Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

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The RBI released its quarterly House Price Index (HPI) for the December 2024-25 quarter on February 27, 2025. The all-India HPI grew by 3.1% in Q3 2024-25, lower than 4.3% in the previous quarter and 3.8% a year ago. Data is based on transactions from 10 major cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Mumbai. Kolkata saw the highest annual HPI growth (8.1%), while Kanpur had the lowest (0.1%). On a quarterly basis, HPI rose by 0.4%, with most major cities recording a price increase.

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Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched a centralized database portal for corporate bonds called Bond Central. It serves as a single, authentic source of information on corporate bonds in India. It is developed by the Online Bond Platform Providers Association (OBPP Association) with collaboration from Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) like stock exchanges and depositories. The portal is free to access and acts as an information repository for the public. It aims to enhance transparency and help investors make informed decisions.

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India has secured a 9,000-sq-km exploration block in Zambia to explore copper and cobalt. Zambia is the 7th largest copper producer in the world. Global copper ore supply is shrinking, intensifying competition. China controls 50% of global copper smelting and refining capacity. Copper demand is rising due to EV batteries, renewable energy, and clean technologies. Chile, Peru, China, Congo, and the U.S. are the top copper producers. India, China, and the U.S. are securing copper supply chains, increasing geopolitical competition in the next decade.

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Lohum Company launched India’s first lithium-grade refinery in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The refinery will produce 1,000 metric tonnes of battery-grade lithium annually, with plans to expand to 20,000 tonnes by 2029. Black mass from e-waste will be recycled to extract lithium. The company refines 90% of India’s lithium and is expanding its Cathode Active Material (CAM) production. The refinery’s technical efficiency competes with China and is more economical than US/European facilities. This expansion reduces India’s dependence on China for lithium supply, especially with growing EV demand.

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India’s first Exploration Licence (EL) auction and AI-powered exploration hackathon were launched in Goa to boost mineral discovery. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Goa CM Pramod Sawant presided over the event, which also included a roadshow for the fifth tranche of critical mineral block auctions. The AI Hackathon 2025 focused on using AI for mineral targeting and sustainable mining innovation. 13 exploration license blocks were auctioned for minerals like Rare Earth Elements, zinc, diamonds, copper, and Platinum Group Elements. The initiative aims to accelerate mineral exploration, attract private investments, and strengthen India’s mineral self-reliance.

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Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) agents are protesting against new insurance rules affecting their work. LIC, the largest public sector life insurance company in India, is headquartered in Mumbai. It plays a key role in India’s financial market and is also the biggest institutional investor. It was established in 1956 through the Life Insurance of India Act. LIC nationalized the insurance sector by merging 245 private insurers. Its motto, “Yogakshemam Vahamyaham,” means “Your welfare is our responsibility.” LIC operates through 8 zonal offices in Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Patna.

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The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) issued regulations for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under the National Pension System (NPS), 2025. PFRDA is a statutory regulatory body established under the PFRDA Act, 2014. Its objective is to promote old-age income security by regulating pension funds and protecting subscriber interests. PFRDA operates under the Ministry of Finance. It is headquartered in New Delhi with regional offices across India.

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As per the Indian Tea Board, India became the world’s second-largest tea exporter in 2024, surpassing Sri Lanka. It exported a record 255 million kg of tea, a 10% increase from 231.69 million kg in 2023. Kenya remains the top tea exporter globally. India exports tea to over 25 countries, with major markets including the UAE, Iraq, Iran, Russia, the USA, and the UK. Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas are among the finest in the world. Black tea dominates exports at 96%. The Tea Board of India is promoting production, branding, and welfare of tea-growing families.

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The Lanka India Business Association (LIBA) was officially launched in Sri Lanka to boost economic collaboration with India. It aims to strengthen trade, investment, and business networking between both nations. India is expected to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2075, making this initiative crucial. LIBA will promote partnerships across industries like technology, trade, finance, and education. It seeks to encourage bilateral trade, connect entrepreneurs, and support startups and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). LIBA aims to leverage Sri Lanka’s strategic location as a trade hub and provide facilitation services for investors.

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) funds the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) Program. It aims to improve India’s logistics infrastructure, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. It supports the National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Focus areas include multimodal logistics, warehousing standardization, and digitalization in trade logistics. It enhances supply chain resilience, especially for India’s manufacturing sector. The program promotes gender inclusion through gender audits at land ports. SMILE aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat by improving domestic manufacturing and global trade integration.