Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 17 June, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
17 June, 2025

National Affairs

1. India’s Next Census to Be Conducted in 2027

Context:

The Union Home Ministry has formally announced that India’s next Census will be conducted in 2027, marking a significant administrative and technological transition for the country’s decennial population survey. This will be India’s first digital Census, with self-enumeration options for citizens.

• The Census will occur in two distinct phases:
  • House Listing Operations
  • Population Enumeration

Boundary Freeze Comes Into Effect

As per the Gazette notification issued under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948, the freezing of administrative boundaries has come into immediate effect. This means:

• No changes can be made by States to boundaries of districts, tehsils, police stations, or administrative blocks.
• The freeze will remain in place until the Census process is completed.
• This is essential because enumeration blocks are geographically defined and form the core basis of the Census exercise.

Digital Census and Self-Enumeration

The 2027 Census will introduce digital data collection for the first time:

• Data will be gathered using mobile applications.
• Citizens will have the option for self-enumeration.
• The Ministry has assured stringent data security during collection, transmission, and storage of data.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

Constitutional Basis

• The Census is a subject under the Union List of the Constitution, as specified in Entry 69 of the Seventh Schedule.
• Article 246 of the Constitution grants exclusive legislative power to the Parliament on subjects in the Union List, making census operations a Central Government responsibility.

Legal Framework: Census Act, 1948

• The Census Act, 1948 governs the conduct of the census in India.
• It authorizes the appointment of a Census Commissioner and defines the procedures for data collection, tabulation, and publication.
• The Act provides the legal backing for periodic population enumeration and related processes.

2. New Endemic Flowering Plant Discovered in Aravalis: Portulaca bharat

Context:

A team of Indian botanists has discovered a new endemic flowering plant species, Portulaca bharat, in the rocky, semi-arid slopes of the Aravalli Hills near Jaipur. The discovery, now published in the international journal Phytotaxa, unveils a previously undocumented element of India’s floristic diversity.

• Discovery and Identification
  • Portulaca bharat was first observed by Nishant Chauhan, a researcher and conservationist with the Satpura Biodiversity Conservation Society, during a field visit near the historic Galtaji temple on Jaipur’s outskirts.
  • Chauhan collected live specimens from rock crevices in the Galtaji hill region.
• Taxonomic Context
  • The genus Portulaca includes 153 species worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical zones.
  • In India, 11 species are recognized, of which four are endemic.
• Conservation Status
  • The species is currently known only from a single location in the Galtaji hills, making it an example of narrow endemism.
  • It has been provisionally assessed as “Data Deficient” under the IUCN Red List guidelines due to the absence of population-level data.

TH

3. Three Tech Platforms to Boost Disaster Management Precision and Response

Context:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday launched three cutting-edge technology platforms to strengthen India’s disaster management framework. The announcement was made during the Annual Conference of Relief Commissioners, Disaster Management Secretaries, and State Disaster Response Forces.

Newly Launched Platforms

• Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER)
  • Enables real-time response to disasters across India.
  • Integrates satellite data streaming to rescue and relief agencies.
  • Aims to coordinate efforts across agencies for faster, data-driven responses.
• National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) Lite 2.0
  • An upgraded mobile-compatible version of India’s national emergency database.
  • Designed to give agile, decentralised access to disaster response forces, even in remote locations.
  • Helps responders operate as a unified force, with common access to critical real-time data.
• Flood Hazard Zonation Atlas of Assam
  • Provides region-specific flood risk data for Assam, a state frequently affected by floods.
  • Offers real-time information on flood impact, river water levels, and mitigation areas.
  • Aimed at improving predictive planning and risk-based disaster preparedness.

Significance

• Enhances coordination and communication during disasters.
• Strengthens India’s move towards technology-driven resilience planning.
• Supports both central and state-level preparedness, especially in disaster-prone regions like Assam.

