Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 85%.

In News

• RBI raised the LTV ratio for gold loans up to Rs. 2.5 lakh to 85% during the MPC meeting held in June 2025.

Key Points

• The revision increases from the earlier 75% to 85% maximum LTV to enable more credit on small gold loans.
• For gold loans between Rs. 2.5 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh, the LTV ratio was fixed at 80%, and for loans above Rs. 5 lakh at 75%.
• Updated norms effective from April 1, 2026, to improve financial inclusion for retail borrowers.
• RBI aims to balance risk management with borrower support, especially in rural and semi-urban markets.
• Gold loans form a crucial component of informal credit especially during emergencies and festivals.
• Relaxation is expected to boost lenders' portfolio quality by formalizing and expanding small-ticket loans.
• The move aligns with the RBI’s accommodative monetary policy stance and rural credit expansion.

Additional Information

• LTV ratio is the maximum loan amount as a percentage of the collateral value banks can lend.
• Gold loan customers typically pledge physical gold ornaments or coins as collateral.
• Smaller loans cater to low-income borrowers needing quick liquidity.
• MPC adjusts policy rates and guidelines based on inflation and growth outlook.
• RBI
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - Sanjay Malhotra

The correct answer is 6.5%.

In News

• India’s real GDP grew by 6.5% in FY25 according to the Provisional Estimates released by NSO (MoSPI) in May 2025.

Key Points

• The real GDP growth for FY25 was slightly below the RBI’s earlier forecast of 6.6%.
• India’s nominal GDP grew by 9.8% during FY25.
• Q4 FY25 GDP recorded a growth rate of 7.4% indicating strong year-end economic activity.
• Growth drivers included manufacturing, agriculture, and services sectors.
• Data reflects a gradual post-pandemic economic recovery and government stimulus impacts.
• The estimates are provisional and subject to revision with subsequent data.

Additional Information

• NSO operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and is responsible for GDP data compilation.
• Real GDP accounts for inflation adjustment; nominal GDP is at current prices.
• Indian economy is among the fastest-growing large economies globally with diverse growth profile.
• GDP figures guide monetary, fiscal, and policy decisions across sectors.

The correct answer is Magnus Carlsen.

In News

• Magnus Carlsen became the first-ever Chess Esports World Cup champion by defeating Alireza Firouzja in the finals in Riyadh, August 2025.

Key Points

• Carlsen won the final by winning two sets with a score of 3-1 in each.
• The event was a best-of-three sets format where Carlsen wrapped results in two sets.
• The $250,000 top prize was awarded to Carlsen along with Team Liquid clinching the overall championship.
• Carlsen lost only one game during the tournament, demonstrating dominance.
• GM Hikaru Nakamura took third place by defeating GM Arjun Erigaisi.
• The tournament had a $1.5 million prize pool, highlighting esports' growing stature in chess.
• Organized in collaboration with Chess.com and held offline in Saudi Arabia.

Additional Information

• Chess esports combine traditional chess with online competitive gaming features.
• Alireza Firouzja was a top contender without a loss before the finals.
• Team Liquid led by Carlsen edged out other teams in overall esports standings.
• Esports chess events are increasing in popularity, merging digital and classical skills.

The correct answer is Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

In News

• EarthCARE is a joint mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to study clouds, aerosols, and radiation.

Key Points

• EarthCARE carries cloud profiling radar (CPR), atmospheric lidar, multispectral imager, and broadband radiometer instruments.
• Mission aims to reduce uncertainty in climate models by quantifying cloud-aerosol-radiation interactions.
• ESA leads mission development and operations, while JAXA provides key radar technology and scientific contributions.
• Data will improve understanding of how clouds influence the heating and cooling of the atmosphere.
• EarthCARE operates in sun-synchronous orbit providing global coverage of cloud and aerosol vertical structures.
• The mission supports IPCC assessments and climate policy by refining radiative forcing estimates.
• Launch is part of ESA’s Earth Explorer programme focused on scientific Earth observation missions.

