Summary of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the United Kingdom was signed on July 26, 2025, symbolizing a significant bilateral trade initiative between two large economies. Here are the key elements and implications of the agreement:

• Trade Liberalization: The U.K. has agreed to provide India with duty-free access to approximately 99% of its tariff lines, enhancing India’s export potential significantly. Conversely, India has reciprocated by opening around 90% of its tariff lines to duty-free imports from the U.K., although it has excluded key agricultural products such as dairy products, apples, oats, and edible oils from this deal.

• Professional Visa Quotas: The treaty includes provisions related to the movement of professionals, but the U.K. has adopted a conservative stance, offering only 1,800 visas annually for specific professional roles, including yoga instructors and classical musicians. This limitation does not extend to broader categories such as business visitors or IT professionals, which India had sought to include.

• Automobile Imports: India has committed to a substantial reduction of import duties on automobiles by 100 percentage points over the coming decade. This measure is structured around a graded quota system allowing the domestic industry to adjust gradually to increased competition.

• Economic Implications: While the immediate impact may be limited at a macro level, specific sectors such as agriculture, textiles, leather, and chemicals are expected to experience substantial gains. The agreement positions the U.K. as a potential gateway for Indian goods destined for Europe, expanding India's presence in the European market.

• Investment Potential: The increased duty-free access is anticipated to make India a more attractive investment destination for companies from other countries that export to the U.K., promoting a favorable investment climate.

• Template for Future Negotiations: The CETA sets a precedent for future trade agreements, indicating that larger economies may demand more concessions in negotiations. The U.S. and the European Union are likely to seek advantages beyond what has been offered to the U.K. in forthcoming discussions.

• Bilateral Trade Relations: Although the U.K. represents a relatively small trade partner for India currently, the agreement is positioned to capitalize on existing trade potential. The ongoing global trend toward increasing tariff and non-tariff barriers makes enhanced bilateral trade critical for both nations.

In essence, the India-U.K. CETA marks a strategic step toward deepening economic ties, with both nations walking away with negotiated benefits. However, it reflects a balanced approach rather than a zero-sum gain scenario, suggesting a mutual interest in fostering trade growth amidst global economic challenges.

Important Points:

• CETA signed on July 26, 2025, fostering India-UK trade.
• U.K. to grant India duty-free access to 99% tariff lines; India opens 90% of tariff lines.
• U.K. offers limited professional visas (1,800 annually for niche roles).
• Agricultural products like dairy and oils excluded from India’s tariff concessions.
• India to substantially reduce automobile import duties over 10 years.
• Potential for growth in sectors like textiles, leather, and chemicals.
• U.K. serves as a gateway for accessing European markets.
• Agreement influences future negotiations with larger economies (e.g., U.S., EU).
• Highlights mutual benefits in an era of increasing global trade barriers.

On July 25, 2025, the district administration of Kandhamal, Odisha, lodged a police complaint after two Standard X students tested positive for pregnancy. District Welfare Officer Rabi Narayan Mishra stated that an investigation was requested to uncover the circumstances surrounding the pregnancies. The girls were subjected to medical assessments following their return from a long vacation, where unusual symptoms led to testing at a sub-divisional hospital, confirming the pregnancies.

Key details of the situation include:

• Date of Incident: July 25, 2025; pregnancies confirmed shortly after schools reopened on June 21, 2025, with the two girls returning in early July.
• District Welfare Officer: Rabi Narayan Mishra.
• Government Protocol: Normal health checks for girls in residential schools, particularly after vacations, to monitor for any early signs of pregnancy or other health issues.

The situation in Kandhamal reflects a broader concern within the Odisha educational system, specifically regarding the safety of tribal girl students. The ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department reported that across 188 residential schools exclusively for tribal girls, there were 22 cases of sexual assault involving 34 individuals as accused. Alarmingly, between 2018 and 2023, 12 of these victims are confirmed to have given birth.

Important statistics:

• Number of Residential Schools: 188, specifically for tribal girls.
• Total Enrollment: 62,385 girls in these schools, while the state operates 1,737 residential schools with an aggregate of 426,903 students predominantly from tribal communities.
• Report Findings: A 2018 study by the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence in residential schools, confirming numerous allegations, particularly across five districts: Koraput, Balasore, Nayagarh, Mayurbhanj, and Sundargarh.

