The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to maintain the policy repo rate at 5.25% under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF). Consequently, the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate remains at 5% and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and bank rate at 5.5%. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the Indian economy remains resilient despite global headwinds, with steady domestic demand and robust private consumption. While headline inflation is projected to increase due to supply-side pressures, core inflation remains moderate, and the MPC decided to continue with a neutral stance.
The MPC unanimously decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.
Other key rates like SDF, MSF, and bank rate also remain steady.
The Indian economy shows resilience with steady domestic demand and robust private consumption despite global headwinds.
Exam Points
Policy Repo Rate: 5.25%
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate: 5%
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate & Bank Rate: 5.5%
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg conveyed apologies for child sex abuse material (CSAM), deepfake content, and "errors in operating the platform" after Joel Kaplan, Meta's global head of public policy, met with officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The government had summoned Meta following the temporary removal of PM Modi's video message and concerns about Instagram's role in amplifying protests. Officials asserted Meta was "not covered under intermediary definition," potentially making it liable for user posts. Further meetings are expected, and a parliamentary committee demanded Google India's safe harbour be lifted.
Meta apologized for issues like CSAM, deepfake content, and platform errors after a government summons.
The government raised concerns about the temporary removal of PM Modi's video and Instagram's role in amplifying protests.
Indian officials stated Meta might not be covered under intermediary definition, potentially increasing its liability.
Exam Points
Meta CEO: Mark Zuckerberg
Meta's Global Head of Public Policy: Joel Kaplan
Ministry involved: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's government presented its first budget, aiming to balance fiscal prudence with welfare, focusing on women, youth, students, and the elderly. Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson announced substantial allocations for existing schemes and rebranded others. While some election promises were included, prominent assurances like monthly assistance for women heads of families, free LPG cylinders, and free bus travel for women were not. The budget also proposed establishing India's first AI and Innovation City (Arivagam) and significant investments in skill development and infrastructure.
Tamil Nadu's debut budget focuses on welfare, fiscal prudence, and empowerment of women, youth, students, and elderly.
Some election promises were included, but key assurances like free LPG cylinders and monthly assistance for women heads of families were omitted.
The budget proposes India's first AI and Innovation City, Arivagam, and significant investments in skill development.
The Kerala Cabinet, led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, announced ₹8 lakh as financial assistance to the kin of those killed in recent torrential rains and floods. The death toll has risen to 26, with four people still missing. Over 27,000 people are housed in 462 relief camps across Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Alappuzha districts. The government also increased compensation for fully damaged houses from ₹4 lakh to ₹6 lakh and for loss of both land and house from ₹10 lakh to ₹12 lakh. A long-term disaster resilience programme is also being developed.
Kerala government announced ₹8 lakh financial assistance for families of flood victims.
The death toll from recent floods and rains has reached 26, with thousands displaced in relief camps.
Compensation for fully damaged houses and land-and-house loss has been increased.
Over 70% of cancer patients in India present with advanced-stage cancer, leading to complex, expensive, and less effective treatments. Despite investments in world-class cancer centers, late diagnosis remains a major challenge, causing catastrophic healthcare expenditure and poor survival rates. The article emphasizes a fundamental shift towards early detection and prevention, starting with health education in schools. It highlights the potential of blood-based Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests and calls for a layered model combining community health workers, digital risk assessment, and AI tools for effective screening across India's diverse settings.
A majority of cancer patients in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to poor outcomes and high costs.
Prevention should be a lifelong public health priority, with health education starting in schools.
Early detection through symptom awareness and advanced screening methods like MCED tests are crucial.
Exam Points
Over 70% of cancer patients in India present with advanced-stage cancer.
India recorded 1.56 million new cancer cases and over 8,74,000 cancer deaths in 2024.
Five-year survival for lung cancer in India is about 4% compared to 33% in Japan.
Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, an analysis of available data suggests that the Union government's promises of wide-ranging transformation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have not been fully delivered. While the government claimed Article 370 hindered development, J&K was performing relatively well on many socio-economic indicators before 2019. Post-abrogation, J&K's economy contracted, higher education enrollment declined, and unemployment for women rose. Terrorism-related incidents and deaths have not dropped below 2012-2016 levels, and civil liberties have declined, with increased internet shutdowns and UAPA cases.
The abrogation of Article 370 was intended to bring wide-ranging transformation to J&K, but data suggests limited success.
J&K's economy contracted post-2019, and higher education enrollment and women's employment declined.
Terrorism-related incidents and deaths have not decreased below pre-2019 levels.
