Smartkeeda presents

Full-Length Current Affairs MockDrill Series

August 7
2025 Daily CA PDF
(PDF in English)
 INDEX
Banking, Digital/Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs ...…..…………………………………. 5
Defence Affairs ………….……….……..…………………….…..……………………………………………,,… 8
Science & Technology ...……….……..…………………….…..……………………………………………..… 9
Schemes & Initiatives ………………………………..…………………….…..………………………………. 10
Ranks, Reports & Surveys ….……….……..…………………….…..…………………………………….. 11
MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships …...…………………….…..…………………………………….. 12

_________
Banking, Digital/Finance, Economic & Insurance Affairs
(Note: This chapter includes Digital/Financial Awareness and RBI Circulars & Notifications too.)
1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced three customer-centric measures, including (i)
simplified KYC procedures via panchayat-level camps, (ii) streamlined claims for deceased account
holders, and (iii) enhanced features on the ‘Retail Direct’ platform for government securities. To address
the due re-KYC, the banks will hold camps at the panchayat level from July 1 to September 30, 2025.
These camps will assist customers with the re-KYC process and also provide information and services
related to micro-insurance, pension schemes, and grievance redressal. The RBI will also standardise the settlement process
for claims relating to deceased bank customers. This includes streamlining procedures for accessing funds in accounts and
recovering contents from safe deposit lockers and other custodial arrangements. The ‘Retail Direct’ platform, which allows
individuals to invest in government securities, will be upgraded to offer more tools to help retail investors plan and manage
their investments. These initiatives aim to improve financial inclusion, reduce banking friction, and empower retail investors
across India. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI introduced 3 customer-centric measures:
- Simplified KYC procedures via panchayat-level camps
- Streamlined claims for deceased account holders
- Enhanced features on ‘Retail Direct’ platform for government securities
• To address due re-KYC, banks will hold camps at panchayat level from Jul 1 to Sep 30, 2025
• ‘Retail Direct’ platform – to be upgraded to offer more tools to help retail investors plan & manage their investments
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao | Poonam Gupta

2. The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) maintained the repo rate at 5.5%
in its August policy review, the third bi-monthly monetary policy for 2025-26, and continues with its
‘Neutral’ stance. The reverse repo rate also remains unchanged at 3.35%. The bank rate has also
stayed unchanged at 5.75%. The cash reserve ratio is 4%. The MPC also retained its FY26 GDP (Gross
Domestic Product) growth forecast at 6.5%. The real GDP growth for Q1 FY27 is projected at 6.6%.
The consumer price index (CPI) headline inflation declined for the 8th consecutive month to a 77-
month low of 2.1% in June 2025. However, the RBI has revised the CPI inflation for this year to 3.1%
and projected it at 4.9% for Q1 FY27. The Standard Deposit Facility (SDF) and Marginal Standing
Facility (MSF) rates were also kept unchanged at 5.25% and 5.75%, respectively. While the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) is
18%. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 3rd bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee meeting – continues with its ‘Neutral’ stance
• Latest rates:
- Repo rate – 5.5% | Reverse repo rate – 3.35% | Bank rate – 5.75% | CRR – 4%
- SDF – 5.25% | MSF – 5.75% | SLR – 18%
• India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 – 6.5% | CPI inflation forecast – 3.1%
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao | Poonam Gupta

