Economy Current Affairs
Daily Economy current affairs for UPSC and SSC — short India revision notes with why in news, key facts, prelims pointers, and mains angles.
Updated · UPSC & SSC
- Asianet NewsableFII Holding in Indian Firms Hits 14-Year Low of 15.88%FII holding in Indian companies has dropped to a 14-year low of 15.88% as of June 30, 2026, following outflows of Rs 1.43 lakh crore. This marks a significant shift in market ownership, with domestic investors increasing their stake to record levels.Economy · Securities Market
- First PostIran-Oman Temporary Shipping Route in Strait of Hormuz: Key FactsIran and Oman are finalising a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safer navigation after recent Iran-US conflict disrupted shipping. The proposal includes joint maritime management and service fees instead of transit tolls. This development is crucial for global energy security as the strait carries about 20% of global petroleum and 25% of global LNG shipments.International Relations · Economy · Security
- Asianet Newsable8th Pay Commission: Employees Demand Rs 26,000 Minimum Pay, OPSCentral government employees are actively pushing for the formation of the 8th Pay Commission, presenting a list of eight major demands. These demands include a guaranteed Old Pension Scheme, a minimum wage of Rs 26,000, and implementation of new pay scales from January 2026. This is significant as it could affect millions of government employees and pensioners.Polity · Economy
- Asianet NewsableCabinet Approves Two J&K Tunnels for All-Weather ConnectivityThe Union Cabinet has approved the construction of two strategic tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir – Sudhmahadev-Dranga and Singhpora-Vailoo. This approval is significant as it aims to provide all-weather connectivity to the region, which has been a long-standing demand to mitigate winter isolation and boost economic activity.Infrastructure · Economy
- Hindustan TimesprelimsFSSAI Bans Dabur's '100%' Claims on 7 ProductsThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a prohibition order against Dabur India Ltd for using misleading '100%' claims on several food products. This action follows Dabur's failure to respond to previous notices, highlighting the regulator's crackdown on false advertising.Polity · Economy
- Hindustan TimesKejriwal Leads Protest Against E20 Petrol; Govt Defends Policy in ParliamentAAP leader Arvind Kejriwal is leading a protest march to PM Modi's residence against E20 petrol, alleging the policy is flawed and influenced by US pressure. The government, through Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has defended the policy in Parliament, highlighting its environmental benefits. This clash brings the ethanol blending policy into sharp focus, with implications for fuel economy, vehicle compatibility, and energy security.Polity · Economy · IR
- PIBGI Tags: Boosting Traditional Wealth into Global BrandsThe PIB release highlights the role of Geographical Indication (GI) tags in transforming traditional Indian products into globally recognized brands. It underscores the economic and cultural significance of GI tags in the current push for self-reliant India and export promotion.Polity · Economy
- NDTVmainsTrump Warns Iran of 'Last Chance' on Hormuz and Nuclear DealUS President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, calling it a 'last chance' to reach a deal on the Strait of Hormuz and denuclearization. This comes amid ongoing tensions and reports of negotiations, though Tehran denies talks are underway. The statement has significant implications for global oil prices and regional stability.International Relations · Economy
- Hindustan TimesParliament Live: Sitharaman to Introduce Taxation Bill; Congress Seeks Anti-Defection Law DiscussionOn August 4, 2026, during the Monsoon Session, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha. Simultaneously, Congress MP Manish Tewari has submitted an adjournment motion notice seeking a discussion on a new anti-defection law to curb mass political defections.Polity · Economy
- Times of IndiaprelimsFSSAI Bars Dabur from Selling Products with '100%' ClaimsThe FSSAI has prohibited Dabur India from selling several food products carrying '100 per cent' claims, calling them misleading. This is part of a broader crackdown on deceptive food labelling and advertising, and Dabur is reviewing the notice.Polity · Economy · Science & Tech
- Hindustan TimesPunjab Youth Unemployment Eases but Remains Above National Average: CentreThe Union government informed the Lok Sabha that Punjab's youth unemployment rate, though declining, remains significantly higher than the national average. This comes amid concerns over industrial decline and rising emigration from the state, prompting a parliamentary question from Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal.Polity · Economy
- Hindustan TimesDelhi's New Solar Policy to Cut Rooftop Installation Cost to ₹15,000The Delhi government is finalizing a new solar policy to drastically reduce the upfront cost of rooftop solar installations for households. This move aims to boost solar adoption in the capital by complementing the central PM Surya Ghar scheme with additional financial support.IR · Economy