Additional Information

• ESA is Europe’s intergovernmental space agency with 22 member states.
• JAXA is Japan’s national aerospace agency responsible for space and satellite missions.
• Earth Explorer missions include SMOS, CryoSat, Aeolus, and Biomass.
• Aerosols are tiny particles in the atmosphere that can scatter or absorb sunlight affecting the climate.
• JAXA
• Established in- 2003
• HQ - Tokyo

The correct answer is Kenya.

In News

• In June 2025, WHO validated Kenya as the 10^th country globally to eliminate human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) as a public health problem.

Key Points

• Kenya achieved WHO validation for eliminating sleeping sickness, a vector-borne parasitic disease transmitted by tsetse flies.
• Sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and rhodesiense leads to fatal neurological conditions if untreated.
• Elimination means the disease no longer poses a significant public health threat though continuous surveillance is vital.
• Kenya implemented extensive vector control, active case detection, treatment, and health education programs over recent decades.
• The achievement joins Kenya with nine other countries recognized by the WHO for control and elimination success of this neglected tropical disease.
• Validation supports global targets aligned with WHO’s Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030.
• Continued focus on surveillance will prevent resurgence and sustain public health gains.

Additional Information

• Human African trypanosomiasis also called sleeping sickness has two forms affecting different regions of Africa.
• The disease is targeted for elimination by 2030 under the WHO’s neglected tropical diseases strategy.
• Tsetse fly vectors inhabit rural sub-Saharan Africa where agriculture and livestock coexistence affect disease spread.
• WHO collaborates with endemic countries and partners for diagnostics, treatment access, and vector control.
• WHO
• Established in - 1948
• HQ - Geneva, Switzerland

The correct answer is Russia.

In News

• Russia has withdrawn from the INF Treaty and suspended its participation in the New START Treaty, altering post-Cold War nuclear arms control arrangements.

Key Points

• Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in 1987, required the elimination of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges 500–5,500 km.
• United States formally withdrew from the INF in 2019 citing Russian violations; Russia subsequently suspended and exited obligations.
• In 2023, Russia announced the suspension of participation in New START, the last remaining US-Russia strategic arms reduction treaty.
• New START, in force since 2011, caps deployed strategic nuclear warheads at 1,550 and delivery systems at 700 for each side.
• Suspension affects on-site inspections and data exchanges, reducing transparency and predictability in nuclear arsenals.
• These moves raise concerns about a renewed arms race and weakening of global non-proliferation regime.
• Other nuclear-armed states are not party to these bilateral treaties, complicating future multilateral arrangements.

Additional Information

• Nuclear-weapon states under NPT are the US, Russia, China, UK, and France.
• INF was the first treaty to eliminate an entire class of nuclear delivery systems.
• New START was extended in 2021 for five years, now facing an uncertain future.
• Arms control remains key to strategic stability and crisis prevention among major powers.

The correct answer is 0% (no interest).

In News

• RBI’s CBDC-retail (e₹-R) pilot framework specifies that digital rupee will not carry any interest, similar to physical cash.

Key Points

• e₹-R is a digital form of central bank money intended primarily as a medium of exchange and store of value for retail users.
• Like banknotes, CBDC units are non-interest-bearing, preventing disintermediation of bank deposits.
• Pilot involves select banks issuing CBDC wallets to customers for P2P and P2M transactions via QR codes and mobile apps.
• The objective is to test operational aspects, user experience, and impact on monetary and financial stability.
• Design choices align with BIS recommendations that retail CBDC should mimic cash characteristics.
• RBI launched its first retail CBDC pilot on December 1, 2022, gradually expanding cities and banks.
• Interoperability with UPI and other digital payment systems is being explored to enhance adoption.

Additional Information

• CBDC is a digital liability of the central bank, distinct from private cryptocurrencies.
• Wholesale CBDC (e₹-W) is tested separately for interbank settlements.
• Design dimensions include token vs account-based, degree of anonymity, and offline capability.
• Many central banks globally are piloting or researching CBDC frameworks.
• RBI
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - Sanjay Malhotra

The correct answer is 2024.

