Context: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) released the third edition of its “MSME Outlook Survey”, revealing a positive trend in capacity utilisation among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during the first quarter of FY2025â26. Key Highlights: Business Sentiment and Confidence Index Sectoral Trends Capacity Utilisation Access to Finance Sales and Profitability Borrowing Costs and Monetary Policy Transmission Export Concerns About the Survey BS
SEBI Tightens Surveillance Framework for Small-Cap Stocks
Context: SEBI has introduced a revamped Enhanced Surveillance Mechanism (ESM) framework for small- and micro-cap companies, effective July 29, 2025. The move aims to curb speculative trading and protect retail investors amid overheated small-cap valuations. Key Highlights: BL
Indian Overseas Bank Reverts to Old Internet Banking Interface
Context: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), a public sector bank, has announced a temporary rollback to its old internet banking interface after technical failures disrupted customer access on its new platform. Key Highlights: Nature of the Problem Bankâs Response Significance BS
Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025
Context: The Ministry of Finance has notified the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, bringing into force comprehensive changes across five key banking legislations to modernize governance, improve transparency, and enhance depositor safety. What Is the Act? A reform legislation amending multiple banking laws, including those governing: Objectives of the Act Key Features of the Amendment Act Redefinition of âSubstantial Interestâ Cooperative Bank Governance Reform: Unclaimed Assets to IEPF: Audit Transparency and Autonomy: Rationalized Statutory Reporting: Significance for the Indian Banking Sector
Scheme for Women Cooperatives
Context: The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is actively supporting women’s empowerment through targeted cooperative development schemes. Two flagship schemesâSwayamshakti Sahakar Yojna and Nandini Sahakarâare designed to promote sustainable livelihood and entrepreneurship among women cooperatives. Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna Objective: Eligible Entities: Nandini Sahakar Scheme Focus:A women-centric framework for: Scope: Alignment: PIB
Sanchar Mitra Scheme Launched to Promote Digital Awareness and Telecom Security
Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Sanchar Mitra Scheme to engage Indiaâs youth as active agents in promoting telecom awareness, digital safety, and responsible usage among communities across the country. Key Features of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme Capacity Building and Exposure Vision
India-UAE Deepen Defence and Maritime Cooperation
Context: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen their bilateral defence partnership, especially in maritime security, during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting held on Wednesday. The decision marks a significant step forward in aligning defence cooperation with the growing strategic and economic relationship between the two nations. Key Highlights: TH
India Launches NASAâISRO NISAR Satellite
Context: India successfully launched the NASAâISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on July 31, 2025, aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket. This marks the first collaborative Earth observation mission between ISRO and NASA and a major step in global climate and disaster monitoring. What is NISAR? Mission Objectives Technological Features Contributions by NASA and ISRO Agency Key Contributions NASA L-band radar, boom, reflector antenna, GPS, solid-state recorder, and telecom system ISRO S-band radar, satellite bus (I-3K), launch via GSLV-F16, solar arrays, data and ground systems TH
Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on Chenab River
Context: India has formally invited international tenders for the construction of the long-delayed 1,856 MW Sawalkote hydroelectric project on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir, following its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan in abeyance. This marks a strategic shift in Indiaâs use of its entitlements under the IWT, aimed at maximizing the utilisation of western river waters. Key Highlights: TOI
U.S. Announces 25% Tariff on Indian Imports
Context: On July 30, 2025, the U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports effective August 1, 2025, citing high trade barriers and Indiaâs continued energy and defence relations with Russia. The measure is linked to the proposed Russia Sanctions Act 2025. What Is the Announcement? Objectives Behind the Tariff Key Features of the Announcement Strategic and Economic Significance for India TH & BS
