1. INCOME TAX AND LABOUR REFORMS DOMINATE POLITY DISCUSSIONS
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The government outlined key reforms including Income Tax simplifications to enhance compliance and reduce litigation burdens on taxpayers.
- Implementation of four Labour Codes aims to streamline worker rights, social security, and industrial relations for better governance.
- Rural Employment Reforms under schemes like MGNREGA focus on skill development and wage enhancements to address unemployment.
- Ease of Doing Business initiatives include regulatory simplifications to attract investments and boost economic activities.
- Parliamentary discussions emphasized electoral reforms, urging debates on voter inclusivity and digital governance improvements.
- Supreme Court directives on criminal justice matters reinforced judicial oversight and transparent policymaking.
- Concepts: Article 21 – Protects right to life and liberty in reforms; Federalism – Ensures Centre-State coordination in labour and tax policies.
2. CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE AND WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING EMERGE AS KEY NATIONAL CONCERNS
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- India pushes for Climate-Resilient Agriculture to combat monsoon variability and ensure food security amid changing weather patterns.
- Wildlife trafficking shifts to North East-Myanmar borders, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and cross-border cooperation.
- Reports highlight poor education and health outcomes in states like Telangana, with rising inequalities despite economic growth claims.
- Prejudice in healthcare access for trans men underscores the need for inclusive policies and better medical facilities.
- Nationwide efforts to address farmer suicides include improved crop insurance and support prices to alleviate rural distress.
- Gig economy challenges raise demands for social security and labor protections for informal workers.
- Concepts: Disaster Management Act, 2005 – Guides responses to climate issues; Environmental Impact Assessment – Balances development with ecological safeguards.
3. HANDSHAKE IN DHAKA SPARKS HOPES FOR INDIA-PAKISTAN TIES REVIVAL
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- An unexpected handshake in Dhaka between Indian and Pakistani officials prompts discussions on potential dialogue revival in 2026.
- India’s diplomatic headwinds include US policy shifts, regional instability, and sanctions risks amid global fragmentation.
- Enhanced India-Myanmar relations focus on cross-border cooperation to tackle instability and trafficking issues.
- Major institutions project India’s growth at 6.5-6.6% for 2026, boosting its global economic standing.
- Non-Alignment 2.0 shapes India’s balanced diplomacy in a fractured world order.
- Interdependence without trust persists, with India navigating great-power rivalries cautiously.
- Concepts: Indo-Pacific Strategy – Strengthens regional alliances; Bilateral Pacts – Govern nuclear and diplomatic exchanges.
4. INDIA OVERTAKES JAPAN AS WORLD’S FOURTH LARGEST ECONOMY
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- India surpasses Japan with a GDP of $4.18 trillion, driven by 8.2% real growth in recent quarters.
- Projections indicate high-six percent growth in 2026, with nominal GDP at 10%, amid robust consumption and investments.
- RBI-Finance Ministry relations under review in a ‘Goldilocks’ economy with low inflation and stable growth.
- Vice President highlights India’s path to becoming the third-largest economy before 2047.
- Rupee forecasts predict stability despite global jitters, supported by strong reserves.
- Tax reforms on tobacco products and GST adjustments aim to boost revenue and fiscal health.
- Concepts: Balance of Payments – Manages currency stability; Atmanirbhar Bharat – Promotes self-reliance through incentives.
5. MOD SIGNS MAJOR DEALS FOR INDIGENOUS DEFENCE EQUIPMENT
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Ministry of Defence inks Rs 4,666 crore deals for carbines and torpedoes, emphasizing domestic production.
- DRDO’s Sudarshan Chakra initiative advances missile technology, with role in implementation assigned for strategic enhancements.
- Russia deploys nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile, noted for global defence implications.
- Close Quarter Battle carbines procurement strengthens infantry capabilities.
- Anti-Naxal operations like Karreguttalu Hills highlight progress in internal security.
- Multi-Agency Centre coordinates efforts against left-wing extremism.
- Concepts: Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 – Facilitates indigenous procurements; Strategic Autonomy – Guides alliances and substitutions.
