IBPS PO 2012 SOLVED Practice Set to test Economy

IBPS 2012 SOLVED Practice Set to test Economy, Banking & Marketing Current Affairs
Knowledge for IBPS PO Exam 2012

1. Reserve Bank of India deregulated non-resident external (NRE) deposits on 16 December
2011 allowing banks to offer higher interest rates to dollar-denominated accounts. Which of the
following facts related to the above statement is/are not true?
2. Reserve Bank freed the rates on non-resident external accounts, offering interest as high as
9.6% per annum
3. Following RBI’s deregulation five Indian banks, including HDFC Bank and Yes Bank on 23
December 2011 raised their interest rates on such deposits in order to lure foreign money
4. Private lender Yes Bank increased the interest rates on fixed deposits held by non-resident
Indians (NRIs) to 8.4 per cent from 3.82 per cent
5. The new rates are effective from 24 December for fresh deposits as well as those being
renewed on maturity.
a. 1 & 2
b. Only4
c. Only 3
d. 1 & 4
Answer: (c)
2. According to the RBI data, India's foreign exchange reserves fell by what amount to $302.1
billion during the week ended 16 December 2011 on account of a fall in foreign currency assets?
a. $4.67 billion
b. $3.33 billion
c. $5 billion
d. $5.75 billion
Answer: (a)
3. According to the Tea Board data released in December 2011, tea imports declined by what per
cent to 9.91 million kg in the April-October period of 2011?
a. 10%
b. 12.5%
c. 14%
d. 15.3%
Answer: (c)
4. Infrastructure sector recorded a growth of what per cent in Novemberr 2011 after touching
five-year low of 0.3% in October 2011 due to an impressive growth in cement, electricity and
refinery products?
a. 2.3%
b. 3.9%
c. 4.6%
d. 6.8% Answer: (d)
5. Telecom Commission, the decision-making body of the Department of Telecommunications recommended a uniform licence fee of what per cent of adjusted gross revenues (AGR) as
against the prevalent rate of 6-8 per cent?
a. 10%
b. 8%
c. 5.2%
d. 9.3%
Answer: (b)
6. Union government raised the ad valorem duty (export duty) on iron ore exports to what per
cent from 20 per cent?
a. 30%
b. 33%
c. 41%
d. 43%
Answer: (a)
7. As per the to Commerce Ministry data released on 2 January 2012, India’s exports recorded
their slowest pace of growth in two years in November 2011. What was the per centage of
growth recorded?
a. 4.2%
b. 3.8%
c. 2.2%
d. 0.94%
Answer: (b)
8. Union government on 3 January 2012 approved Reliance Industries' (RIL) investment plan
for developing four satellite fields in the flagging KG-D6 block. What was the proposed sum to
be invested for developing the satellites?
a. $1.500 billion
b. $1.692 billion
c. $1.529 billion
d. $1.375 billion
Answer: (c)
9. The capital market regulator SEBI on 3 January 2012 allowed auctioning of securities
through stock exchanges and introduced a new method for institutional placement of stocks.
Which of the following facts related to the above statement is/are not true?
1. Under the institutional placement programme (IPP), shares can be sold only to qualified
institutional buyers.
2. There shall be at least 25 allottees in every IPP issuance. No single investor shall receive
allotment for more than 25% of the offer size
3. The IPP method can be used to increase public holding by 10% and could be offered to only
qualified institutional buyers with 25% being reserved for mutual funds and insurance companies
4. Under the IPP, companies will have to announce the ratio of buy-back, as is done in the case
of rights issues and fix a record date for determination of entitlements as per shareholding on
record date
a. Only 1
b. Only 3
c. Only 2
d. Only 4
Answer: (c)
10. What is the Finace Ministry’s decision on the rates applicable on small savings instruments
schemes that would be announced on April 1 each year?