The SCSTRTI study analyzed 29 cases of sexual abuse from 2011 to 2016, revealing serious concerns regarding staff involvement:

• Accused Personnel: 13 headmasters and 4 teachers implicated in the abuse cases.

In response to these alarming findings, the Odisha government has implemented guidelines to enhance oversight of girl students' health and safety. Post-vacation health check-ups have become compulsory to identify incidents of pregnancy that may arise during students' time away from residential facilities.

In summary, this distressing incident in Kandhamal underscores ongoing issues regarding the safety and wellbeing of students, particularly within tribal educational institutions in Odisha, revealing systemic flaws that have come to light through various reports and investigations.

Key Points:

• Police Complaint Filed: July 25, 2025.
• Pregnancy Cases: Two girls in Standard X confirmed pregnant.
• Medical Check-Ups: Conducted post-vacation to monitor health.
• Government's Awareness: 22 tribal girls subjected to sexual assault; 12 given birth (2018-2023).
• Educational Institutions: 188 residential schools for tribal girls; overall 1,737 schools with 426,903 enrolled students.
• Research Report (2018): Indicated substantial cases of sexual violence; implicated staff members.
• Government Response: New health monitoring guidelines and strict check-ups for victims.

On July 24, 2025, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Kingdom, India and the U.K. signed a Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation. The deal, which was initially announced in May 2025 after over three years of negotiations, was signed by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and U.K. Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds. This agreement signifies a strategic commitment between the two nations, seeking to replace the existing cooperation framework 'Roadmap 2030' with 'India-U.K. Vision 2035.'

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

• Economic Benefits: PM Modi, in his remarks, conveyed that the CETA would primarily benefit Indian farmers, the MSME sector, the jewelry and footwear industries, and seafood, engineering goods sectors. In return, British products like medical devices and aerospace components would have reduced tariffs in India.

• Construction of the Agreement: U.K. Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds emphasized the deal as the largest trade agreement for Britain post-Brexit and the most favorable trade arrangement that India has ever proposed to any nation.

• Reciprocal Double Contributions Convention (DCC): A key component linked to the CETA is the DCC that aims to streamline social contribution payments for employers and employees working across borders. This arrangement, which extends the previous one-year exemption period to three years, is politically significant in Britain.

• Vision 2035 Framework: The newly established framework includes various priorities such as economic growth, job creation, technological advancement, climate initiatives, and defense and security collaboration. Regular bilateral interactions between the two Prime Ministers and annual reviews of progress will be set in place.

• Global Cooperation: India and the U.K. have committed to reforming multilateralism and enhancing their roles in significant international organizations including the United Nations, WTO, and IMF. The U.K. supports India's bid for a permanent seat in the U.N. Security Council.

• Counterterrorism Efforts: PM Modi reiterated the necessity of mutual cooperation in combating terrorism and addressing the activities of economic offenders. He mentioned past incidents, particularly the April 22 Pahalgam attack, emphasizing the importance of a unified stand against terrorism.

• Response to Trade Concerns: While several industry bodies praised the trade agreement, concerns were expressed regarding inadequate government responses to specific issues like minimum import price and non-tariff barriers on alcoholic beverages. The reduction in tariffs on U.K. whiskey and gin is noted as a significant adjustment in bilateral trade.

• Other Considerations: PM Modi's visit was characterized by heightened security due to concerns regarding Khalistani separatist activity, leading to an altered itinerary including a stay at Luton Hoo, avoiding London for security reasons.

• Cultural Exchange: The visit included a personal gesture from PM Modi, gifting a sapling to King Charles as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Conclusion: The signing of the CETA marks a pivotal development in Indo-U.K. relations, intending to foster economic growth, enhance bilateral cooperation, and address global challenges collectively. The new framework aims to ensure a robust partnership while also leveraging the strengths of both nations to navigate contemporary international trade dynamics.