4. Microgravity Experiments During AX-4 Mission

Context:

India is poised to take a significant leap in space science and human spaceflight with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the country’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled to launch on June 19, 2025, the mission is part of Axiom-4 (AX-4), coordinated by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and ISRO.

Scientific Research on Board

ISRO has shortlisted seven pioneering microgravity research experiments to be conducted by Shukla during his 14-day stay aboard the ISS. These were proposed by Indian principal investigators (PIs) from national R&D labs and academic institutions:

• Impact of microgravity radiation on edible microalgae
  • Aimed at understanding viability of microalgae as space food and bioresource.
• Sprouting of salad seeds in space
  • Focused on assessing seed germination in microgravity to enhance space farming.
• Tardigrade survival and transcriptomics in microgravity
  • Studies spaceflight effects on extremophile organisms for bio-survival insights.
• Effect of metabolic supplements on muscle regeneration
  • Evaluates countermeasures against muscle atrophy in low-gravity environments.
• Human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity
  • Improves user-interface design for astronauts in spacecraft and ISS modules.
• Comparative proteomics of cyanobacteria on urea vs nitrate in space
  • Explores microbial adaptability to alternate nitrogen sources under space stress.
• Impact of microgravity on food crop seeds’ growth and yield
  • Addresses food security for long-duration space missions.

5. Digital News Report 2025

Context:

The 2025 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reveals a transformative shift in global news consumption patterns — with India emerging as a critical case study in the rise of alternative media, influencer-driven content, and AI-based information sources. Based on surveys of 100,000 respondents across 48 countries, the findings underscore the declining relevance of traditional news media amid the ascent of social media and generative AI.

Key Highlights from India

• Rise of Influencers and Personality-Led News
  • Influencers on YouTube and other platforms are rapidly displacing legacy news broadcasters and print outlets.
  • Content creators offer both pro- and anti-government narratives, catering to India’s fragmented political landscape.
  • The preference to watch news rather than read it is increasingly dominant, especially in India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Kenya.
• News Avoidance on the Rise
  • India ranks fourth globally in news avoidance, with 50% of English-speaking internet users saying they sometimes or always avoid the news.
  • The report cautions that the sample reflects digitally connected, English-literate populations, and may not represent India’s full demographic spectrum.
• Social Media and YouTube as Primary Sources
  • Among 18–34-year-olds, 41% identify social media and YouTube as their main sources of news.
  • There is a growing disconnect from publishers’ official websites among younger audiences.
• Trust and Misinformation
  • Global trust in news remains static at 40%.
  • In India, WhatsApp is flagged as a unique concern. Despite being generally seen as a lower-risk platform globally, in India it has historically been linked to mob violence and misinformation-induced unrest.
  • 11% of Indian respondents believe that friends and family contribute to the spread of fake news.
• AI and News Consumption
  • 44% of Indian respondents report being comfortable with AI in news contexts.
  • Nearly 20% use AI chatbots weekly to stay informed, signaling early adoption of generative tools for information gathering.

Implications for Indian Media

• Legacy media houses face an existential challenge in remaining relevant to a digital-native audience drawn to visual storytelling and interactive formats.
• Platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram are now central battlegrounds for public opinion and misinformation alike.
• The evolving media landscape calls for greater regulation, content curation, and digital literacy, particularly as AI and influencer ecosystems amplify both credible journalism and unverified claims.

6. India’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.6% in May: PLFS Survey

Context:

India’s unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above rose to 5.6% in May 2025, up from 5.1% in April, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) also declined, indicating tighter labour market conditions exacerbated by extreme summer heat and seasonal shifts in employment patterns.

