Why in the News ? The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while lowering India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2026-27 and raising inflation projections due to global uncertainties, supply disruptions affecting agri-food exports, maritime logistics challenges, and El Niño concerns impacting…
Why in the News ? A proposal to rename Barkatullah University in Bhopal has revived discussions about the legacy of Maulana Barkatullah, a prominent freedom fighter who served as the Prime Minister of the Provisional Government of India established in Kabul in 1915. Maulana Barkatullah and India’s Freedom Struggle ● Maulana Barkatullah was born in…
Why in the News ? A recent economic report released by Kerala’s new government highlights the State’s worsening fiscal condition. Despite its strong human development achievements, Kerala faces rising debt, increasing committed expenditure, and low capital investment, raising concerns about long-term economic sustainability and food security. Kerala’s Fiscal Challenges and Debt Burden ● Kerala’s public…
Why in the News ? The Government of India has estimated GDP growth at 7.7% for FY 2025-26, slightly higher than earlier projections. The data highlights strong performance in manufacturing, services, consumption, and investment, despite emerging global economic uncertainties and challenges in global markets. India’s Economic Growth Performance in FY 2025-26 ● India’s Gross Domestic…
Why in the News ? The administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has proposed draft rules introducing elections for Nicobarese Tribal Councils. The move has sparked debate among tribal leaders, who fear it could alter traditional governance systems and affect community autonomy. Proposed Electoral Reforms for Nicobarese Governance ● The Union Territory administration has…
Why in the News ? The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the prolonged conflict in West Asia is worsening global food insecurity and threatening nutritional security. Rising energy prices, trade disruptions affecting international trade, and humanitarian funding shortages are increasing the risk of hunger for millions worldwide, particularly impacting access to…
Why in the News ? Growing concerns over the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) financing gap and climate challenges have renewed focus on creating a unified framework that links climate finance and development finance, enabling investments that generate both environmental and socio-economic benefits while strengthening environmental democracy and governance. Need for a Unified Climate-Development Investment…
Why in the News ? Forecasts indicate a high probability of El Niño developing during 2026–27, raising concerns about below-normal monsoon rainfall in India. Experts warn that its impact may extend beyond weather, affecting agriculture, employment, inflation, and overall economic stability, necessitating comprehensive environmental impact assessment of adaptation measures. El Niño as an Economic and…
Why in the News ? The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Neelkanth Mishra as Executive Director at the World Bank Headquarters, Washington D.C., for a tenure of three years, representing India’s interests in the institution, including matters related to environmental financing and sustainable development projects. Appointment of Neelkanth Mishra…
Why in the News ? Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced an ANRF-supported digital portal aimed at strengthening India’s research ecosystem by providing training in patent filing, research paper writing, environmental impact assessment, and intellectual property management for researchers and innovators working towards a pollution free environment. ANRF Digital Portal: Objectives and…