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3. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) have undertaken various interventions to promote financial literacy and awareness
among the rural population, including microfinance borrowers. NABARD has been providing
financial support for the conduct of Financial and Digital Literacy Camps through rural bank
branches and Financial Literacy Centres (FLCs) in areas with limited awareness. The Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) Project
has been initiated by the RBI since 2017 with an objective to adopt community-led, innovative and participatory approaches
to financial literacy. A total of 2,421 CFLs have been set up across the country as of March 31, 2025, with one CFL covering
three blocks on average. NABARD also sponsors Village Level Programmes (VLPs), which are conducted with the support of
banks and State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs) for a better interface between bankers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The RBI has also taken several steps to enable ease of access to credit (in the microfinance sector), such as the definition of
microfinance loan has been simplified, and various quantitative restrictions on loans given by NBFC-MFIs have been
removed, including limits on loan amount in a particular cycle and minimum tenure for loans over a particular threshold.
Presently, all collateral-free loans given to a household having an annual household income up to Rs 3,00,000 are considered
as microfinance loans. Erstwhile requirement of providing minimum 50% loans for income generation purposes has been
dispensed with, considering the need for credit for medical, educational and income smoothening purposes. Further, the
RBI has also taken steps to enhance borrower protection. A ceiling of 50% on the monthly loan repayment obligations as a
percentage of monthly income has been prescribed to protect customers from over in debtedness. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• NABARD & RBI – undertaken various interventions to promote financial literacy & awareness among rural population
• NABARD – providing financial support for conduct of Financial & Digital Literacy Camps through rural brances & FLCs
• ‘Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL)’ Project – initiated by RBI since 2017
- To adopt community-led, innovative & participatory approaches to financial literacy
- Total CFLs set up across the country (as of Mar 31, 2025) – 2,421
• Microfinance loans – all collateral-free loans given to a household having an annual household income up to Rs 3,00,000
• To protect customers from over in debtedness, a ceiling of 50% on monthly loan repayment obligations as a percentage
of monthly income has been prescribed
• Sa-Dhan & MFIN – issued guardrails for their members, inter alia, capping total indebtedness of a borrower & limiting
number of lenders that can give loans to a single borrower
• HQs of NABARD – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Shaji K. V. | Founded in – 1982
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao | Poonam Gupta

4. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has removed the requirement for authorised dealer (AD) banks to
seek its prior approval for opening Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) of overseas correspondent
banks. SRVAs are Indian rupee-denominated accounts held by foreign banks with Indian banks. These
accounts enable invoicing, payment, and settlement of cross-border trade transactions in rupees.
The RBI initially introduced the SRVA mechanism in June 2022 to support invoicing and settlement of international trade in
Indian rupees. Until now, Indian banks had to obtain the RBI’s prior approval to open such accounts. With the latest change,
AD banks can now open SRVAs directly, without referring to the RBI for clearance. This is expected to reduce procedural
delays and encourage broader adoption of rupee-based trade, particularly with countries looking to diversify away from
dollar-denominated transactions. The RBI’s move is significant, especially in the context of India’s oil trade with Russia and
broader efforts to de-dollarise trade. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• RBI removed requirement for authorised dealer (AD) banks to seek its prior approval for opening Special Rupee Vostro
Accounts (SRVAs) of overseas correspondent banks
• SRVAs – Indian rupee-denominated accounts held by foreign banks with Indian banks
• SRVA mechanism – introduced by RBI in Jun’22 to support invoicing & settlement of international trade in Indian rupees
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao | Poonam Gupta

5. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted an in-principle authorisation to IRCTC Payments Ltd, a wholly owned
subsidiary of IRCTC, to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator (PA) under the ‘Payment and Settlement Systems Act,
2007’. The nod empowers IRCTC to consolidate customer payments across various modes - including internet banking,
credit/debit cards, wallets, UPI, and AUTOPAY - via its ‘iPay’ platform, enabling it to settle funds with merchants after a
specified period. As per the RBI guidelines for Payment Aggregators (PAs), PAs shall have a minimum net-worth of ₹15 crore
at the time of application for authorisation and shall attain a net-worth of ₹25 crore by the end of third financial year of
grant of authorisation. The net-worth of ₹25 crore shall be maintained at all times thereafter. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI granted an in-principle authorisation to IRCTC Payments Ltd to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator (PA) under
‘Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007’
• Now, IRCTC can consolidate customer payments across various modes via its ‘iPay’ platform
• As per RBI guidelines for Payment Aggregators:
- PAs shall have a minimum net-worth of ₹15 Cr at the time of application
- Pas shall attain a net-worth of ₹25 Cr by the end of 3rd FY of grant of authorisation
- Net-worth of ₹25 Cr shall be maintained at all times thereafter
• HQs of IRCTC – New Delhi | Chairman & MD – Sanjay Kumar Jain

6. Tata AIA Life Insurance has introduced “Shubh Shakti”, a term insurance product tailored specifically for women, offering
approximately 15% lower premiums than male counterparts. The plan combines life protection with health and wellness
support through the ‘Health Buddy’ platform. Key features include premium holidays during pregnancy, annual health check-
ups, PCOD screenings, and consultations with specialists. It also delivers exclusive support for single mothers, a child
education benefit with monthly payouts until age 25, and waiver of future premiums in the event of the spouse’s accidental
death. The launch addresses low insurance coverage among Indian working women despite rising female workforce
participation. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Tata AIA Life Insurance – introduced “Shubh Shakti”, a term insurance product specifically for women
• It offers approx 15% lower premiums than male counterparts
• It combines life protection with health & wellness support through ‘Health Buddy’ platform
• HQs of Tata AIA Life Insurance – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Venkatachalam Iyer

