Economy Current Affairs Quiz — Last 3 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In the RoDTEP scheme, what does 'RoDTEP' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products
RoDTEP = Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products; it refunds embedded duties and taxes on exports.
Up to which date was the RoDTEP scheme extended in October 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 31 December 2026
Notification No. 41/2026-27 (30 September 2026) extended RoDTEP up to 31 December 2026.
Component II of the RELIEF intervention for exporters offers ECGC cover with how much risk coverage?
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Correct answer: D — 95%
Component II encourages exporters to take ECGC cover for shipments to the specified regions with 95% risk coverage.
RELIEF, launched on 19 March 2026 for exporters, is a time-bound intervention under which mission?
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Correct answer: A — Export Promotion Mission
RELIEF is a time-bound intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
The first two mineral blocks auctioned in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir (2026) are of which mineral?
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Correct answer: B — Limestone
Both blocks — Koot–Kapran and Wantrag — are limestone blocks.
The Koot–Kapran and Wantrag limestone blocks auctioned in 2026 are in which district of Jammu & Kashmir?
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Correct answer: A — Anantnag
Both blocks are in Anantnag district; Koot–Kapran is in Dooru tehsil.
What is the theme of the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave (3–5 October 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — Resilience in an Age of Flux
KEC 2026 is being held under the theme 'Resilience in an Age of Flux'.
The Kautilya Economic Conclave is an initiative of which institution, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance?
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Correct answer: B — Institute of Economic Growth
The Kautilya Economic Conclave is an initiative of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), founded by Prof. V.K.R.V. Rao in 1952, with the Ministry of Finance.
Under the revised norms announced on 1 October 2026, what is the maximum sugar stock a dealer can hold (outside Kolkata and Assam) from 15 October to 30 November 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 1,000 quintals
A dealer shall not hold sugar stock exceeding 1,000 quintals; the limit is 2,000 quintals for Kolkata and Assam.
Consider the following statements about the sugar stock norms of October 2026: 1. A dealer cannot hold sugar for more than 15 days from receipt. 2. A higher limit of 2,000 quintals applies to Kolkata (with its extended metropolitan area) and Assam. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The holding period is cut to 15 days, and Kolkata with its extended metropolitan areas and Assam get a 2,000-quintal limit.
The two offshore mineral blocks put up for auction by the Ministry of Mines on 1 October 2026 are located in which sea area?
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Correct answer: C — Andaman Sea
Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01 are offshore blocks in the Andaman Sea.
The offshore blocks Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01 (auctioned from October 2026) mainly contain:
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Correct answer: A — Polymetallic nodules and crusts
Both blocks contain polymetallic nodules and crusts hosting cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements.
What is the MSP of wheat for Rabi Marketing Season 2027-28, approved by the Cabinet on 30 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,610 per quintal
Wheat MSP for RMS 2027-28 is ₹2,610 per quintal, up ₹25 from ₹2,585 in RMS 2026-27.
Which Rabi crop received the highest absolute increase in MSP for Marketing Season 2027-28?
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Correct answer: D — Safflower
The highest absolute increase was for safflower at ₹675 per quintal, followed by rapeseed & mustard at ₹413.
For Rabi Marketing Season 2027-28, the expected margin over the all-India weighted average cost of production is highest for which crop?
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Correct answer: A — Wheat
The expected margin is 106% for wheat, followed by 96% for rapeseed & mustard and 92% for lentil.
Consider the following statements about the Rabi MSP for 2027-28: 1. The MSP of barley was raised by ₹136 per quintal. 2. The MSP of gram is ₹5,958 per quintal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Barley MSP rose by ₹136 to ₹2,286, and gram MSP is ₹5,958 per quintal.
According to the Annual Survey of Industries 2024-25 (released September 2026), by how much did the Gross Value Added of the registered manufacturing sector grow?
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Correct answer: C — 9.59%
GVA grew by 9.59%; output grew 7.81%, employment 7.19% and fixed capital 10.54%.
As per ASI 2024-25, which state tops the list of the top five states in manufacturing employment?
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Correct answer: C — Tamil Nadu
The release lists Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as the top 5 states in employment, together over 56%.
