth-largest economy?
[A] Japan
[B] Germany
[C] Russia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Japan]
Notes:
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.
55. The Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention is part of which flagship initiative?
[A] Make in India
[B] Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
[C] Skill India Mission
[D] Export Promotion Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Export Promotion Mission]
Notes:
Government of India launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM). Market Access Support (MAS) is implemented under the NIRYAT DISHA sub-scheme of EPM, approved by the Union Cabinet on 12 November 2025. It aims to strengthen international market access for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs, first-time exporters, and priority sector firms. Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is jointly run by Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Finance, Indian Missions abroad, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Commodity Boards, and industry associations.
56. Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) is India’s first non-banking financial company (NBFC) focused on which sector?
[A] Renewable energy sector
[B] Agriculture sector
[C] Maritime sector
[D] Railway sector
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maritime sector]
Notes:
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India’s first maritime-focused non-banking financial company (NBFC), has started lending operations. It has sanctioned loans worth around ₹4,300 crore as approved at its 51st board meeting on 30 December 2025. SMFCL’s board-approved strategy targets a total lending of ₹8,000 crore in FY26, with a borrowing limit of ₹25,000 crore. SMFCL was inaugurated on 26 June 2025 by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal o provide sector-specific financial solutions to ports, MSMEs, startups, and maritime institutions.
57. Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) is the national electronic portal of which organisation?
[A] Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
[B] Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
[C] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)]
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.
58. According to SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), what is the rank of India in the number of IPOs globally?
[A] First
[B] Second
[C] Third
[D] Fourth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [First]
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.
59. The Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) operates under which Indian law?
[A] Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
[B] Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973
[C] Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
[D] Companies Act, 2013
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999]
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).
60. The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the establishment of its third Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in which Indian state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
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.