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 Defence Affairs
7. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sanctioned
multiple procurement proposals worth nearly Rs 67,000 crore to strengthen the nation’s military
preparedness. According to the Ministry of Defence, for the Indian Army, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)
was accorded for the procurement of ‘Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for Boyevaya Mashina
Pekhoty (BMP)’, or Infantry Fighting Vehicle. For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for the
procurement of ‘Compact Autonomous Surface Craft’, ‘BrahMos Fire Control System’ and launchers, and upgradation of the
‘BARAK-1’ point defence missile system. For the Indian Air Force, AoN for the procurement of mountain radars and
upgradation of the ‘SAKSHAM/SPYDER weapon system’ was accorded. AoN was also accorded for the procurement of
‘Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs)’ for the three services. The Indian Army is using
BMP-II, also known as ‘Sarath’. The amphibious capability of ‘Sarath’ is especially valuable for operations in areas with rivers
or marshlands. Brahmos is a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and
the Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM). BrahMos is a long-range, nuclear-capable supersonic cruise
missile system. ‘BARAK-1’, an Israeli-developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, was acquired by the Indian Navy in
2000. The SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) system, developed by Israeli defence firm Rafael Advanced Defence
Systems, is a mobile air defence system. The SAKSHAM variant is the Indian Air Force’s localised name for its SPYDER systems
currently deployed across key strategic areas. Indiah, as an observer state, has officially joined the ‘Medium Altitude Long
Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS)’ or ‘Eurodrone’ programme. ‘Eurodrone’ is a 4-nation initiative
involving Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The programme, led by Airbus Defence and Space (Germany), includes Leonardo
(Italy), Dassault Aviation (France), and Airbus (Spain) as major subcontractors. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Defence Acquisition Council sanctioned multiple procurement proposals to strengthen nation’s military preparedness
- Worth – Rs 67,000 Cr | Chaired by – Rajnath Singh (Defence Minister)
• As per MoD, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) have been accorded for procurement of:
- Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) – for Indian Army
- ‘Compact Autonomous Surface Craft’, ‘BrahMos Fire Control System’ & launchers & upgradation of ‘BARAK-1’ point
defence missile system – for Indian Navy
- Mountain radars & upgradation of ‘Saksham/Spyder weapon system’ – for Indian Air Force
- ‘Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs)’ – for all three services
• Brahmos – a JV between DRDO (India) & NPO Mashinostroyeniya (Russia)
- It is a long-range, nuclear-capable supersonic cruise missile system
• ‘BARAK-1’, a surface-to-air missile system, developed by Israel – acquired by Indian Navy in 2000
• SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) system – developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems (Israel)
- SAKSHAM variant – IAF’s localised name for its SPYDER systems
• India – has joined ‘MALE RPAS’ (Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System)’ or ‘Eurodrone’
programme, as an observer state
• Eurodrone – a 4-nation initiative involving Germany, France, Italy & Spain
- Led by – Airbus Defence & Space (Germany)
- Major subcontractors – Leonardo (Italy), Dassault Aviation (France) & Airbus (Spain)
• Minister of Defence: Rajnath Singh | Constituency – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• MoS in Ministry of Defence: Sanjay Seth

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8. India and the Philippines held joint sail and naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea for
the first time. It is a high-profile military deployment that will likely antagonise China. The two-day
operation, conducted within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), involved India’s INS
Delhi (guided-missile destroyer), INS Shakti (tanker), and INS Kiltan (corvette), alongside the
Philippines’ BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal frigates. Besides, Philippines has staged naval patrols in the disputed
waters with its treaty ally, the United States, and other strategic partners including Japan, Australia, New Zealand and France
to promote freedom of navigation and overflight and strengthen deterrence against China. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• India + Philippines = held joint sail & naval exercises in disputed South China Sea for 1st time
- Conducted within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
• Ships involved: From India – INS Delhi (guided-missile destroyer), INS Shakti (tanker) & INS Kiltan (corvette)
- From Philippines – BRP Miguel Malvar & BRP Jose Rizal frigates
• Philippines – Manila – Peso | President – Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Science & Technology

9. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad has launched India’s first AI-powered learning app for students preparing for
competitive exams. Tutoz stands out with its accessible, affordable and tailored learning approach. Led by experts Sreenath
Vijayakumar (IIT Palakkad) and Satyajit Das (IIT Guwahati), this AI-driven platform will support students in preparing for top
exams like JEE, NEET and CAT. This platform motivates students to learn with features like instant doubt resolution (text,
voice, or image), daily practice sessions, custom learning modules, and gamified leaderboards. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IIT Palakkad – launched India’s 1st AI-powered learning app for students preparing for competitive exams, ‘Tutoz’
• Led by – Sreenath Vijayakumar (IIT Palakkad) & Satyajit Das (IIT Guwahati)
• Director of IIT Palakkad – Prof. A Seshadri Sekhar

10. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has inaugurated the “HOPE” (Himalayan
Outpost for Planetary Exploration), a 10-day mission in Ladakh’s Tso Kar Valley, a high-altitude
cold desert at approximately 4,530 metres, from August 1-10, 2025. Designed as a full-scale
analogue simulation, HOPE replicates Martian and lunar conditions to test human physiological,
psychological, and operational resilience in extreme environments. The habitat comprises
interconnected living and utility modules and facilitates experiments on oxygen deprivation, UV radiation, isolation stress,
and simulated life-support systems. Spearheaded by ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) in partnership with
Protoplanet, the mission involves research contributions from IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIST Trivandrum, RGCB
Trivandrum, and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bengaluru. Earlier, the Human Space Flight Centre of ISRO lead a team
on the Ladakh Human Analog Mission in November 2024 and the 10-day long isolation study called Anugami involving
Gaganyatris in July 2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ISRO – inaugurated “HOPE” (Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration), a 10-day mission in Ladakh’s Tso Kar Valley
- Spearheaded by = Human Space Flight Centre (ISRO) + Protoplanet

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• HOPE replicates Martian and lunar conditions to test human physiological, psychological, and operational resilience in
extreme environments
• It involves research contributions from: IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIST Trivandrum, RGCB Trivandrum & IAM Bengaluru
• HQs of ISRO – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Director – Dr. V. Narayanan | Formed on – August 15, 1969

Schemes & Initiatives

11. According to official data accessed from the “PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi
(PM SVANidhi)” portal, the scheme has received over 1.14 crore loan applications to date.
Of these, 98.06 lakh loans have been sanctioned, and 96.08 lakh loans have been
successfully disbursed. This translates to a disbursement rate of nearly 98%. Out of the 96
lakh loans disbursed, 48.48 lakh loans have been repaid so far. The number of unique
beneficiaries under the scheme stands at 68.1 lakh, suggesting that a large number of
vendors have availed of multiple tranches under the scheme. Financially, the scheme has
sanctioned loans worth Rs 14,208.4 crore, of which Rs 13,791.23 crore has been disbursed,
thus 97% of the sanctioned funds have reached the beneficiaries. A total of 12.81 lakh applications were returned by banks,
constituting nearly 13% of all sanctioned loans. With over 1.77 lakh bank branches onboarded across the country, PM
SVANidhi has created a comprehensive institutional network. Uttar Pradesh leads with 20.52 lakh applications, followed by
Madhya Pradesh (15.73 lakh), Maharashtra (13.08 lakh), and Gujarat (8.68 lakh). When it comes to loan sanctions, the top
3 states retain their rankings, though Telangana replaces Gujarat in 4th place. Madhya Pradesh stands out with 13.73 lakh
sanctioned loans and 13.44 lakh disbursed, reflecting a sanction rate of 87% and a disbursement rate of 98%, one of the
highest efficiencies across major states. Uttar Pradesh, with 20.10 lakh sanctioned and 19.94 lakh disbursed, accounts for
nearly 21% of the total disbursed loans across big states. Together, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have delivered over
33.3 lakh loans, making them the twin pillars of PM SVANidhi’s on-ground success. In terms of gender distribution, 55% of
the beneficiaries are male, while 45% are female. The caste-wise distribution is - OBCs constitute the largest share of
beneficiaries at 46%, followed by the general category (30%), Scheduled Castes (21%), and Scheduled Tribes (3%). Launched
in June 2020, the scheme promised collateral-free working capital loans to help vendors revive their livelihoods. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• As per official data accessed from “PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)” portal
• PM SVANidhi scheme – received over 1.14 crore loan applications to date
- Sanctioned – 98.06 lakh loans (worth Rs 14,208.4 Cr ) | Disbursed – 96.08 lakh loans (worth Rs 13,791.23 Cr)
• Number of unique beneficiaries – 68.1 lakh
• In terms of applications, top state – Uttar Pradesh (20.52 lakh)
- Followed by – Madhya Pradesh (15.73 lakh), Maharashtra (13.08 lakh) & Gujarat (8.68 lakh)
• In terms of loan sanctions, top state – UP | Followed by – MP, Maharashtra & Telangana
• Highest efficiencies across major states – MP (sanction rate - 87% & disbursement rate - 98%)
• Twin pillars of PM SVANidhi’s on-ground success – MP & UP (both delivered over 33.3 lakh loans)
• In terms of gender distribution: Male – 55% | Female – 45%
• Caste-wise distribution: OBCs – 46% | General – 30% | SC – 21% | ST – 3%
• PM SVANidhi scheme – launched in June 2020

