Economy Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What target for Geographical Indication (GI) tags did the Commerce Minister set at the GI Samagam in January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 10,000 GI tags by 2030
PIB 2095279: Piyush Goyal set a target of 10,000 GI tags by 2030.
How many GI tags had been issued by the department as of 22 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 605
PIB 2095279: the number of GI tags issued by the department till date stands at 605.
Consider the following about the GI Samagam (January 2025): 1. It was organised by DPIIT and the India Today Group in New Delhi. 2. A committee will be constituted to oversee the 10,000 GI tag target. 3. Authorised users of GI tags fell over the last 10 years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2095279: DPIIT and India Today Group organised the Samagam and a committee will oversee the target; authorised users rose from 365 to 29,000.
How many net members did EPFO add in November 2024, as per payroll data released in January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 14.63 lakh
PIB 2095007: EPFO recorded a net addition of 14.63 lakh members in November 2024.
What share of EPFO's new members in November 2024 came from the 18–25 age group?
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Correct answer: B — 54.97%
PIB 2095007: 4.81 lakh new members aged 18–25 made up 54.97% of new members in November 2024.
Consider the following about EPFO payroll data for November 2024: 1. Net member addition was 14.63 lakh. 2. New member enrolment fell compared with October 2024. 3. The 18–25 age group made up less than half of new members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB 2095007: net addition was 14.63 lakh; new members rose 16.58% over October 2024; the 18–25 group was 54.97% of new members.
How many records did MoSPI's eSankhyiki platform hold when the ministry announced the milestone in January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 134 million
PIB 2095118: eSankhyiki now has 134 million records within seven months of its June 2024 launch.
eSankhyiki, a platform for statistical data dissemination, belongs to which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
PIB 2095118: eSankhyiki is MoSPI's platform for statistical data dissemination.
From when will the Diamond Imprest Authorization Scheme, introduced in January 2025, be implemented?
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Correct answer: D — 1 April 2025
PIB 2094862: the DIA Scheme will be implemented with effect from 1 April 2025.
The Diamond Imprest Authorization Scheme allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds of what size?
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Correct answer: A — Less than ¼ carat (25 cents)
PIB 2094862: the scheme allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds of less than ¼ carat (25 cents).
Consider the following about the Diamond Imprest Authorization Scheme: 1. It mandates an export obligation with 10% value addition. 2. Exporters with Two Star Export House status and above and US$15 million annual exports are eligible. 3. It allows duty-free import of lab-grown diamonds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2094862: the scheme requires 10% value addition and is open to Two Star Export Houses with US$15 million exports; it covers natural cut and polished diamonds.
How many companies were provisionally selected in the third round of the PLI Scheme for White Goods announced on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 24
PIB 2094465: 24 beneficiaries (18 new + 6 existing) were selected, committing ₹3,516 crore.
The PLI Scheme for White Goods covers components of which two products?
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Correct answer: B — Air conditioners and LED lights
PIB 2094465: the PLI Scheme for White Goods covers air conditioners and LED lights.
Consider the following statements about the PLI Scheme for White Goods: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 7 April 2021 with an outlay of ₹6,238 crore. 2. After the third round, 84 companies under the scheme are set to invest ₹10,478 crore. 3. The scheme runs from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2094465: the Cabinet approved it on 7 April 2021 with ₹6,238 crore and 84 companies will invest ₹10,478 crore; the scheme period is FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29.
Which digital platform for mineral resource management was launched at the 3rd National Mining Ministers' Conference in Konark on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Mining Tenement System
PIB 2094586: G. Kishan Reddy and Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Mining Tenement System (MTS).
The fifth tranche of critical mineral block auctions, launched at Konark on 20 January 2025, offered how many blocks?
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Correct answer: B — 15
PIB 2094586: the fifth tranche offers 15 blocks across eight states.