a. rate would remain valid till the maturity of the scheme
b. rate would change in the first qurter of that respective year
c. rates would change depending on different maturity period
d. rates would remainvalid for six months post the maturity
Answer: (a)
11. Foreign direct investment (FDI) into India went up by what per cent to $2.53 billion in
November 2011, indicating an improvement in investor sentiment?
a. 56%
b. 49%
c. 33%
d. 26%
Answer: (a)
12. As per the Forward Markets Commission data released on 9 January 2012 that the turnover
of the 21 commodity exchanges in India increased by 66% to what amount till December 2011?
a. Rs 123 lakh crore
b. Rs 137.22 lakh crore
c. Rs 100.57 lakh crore
d. Rs 93 lakh crore
Answer: (b)
13. Indirect tax collections increased by what per cent to Rs 285787 crore during April-
December 2011 driven by an increase in service tax mop-up?
a. 15%
b. 14.56%
c. 16.1%
d. 16.33%
Answer: (c)
14. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notified that the Commerce Ministry on
on 11 January 2012 lowered the minimum export price of onions by $100 a tonne to boost
exports. What is the changed minimum export price of onion?
a. $200 a tonne
b. $250 a tonne
c. $300 a tonne
d. $150 a tonne
Answer: (d)
15. Prime Minister's Office on 11 January 2012 directed cash-rich public sector undertakings
(PSUs) to invest around Rs.1.76 lakh crore to act as a stimulus in the next fiscal 2012-13. What
is the amount to be invested domestically?
a. Rs.1.41 lakh crore
b. Rs 1.57 lakh crore
c. Rs 2.50 lakh crore
d. Rs 3.19 lakh crore
Answer: (a)
16. As per the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data, industrial production bounced back
with a growth of what per cent in November 2011, marking a five-month high in a reversal from
the negative trend witnessed in October 2011?
a. 5.9%
b. 6.5%
c. 7%
d. 8.2%
Answer: (a)
17. India on 13 January 2012 extended for how many years an anti-dumping duty on import of
four Chinese products like nylon filament yarn, Saccharin, cellophane transparent film etc?
a. 3 years
b. 5 years
c. 10 years
d. 12 years
Answer: (b)
18. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 13 January 2012 issued guidelines on compensation of
wholetime directors, chief executive officers and other risk takers in private and foreign banks.
Which of the following facts regarding the above statement is/are not true.
1. The central bank’s directions are aimed at preventing greed from destabilising the
institution.
2. The guiderlines include provisions to clawback pay if transactions fail years after origination
3. The norms provided also include capping the variable component of the compensation at
48% of the fixed pay in a year
4. As per the guidelines issued, banks are permitted to exclude the Employees Stock Option
Plan from variable pay
a. Only 2
b. Only 4
c. Only 3
d. 2 & 4
Answer: (c)
19. Which of the following bodies unveiled rules for direct investment in stocks by foreign
investors, including individuals to put curbs on opaque structures to prevent routing of funds by
resident Indians?
a. IRDA
b. FICCI
c. CCI
d. SEBI
Answer: (d)
20. As per the Wholesale Price Index, published by the government on 16 January 2012,
Reduced food prices caused the inflation to dip to a year low at what per cent in December
2011?
a. 7.47%
b. 7.65%
c. 6.33%
d. 5.41%
Answer: (a)
21. Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) estimated Corporate India’s sales to grow
by what per cent in 2011-12?
a. 21.6%
b. 20.8%
c. 22
d. 23.7%
Answer: (a)
22. According to the report by Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
released in January 2012, gems and jewellery exports fell into the negative zone to $3 billion in
December 2011. What per cent fall did it register in the month in question?
a. 10.33%
b. 12.17%
c. 13.33%
d. 15%
Answer: (d)
23. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 24 January 2012 cut the cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 50
basis point. The current CRR stands at what percent?
a. 5%
b. 5.5%
c. 6%
d. 6.5%
Answer: (b)
24. The Reserve Bank of India on 24 January 2012 also kept the repo rate unchanged for the
second consecutive time after raising it 13 times between March 2010 and October 2011. What is
the present repo rate?
a. 8%
b. 7.5%
c. 8.5%
d. 9%
Answer: (c)
25. The poor performance of National Pension System, or NPS led the Pension Fund
Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to change the incentive structure for the
distributors. Which of the following statements in this regard is/are not true?
