Economy Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The GI-tagged Indi lime, shipped by air to the UK for the first time on 28 October 2025, comes from which district of Karnataka?
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Correct answer: B — Vijayapura
PIB: 350 kg of GI-tagged Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka was part of the consignment.
Puliyankudi, often called the 'Lemon City of Tamil Nadu', lies in which district?
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Correct answer: C — Tenkasi
PIB: Puliyankudi, often referred to as the 'Lemon City of Tamil Nadu', lies in Tenkasi district.
When did the Puliyankudi lime officially receive its Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
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Correct answer: D — April 2025
PIB: the Puliyankudi lime officially received its GI tag in April 2025.
What was the year-on-year growth of India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in September 2025 as per the quick estimate?
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Correct answer: A — 4.0%
MoSPI: IIP recorded 4.0% year-on-year growth in September 2025.
What was the growth rate of the manufacturing sector in the IIP for September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 4.8%
Manufacturing grew 4.8% in September 2025; electricity grew 3.1%.
Which of the three IIP sectors recorded negative growth in September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Mining
Mining contracted by 0.4% in September 2025, while manufacturing (4.8%) and electricity (3.1%) grew.
According to NITI Aayog's report released on 28 October 2025, the services sector contributed nearly what share of India's national GVA in 2024-25?
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Correct answer: D — 55%
The report states that services contributed nearly 55 per cent of national GVA in 2024-25.
NITI Aayog's twin reports on the services sector, released on 28 October 2025, were the inaugural reports under which series?
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Correct answer: B — Services Thematic Series
PIB: CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam launched two inaugural reports under the Services Thematic Series.
The first tranche of projects approved under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) in October 2025 comprised:
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Correct answer: D — 7 projects worth ₹5,532 crore
PIB: seven projects worth ₹5,532 crore were approved, to produce components worth ₹36,559 crore.
Under the first ECMS approvals, India will set up its first-ever manufacturing facility for which component material, used as the base for multi-layer PCBs?
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Correct answer: B — Copper Clad Laminate
PIB: for the first time, India will establish a Copper Clad Laminate (CCL) manufacturing facility; CCL is the base component for multi-layer PCBs and is currently imported.
Which state hosts five of the seven units approved in the first tranche of ECMS?
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Correct answer: A — Tamil Nadu
PIB: the approved units are spread across Tamil Nadu (5), Andhra Pradesh (1) and Madhya Pradesh (1).
At which venue in Mumbai did Amit Shah inaugurate India Maritime Week 2025 on 27 October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — NESCO Exhibition Centre
PIB: Amit Shah inaugurated IMW 2025 at the NESCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. (Sagarmanthan was held at the Jio World Convention Centre.)
In India's maritime vision MAHASAGAR, cited by Amit Shah at IMW 2025, what does the acronym stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
PIB: MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Consider the following statements made at the opening of India Maritime Week 2025: 1. India handles about 10% of seaborne trade and aims to triple it by 2047. 2. India Maritime Week 2025 was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct (Sonowal's statement). IMW 2025 was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 27 October; the PM addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave on 29 October.
As per TRAI, what was India's total number of telephone subscribers at the end of September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 1,228.94 million
TRAI: total telephone subscribers rose to 1,228.94 million at the end of September 2025. (1,182.32 mn is wireless; 995.63 mn is broadband.)
Which telecom service area had the highest tele-density at the end of September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Delhi
TRAI: Delhi service area had the maximum tele-density of 279.33%; Bihar had the minimum at 58.02%.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) was first implemented in India in which Licensed Service Area, on 25 November 2010?
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Correct answer: B — Haryana
TRAI: MNP was implemented in Haryana LSA with effect from 25.11.2010 and across the rest of the country from 20.01.2011.
Which two institutes were recognised as Centres of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission in October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — IISc Bangalore and C-MET Hyderabad
PIB: the Ministry of Mines recognised IISc Bangalore and the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), Hyderabad, besides 7 institutes recognised earlier.
After the October 2025 recognition, how many Centres of Excellence are there under the National Critical Mineral Mission, and on what model do they operate?
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Correct answer: D — 9; hub-and-spoke consortium
PIB: with 2 new CoEs added to the 7 recognised earlier, there are 9. Each operates as a consortium on a Hub & Spoke model, with at least two industry and two R&D/academic partners; together they have about 90 spokes.
HLL Lifecare Limited, which paid a dividend of ₹69.53 crore to the Government for 2024–25, is what category of Central Public Sector Enterprise?
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Correct answer: C — Mini-Ratna
PIB: HLL Lifecare Limited is a Mini-Ratna CPSE under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
HLL Lifecare Limited, set up to address India's population control challenges, was established in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1966
PIB: HLL Lifecare Limited was established on 1 March 1966 and is celebrating its 60th year.
