Current Affairs

News & Analysis · Indian Economy

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

22 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Bengaluru-Mysuru highway toll hiked again after three months

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has increased toll charges on the Bengaluru-Mysuru access-controlled highway (NH-275) for the second time in three months, effective July 21, 2026. The revised rates apply to various vehicle categories at the Kaniminike and Sheshagirihalli toll plazas. NHAI officials stated the hike is in accordance with a Toll Gazette Notification and applies to the Bengaluru-Nidaghatta section, which operates under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Commuters have expressed concern over the frequent increases.

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07 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis07 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Govt to sell 5% stake in Cochin Shipyard at ₹1,400/share via OFS

The Indian government is selling a 5% stake in Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) through an Offer for Sale (OFS) at a floor price of ₹1,400 per share. This move, managed by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), is part of the government's broader disinvestment strategy to achieve its budgeted target of ₹80,000 crore for the current fiscal year.

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06 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis06 Jul 2026thehindu.com

What new NPS withdrawal rules mean for retirement

The article details recent amendments by PFRDA to the National Pension System (NPS) exit/withdrawal norms. The mandatory annuity portion has been reduced from 40% to 20%, allowing subscribers to withdraw up to 80% of their corpus as a lump sum (up from 60%). Specific rules apply for smaller corpus sizes (up to ₹8 lakh and ₹8-12 lakh). A key point highlighted is that while more can be withdrawn, only 60% remains tax-exempt under Section 10(12A) of the Income Tax Act, meaning the additional 20% is taxable. The article also introduces the new Retirement Income Scheme (RIS), which allows gradual, systematic withdrawals (SLW or SUR) from the non-annuity portion, keeping the balance invested. RIS is compared to Mutual Fund Systematic Withdrawal Plans (MF SWP) regarding flexibility, cost, and tax treatment, offering subscribers more control over their retirement funds.

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04 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis04 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Govt. says ethanol blending backed by extensive trials and best practices as concerns linger despite clarifications

The article discusses the Indian government's defense of its ethanol blending program (EBP) amidst public concerns regarding engine corrosion and reduced mileage. The Petroleum Ministry clarified that extensive field trials by bodies like ARAI, IIP, SIAM, and Indian Oil in 2014 found no significant negative effects with 20% ethanol blend (E20), which was formally launched in Feb 2023 and achieved 19.99% blending by Dec 2025. The Ministry highlighted ethanol's high octane number and superior anti-knock characteristics, citing international best practices (e.g., Brazil's 27% blending). It also emphasized the program's economic benefits, including substituting crude oil, expediting farmer payments, and saving foreign exchange. Political figures like Arvind Kejriwal and Tehseen Poonawalla have raised concerns and called for a review of the mandatory blending policy.

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03 July 2026

GS-2News & Analysis03 Jul 2026thehindu.com

PM Modi to make first official visit to New Zealand next week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to make his first official visit to New Zealand in 40 years, reflecting growing momentum in bilateral relations. The visit, from July 10-11, will involve discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on trade and investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sport, and global issues. A recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations, which aims to eliminate 95% of tariffs on goods from New Zealand, will be a key focus.

International Relations Indian Economy

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GS-3News & Analysis03 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Coal Ministry permits use of insurance surety bonds as replacement for bank guarantees

The Coal Ministry has permitted coal block allottees to use Insurance Surety Bonds (ISBs) as a replacement for Performance Bank Guarantees (PBGs) to fulfill their performance surety obligations. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on allottees, allowing for more efficient capital deployment in mine development and operations, while ensuring government interests remain protected. The directive also applies retrospectively to existing allottees.

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GS-3News & Analysis03 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Coal imports decline 13% in April

India's coal imports declined by 13% (3.14 million tonnes) in April, reducing overall dependence on imported coal from 21.7% to 19.7% of total consumption. This decline was particularly significant in the power sector and plants designed to run on imported coal. The Union Ministry of Coal attributed this trend to increased domestic coal production and offtake, strengthened First Mile Connectivity, close monitoring of thermal power plant stock, and coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Railways and Coal India Limited (CIL) to ensure assured supply to power utilities.

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02 July 2026

GS-2News & Analysis02 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Ireland pretty hopeful of signing of EU-India FTA by year end: Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly

The article highlights Ireland's optimism regarding the finalization of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly emphasized India's role as a crucial strategic partner for Europe, with the partnership extending beyond trade to areas like maritime security, digital commerce, research, connectivity, and resilient supply chains. EU Ambassador Herve Delphin also called for an end to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of maritime security in West Asia.

Indian Economy International Relations

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23 June 2026

GS-3News & Analysis23 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Rate cuts transmission moderated in May 2026: RBI

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) May 2026 bulletin highlighted that the transmission of recent rate cuts (March-April 2026) was uneven across sectors. It noted that private sector banks exhibited more pronounced pass-through to lending rates, while public sector banks showed stronger transmission to deposit rates. The report also indicated that credit growth continued to outpace deposit growth, a trend widening since August 2025.

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GS-3News & Analysis23 Jun 2026thehindu.com

RVNL to shape NMDC’s branded iron ore plans with ₹3,000 crore blending yard

State-owned miner NMDC has contracted Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) to establish a ₹3,000 crore blending yard in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This project, with a 10 million tonnes per annum capacity, is part of NMDC's plan to launch branded iron ore with fixed quality specifications, aiming to enhance blast furnace efficiency and command a market premium. NMDC, India's largest iron ore producer, expects to launch the product within three years and plans to invest ₹50,000 crore over the next few years to increase its iron ore mining capacity to 100 million tonnes by 2030. The Visakhapatnam location was chosen for its proximity to NMDC's Chhattisgarh mines and Gangavaram port.

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19 June 2026

GS-3News & Analysis19 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Tariff, investment regulation required with competition in power market: S&P Global

S&P Global researchers suggest that government regulation on tariffs and investments is crucial to complement competition in India's power market, especially for transmission and distribution, which are natural monopolies requiring substantial capital. The article highlights the concentration of large conglomerates in renewable power and advocates for incentivizing MSME investments. It also stresses the need for market structure and design reforms, linking energy reforms to geopolitical risks and their economic spillovers.

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GS-3News & Analysis19 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Direct tax mop-up grows over 14% to over ₹5.21 lakh crore on higher advance tax payments

India's net direct tax collection grew by 14.64% to over ₹5.21 lakh crore till June 17 of the current fiscal year, driven by higher advance tax payments from corporates. Net corporate tax collection increased by 22% to ₹2.08 lakh crore, while non-corporate tax (NCT) grew by 8% to ₹2.94 lakh crore. Securities Transaction Tax (STT) saw a significant 45% rise to ₹18,856 crore. Advance tax collection itself grew by 15.30%. Experts view this growth as an indicator of strong corporate sector performance, improved business confidence, and a positive sign for the government's fiscal deficit targets.

Indian Economy

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