Daily Current Affairs Archives | Page 7 of 24

Women Reservation Bill Amendments 2026: Key Highlights

Why in News?

Union Cabinet has approved amendments to fast-track the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam).

This move aims to ensure 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies by the 2029 General Elections, instead of delaying it further.

Key Amendments Approved by Cabinet

Early Implementation:

Reservation will now be implemented in 2029 General Elections. Based on 2011 Census data
Earlier provision:
- Required new Census + delimitation
- Likely delay till 2034

Expansion of Lok Sabha Seats

Current strength: 543 seats
Proposed increase: 816 seats (≈50% rise)

Expansion linked to population changes & representation balance

Reservation for Women

Out of 816 seats:
- 273 seats reserved for women (33%)

Delimitation Based on 2011 Census

Constituencies will be redrawn using: 2011 Census of India

To know more about Women Reservation act, Click here

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New CPI Series 2024 Explained:

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has introduced a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with base year 2024=100. According to the latest data, India’s retail inflation stood at 2.75% in January 2026 (year-on-year), reflecting changes in consumption patterns and economic structure.

What is CPI?

Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change in prices of goods and services consumed by households.
It is the most important indicator of inflation in India.
Used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for monetary policy decisions.

Key Changes in New CPI Series (Base Year 2024)

1. Change in Base Year

Updated from 2012 → 2024
Reflects latest consumption patterns of households.

2. Weight Realignment

Reduced weight: Food & beverages
Increased weight: Services, Housing

3. Expanded Consumption Basket

Total items increased:
- From 299 → 358 items
  - 308 goods
  - 50 services

4. New Items Added

Online streaming services , Rural housing , Value-added dairy products, Babysitting services, Fitness equipment

5. Inclusion of Rural House Rent

First-time inclusion
Improves representation of rural consumption patterns

6. Updated Classification System

Now follows COICOP 2018 classification
Shift:
- From 6 groups → 12 divisions

To know more about Consumer Price Index from exam point of view, Click here

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Telangana’s Bharat Future City Project: NGT Refuses to Grant Stay:

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Why in News:

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has refused to halt Telangana’sBharat Future City project, proposed over nearly 30,000 acres

The petitioner alleged: Mandatory approvals were not obtained before starting activities and bypassed procedures under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework

What is the Bharat Future City Project?

A large-scale urban development project proposed by the Telangana government
Spread across ~30,000 acres in 56 revenue villages covering 7 mandals
Located between Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar highways
Envisioned as a modern urban hub with infrastructure and economic activities

About NGT

Established under the NGT Act, 2010
A specialized environmental court for speedy justice

Key Features

Chairperson: Retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court
Tenure: 5 years (no reappointment)
Nature of Proceedings:
- Follows principles of natural justice
- Not strictly bound by the Code of Civil Procedure
Time Limit:
- Aims to dispose cases within 6 months
Jurisdiction:
- Covers major environmental laws (Schedule I)
- Excludes:
  - Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
  - Forest Rights Act, 2006
Appeal Mechanism:
- Decisions can be appealed in the Supreme Court within 90 days

To know more about National Green Tribunal from exam point of view, Click here

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Kali Tiger Reserve ESZ: Draft Notification Issued

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The Union Ministry of Environment has issued a draft notification to declare an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka

What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)?

Eco-Sensitive Zones are buffer areas created around protected regions like: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves

Purpose:

Act as a shock absorber between protected areas and human activities
Reduce environmental pressure
Promote sustainable development

Legal & Statutory Basis

Declared under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Though the term “ESZ” is not directly mentioned in the Act, it is notified through rules under it.

Extent of ESZ

Generally extends up to 10 km from the boundary of protected areas
However, it is flexible depending on: Ecological sensitivity, Population density and local conditions.

Activities in ESZ

Prohibited Activities:

Commercial mining
Setting up sawmills
Large hydroelectric projects

Regulated Activities:

Tourism
Road expansion
Construction activities

Permitted Activities:

Eco-friendly practices
Organic farming
Sustainable livelihood activities

To know more about Eco sensitive zones from exam point of view, Click here

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RBI Keeps Repo Rate at 5.25% – MPC Maintains Neutral Stance

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Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its first monetary policy meeting of FY 2026–27, decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%. The decision was taken unanimously by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) under Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The RBI also retained its ‘neutral’ policy stance, indicating flexibility in future actions

Key Highlights of Monetary Policy (FY27)

Repo Rate: 5.25%
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5.00%
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 5.50%
Bank Rate: 5.50%

These rates are crucial tools used by RBI to regulate liquidity and inflation in the economy.

What is Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)?

