Q1) 3-day Sustainable Blue Economy Conference was concluded in which country? A.Canada B.UAE C.Kenya D.France
First 3-day Sustainable Blue Economy Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya The First 3-day Sustainable Blue Economy Conference concluded at Kenyatta International Convention Center, KICC, in Nairobi, Kenya, which begins on November 26, 2018. It aims to work through the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Objective: To advance the global conversation on the sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
Key Points: The theme of this conference was ‘The Blue Economy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’ It was primarily hosted by the Government of Kenya with Canada and Japan as co-hosts and supported by UNDP through a multi donor basket fund. From India Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari participated in the conference.
Q2) Govt has launched 'Paisa' portal for affordable credit and interest subvention access. The portal has been designed and developed by which bank? A. State Bank of India B.Baroda Bank C. Allahabad Bank D.Punjab National Bank
Govt launched 'Paisa' portal for affordable credit and interest subvention access The government launched a centralised electronic platform for processing interest subvention on bank loans to beneficiaries under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), called 'Paisa'. PAiSA, or `Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest Subvention Access’, is a web platform designed and developed by Allahabad Bank, which is the nodal bank.
Q3) Which bank has launched its upgraded mobile banking app to ease user access to their respective bank accounts, there are 120+ transactions available on the app? A. Axis Bank B. HDFC bank C. ICCI Bank D. Yes Bank
HDFC Bank launches new mobile banking app: Top 5 features HDFC Bank today launched its upgraded mobile banking app to ease user access to their respective bank accounts. The app will feature intuitive navigation with features such as biometric log in for enhanced security and access. The new app will have only three grouping such as categories like — Pay, Save, and Invest. Customers can view a dashboard that offers a 360-degree financial snapshot of all assets and liabilities with the bank.
HDFC Bank claims to have done an intensive study of existing navigation and usage patterns for the 120+ transactions available on the app. The new banking app was launched at the Bank’s annual Digital Innovation Summit 2018 in New Delhi. Here are some features of the HDFC’s new mobile banking app: 1)Biometric log-in with fingerprint and facial recognition (iPhone X) for enhanced security 2) Simple navigation based on customer needs like Pay, Save, Invest
3) Notification by the app on bill and utilities payments 4) Simpler terms for all transactions such as ‘Transfer Money’ instead of ‘Fund Transfer’ 5) Smart and intuitive technology that intelligently chooses between NEFT/IMPS or RTGS depending on the size and timing of the transaction 6) Customized profile pictures like any social media channel 7) Personalised notifications and display based on consumer’s usage and needs
Q4) India and which country has a signed protocol to amend Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) for the avoidance of double taxation and for prevention of fiscal evasion? A. Australia B. Japan C. Switzerland D. China
India, China sign protocol to amend Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement • India and China signed protocol to amend Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) for the avoidance of double taxation and for prevention of fiscal evasion. • Under Section 90 of Income-tax Act, 1961, India can enter into agreement with foreign country or specified territory for the avoidance of double taxation of income.
• The Protocol to amend DTAA with China updates existing provisions for exchange of information to latest international standards. • It incorporates changes required to implement treaty related minimum standards under the Action reports of Base Erosion & Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project.
Q5) The Reserve Bank has relaxed norms for External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) by reducing the mandatory hedging provision to _______ % from the current 100%? A. 80 % B. 70 % C. 90 % D. 85 %
RBI Eases Hedging Norms For ECBs To 70% From Current 100% The Reserve Bank has relaxed norms for External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) by reducing the mandatory hedging provision to 70% from the current 100%. The relaxed norms will apply to the ECBs with a maturity period between 3 and 5 years.
