Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

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National Industries Research and Development Council (NIRDC), an autonomous body under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, launched InDApp, India’s indigenous digital platform for MSMEs. InDApp is a single-window, integrated platform improving speed, transparency, and efficiency of MSME engagement It provides access to government approvals, real-time market information, financial subsidies, export schemes, technology upgrades, and business opportunities. It combines physical outreach with digital enablement for seamless entrepreneur support. It supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across sectors and regions.

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has listed State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2025. The three banks continue under the same bucketing structure as the previous year. D-SIBs are banks whose failure can severely affect the financial system and national economy. They are considered “too big to fail” due to size, interconnectedness, and critical banking role. RBI identifies D-SIBs based on systemic importance. D-SIBs must maintain additional CET1 capital above regular norms. Banks are categorized into buckets depending on their systemic criticality.

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SEBI introduced SWAGAT-FI (Single Window Automatic & Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors) to simplify Indian securities market access for low-risk foreign investors. It provides a unified registration for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs), reducing repeated compliance and documentation. Low-risk investors include government-owned funds, central banks, sovereign wealth funds, regulated public retail funds, insurance companies, and pension funds. SWAGAT-FIs can invest in listed equities and debt as FPIs, and unlisted companies and startups as FVCIs.

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Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) to improve transparency in financial markets. PaRRVA is a new system to verify and authenticate past performance claims made by regulated market intermediaries. It was launched on a pilot basis by Care Ratings in collaboration with National Stock Exchange (NSE). It applies to SEBI-registered Investment Advisers, Research Analysts, and Algorithmic (Algo) Stock Brokers.

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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.

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According to recent 2025 data, the three countries with the largest rare earth oxide (REO) reserves are China, Brazil, and India. India has the world’s third-largest rare earth reserves with about 6.9 million tonnes of Rare Earth Oxide (REO). It ranks after China with 44 million tonnes and Brazil with 21 million tonnes of reserves. Despite this, India produced only 2,900 tonnes of rare earths in 2024, ranking seventh globally. China led production with 270,000 tonnes, followed by the United States with 45,000 tonnes. India holds 6–7% of global reserves but contributes less than 1% of global production.

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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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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.

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A United Nations (UN) report projects India’s GDP growth at 6.6% in 2026, while global growth is expected to slow to 2.7% due to geopolitical risks and policy uncertainty. The report notes that strong demand in major markets may partially offset the impact of US tariff hikes on India. The UN lowered India’s growth estimate from 7.4% but it aligns with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast, identifying India as the only major economy expected to grow above 6% in 2025–26. Global growth faces risks of a prolonged slowdown, insufficient for broad-based development, leaving many countries and communities behind.

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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.