India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose marginally to 0.7% in November 2025 from a record low of 0.25% in October. Data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) indicates that while food prices continued to contract, a slight acceleration in fuel inflation to 2.3% contributed to the overall rise. Despite the uptick, inflation remains significantly lower than historical averages. Categories like clothing and footwear saw easing inflation, while housing remained stable. The report highlights the impact of base effects and specific commodity price fluctuations like edible oils and vegetables.
CPI data is released monthly by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Retail inflation in November 2025 stood at 0.7%, the second-lowest recorded in the current series.
Fuel inflation rose to 2.3% in November, compared to 2% in the previous month.
India has entered into 20 regional or free trade agreements (FTAs), with recent pacts signed with the UK and EFTA. However, challenges remain as trade deficits with partners like ASEAN and Japan have widened due to structural issues and inadequate negotiation of non-tariff barriers. The article emphasizes the need for India to fast-track negotiations with the US and EU while internalizing lessons from past agreements. Future trade strategies must focus on carbon-intensive sectors, especially with the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and support exporters through better standards and infrastructure to ensure sustained gains.
India currently has 20 regional or free trade agreements in place.
Trade deficits with ASEAN widened from $10 billion in 2017 to nearly $44 billion by 2023.
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a critical factor for future trade negotiations.
The Indian Ocean is emerging as a critical frontier for the 'Blue Economy,' focusing on sustainable ocean-based development. India's 'Blue Ocean Strategy' emphasizes stewardship of the commons, resilience against climate change, and inclusive growth. Key initiatives include the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the proposed Indian Ocean Blue Fund. With COP30 in Belém and the upcoming UNOC3 in 2026, there is a global push for ocean governance. India aims to lead through green shipping corridors, blue bonds, and marine technology transfer while addressing threats like illegal fishing and ecosystem degradation.
The Blue Economy focuses on sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
India's SAGAR vision, articulated in 2015, provides a framework for regional maritime cooperation.
The BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) is a key international treaty for ocean governance.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has assigned a 'C' grade to India's national accounts statistics, the second-lowest rating. The primary concern lies in the methodology used to calculate the informal/unorganized sector, which accounts for 30% of India's GDP. Currently, the government uses the organized sector as a proxy for the unorganized sector, an approach critics argue is unreliable during economic shocks like demonetization or the pandemic. While the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is working on updating the GDP base year and methodology by February, experts suggest that resolving these data accuracy issues remains a significant challenge.
The IMF gave India's national accounts statistics a 'C' grade, indicating significant data quality concerns.
The unorganized sector contributes approximately 30% to India's GDP (excluding agriculture).
Critics argue that using the organized sector as a proxy for the unorganized sector leads to overestimation.
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for Census 2027, estimated to cost ₹11,718.24 crore. This will be India's first digital census, utilizing mobile applications and a dedicated portal for real-time monitoring. Notably, the census will include caste enumeration for the first time in independent India. While the National Population Register (NPR) was updated in 2010 and 2015, the current statement does not mention a separate budgetary allocation for its update. The exercise aims to provide precise demographic data to improve governance and the delivery of government benefits under the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' vision.
Census 2027 will be the first digital census in India's history.
The exercise will include the enumeration of castes, a significant policy shift.
The total approved cost for the census project is ₹11,718.24 crore.
The Union Cabinet has cleared a Bill to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to 'Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana.' Beyond the name change, the government plans to increase the guaranteed days of employment from 100 to 125 days per financial year. This move follows recommendations from the Amarjeet Sinha panel, which reviewed the scheme's effectiveness. The average number of employment days per household over the last five years stood at 50.35 days. The amended Bill may also introduce exclusionary clauses based on economic indices and tweak the funding pattern between the Centre and States.
MGNREGA is proposed to be renamed as 'Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana.'
The government intends to increase the guaranteed employment limit to 125 days.
The Amarjeet Sinha panel was appointed in 2022 to review the flagship rural employment scheme.
Exam Points
Proposed new name: Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana
A private member's resolution moved by Sudha Murty in the Rajya Sabha urged the government to provide free and compulsory early childhood care and education (ECCE). The resolution proposes amending the Constitution to introduce Article 21B, guaranteeing these rights for children between three and six years of age. It emphasizes the role of ECCE in nutrition, health services, and pre-primary learning as a foundation for lifelong development. Murty also called for extending the fundamental right to education to cover the entire age bracket from three to 14 years, strengthening the existing framework under Article 21A.
A private member's resolution seeks to introduce Article 21B for early childhood care.
The proposal focuses on children in the 3 to 6 years age group.
ECCE includes nutrition, health services, and pre-primary education.
The Union Labour and Employment Ministry clarified that Provident Fund (PF) contributions for employees with a monthly wage exceeding ₹15,000 are voluntary. This clarification comes under the new Code on Social Security, which replaces the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. While the statutory ceiling remains at ₹15,000, employers and employees can mutually agree to contribute on higher wages. The Ministry emphasized that the four new labor codes aim to ensure no reduction in take-home pay while balancing hiring costs for employers. The current wage limit has been in force since September 2014.
PF contributions on wages above the ₹15,000 statutory ceiling are now voluntary.
The Code on Social Security is one of four new labor codes consolidating 29 central laws.
The ₹15,000 wage ceiling for EPFO coverage has been in effect since September 2014.
Exam Points
Statutory monthly wage ceiling: ₹15,000
Year current limit was set: 2014
Number of laws replaced by Code on Social Security: 9
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2026 market season. The MSP for milling copra has been set at ₹12,027 per quintal, an increase of ₹445. For ball copra, the price is fixed at ₹12,500 per quintal, up by ₹400 from the previous season. This decision aims to ensure fair returns to coconut growers and encourage production. The MSP is a key policy tool used by the government to protect farmers against sharp falls in agricultural prices.
The CCEA approved the MSP hike for the 2026 market season.
Milling copra MSP is now ₹12,027 per quintal.
Ball copra MSP is now ₹12,500 per quintal.
Exam Points
Milling copra MSP: ₹12,027
Ball copra MSP: ₹12,500
Market season: 2026
Read more
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.