Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a major employment incentive scheme titled Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) with a total outlay of ₹99,446 crore, aimed at boosting job creation, especially in the manufacturing sector. Key Features TH
Jhum/Shifting Cultivation
What It Is? Shifting cultivation is a traditional subsistence farming method where small patches of forest (called swiddens) are cleared—usually through slashing and burning—and cultivated for a few years. Once soil fertility declines, the farmer abandons the land, allowing it to regenerate naturally during a fallow period before returning after a decade or more How It Works: Key Features Where It’s Practiced Advantages Challenges & Issues
India’s Fertiliser Paradox: Need for a New National Fertiliser Policy
Context: India is the second-largest consumer of fertilisers globally. Despite increased domestic production, 30% of fertilisers are still imported, making India vulnerable to global supply shocks, especially during geopolitical conflicts or trade disruptions. Key Challenges Highlighted Overuse and Imbalance Low Fertiliser Use Efficiency This implies a significant share of nutrients is lost, contributing to soil degradation, groundwater contamination, and climate change through nitrous oxide emissions. Financial Burden Global Comparison Recommendations for a New Fertiliser Policy BL
NABARD and ICAR-NIRCA Collaborate to Train FPOs
Context: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) has partnered with ICAR–National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (NIRCA), Rajahmundry. Significance of the Training TH
PhonePe Enters Co-Branded Credit Card Market with HDFC Bank Partnership
Context: PhonePe and HDFC Bank have launched a co-branded credit card—marking PhonePe’s entry into the co-branded card segment. Key Highlights: Card Variants About PhonePe
RBI Financial Stability Report (FSR) – June 2025
Context: The June 2025 FSR presents the RBI’s biannual assessment of systemic risks and financial sector resilience in India. Released against a backdrop of rising global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the report strikes a cautiously optimistic tone on India’s macro-financial stability but flags key vulnerabilities. Key Takeaways Global Risks and India’s Exposure Macroeconomic Fundamentals Remain Strong Banking Sector: Strong but Watchful Capital and Profitability Asset Quality Credit Growth Deceleration Liquidity and Cost of Funds NBFCs, Mutual Funds, and Insurance: Mixed Signals NBFCs Mutual Funds and Clearing Corporations Insurance Sector Corporate Bond Market Regulatory & Institutional Developments Risks and Outlook Emerging Concerns Positive Anchors
GST 2.0
Context: As the Goods and Services Tax (GST) completes eight years of implementation on July 1, tax experts acknowledge its successes but say a lot more work needs to be done in terms of simplification and rationalisation of rates. Achievements So Far Key Reforms Suggested (GST 2.0) Inclusion of Fuel and Electricity in GST Rate Rationalisation: Minimising Input Tax Credit (ITC) Restrictions: Streamlining Audits and Dispute Resolution: Addressing Procedural Hassles: TH
QUAD Launches First-Ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’
Context: The Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the first ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’. Conducted under the Wilmington Declaration, this is the first cross-embarkation mission involving two officers (including women) from each QUAD nation. The officers have embarked on board the US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, currently en route to Guam. Strategic Significance India’s Role & Strategic Vision The Indian Express
NITI Aayog’s US Trade Proposal: A Risk to India’s Food Security?
Context: A recent NITI Aayog paper recommends significant tariff cuts on key US agricultural imports—rice, dairy, poultry, corn, apples, almonds, and genetically modified (GM) soya—under the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA). However, experts warn these moves could critically undermine India’s food security, farmer incomes, and trade sovereignty. Key Recommendations and Criticisms Genetically Modified Imports GM Corn and Soy: Containment Unrealistic Why This Matters Strategic Autonomy and Rural Stability Need for Democratic Consultation BS
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar – 2025
Context: India’s electoral system is widely praised for enabling high participation by the poor and marginalised, unlike many Western democracies. However, the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) recent move to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the October 2025 Assembly elections has sparked concerns about voter exclusion due to procedural and documentary barriers. What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)? Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive, door-to-door verification of houses process to update and verify electoral rolls. Constitutional Provisions Why SIR in Bihar? Objective of SIR PIB & TH