1. The pension regulator on the basis of the recommendation of the G.N. Bajpai committee
constituted by PFRDA to review NPS, fixed the incentive at 0.25% of the subscription amount
2. As per PFRDA’s measures announceds, a distributor will get a flat Rs 50 on initial
subscription and 0.05% of the initial subscription amount
3. Every year on subsequent investments, the point of presence will be entitled to 0.25% of that
amount.
4. The minimum that a point of presence can charge is Rs 20 and the maximum Rs 25000.
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Only 3
d. Only 4
Answer: (b)
26. Market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 28 January 2012
decided to enhance the minimum investment amount per client managed by portfolio managers.
Which of the following facts are not true with respect to the above statement?
2. SEBI decided to enhance the minimum investment amount per client managed by portfolio
managers to Rs.25 lakh from Rs.5 lakh
3. insurance companies and mutual funds, which are broad-based investment vehicles
representing the interests of the public at large to be included in the provisions of SEBI (Issue of
Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations
4. As per the current norm, SEBI (ICDR) Regulations preclude companies from issuing
preferential allotment to entities which have sold any of their holdings during the six months
prior to the relevant date
5. SEBI approved changes in the SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996, which ask the asset
management companies (AMCs) to ensure a fair treatment to all investors.
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Only 3
d. Only 4
Answer: (b)
27. The Union government in January 2012 decided to subscribe to preferential equity shares
issued by which of the two public sector banks?
a. SBI & PNB
b. PNB & Union Bank
c. SBI & UCO
d. Bank of Baroda & Canara Bank
Answer: (a)
28. According to the data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on 30 January 2012,
the growth rate of eight core industries slowed down to what per cent in December 2011 from
6.3 per cent in December 2010?
a. 2.5%
b. 3.1 %
c. 4%
d. 5.2%
Answer: (b)
29. The apex decision-making body of the communications ministry, the Telecom Commission
decided to allow mobile phone companies to share spectrum. Identify the statement which is
incorrect.
1. The Commission has however limited this facility to 3G airwaves alone
2. Only those operators that have airwaves in a particular region can share it. Spectrum can be
shared only between two spectrum holders
3. Two companies can share airwaves only if their combined holdings do not exceed the limits
prescribed in the M&A norms
4. Spectrum sharing deals will also have to be renewed every five years
a. Only 4
b. Only 2
c. Only 1
d. 2 & 3
Answer: (c)
30. The Union government on 31 January 2012 revised the economic growth rate for 2010-
2011 financial year to what percent in comparison to the previous estimate of 8.5 percent?
a. 8%
b. 8.4%
c. 7.5%
d. 7%
Answer: (b)
31. There were as many as 1359 foreigners, who availed themselves of the Visa on Arrival
scheme in January compared with 790 in January 2011. What was the per centage growth
recorded in number of foreigners availing Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme in January 2012?
a. 70%
b. 72%
c. 75%
d. 82%
Answer: (b)
32. As per the provisional figures of exports released on 9 February 2012, India’s exports in
January 2012 rose to what per cent to $25.4 billion?
a. 10.1%
b. 7%
c. 12.32%
d. 8.3%
Answer: (a)
33. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 14 February 2012, issued the ‘Draft Circular for
Deployment of White Label Automated Teller Machines (WLAs) from non-bank entities. Which
of the following facts related to this statement is/are not true?
1. The WLA operator can choose the location of the WLA. However, it will have to adhere to
annual targets and the ratio of WLA between Tier I &II and Tier III-VI centres that may be
stipulated by the RBI.
2. Non-bank entities proposing to set up WLAs have to apply to the RBI seeking authorisation
under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act 2007
3. The non-banking entities should have a minimum net worth of Rs. 1000 crore at the time of
making the application and on a continuing basis after issue of the requisite authorisation.
