RBI MPC Meeting February 2025, RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) expectations live news & updates: Follow here for all the latest updates regarding expectations from Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee meeting. Focused Agenda of the Meeting: Economic Climate and Growth Worries Monetary Policy Debate Inflation and Fiscal Measures Trends Government Measures Challenges for the RBI
Legal System to Battle Cyber Frauds
Context: Dilip Asbe, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) CEO, emphasized the need for a strong legal framework in order to combat growing financial cyber frauds and dissuade fraudulent activities.He emphasized penalties at appropriate levels for cyber frauds and promoted more customer awareness to prevent frauds. Key Highlights: Number of Cases Expansion of UPI Users
PRASHAD Scheme
Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture expressed disappointment over the slow progress in key projects under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, which aims to develop spiritual tourism circuits across India. PRASHAD Scheme The PRASHAD scheme is the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. It aims to improve the religious tourism experience in India by developing and promoting pilgrimage sites. What does the scheme do? Current Status Under PRASHAD Scheme
Sacred Groves
Context: On 18 Dec 2024, the Supreme Court directed Rajasthan Forest Department to identify and classify all its Sacred Groves as forests and notifi them under the category of community reserves with the notification that they have fallen under WLPA 1972. Background Sacred groves are traditional, community conserved patches of forest with cultural and ecological significance. In Rajasthan, these groves cover approximately six lakh hectares across 25,000 sites. The Supreme Court’s order, however, challenges the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, which had been intended to return forest management to gram sabhas (village councils), rather than the Forest Department. What are Sacred Groves? Traditional Community Conservation Methods Community Reserves under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Community reserves were brought in under the WLPA 2002 for protecting areas of cultural significance wherein local communities voluntarily conserve habitats. Forest Rights Act 2006 and Sacred Groves UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? (2020) (a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant.(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.(c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem. Ans: (a)
UGC Regulations, 2025
Context: Six Higher Education Ministers from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh passed a joint resolution against the draft UGC regulations and grading system under the New Education Policy 2020. Key Provisions of Draft Regulation and UGC Mandate Mission of the UGC Legal and Constitutional Challenges The Jurisdiction of the UGC Judicial Interpretations and Precedents Implications on Federalism and the Principle of Repugnancy Recommendations and the Way Forward
U.S. Exit from the UN Human Rights Council
Context: US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to pull the US out of the UN Human Rights Council. The order further forbids funding for the UN refugee agency for Palestinian refugees, representing a sharp policy turn for the United States on foreign policy. UNESCO Membership United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Mission and Role Governance Sessions Regional Representation
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Mission and Role Governance Sessions Regional Representation
U.S. Nuclear Deal with Iran
Context: US President Donald Trump has agreed to immediately start working on a new nuclear deal with Iran to allow the country to “peacefully grow and prosper.” He termed reports that US and Israel plan to attack Iran as “greatly exaggerated”. Trump’s Directive and Economic Pressure Iran’s Readiness for Diplomacy Challenges for Iran’s Clerical Leadership
India-U.S. Trade Deal
Context: India is open to reviving talks on a limited trade deal with the US during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington. The government official said that India is open to a mini trade deal if the US is also willing. Prime Minister’s Visit to Washington Important Discussions on Key Trade Proposals Global Trade Context
Development of Gaza by U.S.
Context: U.S. President Donald Trump announced an unexpected plan to take over the Gaza Strip, following the resettlement of Palestinians elsewhere. The proposal was made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This move marks a radical departure from U.S. policy on the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Key Highlights: Implications & Controversy Israel-Palestine War