Key Labour Market Indicators (May 2025)

• Unemployment Rate (15+ age group)
  • Overall: 5.6% (up from 5.1% in April)
  • Males: 5.6% (up from 5.2%)
  • Females: 5.8% (up from 5.0%)
• Youth Unemployment Rate (15–29 years)
  • Rural Males: 14% (up from 13%)
  • Rural Females: 13% (up from 10.7%)
  • Urban Males: 15.8% (up from 15%)
  • Urban Females: 24.4% (up from 23.7%)
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) – 15+ years
  • Overall: 54.8% (down from 55.6%)
  • Rural: 56.9%
  • Urban: 50.4%

Sectoral and Gender Trends

• Shift in Employment Sectors (Rural):
  • Share of employment in agriculture declined from 45.9% in April to 43.5% in May.
  • Workers shifted to secondary (manufacturing, construction) and services sectors.
  • This transition was seasonal and coincided with the end of the Rabi harvest.
• Female Workforce Dynamics:
  • Female LFPR in rural areas fell significantly (more than 1 percentage point).
  • Fewer women participated as casual labourers or unpaid family helpers.
  • There was a reported movement of women from unpaid work to domestic chores, particularly in higher-income rural households.

Contributing Factors

• Heatwave Conditions: Suppressed outdoor employment activities, especially in agriculture and construction.
• Seasonality: Post-harvest decline in demand for farm labour.
• Socioeconomic Shifts: Changing labour dynamics in rural higher-income deciles.

The Indian Express

7. Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan

Context:

In a landmark initiative to advance tribal inclusion and last-mile governance, the Government of India has launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan’, a nationwide benefit saturation campaign. The initiative is a flagship component of the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the cultural legacy and contributions of India’s tribal communities.

Fact: Bhagwan Birsa Munda is known as Dharti Aaba, which translates to “Father of the Earth” in the tribal language.

Key Objectives

• Ensure saturation of government entitlements and welfare schemes in tribal and PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) regions
• Promote Janbhagidari (people’s participation) and dignified tribal empowerment
• Achieve last-mile delivery of services under convergence models involving multiple ministries and grassroots actors

Major Components of the Campaign

• Village-level benefit saturation camps offering doorstep access to:
  • Aadhaar enrolment and updates
  • Ayushman Bharat health cards
  • Jan Dhan account opening
  • PM-KISAN registration
  • Pension scheme enrolments
  • Scholarships and insurance coverage
  • Skill training and livelihood initiatives
• Community-led model emphasizing tribal leadership, participation, and awareness building
• Door-to-door outreach coordinated by district administrations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and tribal leaders

Vision Alignment
The Abhiyan operationalizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), reaffirming the government’s commitment to:

• Equitable development
• Inclusive state-building
• Empowering tribal communities as partners in national progress

Banking/Finance

1. ATM Growth Stagnates Amid Digital Shift, But Bank Branches Still Vital in Rural India

Context:

Even as banks continue to expand their physical branch networks, the growth of automated teller machines (ATMs) has plateaued in recent years. This trend reflects a structural transformation in India’s banking ecosystem, driven by changing consumer preferences and the rapid adoption of digital payment modes, particularly Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Branch Expansion vs ATM Stagnation

According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data:

• ATMs increased marginally from 211,000 in FY21 to 212,000 in FY25
• In contrast, bank branches rose significantly, from 130,000 in FY21 to 140,000 in FY25

This divergence highlights a decoupling of ATM and branch expansion strategies, with branches continuing to play a vital role in financial inclusion, especially in semi-urban and rural India.

Why ATM Growth Has Slowed

• Customer behaviour shift: More people now prefer mobile and internet banking, reducing the reliance on ATMs.
• Cost of operations: Maintaining ATMs involves high cash handling, cassette swap, and maintenance expenses, making them less attractive to banks.
• UPI dominance: The widespread use of UPI has drastically reduced low-value cash withdrawals and cash-based transactions, especially in urban areas.
• Strategic pivot: Banks, especially private ones, are reallocating resources to digital platforms and urban fintech channels instead of ATM networks.

