Economy Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Under its April 2026 MoU with the Department of Posts, which logistics company gets access to India Post's network of 1.64 lakh post offices?
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Correct answer: D — DTDC Express
DTDC Express Limited signed the MoU with the Department of Posts on 27 April 2026.
Which institution is the initial Implementation Agency for the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 under the April 2026 guidelines?
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Correct answer: C — SIDBI
The guidelines name the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) as the initial Implementation Agency; DPIIT will onboard one more agency.
The corpus of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0, for which DPIIT issued operational guidelines in April 2026, is:
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Correct answer: A — ₹10,000 crore
The guidelines operationalise the ₹10,000 crore corpus of FoF 2.0.
Consider the following statements about the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 guidelines: 1. Funds will be committed to SEBI-registered Category I and II Alternative Investment Funds, which invest in DPIIT-recognised startups. 2. AIFs will be selected in two stages, ending with evaluation by a Venture Capital Investment Committee. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: FoF 2.0 commits to SEBI-registered Category I and II AIFs, and selection involves screening by the Implementation Agency followed by a Venture Capital Investment Committee.
'Mission Jagrook', launched by the Union Finance Minister on 25 April 2026, is a nationwide investor awareness initiative of:
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Correct answer: D — SEBI
Nirmala Sitharaman digitally launched SEBI's nationwide investor awareness initiative 'Mission Jagrook' at SEBI's 38th Foundation Day.
At SEBI's Foundation Day in April 2026, which challenge did the Finance Minister describe as the most pressing for SEBI and regulated entities?
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Correct answer: A — Cyber security
Sitharaman said the most pressing emerging challenge is cyber security, warning that one successful attack on a major market institution could disrupt markets nationally.
At HUDCO's 56th Foundation Day in April 2026, the Technical Assistance Framework unveiled was for:
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Correct answer: A — Urban Invest Window (UiWIN)
A symposium on the Urban Challenge Fund and the Urban Invest Window followed the event, at which the UiWIN Technical Assistance Framework was unveiled.
MoSPI's April 2026 proposal for city-level statistical reports covers how many million-plus cities (as per Census 2011)?
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Correct answer: C — 47
The NSO proposed dedicated city-level statistical reports for 47 million-plus cities as per Population Census 2011.
The proposed city-level statistical reports of MoSPI (April 2026) will be based on data from:
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Correct answer: B — PLFS and ASUSE
The reports will use existing data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE).
What is the outlay of the mining sector reform incentive included in the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for FY 2026-27?
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Correct answer: B — ₹5,000 crore
The Ministry of Mines said an incentive mechanism on mining sector reforms with ₹5,000 crore outlay has been incorporated in SASCI for FY 2026-27.
Under the SASCI 2026-27 mining reform component, a state gets ₹20 crore for each major mineral block auctioned with pre-embedded clearances, subject to an upper cap per state of:
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Correct answer: D — ₹200 crore
The incentive is ₹20 crore per block successfully auctioned up to 31 December 2026, with an upper cap of ₹200 crore per state.
India and the United States issued a Joint Statement agreeing on a framework for an Interim Agreement on trade on:
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Correct answer: B — 7 February 2026
The Commerce Ministry said the Joint Statement on the framework for an Interim Agreement was issued on 7 February 2026.
The in-person India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement round of 20–23 April 2026 was held in:
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Correct answer: D — Washington D.C.
The Indian delegation visited Washington D.C. for the in-person round from 20 to 23 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about the India–US trade talks of April 2026: 1. The round aimed to finalise the details of an Interim Agreement. 2. Digital trade and economic security alignment were among the areas discussed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the round sought to finalise the Interim Agreement, and the areas discussed included digital trade and economic security alignment.
Under which law has the FDI limit in the Indian insurance sector been raised to 100%?
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Correct answer: B — Sabka Bima, Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025
The PIB backgrounder says the FDI limit in insurance was raised to 100% under the Sabka Bima, Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025.
According to the Swiss Re report cited by PIB in April 2026, India's rank among global insurance markets by premium volume is:
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Correct answer: C — 10th
India ranks as the 10th largest insurance market globally by premium volume, per the Swiss Re report.