Established under the RBI Act, 1934 (amended in 2016)
Composition: 6 Members
- 3 from RBI
- 3 nominated by Government of India
Chairperson: RBI Governor
Meetings: At least 4 times a year

Objective:

Maintain price stability
Achieve inflation target of 4% (±2%)
Support economic growth

What is Neutral Policy Stance?

A neutral stance means RBI is not biased toward increasing or decreasing interest rates.

Key Features:

Equal focus on inflation control and growth
Decisions depend on future economic data
Provides policy flexibility

Important Policy Rates

Repo Rate

Repo (Repurchase Option) Rate is the rate at which RBI lends money to commercial banks.

Impact:

Increase in Repo Rate:
- Loans become expensive
- Reduces money supply
- Controls inflation
Decrease in Repo Rate:
- Loans become cheaper
- Boosts investment & consumption
- Promotes economic growth

SDF (Standing Deposit Facility):

Rate at which banks deposit surplus funds with RBI (without collateral)

MSF (Marginal Standing Facility):

Emergency borrowing window for banks from RBI

Bank Rate:

Long-term lending rate of RBI

To know more about Monetary Policy committee from exam point of view, Click here

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PLFS 2025: Key Highlights of India’s Labour Data

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Why in News:

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2025, providing crucial insights into employment trends in India

Key Findings of PLFS 2025

Unemployment Rate (UR): Remained stable at 3.1%
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Stood at 59.3%
- Indicates proportion of people working or seeking work
Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Recorded at 57.4%
- Shows percentage of employed population

What is PLFS?

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is India’s main survey for employment and unemployment data.
Launched in 2017.
Conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI.

Frequency of PLFS

Quarterly Reports:
- For urban areas
- Based on Current Weekly Status (CWS)
Annual Reports:
- For both rural and urban areas
- Based on Usual Status

To know more about Periodic Labour Force survey, Click here

PLFS 2025: Key Highlights of India’s Labour Data Read More »

Iran Threatens Closure of Bab al-Mandeb Strait

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Why in News:

Iran has warned that its regional allies may block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, escalating tensions in a crucial global maritime route. This comes amid disruptions already seen in the Strait of Hormuz, raising serious concerns about global trade and energy security.

Bab al-Mandeb Strait

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, meaning “Gate of Tears” in Arabic, is a vital maritime chokepoint.

Connects:

Red Sea (northwest)
Gulf of Aden & Indian Ocean (southeast)

Bordering Countries:

Yemen (Arabian Peninsula – Northeast)
Djibouti & Eritrea (Africa – Southwest)

Strategic & Economic Importance

Global Trade Route

Acts as a key link between:
- Mediterranean Sea → Suez Canal → Red Sea → Indian Ocean
Essential for trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa

Energy Security

Around 12% of global seaborne oil trade passes through
About 8% of global LNG shipments transit this route

Impact of Possible Closure

Ships may reroute via Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
Leads to: Longer travel time, Higher fuel and logistics costs and worsen inflation and energy crisis globally

For more current affairs on International relations, Click here

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India Leads in Nagoya Protocol Compliance Certificates

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Why in News?

India has emerged as a global leader in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol, contributing over 56% of all certificates worldwide.

What are IRCCs?

IRCC (Internationally Recognized Certificate of Compliance):
- A digital certificate issued under the Nagoya Protocol
- Confirms that access to genetic resources is:
  - Legal
  - Approved by authorities
  - Based on agreed benefit-sharing terms

Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (2010)

The Nagoya Protocol (2010) is a legally binding international agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that ensures fair sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

It aims to prevent biopiracy by requiring users to obtain Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and establish Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) with the provider country, ensuring benefits like royalties or research results are shared.
IRCCs are issued under this protocol

To know more about Convention on Biological Diversity, Click here

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Iran War and Stagflation Risks

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Why in News?

The ongoing Iran War (2026) has created disruptions in global energy supplies, especially oil. This has raised concerns among economists about a possible stagflation scenario, which combines inflation with economic slowdown.

What is Stagflation?

Stagflation is a rare economic condition where:
- Economic growth is slow or stagnant
- Unemployment is high
- Inflation is high simultaneously

Impact of Iran War on Global Economy

The conflict has affected oil supply routes and production.
Leads to increase in global crude oil prices.
Causes higher fuel and transportation costs worldwide.
Triggers inflationary pressures in many countries.
May slow down global economic growth due to rising costs.

To understand more about Stagflation, Click here

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Defence ministry clears ₹39,000 Cr Ghatak Stealth Drone Project

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Why in News?

India has taken a major step in strengthening its defence capabilities by approving a ₹39,000 crore project to develop advanced stealth drones. These drones, known as Ghatak, will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strike capabilities using indigenous technology.

What is the Ghatak Project?

The Ghatak is an unmanned stealth combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
It is also referred to as the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Designed mainly for deep penetration strike missions in hostile territories.

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