RBI Grade B 2026 PIB MCQs Complete Revision | Jan–March 2026

RBI Grade B prep isn’t about drowning in books. It’s about smart recall of the right facts. PIB news from Jan–March 2026 is packed with schemes, reports, ranks, and numbers examiners love to test. From India’s first e‑Rupee pilot to NITI Aayog’s trade deficit report, every update matters. This blog gives you crisp, exam‑ready points so revision feels fast, focused, and unstoppable.

What PIB Tests

• PIB news is tested in Phase 1 GA (General Awareness) and also carries weight in Phase 2 descriptive answers.
• Revision of PIB MCQs ensures you don’t miss factual updates that RBI examiners love to ask.
• With prelims just weeks away, focus on memorization + practice MCQs.

Key Government Updates (Jan–Mar 2026)

This section packs the most exam‑relevant PIB news from January to March 2026. Each update — schemes, reports, ranks, and numbers — is simplified for quick recall so you can revise fast and score high in RBI Grade B.

1. Deep Tech Startups Funding Rule Changed

• Earlier: Startups needed 3 years of existence to qualify for DSIR funding.
• Now: Eligibility depends only on technological readiness, not age.
• Aim: Boost innovation and employment in Deep Tech sector.

2. Trade Watch Quarterly Report – NITI Aayog

• India’s trade deficit with FTA partners widened to 59.2% in Q1 FY26.
• Meaning: India imports more than it exports under FTAs.
• Important for economy + policy MCQs.

3. Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

• Developed by World Intellectual Foundation + JNU.
• Measures external, internal, and environmental responsibility.
• India ranked 16th; Singapore topped.

4. Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024

• Released by NITI Aayog + Ministry of Commerce + MSME.
• Assesses states’ export readiness.
• Remember: Commerce Ministry is the releasing authority.

5. Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

• Outlay increased from ₹25,000 crore → ₹40,000 crore.
• Supports PCB, chips, capacitors manufacturing.
• Source: Union Budget 2026.

6. Rural Unemployment Rate

• Declined to 4% (PLFS Oct–Dec 2025).
• Still, 58.5% rural workers in agriculture earn low incomes.

7. CPI Base Year Update

• New base year: 2024 (earlier 2012–13).
• January 2026 retail inflation: 2.75%.
• Released by MOSPI.

8. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

• Loan target doubled: ₹1 lakh crore → ₹2 lakh crore.

9. India’s First CBDC Pilot – e‑Rupee

• Launched in Gandhinagar PDS system.
• Beneficiaries received e‑Rupee for ration depots.
• Aim: Test cashless subsidy distribution.

10. PM Relief Scheme for Road Accident Victims

• Coverage: ₹1.5 lakh for first 7 days.
• Focus: Golden Hour treatment to reduce mortality.

11. BIRAC RDI Fund

• Launched with ₹2,000 crore allocation.
• Supports biotech research & innovation.

12. Bonded Labour Abolition Act – 50 Years

• Observed anniversary of 1976 Act.
• Linked to Article 23 (prohibits trafficking & forced labour).

13. Apprenticeship Ecosystem Report – NITI Aayog

• Suggests reforms to improve skill development.
• Apprentices earn less but may be retained as employees.

14. APEDA – 40 Years

• Promotes export of agri & processed food.
• Works under Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

15. UNEP FI Impact Centre

• Launched in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Focus: Environmental & social impact management in finance.

16. Urban Challenge Fund

• Central assistance: ₹1 lakh crore.
• Expected private investment: ₹4 lakh crore.
• Aim: Build resilient, climate‑responsive cities.

17. UN Fellowship on SALW

• First program in India, held at Jabalpur, MP.
• Focus: Control of small arms in Asia‑Pacific.

18. Digital Health Initiatives – SAHI & BODH

• SAHI: Strategy for AI in healthcare.
• BODH: Testing tool for digital health.
• Aim: Safe, transparent AI ecosystem.

19. Jan Aushadhi Week

• Celebrated from 7 March.
• Promotes affordable generic medicines.

20. MoU with Finland – Pollution Control

• Collaboration on air & water pollution prevention.

21. GeM – 6 Years

• Online portal for govt procurement.
• Operates under Commerce Ministry (not Finance).

22. SWAYAT Scheme Clarification

• Launched 2019.
• Supports startups, women, youth sellers.
• Run by Commerce Ministry.

23. NITI Aayog + UNICEF MoU

• Focus: Nutrition & health in Aspirational Districts.

24. Jal Mahotsav Campaign

• Dates: 8–22 March.
• Coincides with International Women’s Day.

25. NHAI Green Cover Index

• Assam: Highest highway green cover.
• Himachal Pradesh: Lowest (highway‑specific).

26. AI Readiness in Education

• Run by MSDE.
• Integrates AI learning in classes 6–12.

27. PM Dakshata Scheme

• For SC/ST/OBC children.
• Run by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

28. International Malaria Conference

• Held in New Delhi.

29. Line Man Day

• Observed on 9 March.
• Recognizes electricity sector workers.

30. Fiscal Health Index (FHI)

• Released by NITI Aayog.
• Top states: Goa, Jharkhand, Haryana (OGJ).

31. Ind AS in Insurance Sector

• Implemented by IRDA.
• Applies to life, general, health, reinsurance.

32. NITI Aayog + International Agency MoU

• Promotes SDGs by 2030.
• Example: Similar to JICA cooperation.

Quick Revision Table

This table condenses all crucial PIB data from Jan–March 2026 into one glance. Focus on numbers, ranks, ministries, and dates — the high‑probability exam points you must memorize for RBI Grade B Phase 1 success.

Topic	Key Data
Trade Deficit (FTA)	59.2%
RNI Rank	India – 16th
CPI Base Year	2024
Retail Inflation Jan 2026	2.75%
ECMS Outlay	₹40,000 crore
Agri Infra Fund	₹2 lakh crore
Rural Unemployment	4%
BIRAC RDI Fund	₹2,000 crore
Urban Challenge Fund	₹1 lakh crore
Line Man Day	9 March
FHI Top States	Goa, Jharkhand, Haryana
Insurance Standards	IRDA

What Should Be Your Strategy?

Smart exam strategy is about more than hard work — it’s about revising the right facts, practicing MCQs daily, and focusing on numbers, ranks, and ministries. These tactics maximize recall and boost RBI Grade B success.

• Revise indices, reports, schemes, anniversaries, MoUs.
• Practice MCQs daily from PIB updates.
• Focus on numbers, ranks, ministries, dates — these are high‑probability questions.
• Use short notes + tables for quick recall in last 25–30 days.