The Asiatic lion population has grown significantly from 100-150 to over 1,000 individuals, with nearly half now living outside the Gir National Park and Sanctuary. This success is attributed to landscape-level conservation, political will, and local community support. However, the species remains confined to a single forested landscape, making it vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and diseases like Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), which caused significant mortality in 2018. A recent proposal to divert 75 hectares of reserved forest for limestone mining in a crucial lion corridor raises concerns about disrupting habitats and increasing human-lion conflict.
Asiatic lion population has grown to over 1,000, with many living outside protected areas.
Conservation success is due to landscape-level management and community support.
The population's confinement to a single landscape makes it vulnerable to diseases and habitat fragmentation.
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026, aims to update ISI's governance structure, bringing it in line with other Institutions of National Importance like IIMs and IITs. The government proposes replacing the current society-based governance with a compact Board of Governors and an Academic Council, arguing it will provide a more robust and contemporary framework. However, faculty members and MPs are protesting, contending that the new structure would wrest control from ISI's internal stakeholders and give direct or indirect control to the Union government, as eight out of eleven Board members would be government-controlled.
The ISI Bill, 2026, seeks to modernize ISI's governance, aligning it with other national institutions.
The proposed changes include replacing the General Body with a compact Board of Governors and an Academic Council.
Critics argue the Bill centralizes control with the Union government, reducing autonomy for ISI's internal stakeholders.
Exam Points
Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) founded: December 17, 1931.
ISI Act: 1959.
Proposed Bill: Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, deposed in August 2024, virtually addressed a press conference from New Delhi, stating that personal safety concerns would not deter her return to Bangladesh in December 2026. She condemned the persecution of her Awami League party members and called for the ban on the party to be lifted. Hasina described India as a constant friend to Bangladesh, especially during its difficult times in 1971 and 1975. The Bangladesh government expressed "outrage" over the press conference and renewed its request for her extradition.
Sheikh Hasina, former Bangladesh PM, intends to return to Bangladesh in December 2026 despite risks of arrest.
She called for the lifting of the ban on her party, Awami League, and condemned the persecution of its members.
Hasina highlighted India's historical friendship with Bangladesh.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged the Sri Lankan leadership to hold long-delayed provincial council elections "at the earliest" and fully implement constitutional provisions to meet Tamil aspirations. This statement followed his day-long visit to Colombo, where he met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Discussions also covered Indian assistance for Sri Lanka's recovery from Cyclone Ditwah, energy sector collaborations, and potential trade agreement upgrades. However, the Sri Lankan President's office statement on the meeting did not mention provincial elections, indicating a difference in priorities.
India urged Sri Lanka to conduct provincial council elections promptly and implement constitutional provisions for Tamil aspirations.
The discussions also included Indian assistance for cyclone recovery and collaborations in the energy sector.
Sri Lanka's presidential office did not mention provincial elections in its readout, highlighting differing priorities.
The Supreme Court, hearing a dispute between Shiv Sena factions, clarified that a group of MLAs or MPs cannot override the official directives of their parent political party merely because they hold a majority among elected members. Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized that the maturity of a a democracy is measured by the constancy of political parties and their members to their ideology. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that such "mergers" orchestrated by factions for power undermine the electoral process and public mandate. The court aims to strike a balance between the electorate's decision to vote a party and individual representatives' liberty to express genuine disagreement.
The Supreme Court ruled that a majority of lawmakers cannot defy their parent political party's directives.
The court linked democratic maturity to the ideological constancy of political parties and their members.
The case involves a dispute between Shiv Sena factions, highlighting concerns about manipulation and defection.
Exam Points
Supreme Court Bench: Headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, including Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
Senior advocate for Mr. Thackeray: Kapil Sibal.
Political party involved: Shiv Sena (factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde).
The Union government informed the Supreme Court that a proposal for an umbrella scheme to modernize police forces nationwide has been sent to the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance for in-principle approval. This submission was made during a suo motu proceeding regarding non-functional CCTV cameras at police stations, initiated after a media report from Udaipur, Rajasthan. The scheme aims to cover the modernization of the police force as a whole, not just infrastructure. The court deemed this "significant progress" and requested an affidavit with details within two weeks.
A proposal for a nationwide police modernisation scheme has been sent to the Finance Ministry for approval.
The scheme aims to cover the entire police force's modernization, including human resources, not just infrastructure.
The Supreme Court is monitoring the implementation of CCTV cameras at police stations, a key part of police modernization.
Exam Points
Supreme Court Bench: Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta.
Ministry involved: Union Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure.
