Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

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Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched SWAGAT-FI on September 16, 2025. SWAGAT-FI stands for Simplified Wrapper Framework for Facilitating Access to GIFT-IFSC for Foreign Investors. The framework targets low-risk foreign investors like sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and long-term institutional investors. Eligible investors can now register for 10 years, up from the earlier 3-year cycle, reducing administrative hurdles. A digital portal allows onboarding in about a week, using a single demat account to manage all investments. It integrates with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC) for easier global access.

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Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, launched Logistics Data Bank (LDB) 2.0 in New Delhi on the decade-long celebrations of Make in India. LDB 2.0 provides critical insights into logistics facilities and infrastructure, enabling real-time tracking and performance assessment. It is developed by National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) Logistics Data Services – NLDSL, it supports exporters, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and government planning. It integrates with Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) APIs for tracking via container, truck, trailer numbers, and railway Freight Note Receipts (FNRs).

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Indian travelers can now use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps to make purchases in Qatar, the eighth country to adopt UPI for international payments. Qatar Duty Free is the first merchant to accept QR code-based UPI transactions. NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), Qatar National Bank (QNB), and Japanese gateway NETSTARS enabled UPI at select point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Other countries with UPI access include Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and United Arab Emirates. The move promotes a globally interoperable payment network and cross-border digital transactions.

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India has proposed a revamp of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) 3 norms with a new draft released for public consultation. CAFE norms regulate fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions from passenger vehicles under 3,500 kg. They apply to petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, hybrid, and electric vehicles. In India, CAFE norms were implemented in two phases: Phase 1 (2017–18) and Phase 2 (2022–23). The objective is to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote cleaner vehicles. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, introduced the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms in India.

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India has launched an anti-dumping investigation on imports of Ethambutol Hydrochloride from China and Thailand. The probe is conducted by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The investigation follows an application by Lupin, India’s only domestic producer of the drug. Ethambutol Hydrochloride is used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis as part of combination therapy to prevent drug resistance.

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Around 10 Indian marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties are soon to receive the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification is an international non-profit organisation that sets science-based standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability. Its certification recognises and rewards sustainable fishing practices to promote a sustainable seafood market. The certification is based on independent third-party assessments focusing on stock health, environmental impact, and effective management. It is voluntary, open to all fisheries regardless of location, size, or fishing gear. Astamudi clam (Paphia malabarica) was India’s first MSC-certified fishery.

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The U.S. president recently signed a proclamation raising the annual H-1B visa fee to $100,000. This sudden hike created panic-driven demand and price rise, showing a classic case of “Fomoflation.” Fomoflation means inflation caused by Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) and market pressure. It happens when people buy excessively due to fear of scarcity, creating artificial demand. Prices then rise faster than actual economic factors justify. Unlike normal inflation from macroeconomic causes, fomoflation comes from behavioral psychology. Social media often amplifies it. For example, During festivals, fear of shortage raises prices of pulses and cooking oil even with enough supply.

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Unified Payments Interface (UPI) usage intensity is highest in Telangana, followed by Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra, as per a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bulletin. The study used PhonePe transaction data, covering 58% of UPI volume and 53% of total transaction value, as a proxy for UPI intensity. The rise of UPI is reducing cash demand, reflected in declining ATM cash withdrawals as a percentage of GDP. Most peer-to-merchant (P2M) transactions are low-value, under ₹500, and the average ticket size is decreasing. High UPI usage is linked to urban centres, economic hubs, and migration-driven employment.

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DBS Bank has been named “Safest Bank in Asia 2025”, marking its 17th consecutive year receiving this recognition. The bank also retained 2nd position in the World’s 50 Safest Commercial Banks list. Rankings are based on long-term foreign currency ratings from Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s of the 500 largest global banks. DBS’ recognition reflects solid financial performance, strong risk management, governance, and a robust balance sheet. In turbulent economic conditions—tariffs, interest rate changes, and technological disruptions—DBS provides stability and trust to customers.

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The Sevilla Forum on Debt was launched on October 22, 2025, at the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) in Geneva. It is a Spanish-led initiative supported by UNCTAD and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Forum provides an open, inclusive platform for dialogue and action on sovereign debt reform. The Forum stems from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and aligns with the Sevilla Platform for Action and Sevilla Commitment. Spain will host the Forum as a bridge between borrowers and creditors, tracking implementation of debt initiatives. Global debt reached $102 trillion in 2024; developing countries owe $31 trillion and pay $921 billion in interest