- Hindustan TimesIT Panel Chief Warns Meta Could Lose Safe Harbour Over Modi Reel RemovalThe chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, Nishikant Dubey, warned that Meta could lose its safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act if CEO Mark Zuckerberg does not apologise for the temporary removal of PM Modi's Facebook reel. The incident has sparked a confrontation between the government and social media platforms over content moderation.Polity · Economy
- First PostGlobal Roundup: Trump Tariffs, Iran Talks, Russia Drone Strike, India CensusThis compilation covers major global developments including a US lawsuit against Trump's tariffs, renewed Iran negotiations, a deadly drone strike in Russia, and India's upcoming census phase with caste enumeration. These stories are crucial for understanding current international relations, security, and domestic policy shifts.International Relations · Polity · Economy · Security
- First Post25 US States Sue to Block Trump Tariffs on India and 59 Other NationsA coalition of 25 Democratic-led US states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block tariffs imposed on India and 59 other trading partners. The states argue the tariffs are unlawful and an attempt to bypass earlier court rulings, including a Supreme Court decision. This legal challenge could impact US trade policy and India's exports.International Relations · Economy
- Times of IndiamainsCEA Nageswaran: 'Free' is the most expensive word in public policyChief Economic Adviser Anantha Nageswaran made a significant statement at the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Summit, warning that infrastructure projects based on free or below-cost services cannot attract patient capital. His remarks highlight a core fiscal and policy challenge for India's infrastructure development.Economy · Infrastructure
- Times of IndiaParliamentary Panel Recommends Lowering MD Age to 18, Raising Max to 75A joint parliamentary panel examining amendments to the Companies Act has recommended lowering the minimum age for managing directors and whole-time directors from 21 to 18 years, aligning with global practices. It also suggests raising the maximum age to 75 without a special resolution, and proposes special NCLT benches for insolvency cases. These recommendations, if enacted, would significantly impact corporate governance and board composition in India.Polity · Economy
- Times of IndiaTax Law Amendments to Boost Electronics Manufacturing and Foreign InvestmentFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce further amendments to tax laws, building on an earlier Ordinance that offered concessions to overseas investors in government bonds. The proposed bill aims to extend tax exemptions for specified electronic goods by ten years and introduce new exemptions for storing and selling electronic components, signaling a shift towards long-term competitiveness and attracting global capital.Economy · Government Policies and Interventions
- Times of IndiaGovernment to Sell Up to 6.5% Stake in LIC, Raise Rs 31,400 CroreThe government is launching an offer for sale (OFS) to divest up to 6.5% of its stake in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to meet minimum public shareholding norms ahead of schedule. This move is significant as it is the largest OFS for divestment in India and will boost the government's disinvestment kitty, helping it meet its annual target.Economy · Polity
- Times of IndiaLow-Cost Asean Imports Worry Indian Medical Device MakersAn anti-dumping probe into dialyser imports from China and Malaysia has highlighted growing concerns over low-priced medical device imports, especially in segments where India has built manufacturing capacity. Imports from Asean rose 14% to nearly Rs 13,000 crore in FY25-26, undermining domestic manufacturers despite PLI incentives.Government Policies & Interventions · Economy · Industry & Infrastructure · International Relations
- Times of IndiaCensus 2027 Phase 2 to Begin Aug 17, Capture Caste and Parents' Birth DetailsThe second phase of Census 2027, which will collect caste data for the first time since 1931, is set to begin on August 17 in snow-bound areas. This phase will also record parents' birth details, which are key for determining citizenship. The move is significant as it could impact citizenship verification and policy-making.Society · Governance · Economy
- Times of IndiaUPS Attracts Only 4% of NPS Subscribers; Government Extends DeadlineThe Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for central government employees has seen low adoption, with only 4.3% of National Pension System (NPS) subscribers opting for it. The government has extended the migration deadline to November 30, 2025, and clarified that no changes or replacement of UPS are under consideration.Polity · Economy
- Times of IndiaParliamentary Panel Demands Zuckerberg Apology Over Modi Video RemovalA parliamentary committee has rejected Meta's apology for taking down a video of PM Modi and demanded a personal apology from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, warning of removal of safe harbour protection if he fails to comply. The committee also questioned social media platforms over algorithms and unlawful content, including CSAM and deepfake scams.Polity · Economy