Under the LC75 option extended to Central Government employees in October 2025, the maximum equity allocation is:
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Correct answer: C — 75%
PIB: LC75 allows a maximum equity allocation of 75%, tapering gradually from age 35 to 55 (to 15% by age 55).
Under the Balanced Life Cycle (BLC) option for NPS/UPS subscribers, the equity allocation starts tapering from which age?
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Correct answer: D — 45 years
PIB: BLC is a modified version of LC50, with equity allocation tapering from age 45, letting employees stay in equities longer; equity is 35% by age 55.
Consider the following statements about investment options for Central Government employees (October 2025): 1. LC75 and BLC options have been extended under both NPS and the Unified Pension Scheme. 2. Scheme G invests 100% in Government securities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: LC75 and BLC were extended under both NPS and UPS; Scheme G means 100% investment in Government securities.
Where and when was the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 scheduled to be held?
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Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, 30–31 October 2025
PIB: BIRC 2025 will be held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on 30–31 October 2025.
According to the BIRC 2025 curtain raiser, India's rice production of about 150 million tonnes in 2024–25 accounted for roughly what share of global output?
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Correct answer: C — 28%
PIB: India produced around 150 million tonnes of rice in 2024–25 from nearly 47 million hectares, accounting for about 28 percent of global output.
The ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme for critical mineral recycling, approved by the Union Cabinet on 3 September 2025, is part of:
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Correct answer: A — National Critical Mineral Mission
PIB: the ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme for critical mineral recycling is a part of the National Critical Mineral Mission; guidelines were issued on 2 October 2025.
Under the critical mineral recycling incentive scheme, the total incentive for a large recycler is capped at:
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Correct answer: B — ₹50 crore
PIB: to enlist more beneficiaries, total incentive is capped at ₹50 crore for big recyclers and ₹25 crore for small recyclers.
Under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 provisions effective from 1 November 2025, a depositor can nominate up to how many persons?
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Correct answer: C — Four
PIB: customers may nominate up to four persons, either simultaneously or successively.
Under the new nomination rules effective 1 November 2025, which type of nomination is permitted for articles in safe custody and safety lockers?
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Correct answer: B — Only successive nomination
PIB: for articles in safe custody and safety lockers, only successive nominations are permitted; deposit accounts can have either.
Consider the following statements about the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025: 1. It contains 19 amendments across five legislations, including the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. 2. Its nomination provisions came into force on 1 August 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the Act has 19 amendments across five laws. Certain other sections came into force on 1 August 2025; the nomination provisions (Sections 10–13) come into force on 1 November 2025.
The 16th session of UNCTAD (UNCTAD XVI), where Piyush Goyal led India's delegation in October 2025, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Geneva
PIB: Piyush Goyal attended the XVIth Session of UNCTAD in Geneva and delivered India's national statement.
In which year was the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) established?
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Correct answer: B — 1964
PIB (UNCTAD XVI release): UNCTAD, established in 1964, promotes the integration of developing countries into the global economy through trade, investment and sustainable development.
Consider the following statements based on India's address at UNCTAD XVI (October 2025): 1. India contributes about 17% of global emissions, in line with its share of world population. 2. India's current clean energy capacity was stated as 500 GW. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. PIB: India contributes only 3.5% of global emissions despite hosting 17% of the world's population; clean energy stands at 250 GW, with 500 GW as the 2030 target.
According to the PIB backgrounder of October 2025, Ladakh is India's largest producer of which fruit?
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Correct answer: D — Apricot
PIB backgrounder: Ladakh is India's largest apricot producer, with Kargil, Leh and the Nubra Valley as its main production hubs.
In which region of Leh is Ladakh's Pashmina wool produced, sustaining over 10,000 nomadic herders?
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Correct answer: A — Changthang
PIB backgrounder: Pashmina wool is produced in the Changthang region in Leh, sustaining over 10,000 nomadic herders.
Consider the following statements about the GST changes described for Ladakh (October 2025): 1. Hotel tariffs up to ₹7,500 per night now attract 5% GST. 2. GST on Pashmina products was reduced from 18% to 12%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB backgrounder: GST on hotel tariffs up to ₹7,500 per night is 5%; GST on Pashmina was reduced from 12% to 5%, not 18% to 12%.
Under the amended VOPPA Order, 2025, edible oil units must register through which platform?
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Correct answer: C — National Single Window System
PIB: all edible oil-related units must register via the National Single Window System at nsws.gov.in and then file monthly returns.
Non-compliance with the amended VOPPA Order, 2025 attracts penal action under the order and which other law?
