Correct Answer :   Airbus

Airbus, in collaboration with Tata, is set to launch India's first H125 helicopter by 2026, with an initial production capacity of 10 units per year.

This partnership supports India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Airbus is investing in the Indian aerospace market despite regulatory challenges and views India as a future leader in the commercial helicopter sector, comparable to the United States.

This venture signifies a significant step in advancing India's aerospace industry and enhancing self-reliance in defence and aviation.

Correct Answer :   Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Ltd. was awarded the Taxnet 2.0 project by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

This project is intended to provide advanced network connectivity, facility management services, and video conferencing services to the Income Tax Department.

Bharti Airtel was selected through an open tender process, and Taxnet 2.0 will enhance the IT department's digital infrastructure by ensuring secure, reliable, and seamless connectivity.

The project's key features include enhanced security, higher reliability, and seamless connectivity, all aimed at improving tax services for citizens and businesses.

Correct Answer :   $24.16 Billion

India’s merchandise exports in August 2023 declined by 6.86% to $34.48 billion compared to $37.02 billion in August 2022. The decline is evident in key sectors like Non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery. India’s trade deficit for August 2023 narrowed to $24.16 billion, showing a 2.8% improvement from the $24.86 billion deficit in the same month last year (2022).


Merchandise Imports Dip : Imports of merchandise also saw a decrease, down by 5.23% to $58.64 billion from $61.88 billion in August 2022.


Trade Deficit Narrows :

* Despite the decline in both exports and imports, India’s trade deficit for August 2023 narrowed to $24.16 billion, showing a 2.8% improvement from the $24.86 billion deficit in the same month last year.

April-August Trends :

* In the April-August period of 2023, merchandise exports contracted by 11.9% to $172.95 billion.
* Merchandise imports also fell by 12% to $271.83 billion during the same period.


Services Sector :

* In August 2023, services exports were estimated at $26.39 billion, slightly down from $26.50 billion in August 2022.
* Services imports for August 2023 stood at $13.86 billion, down from $15.22 billion in August 2022.


Services Sector Growth (April-August) :

* Services exports for the period from April to August 2023 reached $133.38 billion, reflecting a positive growth rate of 5.14% compared to the same period in the previous year.
* Services imports for the same period stood at $71.98 billion.

Sectoral Highlights :

* Notable sectors with substantial growth in merchandise exports in August 2023 included Iron Ore (1556.09%), Oil Meals (57.26%), and Electronic Goods (26.29%).
* Electronic goods exports surged to $2.17 billion in August 2023, compared to $1.72 billion in August 2022, with substantial growth of 35.22% over the April-August 2023 period.


Challenges in Imports :

* Merchandise imports faced challenges in August 2023, with 15 out of 30 key sectors experiencing negative growth.
* Notable sectors with declining imports included Silver (-78.15%), Cotton Raw & Waste (-74.67%), and Fertilisers (-55.69%).


Overall Trade Performance (August 2023) :

* India’s overall exports, including both merchandise and services, stood at $60.87 billion in August 2023, reflecting a 4.17% decline compared to August 2022.
* Imports for the same period totaled $72.50 billion, decreasing by 5.97% year-on-year, resulting in an overall trade deficit of $11.63 billion for August.