The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) recently cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 5.25%. This move follows a cumulative reduction of 125 basis points in the 2025 calendar year. The decision reflects an assessment of India's current economic growth, which accelerated to 8.2% in Q2, and the need to remain supportive despite potential global uncertainties like U.S. tariffs. While inflation is currently projected at a benign 2%, the MPC maintains a neutral stance to allow for quick policy pivots if food or oil prices trigger inflationary pressures.
The MPC cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to reach 5.25%.
India's GDP growth showed acceleration, reaching 8.2% in the second quarter of the year.
The committee decided to retain a neutral stance to remain flexible against global economic uncertainties.
Exam Points
Interest rate cut of 25 basis points to 5.25%.
Cumulative rate cuts of 125 basis points in calendar year 2025.
This article explores the conflict between the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) authority over citizenship. While the ECI argues it must verify eligibility for enrollment, critics suggest only the MHA has the legal power to determine citizenship. The discussion touches upon the Citizenship Act of 1955, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the National Population Register (NPR). It highlights the administrative burden on individuals to prove citizenship, particularly in Assam, where the NRC process has left many in a state of 'doubtful citizenship.'
The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is being legally challenged for potentially overstepping into citizenship determination.
Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, the power to determine citizenship rests primarily with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The National Population Register (NPR) was last updated in 2015 with details of 119 crore residents.
Exam Points
Citizenship Act of 1955.
Section 6A of the Citizenship Act (inserted via Assam Accord).
Following a petition highlighting the struggles of prisoners like G.N. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, the Supreme Court of India has directed prisons to provide disability-related support. The ruling emphasizes that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 applies to places of detention. Currently, many state prison manuals are outdated, assuming all prisoners are physically able. The Court also addressed intersectional issues, noting that caste-based segregation and the assignment of menial tasks to Dalit and Adivasi prisoners remain problematic. The judgment calls for updated manuals, disability screening at admission, and independent inspections.
The Supreme Court ruled that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 obligates governments to support disabled inmates.
Prison manuals must be updated to include clear duties regarding disability-related accommodations and infrastructure.
The Court noted that caste-based segregation in jails is unconstitutional and will monitor discrimination via suo motu proceedings.
Exam Points
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
Muruganantham (2025) Supreme Court case.
Prisons are a State subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
The 23rd India-Russia Summit in New Delhi marked a significant re-engineering of bilateral ties amidst global geopolitical shifts. A key outcome was the 'Programme for Development of Strategic Areas of India-Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030.' Both nations aim for a $100 billion trade target by 2030, focusing on non-energy sectors, fertilizers, and critical raw materials. The summit also emphasized energy security, maritime connectivity via the Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor, and defense cooperation. Despite the Ukraine conflict, the meeting signaled India's commitment to a multi-vector foreign policy and Russia's pivot toward Asian partnerships.
India and Russia adopted a strategic economic cooperation programme valid until the year 2030.
The bilateral trade target has been set at $100 billion to be achieved by 2030.
New maritime initiatives include the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor and cooperation in the Northern Sea Route.
China recently approved the proposal for its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), emphasizing high-quality development and 'modern socialist country' goals. During the 14th Plan, China's economy grew at an average of 5.5%, reaching a GDP of approximately $20 trillion. The article, authored by a Chinese diplomat, suggests significant potential for cooperation with India in sectors like electronics, new energy, and AI. Despite geopolitical tensions, bilateral trade reached $138.46 billion in 2024. The piece advocates for synergy between the two emerging economies to enhance their positions in global value chains.
China's 14th Five-Year Plan saw the economy reach a GDP of RMB 140 trillion (approx. $20 trillion).
Bilateral trade between India and China reached $138.46 billion in 2024, with a significant year-on-year increase.
The upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan focuses on high-quality development and opening up for international cooperation.
Exam Points
China's GDP reached $20 trillion.
India-China bilateral trade in 2024: $138.46 billion.