According to the Quick Estimate released on 28 September 2026, what was India's IIP growth in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 8.0%
IIP grew 8.0% year-on-year in August 2026, up from 6.7% in July 2026.
Which sector of the IIP contracted in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Mining & Quarrying
Mining & Quarrying fell 5.6%, while Manufacturing (+9.0%), Electricity & Gas Supply (+12.3%) and Water Supply etc. (+6.3%) grew.
What is the base year of the Index of Industrial Production series used in the August 2026 Quick Estimate?
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Correct answer: D — 2022-23
The IIP Quick Estimate for August 2026 uses base 2022-23=100.
Consider the following statements about the IIP Quick Estimate for August 2026: 1. Electricity & Gas Supply recorded the highest sectoral growth. 2. The Quick Estimate of IIP is released on the 12th of every month. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: Electricity & Gas Supply grew 12.3%, the highest. Statement 2 is wrong: the Quick Estimate is released on the 28th of every month (or the next working day).
Where was the 14th meeting of the India–UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments held on 28 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Mumbai
The 14th HLJTFI was held in Mumbai, co-chaired by Piyush Goyal and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE co-chair of the India–UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments, Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, heads which institution?
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Correct answer: A — Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).
Consider the following statements about the India–UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments: 1. It was established in 2013. 2. Its 14th meeting in 2026 was co-chaired by India's Finance Minister. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the HLJTFI was set up in 2013. Statement 2 is wrong: the Indian co-chair was Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
To which date did CBDT extend the ITR due date for AY 2026-27 for persons subject to audit?
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Correct answer: C — 21 November 2026
The due date was extended from 31 October 2026 to 21 November 2026.
Consider the following statements about the CBDT decision of 28 September 2026: 1. The 'specified date' for the tax audit report was extended to 21 October 2026. 2. The extension applies to all individual taxpayers, including non-audit cases. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the extension applies only to persons subject to audit (Serial No. 2 of the Table below Explanation 2 to Section 139(1)).
Who will chair the Steel Industry Safety Council (SISC) announced by the Ministry of Steel in September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Secretary, Ministry of Steel
The SISC will be headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Steel, as Chairman.
Consider the following statements about the Steel Industry Safety Council (2026): 1. It will be supported by a Steel Industry Safety Directorate (SISD). 2. Representatives of PESO and NDMA will be part of the Council. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the SISD will provide technical support, and the Council includes representatives of DGMS, PESO and NDMA.
NMDC's 2 MTPA pellet plant commissioned in September 2026 is located at which place in Chhattisgarh?
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Correct answer: B — Nagarnar
The pellet plant is at Nagarnar, Bastar, linked by a 135 km slurry pipeline to Bacheli.
How long is the slurry pipeline in NMDC's ₹5,427 crore project, carrying iron ore concentrate from Bacheli to Nagarnar?
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Correct answer: C — 135 km
The 135 km, 15 MTPA slurry pipeline carries concentrate from Bacheli to Nagarnar instead of by road.
Consider the following statements about the NMDC project commissioned in 2026: 1. The pellet plant uses Straight Grate Induration technology. 2. It processes fines and slimes from the Bailadila mines. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Steel release.
What annual export target for 2030 did Piyush Goyal mention for Uttar Pradesh at the UP International Trade Show 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹5 lakh crore
UP aims to raise annual exports from about ₹2 lakh crore to ₹5 lakh crore by 2030.
The UP International Trade Show addressed by Piyush Goyal in September 2026 was held in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Greater Noida
The UP International Trade Show was held in Greater Noida.
The 11th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was held on 28 September 2026 in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Doha
The 11th AIIB Annual Meeting was held in Doha, Qatar; Nirmala Sitharaman attended as India's Governor.
According to the Ministry of Finance, what is India's position among shareholders of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank?
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Correct answer: B — Second largest
India is the second largest shareholder of the AIIB.
How much gross market borrowing did the Government announce for the second half (H2) of FY 2026-27?
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Correct answer: B — ₹7,86,000 crore
The H2 borrowing is ₹7,86,000 crore, including ₹15,000 crore of Sovereign Green Bonds.
How much Sovereign Green Bond issuance is included in the Centre's H2 FY 2026-27 borrowing plan?