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Correct answer: B — Collection of Statistics Act, 2008
PIB: units failing to register or submit returns will face penal action under the amended VOPPA Order and the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.
Where is the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 scheduled to be held on 12 November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
PIB: the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 will be held on 12 November 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the Tribal Business Conclave 2025: 1. It is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and DPIIT. 2. 'Roots to Rise' is the name of its pitching session for tribal entrepreneurs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the conclave is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Culture and DPIIT, and 'Roots to Rise' is its pitching session.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in September 2025 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: B — 3.0%
PIB: the ICI increased by 3.0% (provisional) in September 2025; 2.9% is the April–September cumulative and 6.5% the final August figure.
Which core industry recorded the highest growth in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Steel
PIB: steel production increased by 14.1% in September 2025, ahead of cement (5.3%), electricity (2.1%) and fertilizers (1.6%).
Consider the following statements about the Index of Eight Core Industries: 1. The eight core industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production. 2. Among the eight, refinery products carry the smallest weight. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the eight core industries comprise 40.27% of IIP weight; petroleum refinery products carry the largest weight (28.04%), while fertilizers have the smallest (2.63%).
The GI-tagged Lakhori Mirchi, mentioned in the October 2025 PIB backgrounder on GST cuts, comes from which district of Uttarakhand?
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Correct answer: D — Almora
PIB backgrounder: the GI-tagged Lakhori Mirchi from Almora is known for its distinctive aroma and flavour.
Pahari Toor Dal in Uttarakhand is traditionally cultivated as part of which mixed cropping system?
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Correct answer: A — Barahnaja
PIB backgrounder: Pahari Toor Dal is cultivated by small rain-fed farmers as part of the traditional Barahnaja mixed cropping system.
Consider the following statements based on the PIB backgrounder on GST cuts in Uttarakhand (October 2025): 1. Aipan is a traditional art form practised mainly in the Garhwal region. 2. GST on petrol vehicles up to 1200cc has been reduced from 28% to 18%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB backgrounder: Aipan is practised across the Kumaon region (Almora, Bageshwar, Nainital), not Garhwal; GST on vehicles up to 1200cc (petrol) and 1500cc (diesel) fell from 28% to 18%.
In October 2025, the CCI approved the acquisition of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals by which company, subject to voluntary modifications?
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Correct answer: C — Torrent Pharmaceuticals
PIB: the CCI approved the proposed acquisition of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited with voluntary modifications.
In October 2025, how much did Gujarat receive as the second instalment of XV Finance Commission untied grants for 2024–25?
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Correct answer: B — ₹522.20 crore
PIB: Gujarat received ₹522.20 crore as the 2nd instalment of untied grants for 2024–25; ₹195.13 crore went to Haryana and ₹13.60 crore was a withheld first-instalment portion for Gujarat.
Consider the following statements about the release of XV Finance Commission grants to Panchayati Raj Institutions: 1. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti recommend the release, and the Ministry of Finance releases the grants. 2. The grants are recommended and released in two instalments in a financial year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: MoPR and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (DDWS) recommend release of XV FC grants, which are then released by the Ministry of Finance in two instalments in a financial year.
PFRDA's October 2025 consultation paper proposes which valuation approach for long-dated government securities held in NPS and APY?
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Correct answer: A — Dual valuation — accrual and fair market
PIB: the consultation paper proposes adoption of a dual valuation framework ('accrual' and 'fair market') for long-dated G-Secs held in NPS/APY.
Consider the stated purposes of PFRDA's dual valuation proposal (October 2025). Which of the following is NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: D — Raise the equity exposure limit for NPS schemes
PIB: the three purposes are stable depiction of pension wealth, reducing short-term interest-rate volatility on NAV, and aligning investments with long-term capital formation; raising equity limits is not mentioned.
Under 'Operation Fire Trail' (October 2025), the DRI seized smuggled Chinese firecrackers at which port?
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Correct answer: D — Nhava Sheva
PIB: DRI officers intercepted a 40-foot container from China at Nhava Sheva port carrying 46,640 pieces of concealed firecrackers.
In the Operation Fire Trail case, the container carrying firecrackers had been declared as carrying which goods?
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Correct answer: A — Leggings
PIB: the container, destined for ICD Ankleshwar, was declared as carrying 'leggings'; the firecrackers were hidden behind a layer of garments.
Consider the following statements about the import of firecrackers into India, as stated by the DRI in October 2025: 1. Import of firecrackers is 'Restricted' under the ITC (HS) classification of the Foreign Trade Policy. 2. It requires licences from both the DGFT and PESO under the Explosives Rules, 2008. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: firecracker import is 'Restricted' under ITC (HS) and requires valid licences from both DGFT and PESO under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
The Ministry of Mines' October 2025 amendment introducing intermediate timelines for auctioned mineral blocks was made to which rules?