4. Being non-bank owned ATMs, the guidelines on five free transactions in a month for using
other bank ATMs will not be applicable for transactions made on the WLAs.
5. The WLA operator will have to declare one Sponsor Bank, which will serve as the
Settlement Bank for the settlement of all the service transactions at the WLAs.
a. 2 & 5
b. Only 1
c. Only 3
d. Only 5
Answer: (c)
34. Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on
15 February 2012 approved the auction route for selling 5 per cent stake in state-run oil major?
a. IOC
b. ONGC
c. HPCL
d. BPCL Answer: (b)
35. As per official data released on 14 February 2012, headline inflation eased to a 26-month
low in January 2012 from 7.47 per cent in December 2011 on the back of further fall in
vegetable prices. What did the headline inflation stand at in January 2012?
a. 6.55%
b. 5.33%
c. 5.75%
d. 7.1%
Answer: (a)
36. Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs approved the National Dairy Development
Board’s ambitious National Dairy Plan for the 12th Five-Year Plan to be initiated in 2012.
Which of the following facts with regard to the statement is not true?
2. The project is aimed at boosting milk production using scientific breeding and feeding
programmes covering about 2.7 million milch animals in 40000 villages
3. According to the National Dairy Development Board, the demand for milk is likely to be about 150 million tonne by 2016-17 and 200-210 million tonne by 2021-22. India was the third
largest milk producing nation in 2010-11 with a production of 100.2 million tonne.
4. Cooperatives currently procure about 16% of the national marketable milk surplus covering
around 21% of the country’s villages and 18% of rural milk producing households
5. The cooperative sector is needed to achieve a procurement share of at least 20% of the
marketable milk surplus by 2016-17 so as to retain an overall 50% share of the marketable
surplus handled by the organised sector
a. 1 & 3
b. Only 3
c. Only 2
d. 3 & 4
Answer: (c)
37. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on13 February 2012 changed the bank rate, a medium-term
signal rate after nine years with the objective to realign it with the marginal standing facility
(MSF) rate as a one-time technical adjustment to link it with the main policy repo rate. What
does the changed bank rate stand stand at?
a. 9.5%
b. 8.3%
c. 10.1%
d. 8%
Answer: (a)
38. As per the first nationwide retail inflation data released by the Centre of Statistical Office on
21 February 2012, inflation based on the all India Consumer Price Index stood at what per cent
in January 2012?
a. 6.6%
b. 7.65
c. 8.32%
d. 5.50%
Answer: (b)
39. The Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Panel (PMEAC) on 22 February 2012 projected
7.5 - 8 per cent growth rate for the fiscal 2012-13. Which of the following facts are true with
respect to the above statement?
1. The economy recorded a growth rate of 8.4 per cent in 2010-11, which according to the CSO
estimates is expected to moderate to 6.7 per cent in the current fiscal 2011-12
2. Inflation was projected to moderate to 6.5% by March 2012 and 5-6 per cent in 2012-13.
3. The manufacturing sector was projected to grow by 4.8 percent while construction segment
is expected to expand by 5.3 percent.
4. Projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2012 is substantially down from the
budgetary target of around nine percent, and 8.4 percent expansion registered in 201
a. Only 4
b. Only 1
c. Only 2
d. 1, 2 & 4 Answer: (d)
40. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) panel on priority sector lending on 21 February 2012
proposed increment in the target (priority sector) for foreign banks to what per cent of net bank
credit from the current level of 32 per cent with sub-targets of 15 per cent for exports and 15 per
cent for the MSE sector?
a. 53%
b. 40%
c. 46%
d. 39%
Answer: (b)
41. According to data released by the ministry of commerce and industry on 28 February 2012,
output of eight core segments that comprise the manufacturing sector dipped to 0.5% in January
2012, marking the slowest growth in three months. What is the total weight of the eight core
segments in the index for industrial production (IIP)?