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12. As of June 2025, banks have sanctioned over Rs 4,930 crore to 34,697 loan accounts under the
newly introduced ‘Tarun Plus’ category of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY). ‘Tarun Plus’
was introduced in 2024-25 for those borrowers who have successfully repaid their Mudra loan under
the Tarun Category. Under ‘Tarun Plus’, collateral-free loans up to Rs 20 lakhs are provided to such
borrowers. PMMY was launched on April 8, 2015, to provide loans up to 20 lakhs. It offers loans under
4 distinct categories- (i) Shishu, (ii) Kishore, (iii) Tarun and (iv) TarunPlus. These loans are classified as MUDRA (Micro Units
Development and Refinance Agency) loans under PMMY. These loans are given by commercial banks, RRBs, small finance
banks, micro-finance institutions (MFIs), and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). Under the ‘Shishu’ category, the
loan limit is up to Rs 50,000. This category is designed for businesses that are in the initial phase of their operations and
need minimal capital to start or maintain their activities. Under the ‘Kishore’ category, the loan limit is Rs 50,000 to Rs 5
lakh. It supports businesses that are in the growth phase and require additional funding to expand their operations or
increase their working capital. Under the ‘Tarun’ category, the loan limit is Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. It caters to well-established
businesses that require larger loans to scale up their operations, increase production capacity, and expand their market
reach. Under the ‘Tarun Plus’ category, the loan limit is Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As of Jun 2025, banks sanctioned over Rs 4,930 Cr to 34,697 loan accounts under ‘Tarun Plus’ category of PMMY
- PMMY – Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana | MUDRA – Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency
• ‘Tarun Plus’ – introduced in 2024-25 for borrowers who have repaid their Mudra loan under ‘Tarun’ Category
- Under this category, collateral-free loans up to Rs 20 lakhs are provided to such borrowers
• PMMY – launched on Apr 8, 2015, to provide loans up to 20 lakhs, under 4 categories
- ‘Shishu’ – up to Rs 50,000 | ‘Kishore’ category – Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakhs
- ‘Tarun’ category – Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs | ‘Tarun Plus’ category – Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs

Ranks, Reports & Surveys

13. According to the analysis of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), Gujarat
retained its position as India’s top exporting state for the 5th straight year in 2024-25, with
outbound shipments worth Rs 9.83 lakh crore, accounting for 26.6% of India’s total exports.
Gujarat’s exports remained ahead of all other states, nearly Rs 4.3 lakh crore more than
Maharashtra (Rs 5,57,271 crore), the second-ranked state. Maharashtra is followed by Tamil
Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Gujarat’s export dominance continues to be driven by a
few high-performing districts, with Jamnagar maintaining a commanding lead at Rs 3.63 lakh crore, largely owing to its
petroleum and refinery exports. Jamnagar contributes over one-third of the state’s total. The top five export commodities
from Gujarat are Petroleum Products, Gems and Jewellery, Organic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Engineering Goods
(Machinery). The US, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates remained Gujarat’s top markets. In 2024-25, Uttar
Pradesh contributes Rs 1.86 lakh crore to India’s total exports of Rs 37.02 lakh crore. This accounts for 5% of India’s total
exports. The US continues to be the top export destination of Uttar Pradesh. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per FIEO, India’s top exporting state in 2024-25 – Gujarat (for 5th consecutive year)
- Outbound shipments worth – Rs 9.83 lakh Cr (26.6% of India’s total exports)
• 2nd – Maharashtra (Rs 5,57,271 Cr) | 3rd – Tamil Nadu | 4th – Karnataka | 5th – UP | 6th – Andhra | 7th – Telangana
• Highest-performing district of Gujarat – Jamnagar (Rs 3.63 lakh Cr - 1/3rd of state’s total)