ATM Demand Remains in Rural India

Despite stagnation in overall growth, the demand for ATMs remains strong in Tier-II, Tier-III, and rural areas, where:

• Digital access is limited
• Cash is still the dominant medium of exchange
• Over 60% of India’s population resides

BS

2. TRAI Teams Up with RBI to Digitise Legacy User Consent in Banks

Context:

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and select banks, has launched a pilot project aimed at digitising legacy user consents for receiving commercial communications. This initiative marks a significant step toward curbing rising incidents of financial frauds linked to spam calls and messages.

Why It Matters?

Paper-based user consents—still widely used in banking and financial services—pose a significant challenge in traceability and verification, often becoming a loophole exploited by fraudsters. By digitising these legacy records, TRAI and RBI aim to:

• Enhance accountability of consent collection
• Protect consumers from unsolicited communication
• Strengthen the overall security of mobile and banking ecosystems

Key features of the pilot include:

• Identification and digitisation of historical paper-based consents
• Integration with digital consent acquisition systems
• Ensuring real-time verification and traceability of customer permissions

The model may be extended to other high-risk sectors such as:

• Insurance
• E-commerce
• Digital lending

3. RBI Releases Draft Norms for Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives

Context:

On June 17, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued draft regulations for the Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives (IRD) market. The move aims to update and align the existing regulatory framework—last revised in June 2019—with evolving financial market dynamics, product innovation, and increased foreign participation.

Background

The 2019 IRD framework was a major milestone in streamlining derivative transactions linked to rupee interest rates. However, since then, the market has witnessed:

• The introduction of new derivative instruments
• A notable rise in non-resident participation
• Greater sophistication in hedging tools used by domestic entities

What Are Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives?

Interest Rate Derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from:

• One or more rupee interest rates
• The prices of instruments linked to rupee interest rates
• Indices measuring rupee interest rate trends

These tools are widely used by financial institutions, corporations, and investors to hedge interest rate risk or speculate on future movements in interest rates.

Key Objectives of the Draft Regulations

• Market Alignment: Update the framework to reflect current trading practices and instruments.
• Non-Resident Participation: Define clearer rules and access mechanisms for foreign investors and institutions.
• Risk Management: Encourage sound practices to manage counterparty, liquidity, and operational risks.
• Transparency & Oversight: Ensure all derivative transactions are properly recorded, reported, and supervised.

BS

4. FPIs Seek Relaxation in Disclosure Norms and Renewal Tenure

Context:

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have collectively urged the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to introduce regulatory relaxations aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reducing compliance burden, and aligning Indian markets with global best practices. The key demands include extending licence renewal tenure, introducing a Closing Auction Session (CAS), and relaxing granular disclosure norms for large private funds.

Key Requests by FPIs

• Extension of FPI Licence Tenure from 3 to 5 Years
  • FPIs currently renew their registration with SEBI every three years, involving re-submission of ownership details and payment of renewal fees.
  • Fund managers argue that ownership structures rarely change materially within three years and that material changes are already reported promptly.
  • A 5-year cycle would reduce compliance overhead and signal India’s commitment to ease of doing business.
• Introduction of Closing Auction Session (CAS)
  • CAS is a mechanism used globally (e.g., US, Hong Kong, Japan, EU) to determine more accurate closing prices.
  • Unlike the current Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP) model used in India, CAS is less prone to manipulation by large trades at the closing bell.
  • CAS helps passive funds reduce tracking error by enabling price discovery based on the volume-weighted median trade during the session.
  • SEBI had released a consultation paper on CAS in 2023, but no final implementation has followed yet.
• Exemption from Granular Disclosures for Large, Broad-Based Private Funds
  • Current SEBI rules mandate FPIs with either:
    • Over 50% of Indian AUM in a single corporate group, or
    • Over ₹50,000 crore AUM in Indian equities,
      to disclose the identities of the last natural persons behind each investor.
  • Exemptions exist for sovereign wealth funds, retail public funds, and regulated pooled vehicles.
  • FPIs now want similar exemption extended to large, well-regulated private funds with broad investor bases, which resemble the earlier “broad-based fund” regime.