Important Points:

• Agreement signed on July 24, 2025.
• Replaces 'Roadmap 2030' with 'India-U.K. Vision 2035.'
• Aims to enhance trade in sectors such as agriculture, jewelry, and technology.
• Includes a Reciprocal Double Contributions Convention (DCC).
• Emphasizes global cooperation in multilateral institutions.
• Addresses concerns over terrorism and economic offenders.
• Trade agreement viewed as the biggest since Brexit for the U.K.
• Heightened security measures during PM Modi’s visit due to protests.

Summary of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G)

The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) aims to fulfill the government's vision of "Housing for All" in rural areas by providing financial assistance to eligible households. Since its initiation on April 1, 2016, the program has a goal to construct 4.95 crore pucca houses equipped with basic amenities by 2029.

Key Details:

• The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the construction of an additional 2 crore rural houses for FY 2024-25 to 2028-29 under PMAY-G.
• Eligibility criteria are based on the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) and the Awaas+ 2018 survey, targeting households living in zero, one, or two-room kutcha houses.
• Beneficiaries are verified through parameters and criteria established in SECC 2011 and the Awaas+ 2018 survey, followed by scrutiny from the Gram Sabha and an appellate process.
• The government is also updating the Awaas+ list to identify more eligible households based on modified criteria.

Current Progress (as of July 21, 2025):

• Out of the target of 4.95 crore houses, 4.12 crore have been allotted to the States/UTs.
• 3.84 crore houses have been sanctioned, and over 2.80 crore houses have been completed.
• Initiatives to enhance the pace of construction include:
  • Timely allocation of targets to States/UTs.
  • Launch of PMAY-G analytical Dashboard for better monitoring.
  • Micro-monitoring utilizing IT tools.
  • Regular reviews by high-level officials.
  • Focus on completion of houses still pending disbursement of 2nd or 3rd installment funds.
  • Ensuring timely release of funds based on the States/UTs' requirements.
  • Continuous engagement with States/UTs for land allocation to landless beneficiaries.

Challenges in Implementation:

• Delays in the release of Central and State funds.
• Unwillingness among some beneficiaries and issues of permanent migration.
• Legal disputes concerning deceased beneficiaries' property.
• Delays in land allotments by State agencies.
• External factors like elections and unavailability of building materials.

State-wise Progress:

The progress of houses sanctioned and completed varies significantly across states, with some notable statistics outlined below:

• Arunachal Pradesh: Target - 35,937 | Sanctioned - 35,591 | Completed - 35,591
• Bihar: Target - 50,12,752 | Sanctioned - 49,01,135 | Completed - 38,28,784
• Madhya Pradesh: Target - 57,74,572 | Sanctioned - 49,37,750 | Completed - 38,41,191
• Uttar Pradesh: Target - 36,85,704 | Sanctioned - 36,56,227 | Completed - 36,37,827

(For comprehensive figures, refer to the complete annexure detailing the performance of each state).

This detailed information was provided by Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development, during a session in the Rajya Sabha.

Important Points:

• Initiation Date: April 1, 2016
• Target Completion: 4.95 crore houses by 2029
• House Construction Approved: 2 crore additional for 2024-29
• Completion Status (as of July 21, 2025): 2.80 crore completed; 3.84 crore sanctioned
• Eligibility Criteria: Based on SECC 2011 and Awaas+ 2018
• Key Challenges: Delays, certification issues, legal disputes, and resource availability
• Government Initiatives: Analytical Dashboard, regular reviews, and expedited fund disbursements

This summary provides an overview of the PMAY-G program's objectives, achievements, ongoing struggles, and strategic interventions, reflecting the government's commitment to rural housing development.

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan initiative, aimed at promoting local production and self-reliance in India, has introduced the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme under the auspices of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). This scheme seeks to provide extensive financial, technical, and business support to micro food processing enterprises across the country, including significant involvement in Tamil Nadu.