In News

• NPCI launched UPI Circle and a Bharat BillPay B2B platform during Global FinTech Fest 2024 to expand use cases in India’s digital payments.

Key Points

• UPI Circle allows controlled payments within a defined group such as societies, clubs, or workplaces.
• Bharat BillPay B2B platform digitises invoicing and collections between businesses using interoperable rails.
• Launch at GFF 2024 aligns with NPCI’s vision to deepen UPI adoption beyond P2P and retail merchant payments.
• Solutions showcased NPST’s efforts to cater to corporate collections, recurring payments, and closed-loop ecosystems.
• Other products presented included RuPay credit on UPI and cross-border offerings via NPCI International.
• Global FinTech Fest brings regulators, banks, fintechs, and investors together annually.
• India’s UPI processes billions of transactions monthly, making it key testbed for such innovations.

Additional Information

• NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) is the umbrella organisation for retail payments in India.
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface) enables instant transfers via mobile using virtual payment addresses.
• Bharat BillPay is an RBI-regulated bill payment system for utilities, telecom, and other recurring payments.
• GFF is co-organised by NPCI, Payments Council of India, and Fintech Convergence Council.
• NPCI
• Established in - 2008
• HQ - Mumbai

The correct answer is 21 Aug 2028.

In News

• AMFI and the Department of Posts signed MoU on August 21, 2025, valid until August 21, 2028, for mutual fund distribution through the post office network.

Key Points

• The three-year MoU commencing August 21, 2025, enables empanelled AMCs to offer mutual fund schemes through 1.6 lakh post offices across India.
• Department of Posts staff receive training as mutual fund facilitators to handle investor onboarding, KYC, and transaction support services.
• The initial agreement valid till August 21, 2028, provides an evaluation period for scaling distribution volumes and investor acquisition metrics.
• Focus targets Tier 2/3 cities and rural areas where post offices serve as trusted financial literacy and service delivery points.
• Integration supports AMFI's "Mutual Funds Sahi Hai" campaign reaching underserved geographies beyond urban wealth centres.
• Technology platforms of India Post Payments Bank enable digital mutual fund transactions alongside traditional paperwork options.
• Partnership expected to onboard first-time investors into SIPs and market-linked products through familiar post office channels.

Additional Information

• AMFI represents 45 Asset Management Companies managing over Rs 60 lakh crore AUM as of 2025.
• India Post operates the largest postal network globally with 1.36 lakh post offices serving rural populations.
• Mutual fund penetration remains low at 15% household coverage requiring distribution expansion strategies.
• SEBI regulations mandate AMFI membership for mutual fund distributors ensuring investor protection standards.
• AMFI
• Established in - 1995
• HQ - Mumbai

The correct answer is Quarterly.

In News

• The Reserve Bank of India collects Basic Statistical Return on bank credit (BSR-1) from scheduled commercial banks on a quarterly basis.

Key Points

• BSR-1 captures detailed borrower-wise credit information, enabling analysis of sectoral and geographical bank lending patterns.
• Data are submitted by banks every quarter, facilitating timely and granular insights for monetary and credit policy formulation.
• The quarterly frequency supports RBI’s assessment of credit flow and detection of emerging risks or concentrations.
• Scheduled commercial banks report BSR data electronically under the regulatory framework.
• RBI uses BSR-1 data for compiling banking sector statistics and macroprudential supervision.
• Periodic submission enhances data accuracy and policy responsiveness to credit demand-supply dynamics.
• The quarterly BSR-1 has replaced the earlier annual compilation improving efficiency and availability of credit data.

Additional Information

• Basic Statistical Returns were introduced in 1972 for standardised data collection on banking sector performance.
• BSR-1 returns include information on advances to individuals, businesses, priority sectors, and large borrowers.
• Quarterly data publication supports transparency and market discipline in banking.
• Other BSR returns such as BSR-2 cover deposits, while BSR-3 gives branch-level statistics.