Daily Current Affairs Quiz30 July, 2025 National Affairs 1. Pralay Quasi-Ballistic Missile Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two back-to-back flight-tests of the Pralay missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, validating its full range capabilities. What is the Pralay Missile? Development Features and Capabilities TOI 2. India’s Gini Index Score Context: India was recently ranked among the world’s most equal societies based on the Gini Index, scoring 25.5, placing it in the moderately low inequality category. However, this stands in stark contrast to the multiple forms of inequality that continue to shape everyday life in India. What is the Gini Index? Key Concerns and Highlights: TH 3. Kaziranga National Park Context: On Global Tiger Day 2025, the Chief Minister of Assam released the latest tiger density rankings, where Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) emerged as India’s third-most tiger-dense reserve, after Bandipur and Corbett. What is Tiger Density? Top 3 Tiger Reserves by Density (as of 2024) Rank Tiger Reserve State Density (Tigers/100 sq. km) 1 Bandipur Tiger Reserve Karnataka 19.83 2 Corbett Tiger Reserve Uttarakhand 19.56 3 Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Assam 18.65 About Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve Flora Fauna TH 4. New Harappan Site Unearthed in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Context: In a landmark archaeological breakthrough, a new Harappan site has been discovered at Ratadiya Ri Dheri in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, marking the first Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) settlement in the Thar desert’s arid core. Key Highlights: Location and Significance: Artefacts and Features Found: Dating and Interpretation: Historical Context: TOI Banking/Finance 1. IMF Upgrades India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.4% Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its GDP growth forecast for India for FY2025-26 (FY26) to 6.4%, up from 6.2% projected in April 2025, as per the July 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) update. Key Highlights: BS & TH 2. RBI Eases Investment Norms for Banks and NBFCs in AIFs Context: On July 30, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised its regulatory framework on investments by regulated entities (REs) — including banks and NBFCs — in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), easing certain norms while reinforcing safeguards against indirect loan evergreening. Key Highlights of RBI’s Revised AIF Norms: Objective of the Move Background BS 3. SEBI Allows Pilot Testing of Fractional Shares in Innovation Sandbox Context: In a significant regulatory development, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved a proposal to pilot fractional share trading through its innovation sandbox, marking a possible shift in India’s equity trading framework. Key Highlights: Significance This pilot could democratize stock market access for small investors in India by enabling them to invest in high-value stocks without buying full units, potentially boosting retail participation in capital markets. BS 4. New Digital Credit Assessment Model for MSMEs Context: Announced in the Union Budget 2024–25, the New Digital Credit Assessment Model for MSMEs was officially launched by the Union Finance Minister on 6th March 2025. This model empowers Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to assess creditworthiness of MSMEs using digital footprints instead of traditional document-based methods. Key Features of the Model: Traditional vs. New Approach Aspect Traditional Model New Digital Model Assessment Manual, paper-based Fully digital, automated Data Physical documents Real-time digital data via APIs Decision Time Several days Within 24 hours Subjectivity High Reduced due to rule-based system logic Fraud Risk Higher risk of misrepresentation Lower due to system checks and digital verifiability Benefits to MSMEs Implementation & Impact PIB 5. RBI Launches 111th Industrial Outlook Survey and 46th Services & Infrastructure Survey Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the 111th round of the Industrial Outlook Survey (IOS) and the 46th round of the Services and Infrastructure Outlook Survey (SIOS) to assess the evolving business climate across key sectors of the Indian economy. Industrial Outlook Survey (IOS) – 111th Round Services and Infrastructure Outlook Survey (SIOS) – 46th Round Importance of These Surveys 6. RBI Lifts Corrective Action Plan on Religare Finvest Limited Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has withdrawn the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) restrictions on Religare Finvest Limited (RFL) with immediate effect, following significant management and governance changes. Key Highlights: What is the Corrective Action Plan (CAP)? TET 7. SBI Securities Launches Zero-Fee Intraday Trading Plan ‘ProZero’ Context: SBICAP Securities Limited, a subsidiary of State Bank of India (SBI), has launched ‘ProZero’, a new trading plan aimed at retail investors, offering zero brokerage on intraday trades. Key Highlights: About SBI Securities BL Agriculture 1. NABARD Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey (RECSS) Context: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) released findings from its Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey (RECSS) conducted in July 2025. This bi-monthly survey highlights a significant rise in rural optimism, marking the highest confidence levels since the survey began in September 2024. Key Findings of the Survey Survey Coverage About NABARD 2. PACS Computerization Project Context: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC) and in coordination with NABARD, is implementing a national project to computerize all functional Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) using an ERP-based common software platform. Key Highlights: ERP System Capabilities Integration with Other Government Schemes PACS are being developed as multi-service delivery hubs with integration into: PIB 3. NABARD Launches First Carbon Credit Pilot with 3,500 Mango Farmers in Karnataka Context: NABARD’s consultancy arm, NABARD Consultancy Services (NCB), has initiated its first pilot carbon credit project in Karnataka’s Koppal district, aiming to integrate climate finance with rural agriculture. Key Highlights: Significance This pilot marks NABARD’s pivot into carbon markets, bridging rural farming with climate action. It is supported by global funders like Rabo Bank, and aligns with India’s move toward climate-smart agriculture. TOI Facts To Remember 1. India alongside Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam for Women’s Asian Cup India was on Tuesday drawn with powerhouse Japan, former champion Taiwan and Vietnam in Group-C of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to be held in Australia next year. 2. NASA-ISRO joint satellite NISAR set for launch today