Key Features of the PMFME Scheme:

• Operational Timeline: The scheme is active from 2020-2021 to 2025-2026 with a total outlay of ₹10,000 Crore.
• Objective: To enhance the competitiveness of micro-enterprises within the unorganised food processing sector and facilitate its formalization.
• Loan Sanctions: By 30th June 2025, a total of 1,44,517 loans have been sanctioned nationally. Specifically, 15,828 loans were granted for Tamil Nadu.
• Capacity Building: The scheme includes training and entrepreneurship development programs for beneficiaries. A total of 1,11,873 individuals have been trained up to 30th June 2025. Training opportunities are available for District Level Committee (DLC) recommended applicants and Self Help Groups (SHGs) involved in food processing.

Financial Assistance Categories:

1. Credit-Linked Capital Subsidy:

   • 35% subsidy on eligible project costs, with a ceiling of ₹10 lakh per unit for individual/group micro-enterprises.

2. Seed Capital for SHGs:

   • ₹40,000 per member for working capital assistance with an upper limit of ₹4 lakh per SHG.

3. Support for Common Infrastructure:

   • 35% subsidy, maximum ₹3 crore for setting up common facilities for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), SHGs, Cooperatives, or government agencies.

4. Branding and Marketing Support:

   • Grants of up to 50% for branding and marketing initiatives for groups of FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives, or specific entities of micro food processing enterprises.

5. Training and Capacity Building:

   • Tailored training programs for entrepreneurship and skills specific to food processing.

State-wise Loan Distribution:

The detailed allocation of loan sanctions across various states is summarized as follows:

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 18 loans
• Andhra Pradesh: 7,248 loans
• Bihar: 25,349 loans
• Maharashtra: 24,380 loans
• Tamil Nadu: 15,828 loans
• Uttar Pradesh: 17,818 loans
• West Bengal: 242 loans
• Total Loans: 1,44,517 loans sanctioned.

Legislative and Administrative Framework:

The scheme aligns with the objectives outlined in the Indian Constitution, particularly Articles that delineate the state's responsibilities towards promoting the economic welfare of its citizens.

Conclusion:

The PMFME Scheme under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan represents a commitment by the Indian government to bolster the food processing sector, enhance livelihoods, and promote self-reliance. Its framework not only offers substantial financial backing but also emphasizes capacity building and skill development, critical for the sustainability of micro enterprises in India.

Important Points:

• Launch of PMFME Scheme as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.
• Operational period is from 2020-2026 with a budget of ₹10,000 Crore.
• Aimed at formalizing the unorganised food processing sector.
• 1,44,517 loans sanctioned as of 30th June 2025.
• Capacity building with training provided to over 1,11,873 beneficiaries.
• Varied financial assistance structures in place to support individual micro enterprises and SHGs.
• Total loans categorized state-wise, indicating strong regional support.

Summary of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) Implementation

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) was launched in India starting from the Kharif 2016 season. This initiative is a demand-driven and voluntary scheme for both farmers and States/Union Territories (UTs). The scheme aims to expand coverage among various categories of farmers, including non-loanee farmers, small and marginal farmers, and tenant farmers.

Key Data and Developments:

• Enrollment Growth:

  • The number of farmers registered under PMFBY saw a significant increase from 3.17 crore (2022-23) to 4.19 crore (2024-25), marking a 32% rise and achieving the highest enrollment since the scheme's inception.
  • As of 2024-25, 6.5% of enrolled farmers are tenants, 17.6% are marginal farmers, and 48% are loanee farmers.

• Government Initiatives:

  • The Government has implemented several measures to enhance the scheme's effectiveness, ensuring transparency, timely claim settlement, and increased awareness among farmers.
  • The National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) was developed for better management, including electronic subsidy payments and farmer data management, facilitating direct online enrollment.

Claim Processing and Monitoring:

• A dedicated Digiclaim Module has been operational since Kharif 2022 for monitoring claims. Integrating NCIP with the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) and insurance company accounting systems ensures timely claim processing.
• A delay in claim payments by insurance companies incurs a 12% penalty, which is automatically calculated and enforced through NCIP.

Policy and Procedural Changes:

• As of Kharif 2025, ESCROW Accounts are required for State Governments to ensure the advance deposit of their premium share, streamlining the claims process.