- Times of IndiaSamyukt Kisan Morcha to Restart Protests from Nov 26 with Seven DemandsThe Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer groups, has announced it will restart protests at 100 locations across India, including Delhi, from November 26. This comes after the success of student protests at Jantar Mantar, indicating a renewed phase of agrarian and social agitation.Polity · Economy · Agriculture
- NDTVmains25 US States Sue Trump Over Tariffs as Pretext for Struck-Down TaxesTwenty-five US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its latest tariffs, alleging they are a pretext to replace import taxes that the Supreme Court struck down in February. This legal challenge highlights ongoing tensions over trade policy and executive authority in the US.International Relations · Economy
- Times of IndiaprelimsFSSAI Bans Rum/Whisky Flavours in Neutral Alcohol SpiritsThe FSSAI has prohibited the addition of rum or whisky flavour to alcoholic beverages, citing consumer deception and misrepresentation. This action follows inspections that found manufacturers using neutral alcohol with added identical flavouring substances. The regulator has banned sale of products from several companies and issued notices to others.Polity · Economy
- Times of IndiaSC Expands Section 498A to Cover Live-in RelationshipsThe Supreme Court has ruled that Section 498A of the IPC (now Section 85 of BNS) applies to live-in relationships that are in the nature of marriage, extending legal protection against cruelty to unmarried women. This decision adapts the law to changing societal norms and addresses the reality of live-in relationships, particularly in urban areas. It is significant for women's rights and criminal law, as it clarifies the scope of a key provision.Polity · Social Justice · Economy
- NDTVmainsStrait of Hormuz Reopening: Trump Claims Iran Talks, Averts Military ActionUS President Donald Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen by tomorrow amid ongoing talks with Iran. He also revealed that Washington was prepared for a major military operation against Iran before diplomatic interventions from regional countries. This development is significant for global oil supply and regional stability.International Relations · Economy · India and the World
- Asianet NewsableTrump Announces Talks to Reopen Strait of Hormuz and Iran DenuclearisationUS President Donald Trump has announced that talks with Iran are underway to reopen the Strait of Hormuz 'by tomorrow' as Phase 1, with Phase 2 focusing on Iran's denuclearisation. This development is significant as it could impact global oil prices and maritime security, and it comes amid heightened tensions in the region.International Relations · Security · Economy
- Asianet NewsablePanel Chair Demands Zuckerberg Apology Over PM Modi Video RemovalThe Chair of a Parliamentary Committee, Nishikant Dubey, has publicly demanded an apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for removing a video of Prime Minister Modi. He warned that failure to apologize could lead to withdrawal of Meta's safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, escalating tensions between the Indian government and social media platforms.Polity · Economy
- Hindustan TimesmainsTrump Claims Iran Talks Underway; Tehran Denies NegotiationsUS President Donald Trump stated on Monday that talks with Iran were ongoing, calling it a 'last chance' for Tehran to sign a deal to end the five-month-old war. Iran's foreign ministry denied any negotiations, highlighting the lack of diplomatic progress. This comes after Trump called off 'massive attacks' on Iran, continuing a pattern of threats and retreats.International Relations · Economy
- NDTVprelimsIBM Report: India Data Breach Cost Up 16% to Rs 25.5 CroreIBM's latest report reveals a significant 16% increase in the average cost of data breaches in India, reaching Rs 25.5 crore. This highlights the growing financial impact of cyber incidents on Indian organizations and underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.Security · Economy
- NDTVprelimsFSSAI Bans Dabur's '100%' Claims on Honey, Coconut OilFSSAI has issued a prohibition order against Dabur India Ltd for selling food products with misleading '100%' claims. This action highlights the regulator's crackdown on false advertising in the food industry.Polity · Economy
- NDTVUS Defence Faces Rare Earth Magnet Challenge Without ChinaThe US defence sector is heavily dependent on China for rare earth magnets, particularly samarium, and is now facing the challenge of building weapons without them. This highlights a critical vulnerability in the US supply chain and has implications for global defence and technology competition.Science & Tech · Defence · International Relations · Economy
- Asianet NewsableprelimsGovt Hikes Windfall Tax on Petrol, Diesel, ATF ExportsThe government has increased the special additional excise duty (SAED) on exports of petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to manage domestic supply amid volatile global crude oil prices. This move is significant as it directly impacts fuel exports and domestic availability.Economy · Government Policies