Renewable energy accounts for 60% of China's total installed power generation capacity.
A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report highlights that while AI investment is surging, it may exacerbate existing inequalities in the Asia-Pacific. The 'AI Preparedness Index' shows a massive gap, with advanced economies scoring over 70% while fragile states score under 20%. Disparities in digital infrastructure, such as electricity and data systems, prevent many from participating in the AI transition. Furthermore, women in the region face higher exposure to AI-driven automation than men. The report calls for inclusive design and robust foundations in hard infrastructure and human capital to ensure equitable benefits.
The AI Preparedness Index reveals a stark divide between advanced economies and fragile states in the Asia-Pacific.
Lack of basic infrastructure like reliable electricity and affordable internet remains a major barrier to AI adoption.
Women are disproportionately affected by AI-driven automation compared to men in East and South-East Asia.
Exam Points
AI Preparedness Index (IMF/UNDP).
AI investment has surged 15-fold globally over the past decade.
Women's exposure to AI automation is higher than men's in East Asia (approx 4.1% vs 1.5%).
A study by research outfit iForest suggests that official 'fire counts' used to track stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana may be misleading. While government data claims a 90% reduction in fires since 2021, 'burnt-area' measurements show only a 30% decline. The discrepancy arises because satellites like Suomi-NPP (VIIRS) and Aqua (MODIS) only pass over India at specific times, missing fires that occur in the evening. Geostationary satellites like Meteosat, which provide data every 15 minutes, indicate that many fires happen outside the detection windows of polar-orbiting satellites, leading to significant undercounting of emissions.
Burnt-area measurements show a 30% decline in stubble burning, contrasting with the 90% reduction claimed via fire counts.
Current satellite sensors like VIIRS and MODIS only capture active fires during specific daytime windows (10:30 AM to 1:30 PM).
Small fires and those occurring in the evening are frequently missed by polar-orbiting satellites.
Exam Points
iForest research outfit.
Satellites used: Suomi-NPP (VIIRS), Terra and Aqua (MODIS), Sentinel (Multi-Spectral Instrument).
Burnt area in 2022 was 31,500 sq. km compared to 19,700 sq. km in 2025.
Neurotechnology, particularly Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), uses mechanical tools to interact directly with the human brain. These devices can record or stimulate neural activity, offering hope for treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, strokes, and spinal cord injuries. While the U.S. and China lead with initiatives like the BRAIN Initiative and the China Brain Project, India is developing its own capabilities through institutions like IIT Kanpur and IISc. However, the field faces significant ethical hurdles regarding human enhancement and privacy, necessitating a robust regulatory framework to ensure safe and ethical development.
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) translate neural signals into commands for external devices like prosthetic limbs or computers.
Neurotechnology has the potential to treat non-communicable diseases and injuries, including paralysis and depression.
The U.S. BRAIN Initiative and the China Brain Project (2016-2030) are leading global efforts in this field.
Exam Points
US BRAIN Initiative (launched 2013).
China Brain Project (2016-2030).
Neuralink received FDA approval for human trials in May 2024.
The Department of Posts has proposed the DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) framework to standardize physical addresses in India. DHRUVA aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) similar to Aadhaar and UPI. It utilizes DIGIPIN, a 10-digit alphanumeric code based on geo-coordinates, to provide precise locations. This system would allow users to share a 'label' or virtual address with e-commerce and logistics providers instead of full physical details, enhancing privacy and delivery efficiency. Experts suggest a draft law is needed to authorize the data collection required for this framework.
DHRUVA is designed as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to provide unique virtual addresses for physical locations.
The system uses DIGIPIN, an open-sourced 10-digit alphanumeric code that divides the country into 12-square-metre blocks.
It aims to improve logistics for players like India Post, Amazon, and Uber while enhancing user privacy through address tokenization.
Exam Points
DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address).
DIGIPIN (10-digit alphanumeric code).
Post Office Act, 2023 (proposed amendment).
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