Technological Advancement:

• Notable initiatives include:
  • YES-TECH: Implemented for yield estimation using remote sensing, mandating a 30% weightage of yield being derived from this technology starting Kharif 2023, with soybean incorporated from Kharif 2024.
  • WINDS (Weather Information Network and Data System): Establishment of a comprehensive network of Automatic Weather Stations and Rain-Gauges to gather localized weather data for better crop insurance assessments and disaster management.

Awareness Campaigns:

• To improve awareness about PMFBY, the Ministry of Agriculture initiated a structured campaign titled 'Crop Insurance Week/Fasal Bima Saptah' since Kharif 2021.
• Educational programs termed 'Fasal Bima Pathshalas' are being conducted at village levels to educate farmers effectively.

Claims Filing and Monitoring:

• The report released on claims pending indicates substantial financial amounts pending from different States. For instance:
  • Maharashtra has pending claims worth ₹334.2 crore (2024-25), while Madhya Pradesh has ₹1,468.6 crore pending.
  • The data reflects varying levels of engagement and effectiveness in implementation across States.

Parliamentary Reference:

• This information was disclosed by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Important Points to Note:

• PMFBY launched in Kharif 2016.
• Enrollment increased to 4.19 crore farmers in 2024-25.
• Implementation of mandatory ESCROW accounts; introduction of penalties for delayed claims.
• Technology leveraged through YES-TECH and WINDS for accurate assessments.
• Awareness campaigns like 'Fasal Bima Saptah' underway since Kharif 2021.
• Significant pending claims highlight different levels of state performance in implementing PMFBY.

The Atal Pension Yojana (APY), a significant social security initiative launched by the Government of India on May 9, 2015, has recently crossed the remarkable milestone of 8 crore total gross enrolments. In the current Financial Year (FY 2025-26), 39 lakh new subscribers have enrolled, demonstrating the scheme’s growing reach and effectiveness.

Key Details and Features of Atal Pension Yojana (APY):

• Launch Date: May 9, 2015.
• Total Enrolments: Surpassed 8 crore to date, with 39 lakh new subscribers in FY 2025-26.
• Administration: Managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
• Target Demographic: Aimed primarily at the poor, underprivileged, and workers in the unorganized sector.
• Eligibility: Available for all Indian citizens aged 18-40 years who are not or have not been income tax payers.

Financial Benefits Provided:

• The scheme ensures a guaranteed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 post retirement (after the age of 60).
• The pension continues for the spouse of the subscriber upon their demise.
• In the event of death of both the subscriber and their spouse, the accumulated corpus is returned to the nominee.

Objective and Success Factors:

• The APY aims to develop a universal social security system for all Indians, particularly targeting those with limited financial resources.
• Success attributed to collaborations with banks, the Department of Posts (DoP), and various State Level Bankers' Committees (SLBCs/UTLBCs).
• PFRDA has facilitated enrolment growth through extensive outreach programs, training sessions, multilingual informational materials, media campaigns, and periodic reviews.

Slogan:

• The scheme promotes the ethos of security with the slogan: "APY ka Saath hai to Jiwan ka Suraksha Kawach Saath hai," emphasizing the program's role in providing financial security for life.

In summary, the Atal Pension Yojana stands as a pivotal initiative by the Indian government to empower citizens with a secure financial future post-retirement while addressing the needs of economically vulnerable groups. Its consistent growth and outreach indicate a robust framework aimed at fostering social security across the country.

The Indian government is implementing an array of initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural infrastructure and improving the income of farmers. These initiatives include various schemes that provide financial assistance, technological support, and marketing platforms. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key initiatives and their details:

Key Schemes and Initiatives

• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF):

  • Provides medium to long-term debt financing for post-harvest management and community farming assets.
  • An allocation of ₹1 Lakh Crore is available through banks with a 3% interest subvention on loans.
  • As of June 30, 2025, ₹66,310 Crore has been sanctioned for 113,419 projects, mobilizing a total investment of ₹107,502 Crore.

• Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI):

  • A sub-scheme under Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) aimed at increasing rural storage capacity.
  • Offers a subsidy of 25% to 33.33% on project costs based on beneficiary categories.
  • Since its inception on April 1, 2001, 49,796 storage projects with a capacity of 982.94 lakh MT have been sanctioned with a subsidy release of ₹4,829.37 Crore.