TET

5. Sebi’s Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism (CeFCoM)

Context:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi) centralized fee collection mechanism (CeFCoM), introduced to safeguard investors from unregistered financial advisers and research analysts, has witnessed limited adoption nearly nine months after its launch. Despite offering a secure and auditable environment for fee payments, industry experts attribute its slow traction to its optional status, low promotion, and cost-related concerns.

Launch and Purpose

• CeFCoM was launched on 1 October 2024 and is managed by BSE Ltd. and MF Utilities India Pvt. Ltd. (MFU).
• The platform aims to create a closed, transparent ecosystem for fee collection from clients of registered investment advisers (RIAs) and research analysts (RAs), thus minimizing the role of unregistered entities.

Platform Features

• CeFCoM is a fully web-based portal with full-stack API integration.
• Supports e-mandates, ad-hoc payments, and recurring mandates, including via UPI.
• Annual subscription fee is around ₹7,499, offering advisers a consolidated dashboard to track investor payments.

Challenges in Adoption

• Optional Usage: The voluntary nature of the platform limits its uptake.
• Limited Awareness and Promotion: MFU CEO Ganesh Ram acknowledged that the system is yet to undergo major promotional campaigns to drive adoption.
• Cost Concerns: Some advisers prefer alternative platforms like ValidPay, which offer cheaper, faster UPI-based fee collections.

Mint

6. Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank Launches India’s First Cybersecurity Operations Centre for Cooperative Banks

Context:

The Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSC Bank) has inaugurated India’s first dedicated Cyber Security Operations Centre (C-SOC) for the cooperative banking sector. Named Sahakar Suraksha, the centre is a pioneering initiative to bolster the cybersecurity posture of rural and cooperative banks.

Key Highlights

• First-of-its-Kind Initiative:
  • MSC Bank becomes the first bank in India to set up a cybersecurity operations hub tailored for cooperative banks.
• Location and Investment:
  • The C-SOC is located in Vashi, Navi Mumbai and was established at a cost of ₹50 crore.
• AI-Powered Monitoring:
  • Equipped with artificial intelligence-enabled systems, the facility ensures 24/7 monitoring and threat detection.
• Staff and Operations:
  • Operated by a team of 35 cybersecurity professionals, the centre currently supports 31 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) in Maharashtra free of charge.
• Cyber Threat Prevention:
  • The C-SOC recently prevented a major cyberattack on a cooperative bank in Sindhudurg by issuing an early warning.
• Cyberattack Trends:
  • Over 1 million cyberattacks have been reported across cooperative banks, with some cases leading to losses of up to ₹50 crore.
• Support Services:
  • Cyber hygiene training for bank staff
  • Security audits
  • Digital security policy development and compliance support
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Helps member banks comply with RBI guidelines and Supreme Court mandates on safeguarding depositor funds and digital assets.

National Significance

MSC Bank’s cybersecurity initiative serves as a model for other states to replicate, particularly in enhancing the digital security infrastructure of rural and cooperative banks across India.

7. Indian Overseas Bank Launches ‘Locate IOB’ to Enhance Branch Accessibility

Context:

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has introduced a new digital tool, ‘Locate IOB’, aimed at improving customer access to its branches and ATMs by leveraging location-based technology.

Key Features

• Purpose:
  To help customers easily locate IOB branches, ATMs, and access essential banking information digitally.
• Platform:
  The service is web-based and can be accessed through:
  • http://locate.iob.in
  • www.iob.in
• Functionalities:
  • Locate nearest IOB branches and ATMs
  • Access IFSC codes for branches
  • Get step-by-step navigation via an integrated interface
  • Directly call branches from the platform
• User Convenience:
  • Designed to offer a seamless and integrated experience without requiring users to switch between banking apps and third-party maps.
• Digital Push:
  • Part of IOB’s broader push towards digital transformation and enhanced mobile-first customer engagement, addressing the growing reliance on smartphones for everyday banking.
• Customer Impact:
  • Reduces friction in locating services
  • Minimizes service delays
  • Enhances real-time access to branch details and support

8. Poonawalla Fincorp Launches ‘Business Loan 24/7’

Context:

Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (PFL), a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) from the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, has introduced ‘Business Loan 24/7’, a fully digital lending platform tailored to meet the dynamic credit needs of MSMEs and self-employed individuals.