Consider the following statements from the PIB backgrounder on insurance (April 2026): 1. IRDAI has committed to the vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047'. 2. The share of insurance and pension funds in household financial assets fell between FY19 and FY25. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
IRDAI's vision is 'Insurance for All by 2047'; the share rose from 28.6% in FY19 to 29.6% in FY25, so only statement 1 is correct.
According to the review of BSNL's FY 2025-26 results, its average revenue per user (ARPU) rose to:
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Correct answer: D — ₹101
BSNL's ARPU improved to ₹101 in FY 2025-26 from ₹71 the previous year, a 42% rise.
Which BSNL circle was named the overall best performing circle for FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — Odisha
The Odisha circle was honoured as the overall best performing circle, with about 21% growth in revenue from services.
Bharat Taxi, which expanded to Mumbai in April 2026, comes under which Union Ministry's initiatives?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of Cooperation
The Ministry of Cooperation released the update on Bharat Taxi's Mumbai expansion, in line with Cooperation Minister Amit Shah's vision.
According to the Ministry of Cooperation (April 2026), roughly how many drivers have engaged with the Bharat Taxi platform?
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Correct answer: B — Over 5.17 lakh
The ministry said over 5.17 lakh drivers have engaged with the platform, with more than 50 lakh customers and about 10 lakh rides a month.
According to provisional MPEDA data, India's seafood exports in FY 2025–26 were valued at about:
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Correct answer: D — ₹72,326 crore
Seafood exports reached a record ₹72,325.82 crore (US$8.28 billion) in FY 2025–26.
Which was the second-largest destination for India's seafood exports in FY 2025–26?
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Correct answer: B — China
The US was the largest destination; China, the second-largest, grew 22.7% in value.
Consider the following statements about India's seafood exports in FY 2025–26: 1. Frozen shrimp accounted for over two-thirds of total export earnings. 2. Exports to the United States rose in both value and volume. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Frozen shrimp earned ₹47,973.13 crore, over two-thirds of the total, but exports to the US fell 14.5% in value and 19.8% in volume.
What is the outlay of the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (2021-22 to 2026-27)?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10,900 crore
PLISFPI has an outlay of ₹10,900 crore; ₹1.97 lakh crore is the outlay of the overall PLI framework across 14 sectors.
As of February 2026, how many jobs had the PLI Scheme for the Food Processing Industry created, against a target of 2.5 lakh?
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Correct answer: D — About 3.39 lakh
About 3.39 lakh jobs had been created, exceeding the employment target of 2.5 lakh.
Consider the following statements about Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes: 1. The umbrella PLI Scheme was launched in April 2020 and now covers 14 strategic sectors. 2. The PLI Scheme for the Food Processing Industry was approved by the Union Cabinet on 31 March 2021. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, per the PIB backgrounder: the PLI Scheme was launched in April 2020 and covers 14 sectors, and PLISFPI was approved by the Cabinet on 31 March 2021.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries change in March 2026 compared with March 2025 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: C — Fell 0.4%
The ICI declined 0.4% (provisional) in March 2026; 2.6% is the FY 2025–26 cumulative growth.
Which of the eight core industries carries the largest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?
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Correct answer: B — Petroleum refinery products
Refinery products have the largest weight at 28.04%, followed by electricity (19.85%) and steel (17.92%).
Consider the following statements about the Index of Eight Core Industries: 1. The eight core industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production. 2. In March 2026, fertilizer production recorded the steepest decline among the eight industries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the core industries make up 40.27% of IIP weight, and fertilizers fell 24.6% in March 2026, the sharpest decline.
Under the revised order of April 2026, jute mills and processing units may hold raw jute stock up to:
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Correct answer: B — 45 days' consumption
Jute mills/processing units may hold up to 45 days' consumption; traders and balers have a nil limit.
Violation of the raw jute stock limits notified in 2026 attracts punitive action under which law?
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Correct answer: A — Essential Commodities Act, 1955
The ministry said punitive action will be taken under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
What revenue did the Department of Posts earn in FY 2025–26?
