What does maintaining the Repo Rate at 6.50% for an extended period primarily signal about the RBI's monetary policy stance?
A An accommodative stance to boost economic growth aggressively.
B A tightening stance to curb inflation at all costs.
C A pause or 'wait and watch' approach, balancing inflation control with growth support.
D A neutral stance with no specific objective.
Answer: C
Maintaining the repo rate for an extended period, especially after a series of hikes, indicates a 'wait and watch' approach by the RBI. This stance aims to assess the impact of previous policy actions on inflation and growth, balancing the need to control price rises with supporting economic activity.
2.
Which body within the Reserve Bank of India is primarily responsible for deciding the Repo Rate and other key monetary policy rates?
A Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
B Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
C Board for Financial Supervision (BFS)
D Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR)
Answer: B
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is a six-member body, headed by the RBI Governor, entrusted with the task of fixing the benchmark interest rate (repo rate) to achieve the inflation target.
3.
As per the recent announcement, what is the current Repo Rate maintained by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the seventh consecutive review?
A 6.50%
B 6.25%
C 6.75%
D 7.00%
Answer: A
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.50% for the seventh consecutive review, indicating a focus on inflation control while supporting growth.
4.
Following the 2026 geopolitical shifts, what is a potential implication for global trade and finance due to the expanded BRICS bloc?
A Increased reliance on the US dollar as the sole global reserve currency.
B Greater promotion of alternative payment systems and potential de-dollarization efforts.
C Reduced trade volumes between member nations due to increased protectionism.
D Strengthened influence of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in economic policy decisions.
Answer: B
The expansion of BRICS, particularly with the inclusion of major oil-producing nations, could accelerate efforts to develop alternative payment mechanisms and reduce reliance on the US dollar in international trade and finance.
5.
The expansion of BRICS in 2024, leading into the geopolitical landscape of 2026, is largely seen as a move towards:
A Strengthening the dominance of Western-led global institutions.
B Creating a more multipolar world order and challenging existing global governance structures.
C Increasing the influence of a single superpower in international relations.
D Promoting a unipolar global economic system.
Answer: B
The expansion of BRICS is widely interpreted as an effort by member states to create a more balanced and multipolar international system, offering an alternative to Western-dominated institutions.
6.
Which of the following countries were invited to join BRICS in January 2024, expanding the bloc's membership significantly?
A Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE
B Mexico, Argentina, Turkey, Indonesia, Nigeria
C South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines
D Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa
Answer: A
As of January 1, 2024, BRICS expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Argentina was also invited but declined membership.
7.
As of 2026, what is a primary objective of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) concerning semiconductors?
A To establish a joint research fund for next-generation semiconductor development and secure supply chains.
B To impose tariffs on semiconductor imports from competing nations.
C To exclusively focus on the manufacturing of legacy semiconductor chips.
D To limit the export of advanced semiconductor technology to third countries.
Answer: A
A key focus area for the TTC is to build resilient semiconductor supply chains and foster cooperation in research and development for advanced semiconductor technologies.
8.
Which of the following are key working groups established under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)?
A Strategic Technologies and Digital Governance; Green and Sustainable Technology; Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation
B Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; Renewable Energy
C Space Exploration; Maritime Security; Agricultural Trade
D Financial Services; Defence Manufacturing; Cultural Exchange
Answer: A
The TTC has three working groups: 1. Strategic Technologies and Digital Governance, 2. Green and Sustainable Technology, and 3. Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation.
9.
The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was established in which year, aiming to foster strategic cooperation on trade, technology, and security?
A 2020
B 2021
C 2022
D 2023
Answer: C
The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was launched in April 2022 during the EU-India Summit in Brussels.
10.
The release of the National Cyber Security Policy 2026 Draft for 'public consultation' signifies which crucial stage in the policy-making process?
A Final approval and enactment
B Initial research and problem identification
C Stakeholder engagement and feedback collection
D Post-implementation review
Answer: C
Public consultation is a vital stage where the government seeks feedback, suggestions, and inputs from various stakeholders, including experts, industry, academia, and the general public, to refine and improve the draft policy before its finalization.
