Economy Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Where was the first round of India–Israel FTA negotiations held in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — New Delhi
The first round was held in New Delhi from 23 to 26 February 2026.
When were the Terms of Reference for the India–Israel FTA signed?
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Correct answer: A — November 2025
The Terms of Reference were signed in November 2025.
According to the Commerce Ministry, India–Israel bilateral merchandise trade in 2024-25 was approximately:
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Correct answer: B — USD 3.62 billion
Bilateral merchandise trade stood at about USD 3.62 billion in FY 2024-25.
Where was the CBDC-based Digital Food Currency pilot under PMGKAY launched on 26 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Puducherry
The pilot was launched in Puducherry, which already implements PDS through the DBT model.
Under the Digital Food Currency pilot launched in February 2026, where is the PMGKAY food subsidy credited?
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Correct answer: D — Beneficiaries' CBDC (e₹) wallets
The food subsidy is transferred directly into beneficiaries' CBDC wallets as programmable e₹, in place of conventional bank accounts.
Who generates the digital coupons credited to beneficiaries under the CBDC-based Digital Food Currency pilot?
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Correct answer: A — Reserve Bank of India
Digital coupons generated through the Reserve Bank of India are credited to beneficiaries as programmable digital currency (e₹).
Which CPSE under the Ministry of MSME was upgraded from Schedule 'B' to Schedule 'A' on 26 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — NSIC
The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) was upgraded to a Schedule 'A' CPSE.
Who signed the Joint Statement on the India–GCC FTA with Piyush Goyal on 24 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
The Joint Statement was signed by Piyush Goyal and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in New Delhi.
When were the Terms of Reference for the India–GCC FTA signed?
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Correct answer: B — 5 February 2026
The Terms of Reference were signed on 5 February 2026; the Joint Statement launching negotiations followed on 24 February.
What was India's total trade with the GCC in FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: D — USD 178.56 billion
India–GCC trade was USD 178.56 billion in FY 2024-25 (exports USD 56.87 billion and imports USD 121.68 billion).
Consider the following statements about India–GCC trade in FY 2024-25: 1. The GCC accounted for about 15.42% of India's global trade, making it India's largest trading partner bloc. 2. India ran a trade surplus with the GCC. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India's imports (USD 121.68 billion) far exceeded its exports (USD 56.87 billion), so India ran a deficit.
Under which provision did the DoT seek TRAI's recommendations on the IMT spectrum auction released in February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997
DoT sought the recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997.
What is the estimated aggregate monetisation potential of the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 launched in February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹16.72 lakh crore
NMP 2.0 estimates an aggregate monetisation potential of ₹16.72 lakh crore over FY 2026–FY 2030.
Which body developed the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 in consultation with infrastructure line ministries?
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Correct answer: B — NITI Aayog
NMP 2.0 was developed by NITI Aayog in consultation with infrastructure line ministries.
NMP 2.0 covers asset monetisation over which period?
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Correct answer: D — FY 2026 to FY 2030
NMP 2.0 covers the five-year period from FY 2026 to FY 2030.
Consider the following statements about the National Monetisation Pipeline: 1. NMP 2.0 is based on the mandate for the 'Asset Monetisation Plan 2025-30' announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. 2. NMP 1.0 had a target of ₹6 lakh crore over four years, of which nearly 90% was met. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. NMP 2.0 follows the Budget 2025-26 mandate for the Asset Monetisation Plan 2025-30, and the Finance Minister said NMP 1.0 met nearly 90% of its ₹6 lakh crore four-year target.
Under the India–France Amending Protocol of February 2026, the single 10% tax rate on dividends is replaced by:
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Correct answer: A — 5% for holders of at least 10% of capital and 15% for others
The Protocol replaces the single 10% rate with 5% for those holding at least 10% of capital and 15% in all other cases.
In which year was the original India–France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention signed?
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Correct answer: B — 1992
The India–France DTAC was signed on 29 September 1992.
Consider the following statements about the India–France Amending Protocol announced in February 2026: 1. It deletes the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause from the Protocol to the DTAC. 2. It gives taxing rights on capital gains from the sale of shares to the country where the shareholder is resident. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Protocol deletes the MFN clause and gives full capital-gains taxing rights to the country where the company (not the shareholder) is resident.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held talks with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 21 February 2026. Which country is described by India as its largest trading partner in Latin America?