Q6) The Centre and Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a 200 million dollar loan agreement to finance widening and upgrading of about 230 Kilometers State Highways in which state? A. Assam B. Madhya Pradesh C. Bihar D. Odisha
ADB, India Sign $85 Million Loan to Support Odisha Skills Development Project
The Asian Development Bank projection for GDP Growth 2018 at 7.3 percent 2019 at 7.6 percent
India’s economic growth will slow down somewhat but remain robust, at close to 7.50% in 2019 and 2020, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has said. India’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 6.7% in 201718. OECD projects GDP at market prices to grow 7.3% in 2019 7.4% in 2020 from 7.5% in 2018.
16th November The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday signed three loan agreements with the government to provide debt of $ 574 million for onlending, electricity transmission and water supply infrastructure projects. ADB and the government signed three separate loan agreements for $ 300 million $ 169 million $ 105 million
Loan of $ 300 million is expected to help catalyze the financial closing of $ 2.4 billion investments. (India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) $ 169 million loan is the first tranche of up to $ 500 million loan that will be used to develop climate-resilient water supply, sewerage and drainage infrastructure in at least 10 cities in Tamil Nadu. $ 105 million is the third tranche of the $ 350 million multi-tranche financing facility for multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program approved by the ADB Board in September 2011.
The World Bank will extend USD 310 million loan for Jharkhand Power System Improvement Project to provide reliable, quality, and affordable 24x7 electricity in the state. The World Bank has signed a deal with the Indian government and the government of Andhra Pradesh to extend a Rs 1257 crore loan to make farming in the state a financially viable activity.
Q7) A/C to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in India GDP at market prices to grow ______ % in 2019 ? A. 7.4 % B. 7.3% C. 7.5% D. 7.6%
Q8) State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) has appointed whom as the Managing Director & CEO of SBM Bank (India)? A.Sidharth Rath B.Vikas Kaushal C.Amit Goyal D.Tarun Garg
Currently SBM Bank has a total of four branches across Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ramachandrapuram.
Mauritius' SBM gets RBI approval to merge operations with its Indian subsidiary The Reserve Bank of India said it has approved merger of SBM (Mauritius), India with SBM Bank (India).
Q9) Paytm (One 97 Communications Limited) has partnered with which insurance company to offer online insurance premium payments on its platform? A. PNB Met Life B.HDFC Ergo C. LIC D.None of these
Paytm partners with LIC for insurance premium payments Softbank-backed, digital payments service provider, Paytm (One 97 Communications Limited) has partnered with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to offer online insurance premium payments on its platform. Paytm now has 30 insurance companies on its platform including LIC, ICICI Prudential Life, Reliance Life, Max Life Insurance, HDFC Life, TATA AIA, SBI Life, Aditya Birla Sun Life, Canara HSBC Life Insurance, Shri Ram Life and Star Health among others.
Q10) Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have signed a __________________ million Loan Agreement to support lending by India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL)? A. $300 M B. $350 M C. $200 M D. $250 M
Q11) Which bank has launched India’s first interactive credit card named Nexxt Credit Card? A. Axis Bank B.HDFC bank C. Indusind Bank D.Yes Bank
IndusInd Bank launched the Nexxt Credit Card which is India’s first Interactive card with buttons.
The card has been created in partnership with Dynamics Inc, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh USA, and designs and manufactures intelligent, battery powered payment cards. According to the bank, this card provides customers with the flexibility of 3 payment options at a POS terminal — Credit, Converting Transactions into EMIs with 4 tenure options (6, 12, 18 & 24 months) or using accumulated Reward Points, by simply pushing a button on the card.
Q12) Ashok Chawla has resigned from the post of chairman over corruption charges? A. Federal bank B.Kotak Mahindra Bank C. Yes Bank D.City union Bank
Q13) The Reserve Bank of India has cancelled the certificate of registrations how many non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) for unspecified reasons ? A. 30 B.28 C. 31 D.21
31 NBFC registrations cancelled by RBI Reserve Bank of India cancelled the certificate of registrations of as many as 31 non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) for unspecified reasons. i. A majority 27 of the 31 companies which lost their licences are from Bengal. ii. Bengal is followed by Uttar Pradesh, which has seen four NBFC licence cancellations.
