for India’s ethanol programme?
A) Rice
B) Wheat
C) Maize
D) Broken rice
Answer: C) Maize
Explanation: In a quiet revolution, maize has surpassed sugarcane as the largest ethanol feedstock – a major shift in India’s biofuel landscape.
9. The 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue was held in New Delhi under which theme?
A) “Indian Ocean: Shared Heritage, Common Future”
B) “Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World”
C) “Securing the Blue Economy”
D) “Maritime Cooperation for Peace”
Answer: B) “Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World”
Explanation: India hosted the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue with the theme “Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World” – bringing together strategic voices from across the region.
10. The RBI cancelled the banking licence of which co‑operative bank based in Mumbai?
A) Punjab & Maharashtra Co‑operative Bank
B) Sarvodaya Co‑operative Bank Limited
C) Shamrao Vithal Co‑operative Bank
D) Cosmos Co‑operative Bank
Answer: B) Sarvodaya Co‑operative Bank Limited
Explanation: The RBI cancelled the licence of Sarvodaya Co‑operative Bank, Mumbai – a tough but necessary step to protect depositors.
11. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) signed an MoU to strengthen:
A) Blockchain‑based payment systems
B) AI‑based detection of mule accounts and cyber financial frauds
C) Digital lending regulations
D) Cryptocurrency trading rules
Answer: B) AI‑based detection of mule accounts and cyber financial frauds
Explanation: A much‑needed shield for digital banking – I4C and RBIH are joining hands to use AI to catch mule accounts and financial frauds.
12. Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) holding in Indian equities dropped to what level in June 2026?
A) 16%
B) 15%
C) 14%
D) 13%
Answer: C) 14%
Explanation: FPIs’ stake fell to 14% – the lowest in nearly 14 years – reflecting sustained foreign selling pressure in Indian markets.
13. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has asked states to shift their GSDP base year to 2022‑23 by:
A) FY26
B) FY27
C) FY28
D) FY29
Answer: B) FY27
Explanation: States need to update their GSDP base year from 2011‑12 to 2022‑23 by FY27 – for more accurate and timely economic data.
14. AU Small Finance Bank launched four new credit cards – AU Ananta, AU Laksya, AU Tejas, and AU Prathama – to strengthen its presence in:
A) Only metro cities
B) Tier‑1 and Tier‑2 cities
C) Rural areas only
D) International markets
Answer: B) Tier‑1 and Tier‑2 cities
Explanation: AU SFB is expanding its retail credit card business across Tier‑1 and Tier‑2 cities with these four
Month: Current Affairs - May 15, 2026
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