• National Agriculture Market (e-NAM):

  • A digital platform facilitating online trading of agricultural products to secure better prices for farmers.
  • By June 30, 2025, 1.79 Crore farmers and 2.67 Lakh traders were registered, recording trade worth approximately ₹4.39 lakh Crore.

• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):

  • Provides financial assistance of 35% (50% in hilly areas) for post-harvest infrastructure.
  • Aimed at supporting entrepreneur-driven initiatives in the horticultural sector.

• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):

  • Provides grants-in-aid to State governments for approved agriculture projects.
  • Empowers states with the flexibility to select, plan, approve, and execute projects, catering to local agricultural priorities.

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN):

  • Provides income support of ₹6,000 per year to land-holding farmer families, disbursed in three installments.
  • As of June 30, 2025, benefits worth over ₹3.69 Lakh Crore have been disbursed to eligible families.

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

  • Launched in 2016 to address premium rates and claims for farmers.
  • As of June 30, 2025, 78.41 Crore farmer applications were enrolled, with claims exceeding ₹1,83,259 Crore.

Support for Farmers

1. Credit Access:

   • AIF offers interest-subsidized loans up to ₹2 Crore under CGTMSE coverage.
   • Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme benefits 7.72 Crore farmers, facilitating short-term credit.

2. Technology Support:

   • Promotion of modern technologies through AIF and integration of remote sensing for effective claim settlements under PMFBY.

3. Irrigation:

   • The "Per Drop More Crop" initiative aims to enhance water efficiency through micro-irrigation solutions.

Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

• Natural Farming Mission (2022-23):

  • Aims to promote chemical-free agriculture, enhancing soil health and biodiversity.

• FPO Policy:

  • Focused on collective farming, promoting productivity and better income for producers.

• Soil Health & Fertility Scheme:

  • Involves the issuance of Soil Health Cards to farmers, aimed at promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices.

Conclusion

These measures reflect the Indian government's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability against the backdrop of climate change and market dynamics. The initiatives are geared towards creating a robust agricultural ecosystem that supports the income and welfare of farmers in India.

Important Points

• Government schemes include AIF, AMI, MIDH, RKVY, PM-KISAN, and PMFBY aimed at enhancing agriculture infrastructure and farmer income.
• As of June 30, 2025, significant financial commitments and project sanctions have been made under these schemes.
• The emphasis on technology and sustainable practices underlines the government’s holistic approach to addressing current agricultural challenges.

Summary of PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)

The Government of India has announced the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), an Employment Linked Incentive Scheme, which is set to commence from August 1, 2025. The scheme, which reflects the government’s commitment to generating inclusive and sustainable employment, has been approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key aspects of PM-VBRY:

• Budget and Job Creation: The scheme has an outlay of ₹99,446 crore and aims to create over 3.5 crore jobs within two years, with 1.92 crore beneficiaries being first-time job seekers. The employment benefits will apply to jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.

• Objectives: PM-VBRY aligns with the broader Viksit Bharat initiative, focusing on economic growth through employment-led development.

• Scheme Structure: The scheme is divided into two parts:

  1. Part A - Incentive to First-Time Employees:

     • Targets first-time employees registered with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
     • Provides an incentive of one month’s EPF wage (up to ₹15,000) in two installments for eligible employees with monthly salaries up to ₹1 lakh.
     • The first installment is payable after six months of service and the second after twelve months, contingent upon the completion of a financial literacy programme.
     • A portion of the incentive will be held in a savings instrument for a specified period to promote savings.

  2. Part B - Support to Employers:

     • Aims to support the generation of additional employment across all sectors, with particular emphasis on the manufacturing sector.
     • Employers hiring additional employees with salaries up to ₹1 lakh can receive incentives of up to ₹3,000 per month for each new employee sustained for a minimum of six months.
     • Employers with less than 50 employees must hire at least two additional employees, while those with 50 or more must hire five additional employees to benefit from these incentives.
     • Incentives will be extended for the third and fourth years specifically for the manufacturing sector.

