Source: PIB Context: In February 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), launched the beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server on the eSankhyiki portal. This initiative allows users to directly connect official government datasets with their own Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and applications. What is the MCP Server? The Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server is a data-access interface that enables: It represents a shift from static data downloads to API-driven, AI-ready statistical infrastructure. Datasets Available in the Beta Version The MCP Server currently hosts seven key datasets: MoSPI plans to expand the portal with additional datasets in the coming months.
Cybersecurity biggest risk for enterprises: Ficci–EY Report
Source: BS Context: A joint report by FICCI and EY finds that cybersecurity has emerged as the single biggest risk shaping organisational performance in India’s corporate sector. The findings are based on a survey of senior executives across sectors and reflect how risk perception in enterprises is rapidly evolving. Key risks identified:
Why borrowings are now biting govts despite RBI rate cuts
Source: IE Context: Even as the Reserve Bank of India has cut policy rates, borrowing costs for the Centre and States have risen. Government bond yields are climbing, making debt servicing more expensive. This shows that fiscal and liquidity dynamics are now overpowering monetary easing. What is driving higher borrowing costs? 1. Debt overhang effect A large stock of debt itself pushes yields up, regardless of repo rate cuts. 2. Liquidity withdrawal Earlier: Now: Less liquidity + large government borrowing = higher bond yields. 3. Weak monetary transmission Monetary easing loses traction in the bond market. 4. Crowding-out pressure This can raise economy-wide interest rates and dampen growth. Why does this matter? Fiscal stress Growth risk Policy lesson Way forward
India Signs DPI Cooperation MoUs with 23 Countries
Context: In February 2026, the Government of India (GoI) signed MoUs/agreements with 23 countries to share and promote India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and components of the India Stack.This was informed to Parliament by Jitin Prasada, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. What is the initiative about? India is exporting its DPI model—open, interoperable, population-scale digital systems—to partner countries to strengthen digital governance, financial inclusion, and service delivery. Key Areas of Cooperation The MoUs focus on: Countries that signed DPI MoUs (23) Global Expansion of UPI India’s flagship digital payments system, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), is now operational in 8 countries:
Kotak Mahindra Bank issues India’s first fully digital FPI licence
Source: BS Context: In February 2026, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) became the first custodian in India to issue a Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) licence and complete the entire onboarding process digitally using e-signatures. What is the significance? This marks a major step in: It reflects India’s shift towards end-to-end digital financial infrastructure. Key Details of the Digital FPI Process 1. SEBI’s Unified Digital Workflow 2. Legal Compliance 3. Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Milestone
India shifts to Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Premiums
Source: ET Context: From 1 April, India will overhaul its deposit insurance premium framework, moving from a flat-rate system to a risk-based pricing model.The reform was announced by the Reserve Bank of India and will be implemented by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). What was the earlier system? What is changing now? 1. Risk-based premium framework Banks’ deposit insurance premiums will now depend on: Stronger banks pay lower premiums, riskier banks pay higher premiums. 2. Two risk assessment models 3. Caps on premium variation 4. Vintage incentive 5. Special treatment of certain banks
RBI issues draft norms for Corporate Bond Index Derivatives & TRS
Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft guidelines for derivatives trading in: These measures were announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget to deepen India’s corporate bond market. Why this move? RBI aims to: What is a Total Return Swap (TRS)? A TRS is a derivative where: Enables synthetic exposure to credit risk. Key Provisions in the Draft Norms 1. Eligible Participants 2. Reference / Underlying Assets Derivatives may reference indices comprising: 3. Interest Rate Benchmark 4. Settlement Norms
What India has conceded on agriculture in the India–US trade framework
Source: IE Context: India’s concessions on agriculture under the India–US interim trade framework are selective and calibrated, not a wholesale opening. The strategy reflects a balance between trade diplomacy and domestic political economy of farming. India has opened non-sensitive segments of agriculture while ring-fencing staple crops and livelihood-critical sectors. What India has agreed to open India has committed to reducing or removing tariffs on a limited basket of US agricultural and food products, including: Why these were chosen What India has protected India has explicitly kept out key sensitive agricultural sectors from tariff concessions: Who gains and who faces pressure Likely gainers Potentially affected What this tells us about India’s trade strategy
GM Crops
Context: The issue has resurfaced after the India–US interim trade framework released by the White House, where genetically modified (GM) crops are central to American agriculture. Rather than being a threat, the editorial argues this moment offers India a policy reset opportunity — to revisit long-standing biases against GM technology and reassess its role in food security, sustainability, and competitiveness. What are GM crops? Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose genetic material has been artificially altered using biotechnology to introduce desirable traits such as: This is done through recombinant DNA technology, unlike conventional breeding. Why does India need GM crop technology? 1. Food security pressures GM crops can: India’s refusal to even test many GM crops risks making agriculture uncompetitive and resource-intensive. 2. Global reality vs Indian hesitation The paradox: India needs the technology but refuses to scientifically evaluate it. What has caused the policy logjam? The editorial identifies three core reasons: 1. Wrong categorisation of GM crops GM crops have been politically framed as environmentally hazardous, rather than being evaluated case-by-case on scientific evidence. This blanket suspicion ignores: 2. Regulatory paralysis Environmental “protection” has been enforced via administrative orders, not legislation. This has: An indefinite moratorium on testing means policy decisions are being made without data. 3. Centre–State conflict The result is a system where no authority can decisively act, leading to policy drift. What does the editorial recommend? 1. Let scientists decide 2. Restore regulatory credibility 3. Build informed public choice 4. Use the US trade deal as a re-entry point
Central Sector Scheme of Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
Source: PIB Context: The Government of India has completed the formation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under this central sector scheme. Notably, 21.96 lakh women farmers are members, underlining the scheme’s strong gender inclusion focus (PIB). What is the Scheme? The Central Sector Scheme of Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs aims to collectivise small and marginal farmers into formal producer organisations so they can: Launch Details Implementing Agencies (IAs) Aim of the Scheme To build a sustainable, income-oriented farming ecosystem by: Key Features of the Scheme 1. Cluster & Commodity-Based Approach 2. Financial Support a) Handholding Support b) Equity Grant c) Credit Guarantee 3. Market Linkages 4. Capacity Building 5. Inclusion Focus
