Correct Answer :   Rs. 37.97 Crore

The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) paid its highest-ever dividend of Rs. 37.97 crore to the Government of India for FY 2023-24, with revenue surging to Rs. 3,273 crore (18.16% growth) and Profit After Tax reaching Rs. 126.56 crore (14.55% growth).

The National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), a Mini Ratna enterprise under the Ministry of MSME, achieved a milestone by paying its highest-ever dividend of Rs. 37.97 crore to the Government of India for the financial year 2023-24. Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, presented the dividend cheque to Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Hon’ble Union Minister, and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble MoS, Ministry of MSME, in the presence of senior ministry officials, marking a significant achievement in the corporation’s history.

NSIC reported a Revenue from Operations of Rs. 3,273 crore, up by 18.16%, and a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 126.56 crore, reflecting a 14.55% increase compared to the previous year.

Financial Achievements and Growth :

Leadership Remarks

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi commended NSIC for its role in empowering MSMEs and urged the organization to expand its initiatives in skill development and enterprise creation. The Hon’ble MoS, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of NSIC’s contribution to MSME growth.

Historical Context and Future Outlook :

NSIC has consistently supported MSMEs through integrated services, including financial assistance, skill development, and market promotion. The record dividend for FY 2023-24 highlights the corporation’s operational efficiency and its pivotal role in driving economic growth. Looking ahead, NSIC aims to explore new avenues for enterprise creation and foster innovation, reinforcing its commitment to the MSME sector.

Correct Answer :   45%

In October 2024, UPI achieved a record high with 16.58 billion transactions worth ?23.49 lakh crore, reflecting a 45% year-on-year growth.

This significant increase underscores UPI's role in driving the shift toward a cashless economy by offering secure, fast, and seamless payment solutions.

Operational in 7 countries, UPI, launched by NPCI in 2016, continues to enhance global digital payment adoption.

Correct Answer :   5.4%

In Q2 FY 2024-25, India’s GDP growth rate slowed to 5.4%, marking the slowest growth in seven quarters.

This represents a decrease from 6.7% in the previous quarter (Q1 FY 2024-25) and an 8.1% growth in the same period last year (Q2 FY 2023-24).

The decline reflects a broad slowdown across various sectors, including manufacturing, mining, and utilities, despite improvements in services such as public administration and trade.

The slowdown is a significant indicator of the challenges faced by the Indian economy in this period.

Correct Answer :   6.8%

S&P Global retained India's GDP growth forecast for 2024-25 at 6.8%.

* Despite revisions for subsequent years, this figure reflects confidence in India's economic stability for the stated period.

* Factors influencing the forecast include high interest rates and a reduction in fiscal impetus, which may dampen urban demand.

* However, the retained growth rate suggests resilience in other sectors offsetting these challenges.

Correct Answer :   6.2%

In October 2024, India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) or retail inflation surged to 6.2%, marking the highest inflation rate since August 2023.

This increase was primarily driven by a rise in food prices, with food inflation reaching a 15-month high.

Despite global inflation easing, India continued to experience persistent price pressures, which were exacerbated by factors like extreme weather events, global price volatility, and rising core inflation. The surge in CPI surpassed the Reserve Bank of India's upper tolerance limit of 6%.

Correct Answer :   Zomato

* Zomato, the leading online food delivery platform, will join the prestigious BSE Sensex index, replacing JSW Steel.

* This development reflects Zomato's impressive growth and significant stock price rally over the past year.

* The reconstitution, effective December 23, 2024, also includes changes in other indices like BSE 100, BSE Sensex 50 and BSE Sensex Next 50.

* Zomato's inclusion in the BSE Sensex marks a major milestone, solidifying its position among India's top 30 stocks.

Correct Answer :   6.7%

Morgan Stanley has downgraded India’s FY25 growth forecast from 7% to 6.7%, citing weaker-than-expected performance in Q2.

However, a recovery is anticipated in the second half of FY25, supported by improved agricultural output and increased government spending.

Additional factors such as easing inflation and potential monetary policy adjustments by the Reserve Bank of India in April 2025 are expected to contribute to economic stabilization.

Despite the short-term challenges, the firm remains optimistic about growth prospects in the latter part of FY25.

Correct Answer :   7%

India has taken the lead in the G20 with an impressive 7% GDP growth rate projected for 2024, surpassing other major economies.

This growth rate is significantly higher than Indonesia's 5% and China's 4.8%.

The G20 represents a substantial portion of the global economy, accounting for 88% of global GDP, 78% of international trade, and nearly three-quarters of the world's population.

India's strong growth prospects are driven by domestic consumption demand and steadily improving investment demand.

Correct Answer :   8.9%

India's GST collections in October 2024 surged to Rs 1.87 lakh crore, marking an 8.9% increase year-on-year.

This growth is attributed to stronger domestic transactions, with domestic GST revenue growing by 10.6% year-on-year, outpacing the 3.9% growth in GST revenue from imports.

The robust collection represents the second-highest level of monthly GST collections since the indirect tax regime's inception in July 2017. This rebound follows a three-year low growth rate in September, indicating a positive trend in the economy.

Correct Answer :   6.9-7.1%

The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) has revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY25 to a range of 6.9-7.1%.

This adjustment reflects a notable moderation in growth observed during the June quarter, largely due to a significant contraction in net exports and reduced government consumption, influenced by the election model code of conduct.

Previously, NIPFP had estimated a higher growth range of 7.1-7.4%. The downgrade highlights the challenges facing the economy, including a reported 19.5% decrease in capital expenditure during the April-August 2024 period compared to the previous year.