• Incentive Payment Mechanism:

  • Payments for first-time employees in Part A will be disbursed using Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via the Aadhar Bridge Payment System (ABPS).
  • Incentive payments to employers under Part B will be made directly to their PAN-linked accounts.

Overall, the PM VBRY aims to revitalize the job market in India by incentivizing the creation of new employment opportunities while particularly focusing on aiding first-time job seekers and supporting employers in creating sustainable jobs in various sectors.

Important Points:

• PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) beginning August 1, 2025.
• Budget of ₹99,446 crore aimed at creating over 3.5 crore jobs.
• Focus on inclusive employment, especially for first-time job seekers.
• Two parts to the scheme: Part A for first-time employees and Part B for employers.
• Financial incentives for both first-time employees (up to ₹15,000) and employers (up to ₹3,000 monthly).
• Defined hiring requirements for employers to qualify for incentives.
• Direct Benefit Transfer payment mechanism for efficient disbursement of funds.

Summary of the Article on Blue Economy Investments Workshop

On July 25, 2025, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, conducted a national-level Brainstorming Workshop on Blue Economy Investments in New Delhi. This event was organized in collaboration with its Strategic Knowledge Partner and was chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of MoES. It gathered stakeholders from various spheres, including government, academia, the private sector, and financial institutions.

Objectives of the Workshop:

• To promote understanding of three key thematic areas:
  • Trade and Investments
  • Startups and Innovation
  • Ease of Doing Business

Key Discussions and Outcomes:

• The workshop involved extensive deliberations on challenges faced by stakeholders and strategies for collaborative problem-solving.
• Participants focused on identifying investible and bankable opportunities within the blue economy, aiming to unlock long-term value.
• Discussion points included leveraging international experiences to enhance India’s economic growth through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), exports, and job creation.
• A white paper titled “Ocean of Opportunities: Trade, Investments, and Start-ups in the Blue Economy” was released, wherein Dr. M. Ravichandran highlighted the necessity for India's blue economy to become a significant growth multiplier.

Recommendations and Focus Areas:

• The workshop yielded recommendations aimed at aligning the blue economy initiatives with India’s business reform agenda.
• Prioritized areas for investment and scalable projects were identified, alongside financial de-risking tools to support these initiatives.
• Suggestions included enhancing access to capital, innovative financing, and creating enabling regulatory frameworks to support sector growth.
• The report emphasized the importance of developing investor-ready projects and improving preparedness at the state level while advocating the adoption of blended finance mechanisms and the exploration of new technologies in marine sustainability.

Future Implications:

• The deliberations from the workshop are expected to significantly impact the National Blue Economy Investment Strategy and shape future implementation roadmaps for the blue economy in India.

Bullet Points:

• The MoES organized a national-level workshop on Blue Economy Investments on July 25, 2025, in New Delhi.
• The workshop aimed to foster understanding in Trade and Investments, Startups and Innovation, and Ease of Doing Business.
• Key participants included stakeholders from government, academia, the private sector, and financial institutions.
• A white paper titled “Ocean of Opportunities” was released to promote the blue economy as a growth multiplier.
• Recommendations were made for aligning blue economy initiatives with India’s business reform agenda.
• Identified priority investment areas and scalable projects to unlock value from the blue economy.
• Call for enhanced access to innovative financing and enabling regulations to support sector growth.
• Outcomes will influence the National Blue Economy Investment Strategy for future implementation initiatives.

The Income Tax Department of India has successfully leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) tools over the past four years, resulting in significant improvements in taxpayer compliance and revenue generation. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman, Ravi Agarwal, stated that these advancements have encouraged over one crore taxpayers to voluntarily update their returns, contributing an additional ₹11,000 crore to the government's tax revenues.

Key highlights of the developments in the Income Tax Department include:

• Revenue Generation: The AI initiatives have led to the identification of ₹29,000 crore in previously undisclosed foreign assets and ₹1,000 crore in foreign income related to virtual digital assets (VDAs).

• AI Tool Functionality: The AI technology used by the department is divided into two primary components: the AI tool itself and the database it analyzes. Different AI tools are employed throughout various stages of taxpayer processing, particularly in the Centralized Processing Centre located in Bengaluru.

