Category: Economy

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has issued the NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines, 2025, providing a comprehensive framework for the implementation of the National Pension System Vatsalya (NPS Vatsalya). The scheme is aimed at inculcating a culture of savings, promoting financial literacy from an early age, and strengthening long-term financial planning among citizens. About NPS Vatsalya NPS Vatsalya is a contributory savings and long-term financial security scheme designed Read More …

The government has said that the Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Investment Fund has generated over 36,000 skilled and unskilled jobs, underscoring its role in reviving stalled housing projects and supporting employment. About SWAMIH Investment FundLaunched in November 2019, SWAMIH is a government-backed initiative aimed at providing last-mile financing to stalled affordable and mid-income housing projects. Social Impact Investment ModelThe fund is managed by SBI Ventures Limited, Read More …

The Delhi Government on 5 January signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), enabling the central bank to function as the banker, debt manager, and financial agent of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Key Features of the MoUAccording to the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office, the agreement will facilitate: Strengthening Fiscal ManagementThe MoU is expected to enhance efficiency, transparency, and discipline Read More …

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), in its report State Finances 2023–24, has raised concerns over the growing dependence of states on Ways and Means Advances (WMA)—short-term loans from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to bridge temporary mismatches between receipts and expenditure. Telangana Among Top WMA UsersTelangana was among three states—Telangana, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh—that together accounted for 62% of the total WMA, including overdrafts, availed by Read More …

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the First Advance Estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the financial year 2025–26, along with detailed expenditure components at both Constant (2011–12) Prices and Current Prices. Real GDP Growth OutlookAccording to the estimates, Real GDP is projected to grow by 7.4% in FY 2025–26, marking an improvement over the 6.5% growth recorded in Read More …

The first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) was held in Mumbai on 5 January 2026, under the chairmanship of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra. Board Constituted After Legislative AmendmentThe Payments Regulatory Board was constituted following amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007, which came into effect on 9 May 2025. These amendments brought significant changes to India’s payments regulatory architecture. Key Issues Read More …

India has introduced a new e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) to facilitate the entry of Chinese businessmen for specific business and industrial activities. The visa came into effect on January 1. Online Application Without Embassy VisitAccording to an advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Beijing, applicants can apply for the e-B-4 Visa entirely online, without visiting the embassy or using agents. The visa is expected to be processed Read More …

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers (OPEC+) has agreed in principle to maintain steady oil output, deciding not to increase production levels for the early part of 2026 despite rising political tensions and widening geopolitical uncertainty. Eight Key Producers Hold CourseThe decision was taken during a virtual meeting involving eight major OPEC+ members — Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria and Read More …

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 6 January, lauded the successful commissioning of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (HPCL) Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) at the Visakh Refinery in Andhra Pradesh, calling it a decisive leap towards India’s energy security and self-reliance. Aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat VisionThe Prime Minister said the state-of-the-art facility strengthens India’s efforts to achieve energy independence, in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, by maximising value extraction Read More …

The Government of India introduced the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme with effect from April 1, 2010, marking a major policy reform in the fertilizer sector. The scheme aims to ensure the availability of fertilizers to farmers at affordable and fair prices, while promoting their balanced and efficient use. Core Framework of the NBS SchemeUnder the NBS regime, fertilizer subsidies are linked to the nutrient content rather than the product itself. Read More …

India has overtaken China to become the world’s largest producer of rice, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced in New Delhi. India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes, surpassing China’s 145.28 million tonnes, marking a significant milestone for Indian agriculture. Boost to Global Rice SupplyHighlighting India’s growing role in global food markets, the minister said the country is now a major supplier of rice overseas. India has nearly Read More …

India’s economy continues to record strong growth momentum, largely driven by robust domestic demand, despite persistent global challenges, according to the latest Financial Stability Report (FSR) released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). About the Financial Stability ReportThe FSR is a half-yearly publication of the RBI that incorporates inputs from all financial sector regulators. It presents the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council Read More …

The Union Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on January 1, 2026, unveiled its new logo and mascot, marking a significant step towards modernising the Ministry’s institutional identity and strengthening public outreach. Theme: “Data for Development” The newly launched logo reflects MoSPI’s core philosophy of “Data for Development”, underscoring the central role of official statistics in evidence-based policymaking, transparency, and nation-building. Symbolism of the New Logo Blend of Heritage Read More …