Context: Cooperative banks’ participation in the call money market declined after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made membership on the NDS-CALL trading platform mandatory. However, their participation has seen a revival in recent months, as per the RBI’s July 2025 bulletin. Key Highlights: BS
Cloud Seeding Research in India: CAIPEEX by IITM
Context: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), conducted a cloud seeding research study titled CAIPEEX (Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment) during 2018–2019 over the rain shadow region of India. Key Highlights: Objective of CAIPEEX: Technological and Institutional Developments Cloud Seeding Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to enhance precipitation by dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds, encouraging the formation of ice crystals or larger raindrops. This can be done to increase rainfall, suppress hail, or disperse fog. Applications of Cloud Seeding PIB
Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (HLVM3)
Context: In a major milestone for India’s human spaceflight program, the Union Minister informed Parliament that the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (HLVM3) has completed its development and ground testing. This achievement advances the timeline for Gaganyaan, India’s first crewed space mission, and sets the stage for future ambitions like the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (by 2035) and an Indian Moon Landing (by 2040). What is HLVM3? HLVM3 is India’s first human-rated launch vehicle, derived from the operational LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) platform. It is developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the supervision of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) to carry astronauts, known as Gaganyatris, safely into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Key Objectives Major Features of HLVM3 1. Three-Stage Launch Configuration 2. Human-Rated Enhancements 3. Crew Escape System (CES) 4. Crew and Service Modules 5. Support Infrastructure
Specialty Fertilizers
Context: The Indian government is exploring measures to ramp up domestic production of specialty fertilizers due to recent supply disruptions from China, which accounts for nearly 80% of India’s imports in this segment. What are Specialty Fertilizers? Specialty fertilizers are advanced nutrient solutions tailored for high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They improve nutrient efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Examples include: Why This Move? Significance Mint
Net FDI in India Drops Sharply in May 2025: RBI
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its July 2025 bulletin reported a 98.2% decline in net foreign direct investment (FDI) in May 2025 compared to the same month last year. Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Net FDI refers to the difference between total foreign direct investment inflows and outflows over a specific period. Components: Gross FDI Inflows: Gross FDI Outflows: Top FDI Source Countries Top Recipient Sectors Top Destinations for Outward FDI BS
IRDAI Proposes Internal Insurance Ombudsman Framework to Strengthen Grievance Redressal
Context: Insurance regulator IRDAI proposed a framework that mandates a internal insurance ombudsman scheme for insurance companies with an aim to address complaints against claims up to Rs 50 lakh. Key Objectives Applicability Key Provisions of the Draft Guidelines TET
PayPal Integrates UPI for Cross-Border Payments under ‘PayPal World’
Context: In a significant move to globalize India’s digital payments, PayPal has announced integration with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to facilitate cross-border transactions. Key Highlights: Launch of PayPal World Platform Significance BS
Swachh Survekshan 2024–25
Context: The ninth edition of Swachh Survekshan (2024–25), touted as the world’s largest cleanliness survey, has emerged not just as a city-ranking competition but as a comprehensive audit of India’s urban sanitation ecosystem. It offers valuable insights into progress, gaps, and best practices in waste management, segregation, infrastructure, and sanitation worker welfare. Key Features of Swachh Survekshan 2024–25: Regional Highlights Best Practices from Leading Cities City Notable Initiative Indore Six-bin segregation system at source Surat Revenue generation via sewage-treated water Pune Ragpicker cooperatives managing solid waste Visakhapatnam Eco-park on remediated landfill Lucknow Waste wonder park Agra (Kuberpur) 47-acre green space reclaimed via biomining Survey Theme – 2025: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) TH
National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill
Context: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha to align India’s anti-doping framework with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requirements. Key Highlights: TOI
Google Unveils AI Initiatives in India at Google I/O Connect 2025
Context: At its Google I/O Connect India 2025 developer conference held in Bengaluru, Google announced a range of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives targeting India’s growing tech ecosystem, with a special focus on localisation, developer support, and indigenous innovation. Key Highlights: TET