Q14) According to a notification to the National Stock Exchange , Rs.3,054 crore was infused in which bank by centre as an investment during the current financial year 2018-19? A. Punjab National Bank B. Canara Bank C. Bank of India D. Allahabad Bank
Q15) To enhance agricultural productivity, profitability, and climate resilience of poor and marginalised farmers in the state, the centre and which state have signed the loan agreement for $172.20 million with World Bank. A. Madhya Pradesh B. Maharashtra C. Andhra Pradesh D. Tamil Nadu
World Bank, Centre and Andhra govt signed an MOU to $172 million loan to make farming viable in Andhra Pradesh The Central and Andhra Pradesh governments and the World Bank have signed the loan agreement for $172.20 million. To enhance agricultural productivity, profitability, and climate resilience of poor and marginalised farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
Q16) Citigroup has appointed whom as its new chairman? A. John Dugan B. Michael O'Neil C. Richard Davis D. Bill Winters
Citigroup has appointed John Dugan, a former comptroller of the currency, as its new chairman. i. John Dugan is 63 years old. He will succeed Michael O’Neill, who will retire at the end of 2018. ii. John Dugan has been on Citi’s board for more than a year. He was comptroller of the currency from 2005 to 2010. iii. He had served as counsel to the Senate banking committee and as an official at the Treasury department. He also served on the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision from 2007 to 2009.
Q17) PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) has appointed whom as its Associate Director, India, to lead its India outreach efforts to promote PCI Security Standards? A. Anmol Sharma B. Vishnu Goyal C. Nitin Bhatnagar D. Nitesh Bhattacharya
Q18) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved reappointment of Aditya Puri as managing director and CEO of the HDFC Bank for another _____ years? A. 5 year B. 3 years C. 4 years D. 2 years
Aditya Puri joined HDFC Bank in 1994. He is the longest-serving head of any private bank in India.
Q19) A/C to RBI, total credit growth from banks to the commercial sector grew at what per cent year-on-year in the fortnight ended November 9, 2018, the highest growth since demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in November 2016? A. 15.6 % B. 15.2 % C. 15. 4% D. 15.5 %
Non-food bank credit grows at 15.6% Total credit growth from banks to the commercial sector grew at 15.6 per cent yearon-year at Rs 97.32 lakh crore in the fortnight ended November 9, 2018, the highest growth since demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in November 2016, according to a Reserve Bank of India data. • The non-food credit grew by 15.12 per cent to Rs 90.51 lakh crore, while • The total non-SLR investments rose 22.26 per cent to Rs 6.81 lakh crore
Q20) With an aim to reduce trading costs, regulator SEBI has came out with a framework for interoperability among clearing corporations (CCPs), which will be operationalised by __________? A. 1 July 2019 B. 1 June 2019 C. 1 April 2019 D. 1 Jan 2019
Q23) Who has introduced a survey on India’s startup sector (SISS), in order to create a profile of the startups and provide dimensions pertaining to their profitability and workforce? A. SEBI B. NITI Aayog C. RBI D. SBI
In a recent NASSCOM-Zinnov report titled “Indian Start-up Ecosystem 2018: Approaching Escape Velocity,�, India has emerged as the third largest startup hub in the world. The sectors that led the growth in the tech startup space include the increasing number of advanced tech startups, which saw a rise of 50% in 2018 from 2017, with artificial intelligence, data analytics and internet of things (IoT) witnessing the fastest adoption. According to the report, Bangalore, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai are the top cities which have seen a tremendous growth in startups, with Bangalore becoming one of the fastest growing technology startup hubs.
Q24) Who was appointed as convenor of New Direct Tax Law Task Force, the committee which is drafting a new tax law and was constituted by the Government of India in November, 2017? A. Amandeep Sehgal B. Akhilesh Ranjan C. Vijay Chauhan D. Ranjit Sodhi
CBDT appoints Akhilesh Ranjan as Head of Convenor of Task Force The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) member Akhilesh Ranjan was appointed as convenor of New Direct Tax Law Task Force, the committee which is drafting a new tax law and was constituted by the Government of India in November, 2017.
