Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 2026-02-08 with solutions - Bank Exams Attempt

The India-US Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) is primarily designed to yield early trade benefits while negotiations for a more comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) continue. It aims to respond to changing geopolitical landscapes and enhance cooperation, especially in sectors like technology and supply chains. This interim framework allows both countries to start reaping benefits from trade relations without waiting for a full agreement.

Under the Interim Trade Agreement, India has committed to reducing tariffs and addressing non-tariff barriers, such as import licensing delays and standards-related restrictions. This approach is aimed at facilitating smoother trade and enhancing the economic partnership with the US.

A major challenge in improving mental health services in India is the significant treatment gap, with 70% to 92% of individuals suffering from mental disorders lacking adequate care. This gap can be attributed to stigma, a shortage of trained professionals, and inadequate funding for mental health initiatives, which hampers access to essential services.

The increased allocations for the AYUSH sector in the Union Budget 2026-27 signify a strategic move by the Indian government to integrate traditional medicine into the national healthcare framework. This initiative seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of AYUSH services, acknowledging their potential role in holistic health and well-being.

A recent development in India's approach to the 'Right to be Forgotten' is the Supreme Court issuing a notice regarding a plea that challenges a previous ruling by the Delhi High Court. This highlights the ongoing legal discourse surrounding the balance between individual privacy rights and public interest, indicating that the right is still evolving in the Indian legal context.

By holding the repo rate at 5.25%, the RBI aims to stabilize financial uncertainty, particularly for middle-class families and businesses with loans. This decision encourages banks to maintain lower lending rates, fostering a predictable environment for investment and stimulating overall economic growth without triggering inflation.

One of the significant challenges faced by deep tech startups in India is limited access to specialized labs, supercomputing resources, and testing facilities. This scarcity can slow down innovation and development, making it difficult for startups to realize their potential and commercialize their technologies effectively.

The primary purpose of the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund is to encourage research and innovation across various sectors, particularly those critical for economic security and self-reliance. It aims to finance transformative projects and support private sector initiatives in high-tech and strategic domains, fostering a robust innovation ecosystem in India.

The strategic significance of the India-US Interim Trade Agreement is heavily influenced by evolving geopolitical realities, especially concerning competition with China. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in technology and supply chains, reflecting the urgency of strengthening bilateral ties in response to global challenges.

As part of the interim trade pact with the US, India is looking to increase imports of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to support the growing demands of its AI startups. This focus on advanced technology underscores India's ambitions to enhance its digital and AI ecosystem, positioning itself as a key player in the global tech landscape.