GK Questions on Economic Survey 2025 for Banking, SSC and Railway Exams

Correct Answer:  (b) 2.6%

Explanation:  As of September 2024, India’s Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio declined to a 12-year low of 2.6%, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its Financial Stability Report released in December 2024. This improvement was driven by factors such as falling slippages, higher write-offs, and steady credit demand. ​The GNPA ratio represents the proportion of a bank’s gross non-performing assets to its total advances, serving as a key indicator of asset quality in the banking sector. A lower GNPA ratio signifies healthier bank balance sheets and reflects effective management of non-performing loans. The reduction to 2.6% indicates that Indian banks have made significant progress in resolving bad loans and improving their financial stability.​

However, the RBI also highlighted concerns over a sharp rise in write-offs, especially among private sector banks, which could partially mask worsening asset quality in the unsecured lending segment. Therefore, while the overall GNPA ratio has improved, continuous monitoring and prudent lending practices remain essential to sustain this positive trend.

Correct Answer:  (c) ₹3.6 lakh crore

Explanation:  As of September 2024, the total amount realized through the resolution of 1,068 cases under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) was approximately ₹3.6 lakh crore. This figure represents a significant recovery for creditors, amounting to 161% of the liquidation value and 86.1% of the fair value of the assets involved. The IBC has played a crucial role in facilitating the resolution of distressed assets, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the insolvency process in India. The substantial recoveries underscore the importance of a structured and timely resolution framework in addressing corporate insolvencies and improving the overall health of the financial system.​

Correct Answer:  (d) USD 640.3 billion

Explanation:  As of December 27, 2024, India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves stood at approximately USD 640.3 billion. This figure reflects a decrease from the record high of USD 704.89 billion on September 27, 2024. The decline was primarily due to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) interventions in the forex market to manage volatility in the Indian rupee, which had depreciated to an all-time low against the US dollar during that period. Despite the reduction, the reserves remained substantial, providing a buffer to cover approximately 90% of India’s external debt and about 11 months of imports, underscoring the country’s robust external financial position.​

Correct Answer:  (b) 5.7%

Explanation:  As per the IMF, the global inflation rate moderated to 5.7% by 2024 from its peak of 8.7% in 2022.

Correct Answer:  (b) 4.9%

Explanation:  According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), moderated to 4.9% during April to December 2024, down from 5.4% in the previous fiscal year. This decline is primarily attributed to a 0.9 percentage point reduction in core inflation (which excludes food and fuel), largely driven by lower inflation in core services. The easing of retail inflation reflects the effectiveness of government initiatives and monetary policy measures aimed at stabilizing prices. Additionally, factors such as improved supply chains and favorable base effects contributed to this moderation. Maintaining inflation within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range supports economic stability and growth, ensuring that the purchasing power of consumers is preserved.​

Correct Answer:  (c) 8%

Explanation:  To achieve the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047, India needs to sustain an average annual GDP growth rate of approximately 8% over the next two decades. This target is highlighted in the Economic Survey 2024-25, which emphasizes the necessity of such growth to transform India into a developed nation by its centenary of independence. ​The World Bank also underscores this requirement, noting that India must grow by 7.8% annually over the next 22 years to attain high-income status by 2047. Achieving this ambitious growth necessitates comprehensive reforms, including increasing total investment from the current 33.5% of GDP to 40% by 2035, enhancing labor force participation from 56.4% to above 65%, and accelerating overall productivity growth.​ While some experts suggest that a slightly lower growth rate might suffice, the consensus indicates that aiming for an 8% growth rate is prudent to ensure the realization of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

Correct Answer:  (c) 2031 km

Explanation:  Between April and November 2024, Indian Railways commissioned a total of 2,031 kilometers of new railway network. This figure represents a decrease compared to the 2,282 kilometers commissioned during the same period in the previous fiscal year (April-November 2023). The reduction in the expansion of the railway network during this period can be attributed to various factors, including resource allocation, project prioritization, and potential logistical challenges. Despite this decline, Indian Railways continued to focus on enhancing its infrastructure and services. Notably, 17 new pairs of Vande Bharat trains were introduced between April and October 2024, aiming to improve passenger experience and connectivity across the country. These developments reflect Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to modernizing its network and expanding capacity to meet the growing demands of transportation in India.

Correct Answer:  (b) 42%

Explanation:  As of November 2024, India’s installed non-fossil fuel capacity, including large hydro and nuclear power, stood at over 205.52 GW, accounting for approximately 42% of the country’s total installed capacity. This marks a significant increase in renewable energy adoption, reflecting India’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The growth in renewable energy capacity is driven by substantial investments in solar and wind power, supported by favorable government policies and initiatives. This progress aligns with India’s broader goals of enhancing energy security, promoting sustainable development, and addressing climate change challenges.​

Correct Answer:  (c) 10,700

Explanation:  Between September and December 2024, approximately 10,700 additional villages in India were covered under 4G mobile services. As of September 30, 2024, around 6,14,564 villages had 4G connectivity . By December 2024, this number increased to approximately 6,25,853 villages . This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure in rural areas, aiming to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive growth. Improved connectivity facilitates better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for rural populations, contributing to overall socio-economic development.

Correct Answer:  (c) 6.2%

Explanation:  According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, India’s industrial sector is projected to grow by 6.2% in the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25). This anticipated growth is primarily driven by robust performance in the electricity and construction sectors. The survey highlights that fostering research and development investments, encouraging innovations, and formalizing smaller manufacturers are essential strategies to sustain and enhance growth across various industrial segments. Additionally, consumer-focused sectors such as automobiles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals have emerged as significant contributors to industrial expansion. Government initiatives aimed at promoting housing and urban and rural infrastructure have also played a crucial role in boosting demand within the steel industry, further supporting industrial growth.