a. 42%
b. 37.9%
c. 53%
d. 51.4%
Answer: (b)
42. The union government decided to boost public spending in the health sector to what per
cent of GDP from the current 1.4 per cent over five years (12th Five Year Plan period begining
2012)?
a. 2.5%
b. 3%
c. 3.33%
d. 4.5%
Answer: (a)
43. As per the data released by the Central Statistical organisation (CSO) on 29 February 2012,
India’s economic growth rate dipped to what percent in the third quarter (october-december ) of
2011-12 due to poor performance of the manufacturing, mining and farm sectors?
a. 5.5%
b. 3.2%
c. 6.1%
d. 6.6%
Answer: (c)
44. As per the data released by the Controller General of Accounts on 29 February 2012, fiscal
deficit was 105 per cent of the total annual target in the April-January period of 2011-12. What
did the deficit stand at?
a. Rs 4 lakh crore
b. Rs 3.33 lakh crore
c. Rs 5.21 lakh crore
d. Rs 4.34 lakh crore
Answer: (d)
45. According to data released by the government on 19 March 2012, retail inflat ion stood at
what per cent in February 2012 as a result of higher prices of protein based items, edible oil
products and manufactured goods?
a. 8.83%
b. 7.74%
c. 7%
d. 6.9%
Answer: (a)
46. The Union Finance Minister (FM) Pranab Mukherjee tabled the Union Budget in the
Parliament of India on 16 March 2012 for the fiscal year 2012-13. The total expenditure for
2012-13 is estimated what amount?
a. Rs 1400025 crore
b. Rs 1490925 crore
c. Rs 1451033 crore
d. Rs 1444264 crore
Answer: (b)
47. In the Economic Survey tabled by the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 15
March 2012, Indian economy was estimated to grow by what per cent in 2011-12 mainly due to
weakening industrial growth?
a. 6.5%
b. 6%
c. 5.2%
d. 6.9%
Answer: (d)
48. The Union Railway Budget 2012-13 was presented in the Lok Sabha on 14 March 2012 by
Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi. Which of the following facts related to the budget are
not true?
1. The total union budget outlay for 2012-13 stood at Rs 60100 crore.
2. The fares were raised in the budget. The fares were raised 5 paise per km for suburban and
ordinary second class. Fares for mail express second class was raised by only 2 paise per km
3. Union Railway budget 2012-13 proposed to allocate about Rs 4410 crore to capacity
augmentation works
4. The Union railway proposed to electrify 6500 route kilometers during the 12th Plan period.
This would include electrification of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla line and hence provide
pollution free traction to the pristine Kashmir Valley
5. Union railway Minister proposed to raise the allocation under passenger amenities from Rs
762 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 1102 crore in 2012-13
a. 3 & 5
b. Only 4
c. Only 2
d. 3 & 4
Answer: (c)
49. Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukharjee presented the annual budget for the fiscal year
2012-13 in the parliament on 16 March 2012. The Union Minister of Finance came up with an
increased budgetary allocation for various sectors including agriculture, rural development,
defence etc. Which of the statements are not true with respect to the budgetary allocations?
1. Budgetary allocation for agriculture and allied activities 2012-13 increased by 16%. 9217
crore rupees allocated for Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
2. 20,000 crore rupees allocated for Rural Infrastructure Development Fund
3. Sarva Siksha Abhiyan-Right to Education- 25555 crore rupees
4. 193407 crore rupees aallocated for Defence services including 79579crore rupees for capital
expenditure
5. 20822 crore rupees National Rural Health Mission
a. 1 & 5
b. Only 1
c. 2 & 5
d. Only 4
Answer: (b)
50. According to data released by the government on 19 March 2012, retail inflation stood at
what per cent in February 2012 as a result of higher prices of protein based items, edible oil
products and manufactured goods?
a. 8.83%
b. 8%
c. 7.79%
d. 7.%
Answer: (a)
51. Finance ministry concerned over the steep rise in bad loans, set up a committee to suggest
sector-specific mechanisms to address rising issue. With respect to the statement which of the
following statement is not true?