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Correct answer: B — ₹15,296 crore
Revenue was ₹15,296 crore, up 16% from ₹13,218 crore; ₹17,546 crore was the business target.
Which business vertical of the Department of Posts grew fastest in FY 2025–26?
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Correct answer: D — Citizen Centric Services
Citizen Centric Services grew 70%, ahead of Parcels (69%) and Mail Operations (34%).
The thematic focus of the seventh edition of NITI Aayog's 'Trade Watch Quarterly' (released April 2026) was:
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Correct answer: B — Gems and jewellery
The Q3 FY26 edition's thematic section focuses on India's gems and jewellery sector.
According to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly, India's share of world gems and jewellery exports (excluding raw gold) in 2024 was about:
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Correct answer: A — 7.8%
India's exports of $29.5 billion accounted for a 7.8% share of world exports in a market of about $378 billion.
How much did Indian Railways earn from scrap sales in FY 2025–26?
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Correct answer: D — ₹6,813.86 crore
Scrap sales were ₹6,813.86 crore against a ₹6,000 crore target; ₹6,641.78 crore was the FY 2024–25 figure.
According to the Railway Ministry (April 2026), by how much has Indian Railways' non-fare revenue grown over the last five years?
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Correct answer: B — 168%
Non-fare revenue grew 168%, from around ₹290 crore to over ₹777 crore.
The GST refund fraud of about ₹1,825 crore, whose alleged mastermind was arrested in April 2026, was investigated by which agency?
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Correct answer: B — DGGI Ahmedabad Zonal Unit
The arrest was made by the Ahmedabad Zonal Unit of the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI).
In the ₹1,825 crore GST refund fraud, the fake input tax credit was accumulated in entities projected as exporters, particularly from which Special Economic Zone?
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Correct answer: A — Kandla SEZ
Investigators said the ineligible ITC was accumulated in firms projected as exporters, particularly from Kandla SEZ.
The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool approved by the Cabinet in April 2026 is backed by a sovereign guarantee of:
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Correct answer: D — ₹12,980 crore
The BMI pool has a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore; ₹950 crore is its combined underwriting capacity.
Consider the following statements about the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool: 1. It covers only Indian-flagged vessels and excludes foreign vessels bound for Indian ports. 2. It covers War risk in addition to Hull and Machinery, Cargo and P&I risks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the pool covers Indian-flagged or controlled vessels and also vessels destined to or starting from India. Statement 2 is correct.
The Cabinet cited high dependence of Indian vessels on which body for Protection and Indemnity (P&I) cover of third-party liabilities such as oil pollution and wreck removal?
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Correct answer: B — International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I)
The release says Indian vessels depend heavily on the International Group of Protection and Indemnity (IGP&I) Club for P&I insurance.
The DA/DR instalment approved by the Cabinet on 18 April 2026 raised the rate by 2% over an existing rate of what percentage of basic pay/pension?
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Correct answer: D — 58%
The increase is 2% over the existing rate of 58% of basic pay/pension.
The formula used to revise Dearness Allowance for Central Government employees, as cited in the April 2026 Cabinet decision, is based on the recommendations of:
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Correct answer: B — 7th Central Pay Commission
The Cabinet release says the increase is in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Which two countries were added in April 2026 to the eligible destinations under the RELIEF export support intervention?
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Correct answer: B — Egypt and Jordan
Egypt and Jordan were added for shipments meant for delivery or transhipment.
RELIEF – Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation is implemented through which nodal agency?
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Correct answer: C — ECGC
RELIEF is implemented through ECGC as the nodal agency, under the Export Promotion Mission.
Which state had the highest number of DPIIT-recognised startups as on 31 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
Maharashtra led with 38,660+ recognised startups, followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about Startup India data released in April 2026: 1. More than 55,200 startups were recognised in FY 2025-26, the highest in a single year. 2. About 48% of recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 55,200+ were recognised in FY 2025-26, and 1.07 lakh+ (about 48%) have a woman director or partner.
How many coal blocks are offered in the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions launched on 17 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 11
11 coal blocks are offered (7 fully and 4 partially explored); 6 more are offered in the second attempt of the 13th round.