He will replace former CBDT member Arbind Modi who retired in September this year.
Q25) Name the country that recorded the highest average real wage growth in South Asia during 2008- 17, as per “Global Wage Report 2018/19: What Lies behind Gender pay gaps� report released by International Labour Organisation (ILO)? A. China B. Japan C. Spain D. India
Q26) Which bank signed a Sh327m ($3.8 million) deal with International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) to fund training in Science and Innovation in SubSaharan Africa? A. ADB B. World Bank C. IMF D. NDB
World Bank signs Sh327m science training deal The World bank signed a Sh327m ($3.8 million) deal with International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) which will be used to fund training in Science and Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a part of a larger Sh922.1 million ($9 million) grant by Korean government to support Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) to create a competent pool of researchers in Applied Sciences Engineering and Technology.
Q27) Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have inked $75 Million loan to improve Urban Services in 4 coastal towns of which state? A. Andhra Pradesh B. Kerala C. Tamil Nadu D. Karnataka
Q28) Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) sanctioned Mudra loans under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), grew faster than that of banks in FY 2018, as per the 2017-18 annual report of PMMY. Which was the top lender among State Run Banks? A. State Bank of India B. Punjab National Bank C. Canara Bank D. Allahabad Bank
NBFC Mudra loans grew faster than banks in FY18: report by MUDRA Non Banking Financial Company(NBFC) sanctioned Mudra loans under PMMY, grew faster than banks in FY 2018. This is the first time that the bad loan data has been released by Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency (Mudra). NBFCs sanctioned approximately Rs 27,000 crore of Mudra loans during the fiscal 2018 as against Rs 92,492.68 crore sanctioned by public sector banks, their yearon-year growth was faster.
Impressively, NBFCs not only met their Mudra target of ₹9,050 crore for FY18, but their sanctions for the year were a five-fold jump from the previous year. The data showed that lenders overall have classified ₹2.44 trillion loans under PMMY, a growth of 41% y-o-y. The other category of lenders—small finance banks (SFBs)—has also seen robust growth at 183% y-o-y to ₹19,022.89 crore. AU Small Finance Bank was the top institution among SFBs with a sanction amount of ₹4,614.4 crore to 117,000 borrowers.
Among state-run banks, State Bank of India (SBI) with ₹28,791 crore sanctions to 1.41 million accounts came first. It was followed by Canara Bank and Punjab National Bank (PNB) with ₹7,665 crore and ₹6,838 crore, respectively. The annual report pointed out that there are 57.7 million small businesses and micro units in India and a majority of them are owned by people belonging to scheduled caste, scheduled tribe or other backward classes
nd 2
Q29) Where was the Edition of India Gold and Jewellery Summit inaugurated? A.Mumbai B.New Delhi C.Jaipur D.Ahmedabad
Government to set up a domestic Gold Council in India for promotion of growth in the jewellery sector Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu announced government’s intention to set up a domestic Gold Council in India for the growth in the jewellery sector. This was announced on the inauguration of the 2nd Edition of India Gold and Jewellery Summit in New Delhi.
Why Gold Council? India is the world’s largest consumer of gold and also one of the main importers. There are huge opportunities in the global market to push exports of gold jewellery. The country's gems and jewellery exports contracted by 8% to about $32.72 billion in 2017-18 owing to demand slowdown in US and other major markets. The gems and jewellery sector is labour-intensive sector that contributes about 14% to the country's overall exports. Gold imports increased by about 4% to $17.63 billion in the first half of 2018-19.