1. The ministry decided to set up the committee after rating agency Moody’s downgraded the
Union Bank of India one notch on 19 March 2012 due to its high level of troubled assets and low
provisions for coverage
2. The committee will have representation from the finance ministry, the Reserve Bank of
India and some banks.
3. Finance Minister in Budget 2012-13 allowed $1-billion external commercial borrowing
(ECB) for the airline industry for one year, and allowed foreign debt to part-finance rupee debt
taken by power companies and also for affordable housing.
4. Rise in bad loans affected farm sector lending as well. In November 2010, the share of farm
loans was 13.10%, and dropped to 9.18% in November 2011
a. 1 & 3
b. Only 3
c. Only 4
d. Only 1
Answer: (c)
52. Union Railway Minister Mukul Roy rolled back the railway fare hike as proposed by
Dinesh Trivedi in the first Union Rail Budget 2012-13 presented on 14 March 2012. Which of
the following statement is not true with respect to the roll back?
1. Roy withdrew the hike for second class suburban and non-suburban, and sleeper class travel
fare by 2 paise, 3 paise and 5 paise per km
2. All railway reform measures suggested by Trivedi such as setting up of an independent tariff
regulator, restructuring of Railway Board on professional lines, and creation of posts of Member
PPP and Member Safety was also ignored
3. Roy's budget paved the way for the cash-strapped railways to earn a mere Rs 450 crore from
increased passenger fares instead of Rs 1000 crore that Trivedi budgeted for
4. Following the rollback proposed by Roy the railways can now generate only Rs 1000 crore
more.
a. 2 & 4
b. Only 3
c. 1 & 4
d. Only 4
Answer: (b)
53. According to comptroller and auditor general’s draft report titled ‘Performance Audit Of
Coal Block Allocations’, the government lost what amount of money by not auctioning coal
blocks between 2004 and 2009?
a. Rs 10 lakh crore
b. Rs 8.7 lakh crore
c. Rs 7.75 lakh crore
d. Rs 10.67 lakh crore
Answer: (d)
54. Union government raised interest rates on post office-operated small savings like Monthly
Income Scheme (MIS) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) by what per cent in March 2012?
a. O.5%
b. 1.1%
c. O.75%
d. 1.75%
Answer: (a)
55. Union Power Ministry did not approve of the gas price pooling mechanism within the
power sector as proposed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. With reference to the
statement which of the following facts are not true?
1. The Power Ministry deemed the pooling price mechanism with 7 mmscmd of additional
RLNG to be non-workable
2. As per the Power Ministry the pool proposed to be formed could only envisage 20-25 per
cent of RLNG with 75-80 per cent of domestic gas
3. Petroleum Ministry specifically stated that no new power plants will be considered for gas
allocation till 2019-20 5. Until 2013-14, only around 7 mmscmd of RLNG is expected to be imported due to infrastructure constraints
a. Only 1
b. 2 & 3
c. Only 3
d. Only 2
Answer: (c)
56. Union government on 23 March 2012 reduced the import tariff value of which metal from
USD 573 per 10 grams to USD 530 per 10 grams?
a. Gold
b. Silver
c. Copper
d. Iron
Answer: (a)
57. The empowered group of ministers (EGoM) on 28 March 2012 fixed the issue price for the
National Buildings Construction Corporation's public offer at what amount per share?
a. Rs 100 per share
b. Rs 106 per share
c. Rs 110 per share
d. Rs 115 per share
Answer: (b)
58. As per the data on the core industries released on 29 March 2012, eight core infrastructure
industries registered a robust growth in output in February 2012. What was the growth recorded
in February 2012?
a. 6.8 %
b. 7.5%
c. 8.2%
d. 9%
Answer: (a)
59. Which body notified in March 2012 that premium rates for motor third party liability only
cover will undergo an upward revision beginning 1 April 2012?
a. CII
b. SEBI
c. IRDA
d. FICCI
Answer: (c)
60. Following RBI's decision to hike bank rate, the Food Ministry increased the interest rate on
loans provided to sugar factories from the Sugar Development Fund (SDF) to what per cent from
the earlier 4% from 14 February 2012?
a. 7%
b. 7.5%
c. 8%
d. 8.8%
Answer: (b)
61. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 3 April 2012 released 'Quarterly Statistics on Deposits and
Credit of Scheduled Commercial Banks, September 2011. Which of the following facts are not
true with respect to the mentioned statement?