Consider the following statements about the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions: 1. Of the 11 blocks, 8 are offered under the MMDR Act, 1957 and 3 under the CMSP Act, 2015. 2. All 11 blocks are coking coal blocks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: only 1 block is coking coal; 10 are non-coking.
With which two regulators did FIU-India sign separate MoUs on 16 April 2026 to combat money laundering?
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Correct answer: B — SEBI and PFRDA
FIU-IND signed separate MoUs with SEBI and PFRDA.
The FIU-IND MoUs of April 2026 state that information exchange with foreign financial intelligence units will follow which principles?
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Correct answer: C — Egmont Principles of Information Exchange
The MoUs will assist exchange of information with foreign FIUs through the Egmont Principles of Information Exchange.
MoSPI's PAIMANA platform for monitoring Central Sector infrastructure projects replaced which earlier system?
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Correct answer: C — OCMS-2006
PAIMANA, operational from 25 September 2025, replaced the Online Computerized Monitoring System (OCMS-2006).
MoSPI currently monitors infrastructure performance across how many key sectors and sub-indicators?
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Correct answer: A — 11 sectors, 28 sub-indicators
MoSPI monitors 11 key sectors covering 28 sub-indicators.
Under the DoT–SEBI MoU of April 2026, DoT will automatically share the 'MNRL' with SEBI. What does MNRL stand for?
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Correct answer: B — Mobile Number Revocation List
MNRL is the Mobile Number Revocation List, which lets SEBI-regulated entities ensure investor accounts are linked only to active, valid mobile connections.
Consider the following statements about the DoT–SEBI MoU signed on 15 April 2026: 1. DoT will share its Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) with SEBI to help identify mobile numbers linked to suspicious patterns. 2. The data exchange will run through DoT's Digital Intelligence Platform, which connects more than 1,400 stakeholders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the DoT release.
What was the annual rate of inflation based on the All India Wholesale Price Index for March 2026 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: C — 3.88%
WPI inflation was 3.88% in March 2026; 2.13% was February, 1.68% January, and 6.36% was the Primary Articles group.
Arrange the following major groups of the WPI (base 2011-12) in descending order of their weight: 1. Primary Articles 2. Fuel and Power 3. Manufactured Products Select the correct answer:
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Correct answer: D — 3 – 1 – 2
Weights given in the March 2026 release: Manufactured Products 64.23%, Primary Articles 22.62%, Fuel and Power 13.15%.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, India's total exports (merchandise and services) in FY 2025-26 were estimated at about:
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Correct answer: A — US$ 860 billion
Total exports in FY 2025-26 are estimated at US$ 860.09 billion; US$ 825.26 billion was the FY 2024-25 figure and US$ 441.78 billion was merchandise alone.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 15 April 2026: 1. Merchandise exports in FY 2025-26 grew faster than total exports. 2. Services figures for March 2026 are estimates, because the latest RBI services data is for February 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: merchandise exports grew 0.93% while total exports grew 4.22%. Statement 2 is correct per the release's note.
According to the PLFS monthly bulletin for March 2026, the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above (CWS) was:
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Correct answer: A — 5.1%
MoSPI put the overall unemployment rate at 5.1% in March 2026.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS monthly bulletin for March 2026: 1. The March 2026 bulletin was the first in the monthly PLFS series. 2. Female LFPR in urban areas was higher than in rural areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The March 2026 bulletin is the twelfth in the series, and urban female LFPR (25.2%) was lower than rural female LFPR (38.9%).
India Pharma 2026, which concluded on 14 April 2026, was which edition of the event?
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Correct answer: C — 9th
The Department of Pharmaceuticals describes it as the 9th edition.
India Pharma 2026 was organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in association with:
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Correct answer: B — FICCI and IPA
PIB says the event was organised in association with FICCI and IPA.
In the valedictory address of India Pharma 2026, which three enablers were identified as critical for the next phase of the sector's growth?
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Correct answer: D — Funding, infrastructure and speed
Joint Secretary Satyaprakash T L said discussions converged on funding, infrastructure and speed.