1. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) – Liquidity Measures
What’s in the news?
- MPC has reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 100 basis points and the Repo Rate by 50 basis points to boost liquidity.
Key Concepts:
- CRR: The percentage of total deposits that commercial banks are required to keep as reserves with the RBI.
- Repo Rate: The rate at which RBI lends short-term funds to banks.
- Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF): RBI’s mechanism to inject or absorb liquidity via repos, reverse repos, SDF, MSF.
- SLR: Minimum percentage of deposits banks must hold in liquid assets (e.g., cash, gold, government securities).
- Other tools: Bank Rate, OMOs, SDF, MSF.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper III (Indian Economy): Monetary policy, inflation control, banking sector reforms.
- Prelims: CRR vs SLR, Repo vs Reverse Repo.
- Mains: How RBI uses policy rates to balance growth and inflation.
2. Rise of Quick Commerce (Q-Commerce)
What’s in the news?
- Kearney report: Indian Q-Commerce grocery market to triple by 2027, reaching ₹1.7 lakh crores.
Key Features:
- Delivers within 10–30 minutes.
- Uses micro-warehouses closer to consumers.
- Examples: Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart.
Impact on Consumers:
- Emphasizes convenience and impulse buying.
- Premiumization: Launch of high-end brands exclusively on these platforms.
Impact on Employment:
- Generates 62–64 jobs per ₹1 crore GMV (more than traditional e-commerce).
- Rise of gig economy and hyperlocal employment.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper III: Impact of digital economy on employment, logistics, urban consumerism.
- Essay: “Technology and employment transformation in India.”
- Ethics: Ethical dimensions of gig work and labor rights.
3. Decline in Extreme Poverty in India
What’s in the news?
- Extreme poverty declined from 27.1% (2011) to 5.3% (2022) using updated $3/day World Bank poverty line (2021 PPP).
Global Poverty Benchmarks:
- $3/day: New extreme poverty line.
- $4.2/day: Lower-middle-income countries.
- $8.3/day: Upper-middle-income countries.
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):
- Dropped from 53.8% (2005–06) to 15.5% (2022–23).
- Six Indicators: income, education, enrolment, water, sanitation, electricity.
Government Interventions:
- PM Awas Yojana
- PM Ujjwala Yojana
- Jan Dhan Yojana
- Ayushman Bharat
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper II & III: Welfare schemes, poverty, and inclusive growth.
- Prelims: MPI indicators.
- Mains: Poverty alleviation: Government schemes vs real outcomes.
4. 4th India–Central Asia Dialogue
What’s in the news?
- Dialogue held in New Delhi with foreign ministers from 5 Central Asian republics.
- Emphasis on peace, anti-terrorism, and rare earth cooperation.
Strategic Relevance:
- Energy: TAPI pipeline (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India).
- Connectivity: Chabahar Port, International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Trade: India–Central Asia Business Council.
- Security: Joint exercises (Kazind, Khanjar).
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper II: India’s foreign policy, Central Asia strategy.
- Essay: “India’s neighborhood-first and extended neighborhood policy.”
5. FDI and FPI Trends in India
What’s in the news?
- Gross FDI inflows rose to $81 billion in 2024–25.
- Net FDI reduced to $0.4 billion due to higher repatriation.
- FPI dropped to $1.7 billion as investors booked profits.
Key Concepts:
- FDI: Ownership transfer (≥10% stake), long-term interest.
- FPI: Portfolio investments (<10%), mostly equities and bonds.
- Net FDI = Inflows − Repatriation − Outward FDI.
FDI Sources:
- Top: Singapore, Mauritius, USA.
Top States:
- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper III: Investment, capital flows, economic reforms.
- Prelims: Difference between FDI and FPI.
- Mains: FDI as a growth driver vs challenges like repatriation.
6. Digital Governance: NEVA & UMEED Portals
NEVA (National e-Vidhan Application):
- Digitizes legislative functioning.
- Promotes paperless governance.
- Centralized platform for all 37 State/UT Legislatures.
- First implemented in Nagaland.
UMEED Portal:
- Manages Waqf properties digitally (geo-tagging, inventory).
- Aims at transparency and social asset optimization.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper II: E-governance, transparency, good governance.
- Ethics: Public service delivery, digitization.
7. Infrastructure Milestone: Chenab and Anji Rail Bridges
Chenab Bridge:
- World’s highest rail arch bridge (359m above river).
- Steel structure designed for seismic and wind resistance.
Anji Bridge:
- India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Project: Part of Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper I & III: Geography (rivers), Infrastructure development in J&K.
- Prelims: Location-based questions.
8. AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM)
Organizers: MeitY & UNESCO.
Objective:
- Evaluate country-level readiness for AI deployment.
- Support ethical, inclusive, and responsible AI frameworks.
- Tailor AI policy recommendations for India.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper III: Technology, AI ethics, governance.
- Essay: “AI and governance: Enablers or disruptors?”
9. Amoeba Detection Innovation in Kerala
What’s in the news?
- Kerala health lab develops molecular test for deadly amoeba.
Scientific Background:
- Amoeba: Protozoan, found in water, causes brain infections (e.g., Naegleria fowleri).
- Reproduces by binary fission.
- Moves using pseudopodia.
Relevance for UPSC:
- Prelims: Microbiology, diseases, public health.
- GS Paper III: Role of science and tech in health sector.
10. 30×30 Biodiversity Target
What’s in the news?
- Report: $15.8 billion/year needed to meet 30% global ocean protection by 2030.
Global Framework:
- Part of Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (COP15 – CBD).
- Target 3: Conserve 30% of land, waters, and oceans by 2030.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper III: Environment, biodiversity treaties.
- Prelims: COP 15, KMGBF.
11. Pandya Period Inscriptions in Tamil Nadu
Findings:
- Dated 1217–18 CE during reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya I.
- Sale deed of a water body (Nagankudi) for 64 kasu (coins).
- Temple: Thennavanisvaram in Melur.
Historical Context:
- Reveals administrative, economic, and cultural aspects of later Pandyas.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper I: Art & Culture – Temples, inscriptions.
- Prelims: Medieval Indian history.
12. India in G-7 and BRICS Parliamentary Forum
G7 Summit:
- Indian PM invited to Kananaskis, Canada summit.
About G7:
- Members: US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan.
- Focus: Economy, foreign policy, security.
BRICS Parliamentary Forum:
- 11th Forum held in Brazil.
- India to host 12th edition.
New BRICS Members:
- Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS Paper II: International organizations, India’s role in multilateral forums.
- Prelims: Members of G7, BRICS.
- Essay: “India’s leadership in emerging global coalitions.”