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Correct answer: D — Brazil
PM Modi's press statement on 21 February 2026 said Brazil is India's largest trading partner in Latin America.
During the Modi–Lula talks of 21 February 2026, India and Brazil committed to take bilateral trade beyond what level over the next five years?
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Correct answer: D — $20 billion
PM Modi said both countries are committed to taking bilateral trade beyond twenty billion dollars over the next five years.
Consider the following statements about the India–Brazil talks of 21 February 2026: 1. India is working towards a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil. 2. The leaders backed expansion of the India–MERCOSUR trade agreement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Modi said India is working towards a DPI Centre of Excellence in Brazil and that expansion of the India–MERCOSUR agreement will strengthen economic ties.
President Droupadi Murmu hosted Brazilian President Lula at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 21 February 2026 and congratulated him on Brazil hosting which two summits in 2025?
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Correct answer: B — BRICS and COP-30
The President congratulated Lula on the successful hosting of the BRICS Summit and the COP-30 Summit in Brazil in 2025.
India's CDSCO exchanged an MoU on pharmaceutical and medical product regulation with which Brazilian agency on 21 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ANVISA
The MoU was exchanged between India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA).
Consider the following statements about the India–Brazil steel-sector MoU of 21 February 2026: 1. It was signed by India's Ministry of Steel with Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy. 2. PIB put India's current steelmaking capacity at 300 million tonnes. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB put India's current steelmaking capacity at 218 million tonnes, not 300.
PM Modi joined the groundbreaking of the HCL–Foxconn semiconductor unit India Chip Pvt Ltd on 21 February 2026. Where is it located?
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Correct answer: A — Jewar (YEIDA), Uttar Pradesh
The OSAT facility is in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
The India Chip Pvt Ltd unit whose groundbreaking took place on 21 February 2026 involves an investment of over how much?
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Correct answer: B — ₹3,700 crore
PIB said the OSAT facility will be set up with a total investment of over ₹3,700 crore.
Consider the following statements about India Chip Pvt Ltd: 1. It is being set up under the Modified Scheme for Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP). 2. It is a wafer fabrication (fab) unit rather than an assembly and test unit. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India Chip is an OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility under the Modified ATMP scheme, not a fab.
Where was the Access Pass for fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone launched on 20 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Veraval, Gujarat
Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the EEZ Access Pass at KCC Ground, Veraval, Gujarat.
Through which online portal is the EEZ fishing Access Pass issued free of cost?
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Correct answer: B — ReALCRaft
Access Passes are issued free via the ReALCRaft online portal.
Consider the following statements about fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): 1. The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025 were notified under the Maritime Zones Act of 1976. 2. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep together account for about 49% of India's EEZ. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Rules were notified on 4 November 2025 under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, EEZ and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976, and A&N plus Lakshadweep make up 49% of India's EEZ.
With the launch of seven interventions on 20 February 2026, how many of the 11 proposed interventions under the Export Promotion Mission became operational?
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Correct answer: C — 10
Three interventions were already running; with seven more launched, 10 of the 11 proposed interventions under EPM are operational.
Under the Export Promotion Mission, what does the LIFT intervention launched on 20 February 2026 provide?
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Correct answer: D — Partial reimbursement of freight costs for exporters in low export-intensity districts
LIFT (Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport) reimburses up to 30% of eligible freight expenditure for exporters in low export-intensity districts, capped at ₹20 lakh per IEC a year.
Consider the following statements about the Export Promotion Mission (EPM): 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025 with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31. 2. Niryat Disha is its financial sub-scheme covering interest subvention and credit guarantees. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Niryat Protsahan is the financial sub-scheme; Niryat Disha covers non-financial enablers such as compliance, branding, logistics and trade intelligence.
In February 2026, DGCI&S revised the base year of India's Merchandise Trade Indices to which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2022-23
The base year was revised from FY 2012-13 to FY 2022-23 (2022-23 = 100).
Under the contract signed on 18 February 2026, Cochin Shipyard Limited will build six LNG-fuelled container vessels for which shipping company?
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Correct answer: A — CMA CGM
French shipping major CMA CGM signed the contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for six 1,700 TEU LNG-fuelled feeder container vessels.
Consider the following statements about the CMA CGM–Cochin Shipyard contract of February 2026: 1. The vessels will be 1,700 TEU LNG-fuelled feeder container ships. 2. The vessels will be registered under the French flag. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The six vessels will be built in Kochi and registered under the Indian flag.