1. The data included in the release were based on Basic Statistical Return (BSR)-10 received
from all scheduled commercial banks (excluding RRBs)
2. The number of banked centres of Scheduled Commercial banks stood at 35,435. 27,913 of
these centres were single office centres and 68 centres had 100 or more bank offices
3. State Bank of India and its Associates accounted for 21.8 per cent of the aggregate deposits
4. the credit-deposit (C-D) ratio of All Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) at all India level
as on 30 September 2011 stood at 74.4 per cent
a. Only 1
b. 2 & 3
c. Only 4
d. 3 & 4
Answer: (a)
62. India's exports grew by what per cent in February 2012 to USD 24.6 billion marking the
slowest growth in three months?
a. 3%
b. 4.2%
c. 3.7%
d. 5.1%
Answer: (b)
63. As per the Ernst & Young’s quarterly Rapid Growth Markets Forecast (RGMF), India is
likely to grow at what per cent in calendar year (CY) 2012?
a. 7%
b. 7.5%
c. 6.1%
d. 6.6%
Answer: (c)
64. Reserve Bank of India on 3 April 2012 tightened the reporting requirements of the banks to
monitor gold import. Consider the statements given below and which of the following is true?
1. As per the directions issued, banks will have to submit a monthly statement informing the
central bank about the quantity of gold imported as well as the mode of payment adopted
2. The directive was issued amidst concerns of huge outflow of foreign exchange on import of
gold which is believed to be putting pressure on the India's current account deficit (CAD).
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 & 2
d. None of the above
Answer: (c)
65. Which body on 31 March 2012 issued broad guidelines on Algorithmic Trading. Based on
recommendations of technical advisory committee (TAC) and secondary market advisory
committee (SMAC)?
a. IRDA
b. RBI
c. ASSOCHAM
d. SEBI
Answer: (d)
66. Union government on 12 April 2012 approved bailout package for Air India. What was the
bailout amount cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs?
a. Rs 30000 crore
b. Rs 25000 crore
c. Rs 43000 crore
d. Rs 27000 crore
Answer: (a)
67. The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 approved the extension of funding support for
implementing which of the following schemes under the New Pension System (NPS) from three
years to five years for all subscribers?
a. Trade related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development (TREAD) Scheme
b. Gold Credit Pass Book Scheme
c. Swayamsidha (IWEP)
d. Swavalamban Scheme
Answer: (d)
68. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 12 April 2012 also approved an ad-
valorem regime for calculating royalty for which of the following?
a. Coal & Iron ore
b. Coal & Lignite
c. Lignite & Copper
d. Lignite & Zinc
Answer: (b)
69. Factory output measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by what per cent
in February on account of contraction in segments such as consumer durables and intermediate
goods?
a. 3.3%
b. 2%
c. 4.1%
d. 5%
Answer: (c)
70. Credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service downgraded the local currency rating of which of the following?
a. BHEL & IOC
b. BHEL & GAIL
c. ONGC & IOC
d. ONGC & GAIL
e. ONGC & BHEL
Answer: (d)
71. According to the data provided by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)
in April 2012, India’s handicrafts exports increased by what per cent year on year to $ 2.7 billion
in the 2011-12 fiscal?
a. 14.2%
b. 17.5
c. 15%
d. 12.3%
Answer: (b)
72. Union government on 18 April 2012 decided to liberalise the external commercial
borrowing (ECB) norms for the power sector. Power sector companies will now be able to use
up to what per cent of ECB loans to refinance their rupee debt?
