During the festive season of 2026, which category of digital payments witnessed the most significant surge in transaction volume and value in India?
A NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) transfers.
B UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions.
C RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) transfers.
D Demand Drafts and Cheques.
Answer: B
UPI has consistently shown robust growth and is the dominant platform for retail digital payments in India, experiencing a significant surge during festive periods due to its ease of use and widespread adoption.
52.
In the context of RBI's cautious inflation stance in 2026, what does 'upside risks to food prices' generally refer to?
A A decrease in agricultural production due to favorable weather conditions.
B Potential for food inflation to rise above projected levels due to factors like erratic monsoons or supply chain disruptions.
C Government subsidies leading to lower food prices.
D Increased global supply of food grains.
Answer: B
'Upside risks to food prices' implies that factors such as adverse weather patterns, pest attacks, or logistical issues could lead to higher-than-expected food inflation.
53.
Which monetary policy tool is most frequently used by the RBI to manage liquidity and influence inflation expectations, aligning with its cautious stance?
A Open Market Operations (OMOs).
B Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).
C Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR).
D Repo Rate.
Answer: D
The Repo Rate is the primary tool used by the RBI to manage liquidity and signal its monetary policy stance. Adjustments to the repo rate directly influence borrowing costs and inflation expectations.
54.
As of late 2026, what is the primary reason cited by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for maintaining a cautious stance on inflation, despite potential growth pressures?
A Persistent core inflation and upside risks to food prices.
B A sharp decline in global commodity prices.
C The need to stimulate export growth through lower interest rates.
D Anticipation of a significant slowdown in the services sector.
Answer: A
The RBI's cautious stance in late 2026 is primarily driven by concerns over persistent core inflation and potential upward pressures on food prices, which could derail disinflation efforts.
55.
The 'Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+)' initiative, launched in 2023, aims to accelerate the implementation of A4P commitments. Which of the following is a core priority area under A4P+?
A Expanding the number of peacekeeping missions globally
B Focusing solely on post-conflict reconstruction
C Strengthening the safety and security of peacekeepers
D Reducing the overall budget for peacekeeping operations
Answer: C
A4P+ focuses on seven priority areas to accelerate A4P implementation, including strengthening the safety and security of peacekeepers, improving performance and accountability, and enhancing strategic communications.
56.
Which of the following is a primary challenge frequently cited in debates regarding the effectiveness of UN Peacekeeping Operations?
A Lack of cultural diversity among peacekeepers
B Excessive focus on economic development
C Inadequate political solutions and complex mandates
D Over-reliance on advanced military technology
Answer: C
A recurring challenge for UN Peacekeeping is the lack of robust political solutions to underlying conflicts, leading to complex and often unrealistic mandates for peacekeepers, hindering their effectiveness.
57.
The UN Secretary-General's initiative 'Action for Peacekeeping (A4P)' was launched in 2018 primarily to strengthen which aspect of UN operations?
A Humanitarian aid delivery
B Peacekeeping operations
C Climate change mitigation
D Economic development programs
Answer: B
The 'Action for Peacekeeping (A4P)' initiative, launched by Secretary-General António Guterres in 2018, aims to renew political commitment to UN peacekeeping operations and make them more effective and safer.
58.
The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), established in 2022, includes a working group specifically dedicated to which aspect of the green transition?
A Digital Transformation and Connectivity
B Green and Clean Energy Technologies
C Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains
D Security and Defence Cooperation
Answer: B
The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) has three working groups: 1) Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity; 2) Green and Clean Energy Technologies; and 3) Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains. The second group directly addresses the green transition.
59.
Which of the following is NOT a primary area of cooperation under the India-EU Green Strategic Partnership?
A Renewable energy and energy efficiency
B Circular economy and resource efficiency
C Sustainable finance and investment
D Space exploration and satellite technology
Answer: D
The India-EU Green Strategic Partnership focuses on areas like renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular economy, sustainable finance, climate adaptation, and biodiversity. Space exploration, while a separate area of cooperation, is not a primary pillar of the Green Strategic Partnership.
60.
The India-EU Green Strategic Partnership, a cornerstone of their bilateral relations, was formally launched in which year?
A 2018
B 2019
C 2020
D 2021
Answer: C
The India-EU Green Strategic Partnership was launched at the 15th India-EU Summit in July 2020, aiming to strengthen cooperation on climate action, biodiversity, circular economy, and sustainable development.