Consider the following statements made at the 3rd National Mining Ministers' Conference: 1. 75% of mining block auctions have been held in the last four years. 2. Odisha contributed ₹1.33 lakh crore in mineral revenue over the past decade. 3. The fifth tranche of critical mineral blocks covers 15 states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2094586: Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao cited 75% auctions in four years and ₹1.33 lakh crore from Odisha; the fifth tranche has 15 blocks in eight states, not 15 states.
As on 20 January 2025, which rabi crop group had a smaller sown area than in the same period a year earlier?
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Correct answer: C — Oilseeds
PIB 2094564: oilseeds were at 97.62 lakh ha against 101.80 lakh ha; wheat, pulses and the total were higher.
What was the area sown under wheat as on 20 January 2025, according to the Agriculture Ministry?
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Correct answer: C — 320 lakh ha
PIB 2094564: wheat covered 320 lakh ha against 315.63 lakh ha a year earlier.
With which European Commissioner did Piyush Goyal hold a High Level Dialogue in Brussels on 18–19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Maroš Šefčovič
PIB 2094362: Goyal met Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.
Consider the following statements about the Goyal–Šefčovič High Level Dialogue of January 2025: 1. It was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders. 2. It was held in New Delhi. 3. Goyal outlined six principles for an India–EU partnership. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2094362: it was their first in-person meeting and Goyal outlined six principles; the dialogue was held in Brussels, not New Delhi.
At the January 2025 India–EU High Level Dialogue, Piyush Goyal estimated the combined India–EU market at over how much?
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Correct answer: D — $24 trillion
PIB 2094362: Goyal described the combined market as currently estimated at over $24 trillion, with 2 billion people.
After EPFO's January 2025 simplification of PF transfers, about what share of transfer claims is expected to reach EPFO directly without employer intervention?
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Correct answer: D — 94%
PIB 2094230: over 1.20 crore of 1.30 crore transfer claims, about 94%, are expected to be forwarded directly to EPFO.
What share of EPFO members' grievances relate to PF transfer issues, according to EPFO in January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 17%
PIB 2094230: presently 17% of total grievances pertain to transfer-related issues.
Where was the 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board held on 19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Bhubaneswar
PIB 2094300: the 64th CGPB meeting was held at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar.
How many critical mineral projects has GSI planned for field season 2025-26, as placed before the 64th CGPB?
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Correct answer: C — 227
PIB 2094300: 227 dedicated critical mineral projects, a 16% increase over the previous year.
Under EPFO's January 2025 profile-update simplification, which members need only employer certification to update their details?
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Correct answer: A — Members with UAN obtained before 1 October 2017
PIB 2094229: where the UAN was obtained prior to 1 October 2017, updation requires certification of the employer only.
About how many EPFO members with pending profile-correction requests benefit immediately from the January 2025 simplification?
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Correct answer: A — 3.9 lakh
PIB 2094229: the revision will immediately benefit around 3.9 lakh members whose requests are pending.
Where did the Ministry of Mines open the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Exhibition on 18 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Sun Temple, Konark
PIB (Ministry of Mines): the DMF Exhibition was set up at the Sun Temple, Konark, with the Government of Odisha.
What was the theme of the DMF Exhibition held at Konark from 18 to 21 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Empowering Communities by Sustainable Development
PIB: the exhibition's theme was "Empowering Communities by Sustainable Development".
How many stalls did the DMF Exhibition at Konark (January 2025) feature?
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Correct answer: D — 18
PIB: the exhibition featured 18 stalls showcasing DMF-supported SHGs, GSI, HCL, NALCO, HZL/Vedanta and the Odisha Government.
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), for which a ₹11,440 crore revival plan was approved in January 2025, operates which steel plant?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
PIB (Steel): RINL operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh, the only offshore steel plant in the government sector.
How much equity capital does the RINL revival plan approved by the CCEA (announced 17 January 2025) provide?
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Correct answer: D — ₹10,300 crore
PIB: the ₹11,440 crore plan includes ₹10,300 crore equity capital and conversion of a ₹1,140 crore working capital loan into preference share capital.