Almost 16.5% of Jharkhand's voters, totaling over 43.6 lakh names, have been removed from the draft electoral rolls published by the State Election Commission. The deletions occurred during the special intensive revision (SIR) of voter lists. Reasons for removal include over seven lakh dead, 14 lakh untraceable, and 15 lakh permanently shifted away from the State. Another 1.16 lakh voters refused to sign enumeration forms. Eligible electors can still be added back during the claims and objections phase (August 5 to September 4) by submitting Form-6.
Over 43.6 lakh voters, representing 16.5% of the total, were deleted from Jharkhand's draft electoral rolls.
Reasons for deletion include deceased, untraceable, and permanently shifted voters.
Eligible electors have a chance to re-register during the claims and objections phase.
Exam Points
Jharkhand Chief Electoral Office: K. Ravi Kumar.
Total deletions in Jharkhand: 43,61,987.
Claims and objections phase: August 5 to September 4.
The Bombay High Court directed social media platforms to remove deepfake and AI-generated videos falsely linking Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to the ethanol blending programme (EBP). The court found the content defamatory, alleging corruption and misuse of office by Gadkari and his family. Gadkari clarified he had no role in the EBP's decision-making, which is managed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The court expressed concern over the lack of a mechanism for removing abusive content without judicial intervention, forcing individuals to approach courts for relief.
Bombay High Court ordered social media platforms to remove defamatory deepfake videos targeting Nitin Gadkari.
The videos falsely linked Gadkari to the ethanol blending programme and alleged corruption.
Gadkari clarified his non-involvement in the EBP's decision-making process.
Exam Points
Union Minister: Nitin Gadkari (Road Transport since 2014).
Court: Bombay High Court, Single Bench of Justice Arif Doctor.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, increasing the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill, which had already passed in the Lok Sabha, is a Money Bill. Opposition members questioned the "hurry" in bringing an Ordinance first and then converting it into an Act. Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that increasing the number of judges is a step towards improving judicial efficiency.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill.
The Bill increases the total number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38.
Opposition members raised concerns about the use of an Ordinance before the Bill.
Exam Points
Bill: Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill.
Meghalaya has launched "Mission Clouded Leopard," a dedicated programme for the conservation of its State animal, the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa). Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma unveiled the mission, which will focus on habitat protection and restoration, scientific research, long-term monitoring, stronger protection measures, landscape connectivity, capacity building for frontline staff, community participation, and public awareness. The initiative will be guided by the Meghalaya Clouded Leopard Action Plan, currently being prepared by the Forest and Environment Department.
Meghalaya has launched "Mission Clouded Leopard" to conserve its State animal.
The mission encompasses habitat protection, scientific research, monitoring, and community involvement.
It aims to strengthen protection measures and enhance landscape connectivity for the clouded leopard.
Exam Points
State animal of Meghalaya: Mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has cautioned ports about rising cyberthreats due to their increasing adoption of digital technologies and automation. Modern ports' reliance on interconnected IT and operational technology systems creates new vulnerabilities, impacting safety, security, and operational continuity. Cyberattacks, including malware and ransomware, can disrupt terminal operations, cargo handling, and surveillance systems. The DGMA advises ports to integrate cybersecurity risk assessments into their Port Facility Security Plan, regularly test backup and recovery systems, and conduct awareness programmes and drills for personnel.
DGMA warns that increased digital adoption in ports creates new cyberthreat vulnerabilities.
Cyberattacks can disrupt critical port operations, including cargo handling and surveillance systems.
Ports are advised to conduct cybersecurity risk assessments and integrate them into their security plans.
Exam Points
Issuing authority: Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA).
Code mentioned: International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
The Supreme Court pulled up civic authorities in State capitals for failing to act against illegal constructions and unauthorized use of residential premises for non-residential purposes, despite earlier directions. The court restrained municipal authorities from issuing contradictory orders and warned that any interference would invite contempt proceedings. It directed civic authorities nationwide to identify illegal constructions, clear public spaces of stray cattle, and file compliance affidavits within three weeks. The directions arose from a Tamil Nadu case but were expanded pan-India, with the court noting Bhopal Municipal Corporation's unsealing of premises after a State policy intervention.
The Supreme Court criticized civic authorities for inaction on illegal constructions and unauthorized commercial use of residential areas.
The court issued a warning against any interference with its orders, threatening contempt proceedings.
Nationwide directives were issued to identify illegal constructions, clear public spaces, and file compliance reports.
Exam Points
Supreme Court Bench: Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan.
State mentioned: Tamil Nadu (origin of case), Bhopal (example of unsealing).
