Context: India’s headline inflation might appear comfortably low, but a deeper concern is brewing beneath the surface — rising core inflation, which excludes food and fuel prices. This trend may have critical implications for the RBI’s monetary policy stance, especially the trajectory of future rate cuts. Core Inflation Core inflation is a type of inflation measure which seeks to represent the underlying long-run trend of aggregate price levels in the economy. This is achieved by removing certain items exhibiting short-term significant price fluctuations within the overall consumer basket. Recent Inflation Trends Why Core Inflation Matters Policy Implications Decomposition and International Practices Mint
World Bank Report Warns of Climate Risks to Indian Cities
Context: The World Bank, in partnership with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has released a critical report titled “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India”, warning that India’s urban growth is at risk due to increasing climate vulnerabilities, especially heat waves and urban flooding. Key Findings of the Report: Key Recommendations To safeguard urban growth and vulnerable populations, the World Bank recommends: TH
Safety Failures in Sewer Deaths Across India
Context: A social audit commissioned by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has exposed gross negligence in the safety protocols followed during hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks in India. The findings were tabled in Parliament in July 2025. Key Findings of the Social Audit National Trends and Government Response TH
SEBI Proposal to Allow AMCs to Manage Family Office Funds
Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in its consultation paper released on July 7, 2025, has proposed allowing Asset Management Companies (AMCs) to manage non-broad-based pooled investment vehicles, such as family offices and certain offshore funds. Family office funds Family office funds are investment vehicles established to manage the wealth of a single family or multiple families, offering a range of services beyond traditional investment management, such as estate planning, tax advisory, and philanthropy. These funds can be structured as single-family offices (SFOs) or multi-family offices (MFOs), catering to the specific needs and goals of their respective client base. What Are Non-Broad-Based Funds? These are defined as investment pools: Current Regulation vs. Proposed Change Key Highlights of SEBI’s Proposal Implications and Strategic Considerations BS
RBI Issues Draft Norms on Digital Banking Channels
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines titled “Digital Banking Channels Authorisation” to regulate how banks offer digital banking services. These norms aim to safeguard consumer choice, ensure explicit consent, and enhance transparency in the digital banking ecosystem. Key Highlights of the Draft Norms No Mandatory Digital Opt-In Explicit Customer Consent Mobile Number and Email Usage Alerts and Notifications Significance of the Norms The Indian Express
Proposed Income Tax Bill 2025
Context: A Select Committee of the Lok Sabha has submitted recommendations on the draft Income Tax Bill, 2025, with significant implications for how inter-corporate transactions will be taxed. One key change relates to expanding the scope of transfer pricing rules beyond the current formal thresholds of shareholding and board control. Key Recommendations on Transfer Pricing Current Framework vs Proposed Change Aspect Current Law (1961 Act) Proposed Change (2025 Bill) Definition of AEs Requires formal thresholds + management influence Substantive influence alone could trigger scrutiny Court Interpretation Both limbs must be read together Provisions treated as independent Applicability Mostly to entities meeting ownership/control tests Even where only informal influence is evident Additional Recommendations in the Draft IT Bill BS
Meri Panchayat App
Context: India’s “Meri Panchayat” app has received the WSIS Prizes 2025 Champion Award in the category of Cultural and Linguistic Diversity at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, highlighting India’s innovation in rural e-governance. About Meri Panchayat App Aspect Details Type Mobile-based m-Governance platform Developed By Ministry of Panchayati Raj + National Informatics Centre (NIC), MeitY Purpose Strengthen grassroots governance and enhance citizen participation Key Objectives Key Features Feature Function Real-time Panchayat Info Access to budgets, development plans, and fund utilization Citizen Engagement Propose projects, rate completed work, view Gram Sabha agendas Geo-Tools Geo-tagging and geo-fencing of projects, grievance redressal mapping Multilingual Interface Supports 12+ Indian languages for inclusivity Weather & Asset Data Panchayat-wise weather updates, civic infrastructure status Social Audit Tools Track performance and ensure accountability in local schemes Recognition & Significance PIB
SASCI Scheme
Context: The Ministry of Tourism has released operational guidelines for the SASCI scheme to promote world-class development of select Indian tourist destinations by 2026. What is SASCI? Objectives of SASCI Scheme Key Features Feature Description Scope Covers physical infrastructure, immersive experiences, ecological sustainability Execution State governments propose and implement projects Central Support Financial assistance through the Union Budget Timeframe Each project must be completed within 24 months of approval Digital Branding Sites to be promoted via global campaigns, social media, and tourism events Significance of the SASCI Scheme PIB
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Mid-Term
Context: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post citing health reasons, invoking Article 67(a) of the Constitution. He submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu. Constitutional Provisions Article 67(a): Other Relevant Articles: About Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation (2025) Process of Resignation and Filling Vacancy Tenure & Re-Election
Female Labour Force Participation Paradox in India
Context: Despite achieving commendable gains in female literacy, India continues to grapple with alarmingly low female labour force participation rates (FLFPR), particularly in urban areas. The latest data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24 and World Bank 2024 underscores a glaring mismatch between women’s educational attainment and their economic participation. Key Highlights: Structural and Social Factors Behind Low FLFPR Urban Areas: Barriers to Participation Rural Areas: Necessity Over Choice The 2005–2019 Paradox and COVID Shock Economic and Social Implications