Consider the following statements about Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) as per the January 2025 revival plan release: 1. RINL is a Schedule-A CPSE wholly owned by the Government of India. 2. Its plant has an installed capacity of 7.3 Mtpa of liquid steel. 3. The ₹1,140 crore working capital loan is to be converted into 7% non-cumulative preference shares redeemable after 10 years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Steel): RINL is a Schedule-A CPSE with 100% Government ownership, its plant has 7.3 Mtpa liquid steel capacity, and the ₹1,140 crore loan converts into 7% non-cumulative preference share capital redeemable after 10 years.
Which of the following was NOT a venue of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 (17–22 January 2025)?
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Correct answer: B — Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
PIB (Commerce): the expo was held across Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi (Dwarka) and India Expo Centre & Mart (Greater Noida).
While inaugurating the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, PM Modi recalled the contributions of which two industry legends?
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Correct answer: A — Ratan Tata and Osamu Suzuki
PIB: the Prime Minister recalled the contribution of Ratan Tata and Osamu Suzuki, saying their legacy will inspire the mobility sector.
CG Power's semiconductor OSAT unit, for which a Fiscal Support Agreement was signed on 17 January 2025, is being set up at:
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Correct answer: B — Sanand, Gujarat
PIB (MeitY): CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd is setting up its semiconductor OSAT unit in Sanand, Gujarat.
What share of eligible capital expenditure will India Semiconductor Mission provide as fiscal support to the CG OSAT project (pari-passu basis)?
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Correct answer: D — 50%
PIB: the project will benefit from 50% fiscal support on a pari-passu basis for the eligible CAPEX from India Semiconductor Mission.
How many stalls does the KVIC National-level Khadi Exhibition at Mahakumbh 2025, inaugurated on 17 January 2025, have?
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Correct answer: C — 152
PIB (MSME): the exhibition has 152 stalls, with 98 displaying Khadi products and 54 village industry products.
According to the KVIC Chairman at the Mahakumbh Khadi Exhibition (January 2025), sales of Khadi and Village Industries products over the past 10 years rose from ₹31,000 crore to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹1.55 lakh crore
PIB: sales of Khadi and Village Industries products increased from ₹31,000 crore to ₹1.55 lakh crore; production rose from ₹26,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore.
The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) signed an MoU with which institution on 17 January 2025 to strengthen PMLA compliance in housing finance?
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Correct answer: C — National Housing Bank
PIB (Finance): FIU-IND and the National Housing Bank signed the MoU in New Delhi.
Under the FIU-IND–NHB MoU of January 2025, how often will the two parties meet to discuss AML/CFT typologies and trends?
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Correct answer: B — Quarterly
PIB: the MoU provides for a quarterly meeting to discuss typologies and trends in AML/CFT crimes and related matters.
Which factbook did Piyush Goyal launch on the 9th foundation day of Startup India (16 January 2025)?
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Correct answer: B — PRABHAAV
PIB (Commerce): Goyal launched the PRABHAAV Factbook and the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge at the celebration of 9 years of Startup India.
According to the Commerce Minister on 16 January 2025, how many startups did India have as of 15 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 1,59,157
PIB: India became the world's third-largest startup ecosystem with 1,59,157 startups as of 15 January 2025, from about 500 in 2016.
The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), credited by Piyush Goyal for supporting Tier II and Tier III startups, is administered by:
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Correct answer: B — SIDBI
PIB: the Fund of Funds for Startups is administered by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and financed by the Government of India.
The MoEFCC workshop on 'Financing India's Green Transition Plan and Adaptation Needs', which began in Kolkata on 16 January 2025, was held under which programme?
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Correct answer: C — Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme
PIB (MoEFCC): the workshop was organised under the ongoing Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme.
At the Kolkata green finance workshop (January 2025), the MoEFCC Economic Advisor noted that which document called for developing India's own climate finance taxonomy?
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Correct answer: A — Union Budget 2024-25
PIB: Rajasree Ray pointed out that the Budget presented for 2024-25 called for developing India's own climate finance taxonomy.