What was the theme of the Manthan Meeting of Cooperation Ministers chaired by Amit Shah in Gandhinagar on 17 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Sahkar se Samriddhi
The Manthan Meeting was held under the theme 'Sahkar se Samriddhi'.
At the Manthan Meeting on 17 February 2026, Amit Shah said food grain storage capacity must rise about threefold. How much of this expansion did he say should come through the cooperative sector?
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Correct answer: A — Twofold
Shah said storage needs to increase nearly threefold, with twofold expansion to be undertaken by the cooperative sector.
What were India's estimated total exports (goods and services) in April–January 2025-26, as released on 16 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — US$ 720.76 billion
Total exports in April–January 2025-26 were an estimated US$ 720.76 billion, up 6.15% from US$ 679.02 billion.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 16 February 2026: 1. Merchandise exports in April–January 2025-26 grew faster than total (goods and services) exports. 2. In January 2026, India's total imports exceeded its total exports. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Merchandise exports grew 2.20% against 6.15% for total exports. In January 2026, total imports (US$ 90.83 billion) exceeded total exports (US$ 80.45 billion).
Which merchandise export category grew 10.37% to US$ 10.40 billion in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Engineering goods
Engineering goods exports rose 10.37% from US$ 9.42 billion in January 2025 to US$ 10.40 billion in January 2026.
As per the monthly PLFS released on 16 February 2026, what was the labour force participation rate for persons aged 15 and above in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 55.9%
LFPR (15+) was 55.9% in January 2026, against 56.1% in December 2025. 35.1% was female LFPR and 53.1% the WPR.
What was India's WPI-based annual inflation rate (provisional) for January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 1.81%
WPI inflation was 1.81% (provisional) in January 2026, up from 0.83% in December 2025.
Where did Amit Shah launch the CBDC-based Public Distribution System pilot on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Gandhinagar
Amit Shah launched the CBDC-based PDS in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat.
Which of the following districts is NOT among the four districts covered by the CBDC-based PDS pilot in Gujarat launched on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rajkot
The pilot covers Ahmedabad, Anand, Valsad and Surat districts.
Consider the following statements about the CBDC-based PDS pilot launched on 15 February 2026: 1. Digital food coupons are credited to beneficiaries as programmable digital rupee (e₹). 2. Its later phases are to cover the Union Territories of Chandigarh, Puducherry, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Coupons generated through the RBI are credited as programmable e₹, and subsequent phases will extend to the three Union Territories.
When did the Reserve Bank of India launch the first pilot of the retail digital rupee (e₹-R)?
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Correct answer: B — 1 December 2022
The RBI launched the first retail e₹-R pilot on 1 December 2022 with four banks in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar.
Under which Assam government scheme did CM Himanta Biswa Sarma distribute the first instalment to 9,964 young entrepreneurs at Nagaon on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan 2.0
The first instalment was distributed under the Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan (CMAAA) 2.0.
As of 15 February 2026, the first instalment under CMAAA 2.0 had reached how many young entrepreneurs across 16 districts?
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Correct answer: C — 37,101
With the Nagaon event, the first instalment had reached 37,101 young entrepreneurs across 16 districts.
Under Assam's Chief Minister's Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan 2.0, how much assistance does a beneficiary in the professional course category receive?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5 lakh
Professional course category beneficiaries (four-year degrees in engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary or fishery) receive ₹5 lakh; non-professional beneficiaries receive ₹2 lakh.
How much power generation capacity did India add in 2025-26 up to 31 January 2026, as reported on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 52,537 MW
A record 52,537 MW was added, against the previous record of 34,054 MW in 2024-25.
Which source accounted for the largest share of the renewable capacity added in 2025-26 up to 31 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Solar
Of 39,657 MW of renewable capacity added, 34,955 MW was solar and 4,613 MW wind.
Consider the following statements about India's installed power capacity as on 31 January 2026: 1. Non-fossil fuel capacity exceeded fossil fuel-based capacity. 2. Total installed capacity crossed 5,00,000 MW. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Non-fossil capacity was 2,71,969.33 MW against 2,48,541.62 MW fossil, and the total was 5,20,510.95 MW.
Where was the two-day Chintan Shivir of the Department of Financial Services held on 13–14 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Coorg, Karnataka
The DFS Chintan Shivir was held at Coorg, Karnataka, and concluded on 14 February 2026.
