Business, Economy & Banking Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Microfinance loan delinquencies rose sharply in 2024-25 according to Sa-Dhan, the microfinance self-regulatory body. Loans overdue by more than thirty days increased to six point two percent from two point one percent in 2023-24. Loans overdue by more than ninety days rose to four point eight percent from one point six percent in 2023-24. Bihar had the highest outstanding loans of fifty-seven thousand seven hundred twelve crore rupees and the worst delinquency with seven point two percent overdue by more than thirty days and four point six percent overdue by more than ninety days. Rural borrowers faced the highest repayment challenges with six point four percent loans overdue by more than thirty days and three point seven percent overdue by more than ninety days. Semi-urban and urban borrowers had slightly lower delinquency rates.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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

Notes:
In October 2025, the SBI Foundation, along with University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and Agribridge, launched the SMART-CROP project in Hyderabad, Telangana. The project stands for Sustainable Monitoring and Real-time Tracking for Crop Resilience and Optimal Practices. It is a three-year initiative supported under SBI Foundation’s LEAP (Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme). The project aims to enhance resilience and productivity of over 8,000 smallholder farmers in Karnataka and Telangana. It uses satellite imaging, remote sensing, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) for real-time crop stress monitoring to prevent climate, pest, and soil-related risks.

Notes:
The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) has recently opened its new Bengaluru Centre. IIP is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It was established in 1966 with its headquarters in Mumbai. Its main goal is to boost exports through innovative package design and improved packaging standards. It provides testing, consultancy, R&D, and training in packaging. Training is given to artisans, weavers, exporters, and stakeholders for modern and aesthetic packaging.

Notes:
On November 7, 2025, National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) launched a revamped Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) portal and a new Foreign Venture Capital Investor (FVCI) portal in Mumbai. The portals were inaugurated by Dr. Ruchi Chojer, Executive Director, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), during NSDL’s 9th Designated Depository Participants Conference. The unified digital platform merges FPI and FVCI registrations into a single interface, replacing earlier multiple logins and manual procedures. FPI refers to foreign entities investing in Indian equities, bonds, and mutual funds, while FVCI focuses on venture capital and unlisted Indian startups. The initiative aims to simplify compliance, enhance transparency, and ease market access for global investors.

Notes:
In November 2025, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Guwahati Gateway Terminal and Jetty. It is India’s first modern river ferry terminal. The terminal is built to improve and make river transport on the Brahmaputra River more efficient. It integrates multimodal connectivity to enhance overall transportation infrastructure in Assam. The project is part of developing a world-class riverfront in Guwahati. The initiative aims to boost tourism and economic activity in the region. The terminal is a landmark development in India’s river transport sector. It may serve as a model for other states with major rivers.

Notes:
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has officially declared the Digital Dirham as full legal tender in 2025. The new law makes the Digital Dirham equal to physical cash, with mandatory acceptance for all payments and debt settlements. It is issued under the authority of the UAE Federal Government, marking a major step in strengthening the UAE’s digital economy leadership. The Digital Dirham is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), fully backed, regulated, and secured by the CBUAE. It offers a safe, low-risk alternative to commercial bank money and private digital assets.

Notes:
Recently, India’s electronics sector gained momentum through the Electronics Development Fund (EDF) launched on 15 February 2016. EDF promotes innovation in electronics, nano-electronics, and Information Technology (IT). It works as a Fund of Funds, investing in Daughter Funds like angel and venture funds that support technology startups. Electronics Development Fund’s (EDF’s) anchor investor is Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).