India's cumulative exports (merchandise and services) during April–December 2024 were estimated at about:
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Correct answer: C — USD 602.64 billion
PIB (Commerce): April–December 2024 total exports were estimated at USD 602.64 billion, up 6.03%.
By what percentage did India's merchandise exports grow in April–December 2024 over the same period of 2023?
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Correct answer: A — 1.6%
PIB: Merchandise exports were USD 321.71 billion vs USD 316.65 billion, a growth of 1.6%.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 15 January 2025: 1. Total exports in April–December 2024 grew by 6.03%. 2. Non-petroleum exports in December 2024 were USD 33.09 billion. 3. Merchandise exports in April–December 2024 declined over the previous year. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Merchandise exports rose 1.6%, so statement 3 is wrong; 1 and 2 match the PIB release.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 2.37%
PIB (Commerce): WPI inflation was 2.37% in December 2024; 1.89% was November and 8.89% the Food Index.
Which major group of the WPI recorded negative annual inflation in December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Fuel & Power
PIB: Fuel & Power inflation was -3.79% in December 2024.
Consider the following statements about the WPI data for December 2024: 1. Manufactured Products carry the largest weight in the WPI. 2. The base year of the WPI series is 2011-12. 3. WPI inflation in December 2024 was lower than in November 2024. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB: Manufactured Products weigh 64.23% and the base year is 2011-12; December (2.37%) was higher than November (1.89%), so 3 is wrong.
As on 14 January 2025, the area sown under wheat in the rabi season was about:
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Correct answer: C — 320 lakh hectares
PIB (Agriculture): wheat coverage was 320 lakh ha against 315.63 lakh ha a year earlier.
As per rabi sowing data as on 14 January 2025, which crop group had a lower area than in the corresponding period of the previous year?
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Correct answer: D — Oilseeds
PIB: oilseeds were at 96.82 lakh ha vs 101.80 lakh ha; wheat, pulses and coarse cereals were all higher.
By how much did India's coal imports decline during April–October 2024 compared with the same period of the previous year?
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Correct answer: B — 3.1%
PIB (Coal): imports fell 3.1% to 149.39 MT; 8.8% was the non-regulated sector and 19.5% blending imports.
What was India's coal production during April–October 2024, as per the Ministry of Coal?
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Correct answer: C — 537.57 MT
PIB: coal output rose 6.04% to 537.57 MT from 506.93 MT.
What was India's All India CPI (combined) inflation rate (provisional) for December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 5.22%
PIB (MoSPI): CPI inflation was 5.22% in December 2024; 4.58% was urban and 8.39% food (CFPI).
Consider the following statements about CPI data for December 2024: 1. Rural inflation was higher than urban inflation. 2. The housing index is compiled for the urban sector only. 3. Food inflation (CFPI) was above 10%. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB: rural 5.76% vs urban 4.58%, and housing is urban-only; CFPI was 8.39%, so statement 3 is wrong.
At the India-Nepal IGC meeting in Kathmandu on 10–11 January 2025, India accepted Nepal's request for the supply of how much wheat?
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Correct answer: D — 200,000 MT
PIB: the Indian side informed that Nepal's request for 200,000 MT wheat had been accepted.
Who led the Indian delegation at the India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee meeting in Kathmandu in January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal
PIB: Secretary, Department of Commerce, Sunil Barthwal led the Indian delegation.
Electrification of which cross-border rail line was discussed at the India-Nepal IGC meeting in January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Raxaul–Birgunj
PIB: the agenda included synchronized development of trade infrastructure including electrification of the Raxaul–Birgunj rail line.
The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade met in January 2025 in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Kathmandu
PIB: the IGC was held in Kathmandu from 10 to 11 January 2025.
Consider the following statements about the India-Nepal IGC meeting held in January 2025: 1. The two sides reviewed the Treaty of Transit and the Treaty of Trade. 2. India informed that Sal seeds and Chayote have been included in its Plant Quarantine Order. 3. The Nepali side was led by its Foreign Secretary. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the treaties were reviewed and Sal seeds and Chayote were included in India's Plant Quarantine Order; Nepal was led by Gobinda Bahadur Karkee, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.