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Correct answer: A — Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015
PIB: the Ministry of Mines notified an amendment to the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, introducing intermediary timelines from LoI to execution of the mining lease.
Under the amended mineral auction rules (October 2025), what penalty applies for delay beyond a prescribed intermediate timeline?
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Correct answer: B — Appropriation of 1% of the bank guarantee per month of delay
PIB: delay beyond the prescribed timelines attracts appropriation of the bidder's bank guarantee to the extent of 1% for each month or part of a month.
Consider the following statements about mineral block auctions as described by the Ministry of Mines in October 2025: 1. All 585 major mineral blocks auctioned since 2015 are critical mineral blocks. 2. For a mining lease auction, the total penalty-free timeline from LoI to lease execution is 7 years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. PIB: of 585 major mineral blocks auctioned, 34 are critical mineral blocks auctioned by the Centre; the penalty-free timeline is 3 years for a mining lease and 7 years for a composite licence.
Which phrase did PM Modi use on 19 October 2025 while urging citizens to buy Indian products during the festive season?
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Correct answer: A — Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai
PIB: the PM said, 'Let's buy Indian products and say — Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai!' and asked people to share their purchases on social media.
In the Operation Fire Trail case at Tuticorin port (October 2025), the Chinese firecrackers had been mis-declared as:
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Correct answer: A — Engineering goods
PIB: the two containers at Tuticorin held 83,520 Chinese firecrackers mis-declared as engineering goods. (The Nhava Sheva case reported on 20 October involved goods declared as leggings.)
At which port did the DRI seize 83,520 pieces of Chinese firecrackers worth ₹5.01 crore, as reported on 19 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Tuticorin
PIB: DRI intercepted two forty-foot containers at Tuticorin Port containing 83,520 pieces of Chinese firecrackers valued at ₹5.01 crore.
How many products did the Finance Ministry closely monitor to check that Next-Gen GST rate cuts reached consumers, as stated on 18 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 54
PIB: the Finance Minister said prices of 54 products were closely monitored and the benefits had been fully passed on across all 54 items.
According to Ashwini Vaishnaw on 18 October 2025, production had commenced at which two semiconductor manufacturing facilities?
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Correct answer: D — CG Semi and Kaynes
PIB: Shri Vaishnaw announced that production has commenced at two semiconductor manufacturing facilities — CG Semi and Kaynes.
Consider the following statements about the Next-Gen GST reforms, as described at the 18 October 2025 press conference: 1. They came into effect on 22 September 2025, the first day of Navratri. 2. They reduced the number of GST slabs from four to three. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the Next-Gen GST reforms came into effect on 22 September, the first day of Navratri, and brought the number of slabs down from four to two.
What is the base year of the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers released for September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 2019=100
PIB: the Labour Bureau releases CPI-AL and CPI-RL with the base year 2019=100.
Which body compiles and releases the Consumer Price Index numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers?
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Correct answer: B — Labour Bureau
PIB: the Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour & Employment, releases CPI-AL and CPI-RL.
Consider the following statements about CPI-AL and CPI-RL for September 2025: 1. Year-on-year inflation was -0.07% for agricultural labourers and 0.31% for rural labourers. 2. The indices are based on data collected from 787 sample villages across 34 States/UTs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: YoY inflation stood at -0.07% (AL) and 0.31% (RL) in September 2025; the indices use data from 787 sample villages across 34 States/UTs.
Under the recent GST reforms, GST on cement was reduced from 28% to what rate, as noted in PIB's Chhattisgarh backgrounder?
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Correct answer: C — 18%
PIB: the reduction of GST on cement from 28% to 18% makes cement more affordable and lowers construction costs.
According to PIB's October 2025 backgrounder, the handloom sector in Chhattisgarh provides livelihood to nearly how many weavers?
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Correct answer: D — 1.5 lakh
PIB: the handloom sector provides a vital livelihood for nearly 1.5 lakh weavers, many of whom are women.
NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform launched the 'We Rise' initiative in October 2025 with which partner to boost export readiness of women entrepreneurs?
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Correct answer: B — DP World
PIB: NITI Aayog's WEP and DP World announced the joint initiative 'We Rise' to enhance the export readiness of 100 women entrepreneurs.
The 'Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar' campaign on unclaimed financial assets follows a '3A' strategy. What do the three A's stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Awareness, Accessibility and Action
PIB (DFS): the campaign focuses on the 3A strategy — Awareness, Accessibility and Action.