LEGAL NEWS

Cabinet Approves Amendments to Fast-Track Women’s Reservation in Parliament

• The Union Cabinet has cleared major Constitutional amendments to speed up 33% women’s reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

• This step is aimed at early implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for stronger political representation of women.

• The decision has been taken ahead of a proposed special session of Parliament, indicating urgency in passing the reform.

• The proposal seeks to remove delays caused by the delimitation-linked condition attached to the reservation law.

• For quicker rollout, the government plans to use the 2011 Census data instead of waiting for future census figures.

• A Delimitation Bill has also been approved, which includes a plan to expand the number of seats in legislatures.

• The Lok Sabha strength may increase from 543 to 816, with nearly 273 seats likely reserved for women.

• The government has assured that southern states’ interests will be protected, and the reform is expected to strengthen inclusive governance and gender equality.

IMPORTANT DAYS

Poshan Pakhwada 2026 Launched to Strengthen Nutrition Awareness

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched Poshan Pakhwada 2026 from 9 April 2026.

• This is the 8th edition of the nationwide nutrition awareness campaign.

• The programme aims to improve nutrition levels across India, especially among children and mothers.

• It highlights the importance of balanced diet and proper nourishment during early childhood.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Poshan Abhiyaan as a people-led mass movement.

• The theme of Poshan Pakhwada 2026 focuses on maximising brain development during the first six years of life.

• Special emphasis is placed on the first 1,000 days, which are considered the most critical for physical and mental growth.

• Activities will be conducted across all States and Union Territories, mainly through Anganwadi Centres.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India–Turkey 12th Foreign Office Consultations Held in New Delhi

• The 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Turkey was held in New Delhi.

• Both sides reviewed the current status of bilateral relations in a detailed manner.

• Discussions covered cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and technology.

• Important sectors like energy, education, and cultural exchanges were also included in the talks.

• Emphasis was placed on enhancing people-to-people ties between the two countries.

• Issues related to countering cross-border terrorism were discussed during the consultations.

• Delegations exchanged views on major regional and global developments.

• The Indian side was led by Sibi George (Secretary West), while Turkey was represented by Berris Ekinci (Deputy Foreign Minister), and the last round was held in June 2022 in Ankara.

NATIONAL NEWS

International Election Visitors’ Program (IEVP) 2026 Launched by ECI

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the International Election Visitors’ Program (IEVP) 2026 in New Delhi.

• The programme was inaugurated under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with other Election Commissioners.

• It aims to provide foreign delegates with first-hand exposure to India’s election management system and best practices.

• 43 international delegates from 23 countries, along with officials from five foreign missions in Delhi, are participating.

• In the first phase (8–9 April), election observation visits have been planned for Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.

• In the second phase (from 20 April), the delegation will visit West Bengal and Tamil Nadu for further electoral field exposure.

• Delegates are being introduced to India’s institutional election framework, including transparency tools and operational procedures.

• The initiative is intended to strengthen global electoral cooperation and highlight India’s capability in conducting large-scale democratic elections.

Temporary Reduction in Aviation Charges Announced by Civil Aviation Ministry

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a temporary cut in aviation charges to support domestic airlines.

• Landing and parking charges for domestic carriers will be reduced by 25%.

• This reduction will remain applicable for a period of three months.

• Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the main objective is to make air travel more affordable for passengers.

• The decision has been taken amid global disruptions in the aviation sector.

• Airlines are facing pressure due to rising fuel prices and increased operational challenges.

• Frequent flight cancellations have further impacted airline functioning, prompting government intervention.

• The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been directed to implement the reduced charges across the airports under their jurisdiction.

ECONOMY NEWS

World Bank Raises India’s Economic Growth Forecast

• The World Bank has increased India’s growth forecast for the current financial year from 6.3% to 6.6%, indicating an improved outlook.

• The upward revision has been attributed mainly to strong domestic demand and the positive impact of free trade agreements.

• India has been projected as the main growth driver of South Asia, reflecting its leading role in the region.

• Economic growth is estimated to have risen from 7.1% in FY 2025 to 7.6% in FY 2026, supported by demand and export resilience.

• Private consumption has remained strong due to low inflation and GST rate rationalisation.

• Consumer demand is expected to stay supported in the first half of FY 2027, aided by further GST rate reductions.

• However, inflation risks remain due to high global energy prices, which could reduce household disposable income.

• The report highlighted that tariff reductions and trade agreements with partners like the UK and EU are strengthening regional growth, as noted by World Bank Vice President Johannes Zutt.

RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged; GDP Growth Projected at 6.9%

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its latest monetary policy review.

• The decision was taken unanimously by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) chaired by Sanjay Malhotra.

• RBI maintained a neutral policy stance, indicating a balanced approach amid uncertain economic trends.

• The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate remains at 5.00%, while the MSF rate and Bank Rate are unchanged at 5.50%.

• RBI has projected GDP growth at 6.9% for the current financial year, compared to an estimated 7.6% in the previous year.

• CPI inflation for the current fiscal has been forecast at 4.6%, showing moderate inflation expectations.

• Inflation risks were flagged due to high global energy prices and the possibility of El Niño-related weather disruptions.

• RBI adopted a cautious view on the West Asia conflict, warning that supply chain disruptions and higher freight/insurance costs may impact growth, while reiterating that the rupee remains market-determined with intervention only to curb extreme volatility.