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Correct answer: D — ₹15,000 crore
SGrB issuance of ₹15,000 crore is included; ₹2,000 crore is the greenshoe limit per security.
To what level was the Basic Customs Duty on crude sunflower oil cut on 24 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Nil
BCD on crude sunflower oil was cut from 10% to nil; crude soybean and palm oil went from 10% to 5%.
What import duty differential between crude and refined edible oils did the Government maintain while cutting duties in September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 19.25%
A 19.25% differential between crude and refined edible oils was maintained to support domestic refining.
Consider the following statements about the edible oil duty cut of 24 September 2026: 1. The Basic Customs Duty on crude palm oil was cut from 10% to 5%. 2. Duties on refined edible oils were left unchanged. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: BCD on the respective refined oils was also reduced, keeping the 19.25% differential.
As per the Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey 2025-26, which purpose accounted for the highest share (48%) of overnight trips in the last 365 days?
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Correct answer: D — Pilgrimage and religious
About 48 of every 100 overnight trips in the last 365 days were for pilgrimage and religious purposes.
The Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey released in September 2026 was conducted as part of which NSS round?
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Correct answer: D — 80th round
The survey was conducted from July 2025 to June 2026 as part of the NSS 80th round.
As per the DTES 2025-26, which type of overnight trip had the highest average household expenditure per trip?
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Correct answer: A — Business trips
Business trips recorded the highest average expenditure per trip, ₹5,949, for overnight trips made in the last 30 days.
Consider the following findings of the Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey 2025-26: 1. Shopping was the most frequently undertaken type of same-day trip. 2. Overnight trips per 100 urban tourist households fell compared with 2014-15. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Social trips (33%) were the most common same-day trips, ahead of shopping (26%). Urban trips per 100 tourist households rose from 121 to 132.
India's first integrated Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) is coming up in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Gwalior
The TMZ is coming up in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh; the September 2026 investors' roundtable was held in Bengaluru.
As per Jyotiraditya Scindia in September 2026, how much do the 24 companies on board propose to invest in the Gwalior TMZ?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5,500 crore
Scindia said 24 companies are on board and propose to invest ₹5,500 crore; about ₹700 crore was committed at the Bengaluru roadshow.
What was the provisional year-on-year growth of the Index of Core Industries in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 4.8%
The ICI grew 4.8% in August 2026, slightly below July's final 5.0%.
Which core sector recorded the highest year-on-year growth in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Cement
Cement grew 12.5%, ahead of electricity (11.6%), iron ore (5.5%) and steel (3.4%).
What is the base year of the Index of Core Industries whose August 2026 estimates were released on 21 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 2022-23
The ICI now uses 2022-23 as its base year.
Consider the following about the Index of Core Industries for August 2026: 1. Coal and crude oil recorded negative growth. 2. Cumulative growth for April–August 2026 was lower than in the same period of the previous year. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Coal, natural gas, crude oil and fertilizers contracted, so statement 1 is correct. Cumulative April–August growth was 4.3%, higher than 2.4% a year earlier, so statement 2 is wrong.
From which date will the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement enter into force?
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Correct answer: D — 20 October 2026
The FTA will enter into force on 20 October 2026, a date chosen to coincide with Dussehra–Vijaya Dashami.
Where was the India–New Zealand FTA signed on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The FTA was signed at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay.
Under the India–New Zealand FTA, what share of India's exports to New Zealand becomes duty-free from day one?
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Correct answer: B — 100%
Every tariff line covering 100% of India's exports to New Zealand becomes duty-free from entry into force.
Consider the following about the India–New Zealand FTA: 1. New Zealand's Parliament passed the enabling legislation on 16 September 2026. 2. Prime Minister Modi's July 2026 visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Commerce Ministry release of 21 September 2026.
Which body released district-level labour market indicators for the first time on 18 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — National Statistics Office
The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the 'Labour Market Snapshot of Selected Districts'.
As per the NSO's district labour snapshot (September 2026), which district recorded the highest LFPR among the 100 most populous districts?
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Correct answer: B — Surat, Gujarat
Surat recorded the highest LFPR (68.6%), followed by Araria (68.0%) and Salem (67.8%).