Key Features

• Target Segment:
  • Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employed borrowers.
• Loan Features:
  • Instant loan approvals through a digital interface
  • Flexible repayment options suited to business cash flows
  • Backed by a risk-first credit evaluation model
• End-to-End Digital Journey:
  • Enabled via Straight Through Processing (STP) model
  • No need for physical paperwork or branch visits
• Advanced Credit Assessment:
  • Uses source-based digital data and advanced analytics
  • Assesses creditworthiness beyond traditional financial documentation
  • Facilitates accurate and responsible lending

Strategic Objective

The platform aims to improve access to timely credit for small businesses while ensuring faster, data-driven decisions, in line with India’s push for digitally inclusive financial services.

Agriculture

1. NABARD Inaugurates District Development Manager Office in Kiphire to Accelerate Rural Growth

Context:

In a significant move to catalyse grassroots development in one of India’s Aspirational Districts, the District Development Manager (DDM) Office of NABARD was formally inaugurated in Kiphire, Nagaland on June 16, 2025. The event was graced by P. Bulte, General Manager, NABARD Nagaland Regional Office, alongside key district officials, heads of Agri & Allied Departments, SHGs, NGOs, and local stakeholders.

• Strengthening Financial and Rural Development
  • The DDM office aims to serve as a crucial link between financial institutions and rural stakeholders, streamlining the implementation of credit-linked schemes and infrastructure projects.
• Kiphire’s Special Focus as Aspirational District
  • The DDM office was approved to accelerate development in Kiphire, a district identified for intensive intervention under the Aspirational Districts Programme.

Facts To Remember

1. PM Modi’s Visit to Cyprus Sends Strategic Message, Reinforces Bilateral Ties and Global Alignment

On his first foreign visit after Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia on Monday, marking a significant reinforcement of India-Cyprus ties and sending an indirect yet clear diplomatic signal to Turkiye, a staunch ally of Pakistan.

2. Modi to attend G7 Outreach Summit, hold bilateral meets

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reach Calgary, Canada on Monday to attend the G7 Outreach Summit.

3. SBI reduces interest rates by up to 50 bps after RBI rate cut

State Bank of India (SBI) has reduced its lending rate by 50 basis points (bps) following RBI’s rate cut, making loans cheaper for both existing and new borrowers. 

4. TRAI Caps Tariffs for Public Wi-Fi Operators to Boost PM-WANI Rollout

In a significant intervention aimed at accelerating public Wi-Fi expansion, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a tariff cap directive under the Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order, 2025. The regulation mandates that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) cannot charge more than twice the prevailing residential broadband tariffs for providing bandwidth to Public Data Offices (PDOs)—the designated hotspot operators under the PM-WANI scheme.

5. Meta names Srinivas MD, head of India

Meta on Monday named Arun Srinivas as MD and head of Meta in India with effect from July 1, the company said in a Facebook post. He is currently Meta’s director and head of ads business in India.

6. Prominent names fail to make the team for archery Worlds

Reigning compound individual World champions Ojas Deotale and Aditi Swami, Asian Games silver medallist Abhishek Verma and Olympian recurve archers Atanu Das and Bhajan Kaur have missed out on berths in the Indian team for the World archery championships, to be held in Gwangju, South Korea, from September 5 to 12.

7. India’s Trade Deficit Narrows by 30% in May 2025

India’s trade deficit contracted to $6.6 billion in May 2025—a nearly 30% year-on-year improvement—supported by strong services exports and reduced oil-related imports. The official data, released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, reflects India’s evolving trade dynamics amid global economic uncertainties.