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71. Which city became the first city to implement congestion pricing in the United States?
[A] Los Angeles
[B] New York
[C] Chicago
[D] Houston
Correct Answer: B [New York]
Notes:
On January 5, 2025, New York City made history as the first city in the United States to adopt congestion pricing. This measure is designed to reduce traffic congestion in heavily populated regions. Vehicles entering Manhattan’s central business district will be charged a fee of $9 during peak traffic hours. In 2023, New York City faced significant traffic delays, positioning it among the most congested cities worldwide. Comparable approaches have been effectively implemented in cities such as Singapore, London, Stockholm, and Milan.
72. Recently, which of the following has implemented regulation requiring lenders to update credit bureau records every 15 days?
[A] RBI
[B] SBI
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Correct Answer: A [RBI]
Notes:
As of January 1, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instituted a regulation that mandates lenders to refresh credit bureau records every 15 days. This initiative is designed to improve the precision and promptness of credit score assessments, thereby providing a more immediate reflection of borrowers’ financial behaviors. Historically, updates were conducted on a monthly basis, which frequently resulted in delays in accurately portraying loan repayments and defaults. The RBI announced this requirement in August 2024, providing lenders and credit bureaus with sufficient time to modify their systems accordingly.
73. What is India’s projected GDP growth rate for the financial year 2024-25?
[A] 5.6%
[B] 6.4%
[C] 7.7%
[D] 5.4%
Correct Answer: B [6.4%]
Notes:
India’s GDP is expected to rise by 6.4% in the fiscal year 2024-25, down from 8.2% in 2023-24. This is the slowest growth rate in four years, showing a decrease in economic activity. The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released these figures, which also show a slight increase in nominal GDP to 9.7%. The drop in growth is due to difficulties in several sectors, such as agriculture, construction, and services, affecting the overall economy.
74. Government has recently announced aiming to enhance its capacity and operational capabilities of which port?
[A] Haldia Port
[B] Paradip Port
[C] Kandla Port
[D] Mormugao Port
Correct Answer: C [Kandla Port]
Notes:
In January 2025, plans were revealed to improve Kandla Port, with the goal of increasing its capacity and efficiency. This effort supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, which emphasizes enhancing local manufacturing and international trade. The total funding for the expansion of Kandla Port is over ₹57,000 crores, comprising ₹30,000 crores for the Mega Shipbuilding Project and ₹27,000 crores for a new cargo terminal. These initiatives are designed to upgrade the port’s infrastructure and boost its capacity.
75. The UN’s “World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025” report forecasts India’s economy to grow by ________ percent in 2025.
[A] 7.6%
[B] 6.6%
[C] 6.7%
[D] 7.7%
Correct Answer: B [6.6%]
Notes:
The United Nations’ report titled “World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025” predicts that India’s economy will expand by 6.6% in 2025 and 6.7% in 2026, fueled by strong private spending and investment.
76. PhonePe has partnered with which company to offer affordable insurance plans for travelers attending the Maha Kumbh Mela?
[A] SBI Life
[B] HDFC Life Insurance
[C] ICICI Lombard
[D] LIC
Correct Answer: C [ICICI Lombard]
Notes:
In preparation for the Maha Kumbh Mela, taking place from January 13 to February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, PhonePe has teamed up with ICICI Lombard General Insurance. They are providing special insurance coverage for those attending. This effort is designed to give complete and affordable protection to the many devotees joining this important spiritual event.
77. Which of the following has recently revealed a 10-point agenda aimed at enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in India ahead of the 2025-26 Budget?
[A] Finance Commission
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
[D] Reserve Bank of India
Correct Answer: C [Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)]
Notes:
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has announced a comprehensive 10-point agenda designed to improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in India in anticipation of the 2025-26 Budget. This initiative emphasizes the importance of transparency, efficiency, and the minimization of compliance requirements within diverse regulatory systems. 10-Points: Regulatory approvals, Quicker dispute resolution, Unified environmental compliance framework, Online land authority, Expand India Industrial Land Bank (IILB), Make government services time-bound, Expand the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), Shram Suvidha portal expansion, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, Better manage income tax litigation.
78. What is the target renewable energy capacity India aims to achieve by 2030?
[A] 1000 GW
[B] 500 GW
[C] 300 GW
[D] 200 GW
Correct Answer: B [500 GW]
Notes:
India’s renewable energy sector has undergone significant transformation in the last ten years. Recently, the nation reached a notable benchmark of 200 GW in renewable energy capacity, with solar power contributing nearly 90 GW to this total. The government has established an ambitious goal of attaining 500 GW by the year 2030, necessitating the addition of around 50 GW each year.
79. Who has been assigned to head of the RBI’s Monetary Policy and Economic Research Departments recently?
[A] Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
[B] T. Rabi Sankar
[C] Michael Patra
[D] M. Rajeshwar Rao
Correct Answer: D [M. Rajeshwar Rao]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has named Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao to lead the Monetary Policy and Economic Research Departments. This change comes after Deputy Governor Michael Patra finishes his term on January 15, 2025. Patra has been in the role since 2020 and completed his service after two one-year extensions.
80. Which bank has recently launched the Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme?
[A] IDBI
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] HDFC Bank
[D] Axis Bank
Correct Answer: A [IDBI]
Notes:
On January 13 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) Limited launched the ‘IDBI Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen Fixed Deposit (FD)’ scheme. This special FD product is specifically designed for individuals aged 80 years and above, offering them higher interest rates to cater to their unique financial needs. The scheme provides a safe and secure investment option with guaranteed returns for super senior citizens.