Among the 100 most populous districts, which recorded the lowest LFPR and WPR in the NSO's September 2026 district snapshot?
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Correct answer: D — Darbhanga, Bihar
Darbhanga in Bihar recorded the lowest LFPR and WPR among the 100 most populous districts.
Consider the following about the NSO's Labour Market Snapshot of Selected Districts (September 2026): 1. Ernakulam recorded the lowest youth NEET rate among the 100 most populous districts. 2. About 57.8% of districts recorded a female LFPR of 40% or above. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Ernakulam's youth NEET rate was 9.6%, and about 57.8% of districts had a female LFPR of 40% or more.
In September 2026, the sugar stockholding limit for bulk consumers was relaxed to how many days of consumption?
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Correct answer: A — 30 days
The limit was relaxed from 15 days to 30 days, with stock beyond 15 days to come only from imported sugar under AAS and TRQ.
Under the September 2026 relaxation, sugar stock held by bulk consumers beyond 15 days must be sourced from where?
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Correct answer: C — Sugar imported under the Advance Authorisation Scheme and Tariff Rate Quota
The additional stock must come exclusively from sugar imported under AAS and TRQ; the open-market limit stays at 15 days.
Consider the following about the sugar decision of 18 September 2026: 1. The stockholding limit for sugar bought on the open market was raised to 30 days. 2. Retail sugar prices have fallen by about 25% from their peak. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The open-market limit stays at 15 days, and retail prices fell about 10%; it is ex-mill prices that fell nearly 25%.
By how much did India's textile exports grow year-on-year in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 16.1%
Textile exports rose 16.1% to ₹29,776 crore in August 2026. 10.3% is the April–August growth.
Which textile segment recorded the fastest export growth in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Handicrafts (excluding handmade carpets)
Handicrafts excluding handmade carpets grew 41.4% in August 2026, the fastest among segments.
How many coal blocks are offered in the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions launched on 17 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 25
The 16th round offers 25 blocks — 21 fully explored and four partially explored.
Who launched the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions on 17 September 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Satish Chandra Dubey
MoS for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey launched the round; Vikram Dev Dutt is Secretary, Ministry of Coal.
Consider the following about the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions: 1. All blocks offered in the round are fully explored. 2. The blocks are spread across five coal-bearing states. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Four of the 25 blocks are partially explored, and the blocks are spread across nine states.
Up to what FOB value are export consignments exempted from the RCMC requirement under the September 2026 change?
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Correct answer: D — ₹3 lakh
Export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3 lakh no longer need an RCMC or Certificate of Registration.
Which paragraph of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 did the DGFT amend to bring in the RCMC exemption?
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Correct answer: C — Para 2.57
The DGFT amended Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
The CBIC event 'AEO@10' held on 16 September 2026 marked ten years of which programme?
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Correct answer: C — Authorised Economic Operator programme
AEO@10 marked a decade of India's Authorised Economic Operator programme, aligned with the WCO SAFE Framework.
What is the thematic focus of the ninth edition of NITI Aayog's 'Trade Watch Quarterly' released on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — India's metals and ores trade
The edition focuses on India's metals and ores trade.
What was India's overall unemployment rate (15+ years) in August 2026 as per the PLFS monthly bulletin?
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Correct answer: D — 5.0%
The overall unemployment rate remained stable at 5.0%; 4.1% was the rural rate.
What was the overall Labour Force Participation Rate (15+ years) in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 55.6%
Overall LFPR rose to 55.6%. 52.8% is the WPR, 58.2% the rural LFPR and 34.8% the female LFPR.
What was the female Labour Force Participation Rate (15+ years) in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 34.8%
Female LFPR was 34.8%, up 1.1 percentage points from August 2025.
Consider the following about the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): 1. It is conducted by the Reserve Bank of India. 2. Its methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PLFS is conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under MoSPI.
Above what value will MDR apply to specified UPI merchant transactions under the new framework?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,000
MDR applies only to specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000; payments up to ₹2,000 stay free.
Under which Act was the new UPI framework introduced, according to the Finance Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
The framework was introduced under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, after deliberations by the UPI Steering Committee.