Which international agency, in its July 2026 update, projected India's GDP growth at 6.8% for the fiscal year 2026-27?
A International Monetary Fund (IMF)
B World Bank
C Asian Development Bank (ADB)
D Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Answer: A
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its July 2026 World Economic Outlook update, projected India's GDP growth at 6.8% for the fiscal year 2026-27.
232.
In the July 2026 RBI Monetary Policy Review, what was the projected GDP growth rate for the fiscal year 2026-27?
A 7.0%
B 7.2%
C 7.5%
D 6.8%
Answer: C
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee, in its July 2026 review, projected the GDP growth rate for FY 2026-27 at 7.5%.
233.
Which committee's recommendation is primarily considered by the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for setting the policy repo rate?
A Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
B Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
C Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)
D National Statistical Commission (NSC)
Answer: B
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is mandated to determine the policy repo rate required to meet the inflation target, while keeping in mind the objective of maintaining price stability, inter alia, while ensuring that the objective of growth is also taken into account.
234.
In the Monetary Policy Statement of July 2026, what was the repo rate maintained by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
A 6.50%
B 6.75%
C 6.25%
D 6.00%
Answer: A
As per the RBI's Monetary Policy Statement released in July 2026, the repo rate was kept unchanged at 6.50%.
235.
In the context of the 2026 ASEAN Regional Forum, what is a likely outcome related to cybersecurity cooperation among member states?
A Creation of a unified ARF cyber defense command.
B Development of a common framework for information sharing on cyber threats and best practices.
C Imposition of uniform cybersecurity regulations across all member states.
D Establishment of an ARF-controlled internet censorship body.
Answer: B
Given the ARF's focus on dialogue and cooperation, a likely outcome in 2026 would be the strengthening of mechanisms for sharing information on cyber threats and promoting best practices for cybersecurity, rather than creating unified commands or imposing uniform regulations.
236.
Considering the geopolitical landscape in 2026, what is a probable area of discussion and potential outcome at the ASEAN Regional Forum regarding the South China Sea?
A Mandating a joint ARF naval patrol in the South China Sea.
B Encouraging adherence to international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.
C Establishing an ARF-controlled shipping lane through the South China Sea.
D Forming a military alliance among ARF members to assert claims.
Answer: B
The ARF typically encourages member states to adhere to international law, such as UNCLOS, and promotes peaceful dialogue and dispute resolution mechanisms for issues like the South China Sea, rather than forming military alliances or mandating patrols.
237.
As of 2026, which of the following is a likely key outcome or focus area for the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) discussions, given its mandate?
A Establishing a common ASEAN passport for all member states.
B Strengthening regional security architecture and addressing non-traditional security threats.
C Forming a unified ASEAN military force for collective defense.
D Implementing a single economic market across all ASEAN nations.
Answer: B
The ARF's primary mandate is to foster dialogue and cooperation on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region, with a strong emphasis on confidence-building measures and addressing non-traditional threats like terrorism, pandemics, and maritime security.
238.
Which of the following areas is a key focus of India-Japan maritime security cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region?
A Promoting exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of third countries.
B Ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight, and upholding international law.
C Establishing a joint naval base in the South China Sea.
D Developing a common currency for maritime trade.
Answer: B
A core objective of India-Japan maritime cooperation, often discussed within the QUAD framework, is to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight and uphold international law, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
239.
In the context of India-Japan maritime security cooperation, what does the term 'QUAD' primarily refer to?
A A quadrilateral naval formation for joint patrols.
B The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue involving India, Japan, the United States, and Australia.
C A treaty for mutual defense in the Indo-Pacific region.
D A joint research initiative on underwater acoustics.
Answer: B
The QUAD, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic forum comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, which often discusses maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
240.
Which of the following exercises is a significant bilateral maritime exercise between India and Japan, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination in maritime security?
A Malabar Exercise
B Sahyog-Kaijin
C Indo-Pacific Endeavour
D Passex
Answer: B
Sahyog-Kaijin is a joint maritime search and rescue exercise between the Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard, focusing on cooperation in maritime safety and security.