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that "someone will have to pay the cost" for UPI transactions, which are currently free for merchants and customers, hinting at potential charges. However, an analysis by The Hindu reveals that the RBI itself has ample funds to cover these costs without imposing additional charges. The cost of running the UPI platform is estimated between ₹9,664-₹24,161 crore annually, which is 3-8.5% of the RBI's annual surplus transferred to the Union government. Despite a 425% growth in UPI transactions over five years, RBI's surplus transfers have grown by 857%, more than enough to cover the platform's operational costs.
RBI Governor indicated potential charges for UPI transactions, currently free for users and merchants.
Analysis shows RBI's annual surplus is sufficient to cover UPI operational costs without new charges.
The estimated annual cost of running UPI is a small fraction (3-8.5%) of RBI's surplus transferred to the government.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to resume "on tap" licensing for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) after a pause of over two decades, aiming to foster a vibrant cooperative sector. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that draft guidelines for this would be issued shortly for stakeholder consultation, following feedback on a discussion paper published in January 2026. Additionally, the RBI plans to review guidelines on concentration risk management for rural cooperative banks (RCBs) and rationalize the regulatory framework on interest rates for all regulated entities (REs) to ensure harmonization and proportionality.
RBI will resume "on tap" licensing for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) after a 20-year hiatus.
Draft guidelines for UCB licensing will be released soon for stakeholder consultation.
The RBI will also review concentration risk management guidelines for Rural Cooperative Banks (RCBs).
Exam Points
RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra.
Number of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) as per RBI and NABARD: 1,457.
Discussion paper on UCB licensing published: January 13, 2026.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra asserted that India's macroeconomic fundamentals are "very strong" and that the country has emerged stronger from each global disruption, including the West Asia conflict, COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine war, and U.S. tariffs. He stated that India's growth is resilient, and while headline inflation is rising due to supply-side pressures, underlying core inflation remains muted and is aligning. Malhotra views current global challenges as opportunities to further enhance India's resilience, expressing confidence in the economy's ability to navigate these headwinds.
Iran announced an agreement with Oman on a new route for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, to be jointly managed by both nations. This follows Iran's de facto control of the strait since February 28, after the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran. While geographical coordinates are agreed upon, and a joint statement is in final drafting, Iran stated that the strait would not be safe for all vessels as long as "aggressive and threatening actions" by the U.S. persist. U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed negotiations involving Oman to increase traffic through the strait.
Iran and Oman have agreed on a new jointly managed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran gained de facto control of the strait following the U.S.-Israel war against Iran.
Iran maintains the strait will not be safe for all vessels as long as U.S. aggressive actions continue.
Exam Points
Strait: Strait of Hormuz.
Countries involved: Iran, Oman, United States, Israel.
Police use of "less lethal" crowd control measures, such as lathis, tear gas, pellet guns, and shock-batons, in excess or misuse, can lead to severe long-term health consequences, turning peaceful demonstrations into medical crises. The U.S.-based Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) highlights injuries ranging from transient symptoms to lifelong disability and death. Indian law lacks clear regulations on the composition and deployment of these devices, leading to indiscriminate harm. Examples include head injuries from tear gas shells and pellet gun injuries causing vision loss. Experts call for better training, transparency, and accountability to minimize harm.
Excessive use of "less lethal" crowd control weapons by police can cause severe, long-term health issues and even death.
Indian law lacks clear regulations on the composition and deployment of crowd control devices, leading to misuse.
Tear gas, pellet guns, and shock-batons have caused serious injuries, including respiratory issues, burns, head trauma, and vision loss.
Exam Points
Organization: Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).
Chemical compounds in tear gas: CS gas (o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile), PAVA (pelargonic acid vanillylamide), Oleoresin capsicum.
International law: Chemical Weapons Convention (bans tear gas in war).
Researchers from the 'Double Chooz' Collaboration in France have achieved a breakthrough in nuclear non-proliferation by measuring the signature of neutrinos emitted by spent nuclear fuel. This allows remote verification of spent fuel inventory, crucial for preventing governments from secretly developing atom bombs. Traditionally, inspectors relied on cameras and close inspections. Neutrinos, being subatomic particles that interact weakly with matter, can be detected even from a distance. The team's measurement of neutrino energy levels provides a unique signature, enabling real-time estimation of plutonium content and detection of illicit fuel diversion.
Neutrinos can be used for remote detection and verification of spent nuclear fuel, aiding nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
This method offers an alternative to traditional on-site inspections using cameras.
The 'Double Chooz' Collaboration successfully measured the unique neutrino signature from spent nuclear fuel.