Source: IE Context: According to the Global Carbon Project, India’s carbon emissions in 2025 are expected to rise slower than previous years, reflecting the impact of favourable monsoon conditions and increased use of renewable energy. The findings were released amid COP30 discussions in Belém, Brazil. Key Highlights:
Challenges in Conducting the Household Income Survey (HIS 2026)
Context: The HIS 2026, to be conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), is aimed at collecting household income data for the first time in nearly two decades. Unlike consumption surveys, which households are generally comfortable reporting, income data collection faces unique difficulties, particularly because a majority of Indians work in the informal sector and do not file taxes. Understanding income is crucial for evaluating living wages, earnings adequacy, and social protection policies (linked to Article 43 of the Constitution). Key Challenges
India Skills Report 2026
Source: TH Context: The India Skills Report 2026 highlights a major shift in India’s labour market, driven by rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation. For the first time in five years, women’s employability has overtaken men, marking a significant change in workforce dynamics. Key Highlights:
Cohort Connect 2025
Source: PIB Context: The Union Minister of State for Science & Technology launched the Phenome National Conclave on Longitudinal Cohort Studies: Cohort Connect 2025 at CSIR–IMMT, Bhubaneswar.The initiative is part of Phenome India, aimed at building large-scale, India-specific health datasets for precision medicine and long-term disease prediction. Key Highlights:
Indian Railways Introduces AI-Based Locking Monitoring System ‘DRISHTI’
Context: Indian Railways is deploying an advanced Artificial Intelligence–powered Locking Monitoring System named ‘DRISHTI’ to strengthen freight train security, improve transparency in cargo movement, and reduce manual monitoring challenges. The system automatically detects unlocked, open, or tampered wagon doors in real time, enabling faster response and safer logistics. What is ‘DRISHTI’? Developed By Objectives Key Features
SEBI Conflict-of-Interest (CoI) and Disclosure Overhaul
Source: BS Context: A high-level committee, chaired by Pratyush Sinha (former CVC), with Injeti Srinivas as vice-chair, was constituted by SEBI in March 2025 under Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey. The committee aimed to strengthen CoI regulations following past allegations against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. The review highlighted gaps in SEBI’s existing CoI framework, including insufficient disclosure requirements and inadequate safeguards for board members and senior officials. Key Recommendations: Comprehensive Disclosure Insider Status and Trading Restrictions Conflict Management and Recusals Ethics, Compliance, and Oversight Regulatory Enforcement Objectives
16th Finance Commission
Context: As the 16th Finance Commission cycle begins on 1 April 2026, the Union government has asked all ministries and departments to submit detailed information on central sector and centrally sponsored schemes that are ending or continuing beyond 31 March 2026. This is aimed at aligning scheme allocations, funding, and outcomes with the Finance Commission cycle. 16th Finance Commission Cycle (2026–2031) Key Objectives Implications
Jan Samarth Portal
Source: Mint Context: The Department of Financial Services (DFS), under the Ministry of Finance, has launched the Startup Common Application Journey on the Jan Samarth portal, aimed at streamlining credit access for startups across India. Key Features
Surge in Digital Gold Withdrawals After Sebi Advisory
Context: On 8 November 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) issued a public advisory cautioning investors against dealing in digital gold products. This led to a threefold rise in withdrawals on fintech platforms offering digital gold. What is Digital Gold? Key Highlights: Significance
Wholesale Inflation (WPI)
Context: India’s wholesale inflation (WPI) slipped into deflation in October 2025, touching a 27-month low due to a sharp fall in food prices. This is the first time since July 2020 that WPI inflation has turned negative. Key Highlights: Wholesale Price Index (WPI) Consumer Price Index (CPI) In short:
