Post Views: 1,328
81. Which bank has recently launched its first Cyber Security Hackathon 2024-25 titled “Code Against Malware”?
[A] State Bank of India (SBI)
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] Punjab National Bank (PNB)
[D] Axis Bank
Correct Answer: C [Punjab National Bank (PNB)]
Notes:
The Punjab National Bank (PNB) initiated its inaugural Cybersecurity Hackathon in the 2024-25 period, named “Code Against Malware.” This event is designed to address malware threats and enhance the cybersecurity infrastructure of the nation. It promotes collaboration among researchers, innovators, and academics to create sophisticated solutions aimed at combating malware. This initiative represents a proactive approach by PNB to mitigate cyber threats. The hackathon is open to researchers, innovators, and academicians.
82. With which company the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) has recently partnered to enhance employment prospects in Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Infosys
[B] Wipro
[C] HAL
[D] DRDO
Correct Answer: A [Infosys]
Notes:
In January 2025, the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) entered into a collaboration with Infosys Limited, a company based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, aimed at improving employment opportunities and offering technical support for the Skill Census initiative. The formal agreement was executed by officials from APSSDC and representatives from Infosys Limited, with Nara Lokesh, the Minister for Human Resource Development and Information Technology (IT), present, alongside Kona Sashidhar, Secretary of APSSDC, and other senior officials from both organizations.
83. Which of the following has revised Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) guidelines to boost cross-border transactions in rupee and local currencies?
[A] Finance Commission
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
[D] Reserve Bank of India
Correct Answer: D [Reserve Bank of India]
Notes:
Recent modifications to the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) have been enacted to promote cross-border transactions utilizing Indian rupees (INR) and various foreign currencies. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in partnership with the government, has initiated these changes in response to mounting pressures on the rupee, influenced by global economic conditions. The objective of these reforms is to improve international trade and investment prospects for both Indian exporters and foreign investors. FEMA was established in 1999 as a successor to the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA).
84. The Reserve Bank of India has introduced daily VRR auctions recently, VRR means?
[A] Velocity Rate Repo
[B] Variable Rate Repo
[C] Value Rate Repo
[D] Vertical Rate Repo
Correct Answer: B [Variable Rate Repo]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced daily variable rate repo (VRR) auctions as a strategy to manage liquidity. This initiative is in response to a liquidity shortfall that has surpassed ₹2 trillion within the banking sector. The primary objective of these auctions is to ease the prevailing liquidity constraints, especially in light of the impending outflows related to the goods and services tax (GST). The RBI plans to hold VRR auctions on each working day in Mumbai, with an initial auction amount set at around ₹50,000 crore. Reversals of these transactions will take place on the subsequent working day, with the exception of Fridays, when they will occur on the following Monday.
85. According to the World Bank, what is India’s projected economic growth in FY26 and FY27?
[A] 6.7%
[B] 7.8%
[C] 8.9%
[D] 9%
Correct Answer: A [6.7%]
Notes:
India is expected to sustain its status as the fastest-growing major economy, with a projected growth rate of 6.7% for the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, as indicated in the most recent Global Economic Prospects report published by the World Bank.
86. According to FICCI, what is India’s projected economic growth in FY 2024-25?
[A] 6.7%
[B] 6.6%
[C] 6.5%
[D] 6.4%
Correct Answer: D [6.4%]
Notes:
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has revised its economic projections for India, estimating a GDP growth rate of 6.4% and a Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rate of 4.8% for the fiscal year 2024-25. This adjustment signifies a prudent perspective in light of global uncertainties and domestic hurdles. According to FICCI’s most recent Economic Outlook Survey, conducted in December 2024, the GDP growth forecast for India has been lowered to 6.4% for FY 2024-25, down from the previously anticipated 7.0% in September 2024. This revision also represents a deceleration from the 8.2% growth achieved in 2023-24. The slowdown is primarily attributed to the prevailing global uncertainties and domestic challenges that are affecting economic momentum.
87. Which insurance company has recently partnered with Saraswat Co-Operative bank to offer a wide range of life insurance solution?
[A] SBI Life
[B] HDFC Life Insurance
[C] PNB MetLife
[D] ICICI Lombard
Correct Answer: C [PNB MetLife]
Notes:
On January 15, 2025, PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited revealed a strategic bancassurance alliance with Saraswat Co-Operative Bank Ltd., recognized as the largest urban co-operative bank in India. This partnership is designed to offer a wide array of life insurance products, encompassing savings, protection, retirement, and group plans, to Saraswat Bank’s vast clientele, which consists of around 3 million customers distributed across 302 branches throughout the country.
88. Which housing finance company has recently rebranded itself as Truhome Finance?
[A] Aavas Financiers
[B] Gic Housing Finance
[C] Star Housing Fin
[D] Shriram Housing Finance
Correct Answer: D [Shriram Housing Finance]
Notes:
In a noteworthy advancement, Shriram Housing Finance has undergone a rebranding initiative, now operating under the name Truhome Finance. This change signifies a crucial evolution in its corporate identity and strategic focus. The rebranding is a direct result of the acquisition led by Warburg Pincus, alongside co-investors such as Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, QIA. This new identity is in harmony with the company’s objective to improve access to affordable home loans for a wide range of socio-economic groups. Warburg Pincus, in collaboration with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), has secured a significant equity position in the company by investing ₹1,225 crore. This capital injection has enhanced the company’s valuation to exceed ₹3,300 crore, thereby establishing a robust platform for prospective expansion.
89. Recently, the Government of India announced revival package for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), is located in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Telangana
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Government of India has recently unveiled a revival package for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), a public sector steel producer that is currently grappling with significant financial challenges. This package, amounting to ₹11,440 crore, is designed to rejuvenate the company’s operations and protect numerous jobs in the face of political and economic pressures. RINL, commonly referred to as Vizag Steel, is situated in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and possesses a production capacity of 7.3 million tonnes annually. The facility operates three blast furnaces, of which two are presently functional. RINL has encountered severe financial difficulties, evidenced by a negative net worth and substantial debt.
90. Which ministry has recently advocated for a further extension of the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) in the upcoming Budget?
[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[D] Ministry of Home
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
The Indian Commerce Ministry is pushing for an additional extension of the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) in the forthcoming Budget. This program is designed to enhance export activities in light of persistent global economic difficulties. As the scheme is nearing its expiration, stakeholders are advocating for its renewal to sustain competitiveness in international markets. The Interest Equalisation Scheme was introduced on April 1, 2015, with an initial duration of five years, aimed at assisting exporters by offering pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit at reduced interest rates. The scheme has been extended several times, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