Q30) As per the Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) guidelines and the State Legislature, which bank was brought under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) act? A. Vijaya Bank B. Airtel Payment Bank C. J & K Bank D. Fino Payment Bank
J&K Bank to be brought under purview of RTI as per guidelines of CVC and J&K State Legislature: Governor of J&K As per the Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) guidelines and the State Legislature, the Jammu and Kashmir bank was brought under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) act. The decision was taken by the State Administrative Council (SAC) chaired by Governor Satya Pal Malik. The objective of the decision was to strengthen better corporate governance.
Q31) European Investment Bank (EIB) had agreed to cooperate with Which Bank for EUR 600 million renewable energy financing programme for supporting large-scale solar investment across the country? A. Punjab National Bank B. State Bank of India C. Allahabad Bank D. Bank of Baroda
European Investment Bank & State Bank of India to expand cooperation in wind energy financing projects First offshore wind investment conference held in New Delhi. During which the European Investment Bank (EIB) and State Bank of India (SBI) agreed to cooperate on financing renewable energy and wind energy projects across India. This collaboration will be under the dedicated EUR 600 million renewable energy financing programme which supports large-scale solar investment across the country. EIB also approved a new line of credit worth USD 100 million to Yes Bank to boost private investment in clean energy projects.
Q32) Which general insurance company has set up a remote sensing lab for crop insurance? A. HDFC Ergo B.Apollo Munich C. New India Assurance D.Oriental Insurance
HDFC ERGO sets up remote sensing lab for crop insurance Private general insurance company HDFC ERGO General Insurance has set up a remote sensing lab for crop insurance. The lab will work on accurately assessing the risks of the insurers and will also be able to give early warnings about the losses.
Q33) Which Bank has introduced a new personal loan scheme for salaried individuals. By this offer, it became the first small finance bank to introduce this type of facility? A. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank. B. Janalakshmi Small Finance Bank. C. Equitas Small Finance Bank. D. A U Small Finance Bank.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches personal loan facility for salaried individuals Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ujjivan Financial Services Limited introduced a new personal loan scheme for salaried individuals. By this offer, it became the first small finance bank to introduce this type of facility.
The 14 tier I and tier II locations where the product will be launched are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Surat, Mumbai, Mysuru, Ankaleshwar, Coimbatore, Kochi, Chennai and Vadodara. Personal loans starting from Rs 50,000 up to Rs 15 lakhs will be offered to salaried professionals who are earning a monthly salary above Rs 15, 000. Key features of the product include, loan without any collateral or deposit of any asset and its attractive interest rate with complete digital processing. However the credit history of the individual will be considered while passing the loan.
To pay EMI, a flexible time frame of 12 to 60 months will be provided by the bank Samit Ghosh, MD & CEO, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Ltd
Q34) During its board meeting RBI has decided to set up an expert committee to examine the central bank’s Economic Capital Framework (ECF) to enable transfer of reserve worth _______crore to Government of India? A. Rs. 4.2 Lakh crore B. Rs. 2.6 Lakh crore C. Rs. 3 Lakh crore D. Rs. 3.6 Lakh crore
RBI board to set up panel to examine Economic Capital Framework The Reserve Bank of India board meeting on Monday decided to set up an expert committee to examine the central bank’s Economic Capital Framework (ECF), a key demand of the government. The membership and terms of reference of the committee will be “jointly determined” by the government and the RBI. The government was seeking to transfer a surplus of Rs 3.6 lakh crore, more than a third of the total Rs 9.6 lakh crore reserves of the central bank to the government
Q35) Centre has approved additional assistance of Rs 546.21 crore from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to which state? A. Kerala B. Karnataka C. Tamil Nadu D. Jharkhand
Centre approves additional assistance of Rs 546.21 crore from NDRF to Karnataka The Centre has approved over Rs 546 crore as additional assistance to Karnataka, a large part of which was hit by floods and landslides this year The fund has been approved following a report of an inter-ministerial team that visited areas hit by the floods and landslides in Karnataka including Kodagu district, the country's largest coffee-growing region. The floods and landslides hit Karnataka in August .