The India - United States farm trade understanding allows limited imports of sorghum and distillers’ dried grains to support India’s rapidly growing animal feed demand while retaining the ban on genetically modified maize and soyabean to protect domestic farmers and biosafety standards. As India’s feed industry, producing about 60 million tonnes and valued at over ₹1.7 lakh crore, faces rising demand and productivity constraints, the agreement aims to balance feed security and cost stability with agricultural self-reliance, though concerns remain over future import dependence and the need to strengthen domestic crop productivity.
Click to View MoreThe Reserve Bank of India has increased the collateral-free loan limit for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh, with a possible extension up to ₹25 lakh for financially sound units. The measure aims to improve access to formal credit, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen financial inclusion, particularly for small businesses lacking assets to pledge. Supported by guarantee mechanisms such as the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises and aligned with schemes like the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme, the initiative is expected to boost employment, support business expansion, and enhance the role of the MSME sector in driving inclusive economic growth, while requiring prudent risk management by banks.
Click to View MoreThe Reserve Bank of India has proposed a new customer protection framework to compensate individuals up to ₹25,000 for losses arising from small-value digital frauds, reflecting the growing risks in India’s rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem. Along with revising the existing customer liability norms for unauthorised electronic transactions, the RBI plans to introduce measures such as enhanced authentication for high-risk users and additional safeguards to improve payment security. The central bank has also proposed draft guidelines to curb mis-selling of financial products, harmonise conduct norms for loan recovery agents, and strengthen institutional capacity through initiatives like Mission SAKSHAM for Urban Cooperative Banks. Collectively, these measures aim to enhance consumer trust, improve regulatory oversight, and ensure the safe, inclusive, and resilient growth of the digital financial system.
Click to View MoreThe Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and retained a neutral stance, citing a favourable macroeconomic environment. With inflation projected at 2.1% for FY26 and GDP growth expected at 7.4%, the central bank opted for a cautious pause to allow the impact of earlier rate cuts to transmit fully. The decision ensures stability in borrowing costs and EMIs while preserving policy flexibility to respond to risks such as global uncertainty, crude oil volatility, and potential inflationary pressures.
Click to View MoreIndia is gradually reducing its dependence on Russian crude amid global geopolitical pressures, but a complete halt remains unlikely due to discounted pricing, refinery compatibility, contractual commitments, and structural reliance of certain facilities. While increasing imports from the US and exploring options like Venezuela support diversification and reduce sanctions risk, higher logistics costs and limited alternative capacity pose challenges. India’s current strategy focuses on market-driven diversification, maintaining strategic autonomy, and strengthening long-term energy security through a broader supplier base and accelerated clean energy transition.
Click to View MoreMiniratna status is a government classification granted to profit-making Central Public Sector Enterprises with a positive net worth to provide them limited financial and operational autonomy. It enables faster decision-making, improves efficiency, supports regional and sectoral development, and serves as a stepping stone towards Navratna status, thereby strengthening the overall PSU reform framework in India.
Click to View MoreThe Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) is a Government of India initiative aimed at strengthening domestic production of electronic components and sub-assemblies to reduce import dependence and increase value addition within the country. With its outlay enhanced to ₹40,000 crore in the Union Budget 2026–27, the scheme supports investment, technology adoption, and integration into global value chains while complementing broader initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission. By promoting high-value manufacturing and job creation, ECMS plays a key role in India’s ambition to become a global hub for electronics manufacturing.
Click to View MoreThe 16th Finance Commission retained States’ 41% share, but controversy grows as the Centre’s rising use of non-shareable cesses and surcharges under Article 271 shrinks the effective divisible pool, raising federal trust concerns and prompting calls for constitutional reforms to strengthen cooperative fiscal federalism.
Click to View MoreThe Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has notified the Baggage Rules, 2026, raising duty-free limits for residents and tourists. The move supports ease of travel, consumption, and tourism, but raises enforcement challenges like valuation disputes and gold smuggling, requiring tech-enabled customs oversight.
Click to View MoreThe 16th Finance Commission backs 41% vertical devolution but reshapes horizontal criteria by adding States’ GDP contribution, balancing equity with performance. It proposes fiscal discipline through curbing off-budget borrowings, subsidy sunset clauses, and power reforms, while flagging cesses and surcharges as a key challenge to cooperative federalism.
Click to View MoreThe India - EU Free Trade Agreement is a landmark trade pact between India and the European Union that aims to deepen economic ties through extensive tariff reductions, expanded services access, and improved investment flows. The EU will provide preferential access covering nearly all of India’s export value, benefiting labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and marine products, while also opening opportunities in IT and professional services. At the same time, India will gradually lower tariffs on a large share of EU goods with safeguards for sensitive sectors. However, strict EU regulatory standards, sustainability norms, and carbon-related measures remain key challenges that could limit gains unless Indian industries upgrade compliance capacity. Overall, the agreement strengthens India’s integration with a major global market while requiring domestic reforms to fully realize its benefits.
Click to View MoreThe Jal Jeevan Mission has rapidly expanded tap water infrastructure in rural
India, achieving near-universal coverage of household connections. However,
recent assessments show that actual water supply, reliability, and quality lag
behind coverage figures, with many households not receiving regular or safe
water. Issues such as groundwater depletion, weak operation and
maintenance, and water contamination remain key challenges. The focus now
needs to shift from infrastructure creation to ensuring sustainable, reliable, and
community-managed rural drinking water services.
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