In which city did the Ministry of Mines hold a roadshow on 11 January 2025 on India's maiden offshore mineral blocks auction?
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Correct answer: C — Kochi
PIB (Mines): the roadshow was held at The Renai, Kochi, Kerala.
At the Kochi roadshow, the three offshore blocks in Kerala were highlighted mainly for deposits of:
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Correct answer: A — Construction sand
PIB: GSI highlighted construction sand deposits off Kerala's coast; participants were keen on the three offshore blocks in Kerala for construction and infrastructure.
India's maiden offshore mineral blocks auction, promoted at the Kochi roadshow on 11 January 2025, covers blocks in which maritime zone?
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Correct answer: D — Exclusive Economic Zone
PIB: the auction aims to unlock resource potential in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Which organisation's platform is used for the e-auction of offshore mineral blocks, as demonstrated at the Kochi roadshow?
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Correct answer: B — MSTC
PIB: MSTC demonstrated its e-auction platform; auction details are on the MSTC platform. SBICAPS explained the process.
What was India's IIP growth rate for November 2024 as per the Quick Estimates released on 10 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 5.2%
PIB (MoSPI): IIP growth for November 2024 was 5.2%, against 3.5% in October 2024.
Which sector recorded the lowest growth among Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity in the November 2024 IIP?
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Correct answer: C — Mining
PIB (MoSPI): Mining 1.9%, Manufacturing 5.8%, Electricity 4.4%.
Consider the following statements about the Index of Industrial Production (IIP): 1. Its Quick Estimates are released on the 12th of every month (or the previous working day) with a six-week lag. 2. Its current base year is 2011-12. 3. It is compiled by the Reserve Bank of India. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoSPI): Quick Estimates are released on the 12th with a six-week lag, base 2011-12=100; the release is by MoSPI, not the RBI.
How much tax devolution did the Union Government release to States on 10 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1,73,030 crore
PIB (Finance): ₹1,73,030 crore was released, against ₹89,086 crore in December 2024.
Which State received the largest share in the tax devolution released on 10 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
PIB (Finance): Uttar Pradesh got ₹31,039.84 crore, the largest in the State-wise table.
In the January 2025 tax devolution, which State received the second-largest amount after Uttar Pradesh?
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Correct answer: A — Bihar
PIB (Finance): Bihar ₹17,403.36 crore, Madhya Pradesh ₹13,582.86 crore, West Bengal ₹13,017.06 crore, Maharashtra ₹10,930.31 crore.
Which edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) was launched on 9 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 8th
PIB (Commerce): Piyush Goyal launched the 8th edition of NPOP.
At the NPOP launch on 9 January 2025, Piyush Goyal said India's organic exports could reach how much in the next three years?
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Correct answer: B — ₹20,000 crore
PIB (Commerce): India's organic export value has the potential to reach ₹20,000 crore in the next three years.
'TraceNet 2.0', unveiled at the NPOP launch in January 2025, is:
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Correct answer: A — An upgraded online traceability system for organic products
PIB (Commerce): TraceNet 2.0 is the upgraded online traceability system for seamless operations and regulatory oversight.
Which organisation organises the Indusfood trade show, whose 8th edition opened on 8 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Trade Promotion Council of India
PIB (MoFPI): Indusfood is organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) with support from the Department of Commerce.
Where was Indusfood 2025 inaugurated by Chirag Paswan on 8 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida
PIB (MoFPI): Indusfood 2025 was inaugurated at India Exposition Mart Ltd in Greater Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar.
Consider the following statements about Indusfood: 1. It began in 2017. 2. It welcomed international exhibitors for the first time in 2024. 3. The 2025 edition debuted as an integrated farm-to-fork trade show. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MoFPI): Indusfood started in 2017, welcomed international exhibitors for the first time in 2024, and debuted as an integrated farm-to-fork show in 2025.