a. 35%
b. 40%
c. 53%
d. 27%
Answer: (b)
73. As per the government data released on 18 April 2012, retail inflation shot up to what per
cent in March 2012 because of higher prices of milk, vegetables, protein-based items and edible
oil products?
a. 9.47%
b. 8%
c. 7.6%
d. 5%
Answer: (a)
74. International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook (WEO), released ahead
of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, marginally lowered India’s economic growth forecast
to what per cent in 2012?
a. 4%
b. 3.5%
c. 6.9%
d. 7.3%
Answer: (c)
75. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 17 April 2012 instructed commercial banks to reduce their
exposure to gold loan companies to what per cent of their capital funds from the existing 10%?
a. 9%
b. 8.3%
c. 4.1%
d. 7.5%
Answer: (d)
76. Commerce Secretary on 19 April 2012 announced that India surpassed the export target of
$300 billion for 2011-12. However due to surging imports India recorded the highest ever trade
deficit. What was the trade deficit recorded for the 2011-12?
a. $184.9 billion
b. $150 billion
c. 4167.4 billion
d. $142 billion
Answer: (a)
77. Union Government decided on 1 million Cap on External Commercial Borrowing for
which of the following sectors?
a. Handicraft & Small Industries sector
b. Power sector
c. Aviation sector
d. Insurance sector
Answer: (c)
78. Union government in the meeting of informal group of ministers chaired by Finance
Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 30 April 2012 decided to allow further cotton exports in the 2011-
12 marketing year ending September 2012. Which of the facts related to this statement is not
true?
1. The government had in March 2012 lifted the ban on exports but had decided not to issue
fresh registration of certificates (RCs)
2. India exported 123 lakh bales so far in the ongoing cotton season. Prior to the imposition of
the ban the government had issued RCs for about 130 lakh bales
3. Cotton Advisory Board (CAB) had in April 2012 revised production estimates upwards to
347 lakh bales from 345 lakh bales for the 2011-12 season
4. CAB also revised domestic consumption estimates downwards to about 250 lakh bales from
260 lakh bales earlier
a. Only 1
b. 3 & 4
c. Only 4
d. Only 2
Answer: (d)
79. India on 30 April 2012 announced its decision to export what quantity of iron ore to steel
mills of Japan and South Korea under a long-term agreement due to be signed in May 2012?
a. 2.1 million tonnes (mt)
b. 3 million tonnes (mt)
c. 3.5 million tonnes (mt)
d. 2.7 million tonnes (mt)
Answer: (a)
80. State-owned oil companies for the second time in the month of April reduced jet fuel prices
by what amount on 30 April 2012?
a. Rs 300 per kilolitre or kl
b. Rs 312 per kilolitre or kl
c. Rs 322 per kilolitre or kl
d. Rs 340 per kilolitre or kl
Answer: (b)
81. Union minister of labour and employment Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated the E-Challan and
Receipt (ECR) facility on 1 May 2012. Which of the following statements related to the
statement is not true?
1. E-Challan and Receipt (ECR) facility was inaugurated to bring transparency and
accessibility for employers in depositing monthly Employees’ Provident Fund or EPF
contributions of their workers
2. Employers under the ECR service would have to register their organisations online and
generate challans for making monthly deposits. They can use these challan for either
electronically or physically depositing the Provident Fund or PF contributions to the bank.
3. After the bank confirms the deposit, the concerned regional office’s system would be
automatically notified and individual members’ accounts would get updated
4. the need of annual accounts preparation at the end of the will continue to prevail under this
system
a. 1 & 2
b. Only 2
c. Only 4
d. 2 & 3
Answer: c
82. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 4 May 2012 raised the interest rate ceiling on NRI deposits
in foreign currencies by up to what percent?
a. 1%
b. 2.5%
c. 3.3%
d. 3%
Answer: (d)
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