The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, updating the base year from 2012 to 2024. This overhaul reflects modern consumption patterns identified in the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24. The new basket has expanded from 299 to 358 items, with a notable reduction in the weightage of food and beverages from 45.86% to 36.75%. Conversely, the housing category now includes water, electricity, and fuel, with a combined weight of 17.67%. The framework now tracks 12 broad groups instead of six, aiming for more granular inflation monitoring.
The CPI base year has been updated to 2024 to better reflect current household spending habits.
The number of items in the inflation basket increased to 358, including more services and online platforms.
Food and beverage weightage was significantly reduced, which may lead to less volatile headline inflation numbers.
Exam Points
Base year updated from 2012 to 2024.
Food and beverages weightage reduced from 45.86% to 36.75%.
Retail inflation for January 2026 was placed at 2.75% under the new series.
India faces a persistent gap between pulse production (2.5 crore tonnes) and demand (3 crore tonnes), relying heavily on imports. The article emphasizes that while the government launched a self-sufficiency mission in October 2025 with an ₹11,440 crore outlay, structural reforms are critical. Farmers remain vulnerable due to weak procurement mechanisms and competition from international markets, particularly following trade deals with the U.S. To break the cycle of underinvestment, India must provide genuine MSP guarantees, improve procurement infrastructure, and invest in productivity for rain-fed areas where pulses are predominantly grown.
India's pulse demand exceeds domestic production by approximately 50 lakh tonnes annually.
Pulses are a vital non-cereal protein source, supporting five crore farmers and their families.
The October 2025 self-sufficiency mission targets 350 lakh tonnes of production by 2030-31.
Exam Points
Self-sufficiency Mission launched in Oct 2025 with ₹11,440 crore outlay.
Production target: 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31.
Current pulse output hovers around 2.5 crore tonnes.
A Ministry of Home Affairs order requiring the singing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram at official functions has raised constitutional concerns. Historically, the Constituent Assembly adopted only the first two stanzas as the National Song in 1950 to avoid religious controversy, as the later stanzas contain specific Hindu deity references. Legal experts argue that while the National Anthem is protected by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, the National Song lacks similar statutory protection. Furthermore, Article 25 protects the right to not participate in religious observances, as established in the landmark Bijoe Emmanuel case.
The Constituent Assembly officially recognized only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram as the National Song.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, does not provide a legal penalty for not singing the National Song.
Article 25 of the Constitution protects citizens from being forced into religious observances that violate their conscience.
Exam Points
Bijoe Emmanuel vs. State of Kerala (1986) Supreme Court case.
Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Article 25 (Freedom of Religion) and Article 51A (Fundamental Duties).
Former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai testified before a Parliamentary Joint Committee that the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, does not violate the Basic Structure doctrine. The bill seeks to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Justice Gavai argued that the amendment merely changes the 'manner of elections' and falls within Parliamentary competence. However, the legal community remains divided; while four former CJIs support the bill, others like Justice U.U. Lalit have expressed concerns that it might not withstand a legal challenge in the Supreme Court regarding federalism.
The 129th Amendment Bill aims to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across India.
Justice Gavai argued that the bill does not breach the federal framework or impact government accountability.
Six former CJIs have provided testimony, with a 4-2 split in favor of the bill's constitutionality.
Exam Points
Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Basic Structure Doctrine established in the Kesavananda Bharati case.
The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2024.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has initiated a Substantive Motion in the Lok Sabha against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition. A Substantive Motion is a self-contained, independent proposal that requires a formal vote of the House if accepted. The motion alleges that Gandhi collaborated with foreign entities to undermine Indian institutions. This procedural move led to significant disruptions during Zero Hour, resulting in the adjournment of the House. The motion follows intense political friction regarding the India-U.S. interim trade agreement and remarks made by the opposition leader in Parliament.
A Substantive Motion is a formal proposal drafted to express a decision or opinion of the House.
Unlike other motions, a Substantive Motion entails a mandatory debate followed by a compulsory vote.
The motion was raised during Zero Hour, a period used by MPs to raise matters of urgent public importance.
Exam Points
Substantive Motion is a self-contained proposal under parliamentary rules.
Zero Hour is an informal procedure for members to raise issues without prior notice.
The Lok Sabha has passed the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which introduces 'savings provisions' under Section 104. This amendment aims to prevent legal confusion following the repeal of older labor laws by the 2020 Code. It clarifies that the repeal of acts like the Trade Unions Act, 1926, and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, occurred by the operation of the Code itself, rather than through executive discretion. This legislative step is intended to provide continuity and legal certainty for labor relations and ensure the effective implementation of the four major Labour Codes.
The 2026 Bill amends the Industrial Relations Code of 2020 to clarify the status of repealed laws.
Section 104 savings provisions are designed to ensure the continuity of certain legal protections.
The government aims to dismiss the 'misconceived ground' that the executive was delegated power to repeal acts.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisitions totaling ₹3.6 lakh crore. This massive clearance includes 114 Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft for the Air Force and six P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Navy. A significant portion of these jets will be manufactured in India, supporting the 'Make in India' initiative. Other approved items include air-ship-based pseudo satellites (AS-HAPS), Vibhav anti-tank mines, and overhauls for Army combat vehicles, aiming to enhance India's long-range offensive and maritime surveillance capabilities.
The ₹3.6 lakh crore clearance is one of the largest single-day capital acquisition approvals in India.
The 114 Rafale jets (MRFA) will significantly bolster the IAF's air-dominance and strike precision.
The P-8I aircraft will enhance the Navy's anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance reach.
Exam Points
Total AoN value: ₹3.6 lakh crore.
114 Rafale jets and 6 P-8I aircraft approved.
Vibhav anti-tank mines and AS-HAPS (pseudo satellites) included.
The SHANTI Act, recently passed by Parliament, opens India's nuclear power sector to private entities while fundamentally altering the liability framework established by the CLNDA. The Act indemnifies suppliers and caps operator liability at ₹3,000 crore for large plants, a figure critics argue is insufficient compared to potential disaster costs. By channeling all liability to the operator and omitting Section 46 of the CLNDA, the Act limits victims' ability to seek legal remedies. Proponents argue it aligns India with international norms to attract investment, while critics warn of 'moral hazard' and reduced safety incentives.
The SHANTI Act ends the government's exclusive control over nuclear power plant operations.
Operator liability is capped at ₹3,000 crore for large plants and ₹100 crore for small ones.
Suppliers are indemnified against lawsuits for accidents caused by defective equipment.
Exam Points
SHANTI Act amends the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA).
Liability cap for large plants: ₹3,000 crore.
Nuclear energy currently accounts for about 3% of India's electricity generation.
As traditional multilateral structures like the UN and WTO decline due to power politics, India must reframe its foreign policy. The article suggests moving beyond 'strategic autonomy' toward building 'endogenous capabilities' and pursuing 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' With the world shifting toward a U.S.-China bipolarity, India should prioritize trade diplomacy, diversify exports, and strengthen ties with Asia and Africa. Furthermore, it advocates for a pragmatic shift in relations with Pakistan, viewing it as a foreign policy and economic opportunity rather than just a security challenge, to unlock regional potential like the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline.
Global multilateralism is being replaced by transactional relationships and power-based blocs.
India needs to build internal technological and manufacturing strength to maintain global influence.
Trade diplomacy and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with emerging markets are vital for economic growth.
Exam Points
Viksit Bharat 2047 is India's long-term development goal.
India has rejected the dispute settlement mechanism of the WTO since 2019.
China is currently the largest trading partner for 120 countries.
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