Overview Core Functions Key Organisations under MoSPI Important Statistical Outputs Recent Reforms & Initiatives Significance for Governance Challenges Consumer Price Index (CPI): What is CPI Why Base Year Matters Issues with the 2012 Base Year Perception vs Official Inflation New CPI Series (Base Year 2024) Implications for Policy Structural Limitation of CPI Overall Significance A regularly updated CPI is critical for aligning macroeconomic policy with everyday economic experience.
PNGRB Act 2006 (Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006)
Background Establishment of Regulator Composition of PNGRB Scope of the Act Key Functions of PNGRB Powers of PNGRB Key Provisions Exclusions Significance Challenges Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) Legal Basis and Establishment Nature of the Tribunal Composition Jurisdiction and Powers Functions Appeal Mechanism Significance in Energy Governance Contemporary Importance The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) acts as the apex specialised appellate authority ensuring legal certainty, regulatory discipline, and expert resolution of disputes in India’s electricity and downstream energy sectors.
Buddhist Councils
Buddhist Councils were formal assemblies convened to compile, preserve, interpret, and standardise the teachings of the Buddha (Dhamma) and monastic discipline (Vinaya), especially after his Mahaparinirvana. First Buddhist Council Key Outcomes Second Buddhist Council Key Issue Key Outcomes Third Buddhist Council Key Issues Key Outcomes Fourth Buddhist Council Two traditions exist regarding this council. Version 1 (Sri Lankan / Theravada Tradition) Outcome Version 2 (Kushan / Mahayana Tradition) Outcome Council Period Place Patron President Major Outcome First c. 483 BCE Rajagriha Ajatashatru Mahakassapa Compilation of Sutta & Vinaya Second c. 383 BCE Vaishali Kalashoka Sabakami First schism Third c. 250 BCE Pataliputra Ashoka Moggaliputta Tissa Abhidhamma, missionary expansion Fourth (Theravada) c. 29–17 BCE Sri Lanka Vattagamani — Tripitaka written Fourth (Mahayana) c. 1st–2nd CE Kashmir Kanishka Vasumitra Mahayana codification
Kushan Empire
Overview About the Kushan Empire History and Expansion Famous Kushan Rulers 1) Kujula Kadphises (Kadphises I) 2) Wima Kadphises (Kadphises II) 3) Kanishka (Most Powerful) 4) Huvishka 5) Vasudeva I Administration Economy Agriculture Coinage Trade Merchant Classes Crafts and Occupations (Terms) Religion Art, Architecture, Literature Art and Architecture (General) Literature and Scholars Gandhara Art (Key Features) Mathura Art (Key Features) Decline
Army Day 2026
What is Army Day? Historical Background Constitutional Context Significance of Army Day Indian Army: Key Facts Army Day and Modernisation
G7 Countries (Group of Seven Countries)
What is G7? Members European Union Origin of G7 Significance of G7 Grouping of Advanced Economies Platform for Global Issues Norm-Setting Role Crisis Coordination Forum Challenges Faced by G7 Declining Representativeness Implementation Gap Historical Responsibility Internal Divisions Competition from Other Forums India and the G7 Significance of India’s Association Key Areas of Engagement Voice of Global South Challenges in India–G7 Engagement Way Forward
Degressive Proportionality
Core Features Application of Degressive Proportionality European Union Rationale Behind Degressive Proportionality Degressive Proportionality and Proportional Representation Indian Context Rajya Sabha and Degressive Logic Criticism Advantages
Granth Kutir Inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan to Preserve Heritage
Granth Kutir • A library and archival space Inaugurated by • President Droupadi Murmu Location • Rashtrapati Bhavan Purpose • Preserve and showcase India’s cultural, literary, philosophical and intellectual heritage Languages covered (11 classical) • Tamil• Sanskrit• Kannada• Malayalam• Odia• Marathi• Pali• Prakrit• Assamese• Bengali• Others as notified Collection size • ~2,300 books• ~50 manuscripts
India-EU Relations to Upgrade as Trade Talks Continue
Context India and the European Union are set to upgrade their strategic partnership during the India-EU Summit, while negotiations on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) continue. Key Points of Difference Russia–Ukraine context • EU: Critical of Russia, expects alignment• India: Strategic autonomy Zapad-2025 military exercise • EU concern over India’s association• India: Defence decisions are sovereign Oil trade with Russia • EU criticism of discounted crude imports• India: Energy security priority What still moves forward • Continued FTA negotiations• New Defence and Security Partnership• Cooperation on technology, supply chains, critical minerals, climate, mobility IMEC – India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor What it is • Connectivity and trade corridor announced at G20 Countries involved • India• Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia (Israel as key link)• Europe: EU Components • Rail, ports, shipping routes• Energy pipelines• Digital cables Significance • Faster India-Europe trade• Supply-chain resilience• Strategic counterweight to China-centric corridors
ACC Battery PLI Scheme Faces Hurdles in Domestic Manufacturing Push
Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) • New-age batteries (mainly lithium-ion)• High energy density, longer life• Used in EVs and grid storage Lead-acid Battery • Old technology• Low energy density• Shorter life• Used in cars and inverters Scheme Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage Ministry Ministry of Heavy Industries Objective • Domestic battery cell manufacturing• Reduce imports• Support EV and renewable energy Financial Outlay ₹18,100 crore Manufacturing Target 50 GWh ACC battery cell capacity Eligibility Conditions • Minimum investment: ₹1,100 crore• Local value addition: 25% (2 years) → 60% (5 years) Progress / Achievement • Bids awarded for 50 GWh• ~30 GWh effectively allocated• Limited commercial production started Key Issues • Technology dependence• Import of critical minerals• Skilled manpower and ecosystem gaps