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• Top five export commodities from Gujarat – Petroleum Products, Gems & Jewellery, Organic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals
& Engineering Goods (Machinery)
• Gujarat’s top markets – US, Netherlands & UAE
• UP – contributes Rs 1.86 lakh Crore to India’s total exports (Rs 37.02 lakh Cr) in 2024-25 (5% of India’s total exports)
- Top export destination of UP – US

14. The Business Confidence Index (BCI) rose sharply to 149.4 in the April-June period (Q1) of 2025-26 (FY26) from 139.3 in
the last quarter (Q4) of 2024-25 (FY25), according to the “Business Expectations Survey” of National Council of Applied
Economic Research (NCAER). BCI is based on 4 components - (i) overall economic conditions to improve in next 6 months,
(ii) financial position of firms will improve in the next 6 months, (iii) present investment climate, and (iv) whether present
capacity utilisation was close to or above optimal level. The share of positive responses across the 4 components remains
above 60% in the first quarter (Q1) of FY26. Majority of respondents expected production (78.7%) and domestic sales
(79.1%) to increase in the next six months. The quarterly survey was carried out in June, covering 479 companies spread
across six cities. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Business Expectations Survey” – released by NCAER
• Business Confidence Index (BCI) rose sharply to 149.4 in Q1 of FY26 (from 139.3 in Q4 of FY25)
• BCI is based on 4 components:
- Overall economic conditions to improve in next 6 months
- Financial position of firms will improve in the next 6 months
- Present investment climate
- Whether present capacity utilisation was close to or above optimal level.

MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships

15. Europe’s largest software maker SAP and India’s Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) have
signed an MoU to digitally skill professionals in India’s logistics and transport sector, and
create a pool of future-ready workforce. The MoU is structured around 3 key pillars - (i)
employment enablement for GSV graduates and postgraduates through industry-aligned
training; (ii) curriculum enhancement and capacity building for students and government
professionals; and (iii) fostering research-industry linkages to strengthen logistics capabilities. SAP Labs India also
inaugurated its 2nd campus in Bengaluru, continuing its investments into India and affirming the country’s position as a global
technology and innovation hub. Simultaneously, SAP inaugurated its state-of-the-art Innovation Park spanning 41 acres,
projected to house 15,000 professionals and anchor global AI, R&D, and innovation roles alongside facilities like AI labs,
startup incubators, and hackathon zones. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SAP (Europe) + Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya = an MoU to digitally skill professionals in India’s logistics & transport sector
• It is structured around 3 key pillars:
- Employment enablement for GSV graduates & postgraduates through industry-aligned training
- Curriculum enhancement & capacity building for students & government professionals

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 - Fostering research-industry linkages to strengthen logistics capabilities
• SAP Labs India – inaugurated its 2nd campus in Bengaluru
• SAP – also inaugurated its state-of-the-art Innovation Park spanning 41 acres
• Location of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya – Vadodara, Gujarat | First Chancellor – Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways

❖ Other Miscellaneous News & Current Static GK:

• August 6 — 1st International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked
Developing Countries (LLDCs)
• August 6 — 80th Hiroshima Day
(The day commemorates the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in Japan by the US in 1945. The bomb was nicknamed
‘Little Boy’.)
• August 7 — Sustainable Agriculture Day (by Maharashtra)
(The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.)
• 1st-ever Botanical Garden in Ladakh – Shayok village
• Netherlands-based Antfin Holding B.V. (formerly, Ant Financial), a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, sold its 5.84% stake
in Paytm, a subsidiary of One97 Communications, for Rs 3,803 crore. Paytm stands for Pay Through Mobile.

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