Under the PM RAHAT scheme approved on 13 February 2026, accident victims will get cashless treatment of up to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹1.5 lakh
PM RAHAT provides cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh to accident victims.
To what number was the Lakhpati Didi target raised on 13 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 6 crore
The target was doubled to 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by March 2029.
The loan target of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund was raised on 13 February 2026 to:
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Correct answer: D — ₹2 lakh crore
The AIF loan target was doubled from ₹1 lakh crore to ₹2 lakh crore.
What is the corpus of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 approved by the PM on 13 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10,000 crore
Startup India FoF 2.0 has a corpus of ₹10,000 crore, aimed at deep tech, early-stage ideas and advanced manufacturing.
Consider the following statements about Startup India as on 31 December 2025: 1. DPIIT had recognised over 2.07 lakh entities as startups. 2. Funds supported under the Fund of Funds for Startups had invested over ₹25,000 crore in 1,371 startups. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 2,07,135 startups were recognised, and AIFs supported under FFS had invested ₹25,547.98 crore in 1,371 startups.
How much wheat did the Government of India approve for export on 13 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 25 LMT
The government approved 25 LMT of wheat exports, plus an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.
Consider the following statements about the sugar export decision of 13 February 2026: 1. An additional 5 LMT of sugar exports was allowed for the 2025-26 season. 2. Mills must export at least 70% of their allocated quantity by 30 June 2026 to get the additional quota. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The extra 5 LMT is on top of 15 LMT allowed in November 2025, for mills exporting at least 70% of their allocation by 30 June 2026.
What was India's all-India CPI inflation for January 2026 in the first release on base 2024=100?
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Correct answer: C — 2.75%
Year-on-year CPI inflation for January 2026 was 2.75% (provisional) on the new base.
In the first CPI release on base 2024=100, food inflation (CFPI) for January 2026 was:
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Correct answer: B — 2.13%
All-India CFPI inflation was 2.13%; rural 1.96% and urban 2.44%.
How many divisions does the new CPI (2024=100) use, in line with COICOP 2018, in place of the earlier 6 groups?
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Correct answer: C — 12
The new series has 12 divisions in place of 6 groups, following COICOP 2018.
Consider the following statements about the item basket of the new CPI (2024=100): 1. Online media/streaming services and rural housing have been added. 2. Radio and tape recorders have been removed. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Streaming services, rural housing, pen drives and exercise equipment were added; radio, tape recorders, VCR/DVD players and second-hand clothing were removed.
What penalty did the CCI impose on Intel Corporation on 12 February 2026 over its India-specific warranty policy?
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Correct answer: B — ₹27.38 crore
The CCI imposed a penalty of ₹27.38 crore on Intel.
Intel was penalised by the CCI for contravening Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002. What does Section 4 deal with?
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Correct answer: C — Abuse of dominant position
Section 4 prohibits abuse of dominant position. Section 3 covers anti-competitive agreements and Sections 5–6 cover combinations.
What was the theme of National Productivity Week 2026, which began on NPC's 68th Foundation Day?
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Correct answer: D — Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs
The theme was 'Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs'.
Who is the Chairman of the National Productivity Council, as stated at its 68th Foundation Day?
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Correct answer: A — The Secretary, DPIIT
DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia is the Chairman of NPC.
How many blocks are offered in the second tranche of Exploration Licence auctions launched on 12 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 11
Tranche-II has 11 blocks of critical and deep-seated minerals across eight states.
The Exploration Licence regime for critical and deep-seated minerals was introduced through which law?
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Correct answer: B — MMDR Amendment Act, 2023
The EL regime was introduced under the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023, along with the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2023.
According to NITI Aayog's 'Technology Services – Reimagination Ahead' roadmap of February 2026, India's technology services sector can reach what size by 2035?
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Correct answer: B — $750–850 billion
The roadmap projects growth from about $265 billion to $750–850 billion by 2035.
Who chaired the 11 February 2026 meeting to prepare the roadmap for Financial Inclusion 2.0?
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Correct answer: A — Secretary, Department of Financial Services
M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, chaired the meeting in New Delhi.
By which year does the Financial Inclusion 2.0 discussion aim to achieve insurance and pension for all citizens?
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Correct answer: D — 2047
One of the key areas is achieving the goal of insurance and pension for all citizens by 2047.