- Times of IndiaprelimsFSSAI Suspends Water Firm's Licence, Bans Dietary SupplementFSSAI has taken two separate enforcement actions against food businesses for serious violations. The licence of a Tripura-based packaged drinking water manufacturer was suspended, and a Punjab-based dietary supplement was banned from sale. These actions highlight FSSAI's regulatory vigilance in ensuring food safety and compliance.Polity · Economy
- Asianet NewsableAssam CM Launches Rs 15,000 DBT Aid for Flood-Hit FamiliesAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has initiated the disbursement of Rs 15,000 interim financial aid to flood-affected families in four districts. This move is significant as it provides immediate relief through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and also includes subsidies under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, highlighting the government's response to the annual flood crisis.Governance · Disaster Management · Economy
- Asianet NewsablemainsParliamentary Panel Questions Meta Over Removal of PM Modi's PostThe Parliamentary Committee on Communications and IT, led by Nishikant Dubey, has summoned Meta to explain the temporary removal of PM Modi's Facebook post on the NEET exam. The panel rejected Meta's 'technical error' reasoning, calling it unacceptable and demanding a detailed explanation. This raises questions about the accountability of social media intermediaries in India.Polity · Economy · Governance
- Hindustan TimesFSSAI Bans Dabur's '100%' Claims on Food ProductsFSSAI has issued a prohibition order against Dabur India for selling food products with misleading '100%' claims, such as '100% Natural' and '100% Pure'. This action highlights the regulator's crackdown on false advertising and its commitment to enforcing food safety regulations.Polity · Economy
- PIBEnrollment in IITs, IIMs, IISERs, Central Universities: AISHE 2023-24 DataThe Ministry of Education released data on student enrollment in premier higher education institutions (IITs, IIMs, IISERs, Central Universities) based on AISHE 2023-24. The data shows an increase in SC/ST/OBC enrollment share compared to 2014-15, highlighting progress in social inclusion. This is significant for UPSC as it relates to reservation policy, NEP 2020 implementation, and government schemes for higher education.Polity · Social Justice · Economy
- PIBHandloom Technology Centre of Excellence Inaugurated at IIT DelhiUnion Textile Minister Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Handloom Technology Centre of Excellence (CoE-HT) at IIT Delhi on August 3, 2026. This marks a significant step in modernizing India's handloom sector through technology, innovation, and research. The event also saw the launch of five major initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in the handloom sector.Polity · Economy
- Times of IndiaSKM to Restart Farmers' Protests at 100 Locations from November 26The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced it will restart farmers' protests at 100 locations across India, including Delhi, starting November 26. This date marks the sixth anniversary of the year-long farmers' protest that led to the repeal of three farm laws in December 2021. The protests aim to press for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other demands.Polity · Economy · Agriculture
- Times of IndiaCentre Raises Windfall Tax on Petrol, Diesel, ATF Exports from August 3The Indian government has increased the windfall tax on exports of petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) effective from August 3, 2026. This revision aims to address supply chain disruptions and price gaps caused by global conflicts, while keeping domestic fuel prices stable.Government Policies & Interventions · Economy · Security
- PIBprelimsPM POSHAN Scheme: Nutritional Equivalence of OptionsThe Ministry of Education recently informed Lok Sabha about the nutritional equivalence of options under the PM POSHAN scheme. This update is relevant for understanding the scheme's implementation and standards.Polity · Social Justice · Economy
- PIBBRICS NSO Heads Meeting on Quality Statistics as Driver of TransformationThe two-day meeting of heads of National Statistical Offices (NSOs) of BRICS countries began on August 3, 2026, in Lucknow, India, under India's chairmanship. The meeting focuses on 'Quality Statistics as a Driver of Transformation' and includes over 350 participants. It aims to strengthen cooperation in official statistics among BRICS members.International Relations · Economy · Science and Technology
- PIBPM Shram Yogi Maandhan: 54 Lakh Beneficiaries Registered, Pension Scheme for Unorganized WorkersThe Ministry of Labour and Employment announced that over 54 lakh beneficiaries have registered under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme across India as of July 29, 2026. This update highlights the scheme's reach and the government's efforts to provide old-age security to unorganized sector workers.Social Justice · Economy