• Taxpayer Analysis Process:

  • The AI system analyzes the Annual Information Statements (AIS) generated for approximately 40 crore unique taxpayers, where only around 9 crore individuals file tax returns.
  • The first step of AI analysis assesses whether unfiled taxpayers (around 31 crore) should be submitting returns.
  • The second part evaluates the accuracy of the tax returns filed.
  • The system also identifies habitual defaulters through pattern recognition.

• NUDGE System Implementation: The Income Tax Department employs a strategy named NUDGE (Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable) to contact taxpayers. Through targeted letters, the department encourages individuals either to revise their returns or confirm them as necessary.

• Return Filing Changes: The department recently updated its regulations to allow taxpayers to correct their returns within four years of filing, an extension from the previous two-year limit. This adjustment aims to give taxpayers a fair chance to rectify any discrepancies flagged by the department.

• Political Donations Campaign: In a collaborative effort, the department also conducted a targeted campaign from January to March, nudging taxpayers who claimed deductions under Section 80GGC of the Income Tax Act for political donations. Communication went out via SMS and email, with safeguards in place to exclude genuine donors verified through records filed by political parties with the Election Commission.

• Impact of the Political Donations Campaign: As a result of the nudge campaign, 6.25 lakh taxpayers were contacted, leading to 35,260 taxpayers amending their returns and additional tax revenues of ₹404.2 crore. The outreach focused on claims made for the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25.

Overall, these initiatives reflect the Income Tax Department's progressive approach toward increasing compliance and improving tax administration through the integration of technology and taxpayer engagement strategies.

Important Points:

• The Income Tax Department has encouraged over 1 crore updates leading to ₹11,000 crore in additional tax revenue.
• Disclosure of ₹29,000 crore in foreign assets and ₹1,000 crore in income from VDAs.
• The AI analysis incorporates taxpayer data from 40 crore AIS, with only 9 crore filing returns.
• The NUDGE system helps guide taxpayers to revise or confirm returns.
• Rules changed to permit return updates up to four years post-filing.
• A targeted nudging campaign for political donations involved 6.25 lakh taxpayers, leading to an additional ₹404.2 crore in tax.
• Campaign measures were taken to ensure genuine donators were not targeted for amendments.

Summary of the Har Ghar Jal Scheme Implementation as of July 2025

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), initiated by the Government of India in August 2019, aims to ensure the provision of safe drinking water through functional tap water connections to every rural household across the country. As of July 21, 2025, significant progress has been made under this initiative.

Key Highlights:

• Initial Situation: At the inception of the mission, only 3.23 crore (16.7%) of rural households had access to tap water connections.
• Current Status: By July 21, 2025, the total number of rural households with tap water connections has increased to 15.67 crore (80.94%) out of a total of 19.36 crore rural households.
• Additional Connections: Since the program commenced, an additional 12.44 crore households have been equipped with tap water connections.

Data Overview (As on July 21, 2025):

• Household Coverage by States/UTs: The report gives detailed state-wise data showing progress in tap water connection coverage. Notable states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, display varying degrees of coverage:
  • Uttar Pradesh: 240.85 lakh (90.13%)
  • Maharashtra: 132.02 lakh (89.94%)
  • Rajasthan: 61.11 lakh (56.71%)

Financial Progress:

The financial allocations and utilizations for the implementation of the JJM disclosed significant expenditures across various states. For example:

• Central Share (Total for 2019-2025): The financial contributions both centrally and from state governments reveal the significant investments aimed at water supply development.
• From fiscal year 2019-20 to 2025-26, the cumulative financial progress indicates rigorous investment, with central shares accumulating to substantial figures across states for water provision.

Financial Details (Indicative of Key Yearly Progress):

• 2022-23: Total reported utilization stood at ₹50,667.81 crore.
• 2023-24: Registered utilization reached ₹82,295.58 crore.
• Current Year (as of July 21, 2025): The total expenditure across the states reflects a comprehensive outline of the investments being made towards achieving the mission objectives.

Implementation Strategy:

• The JJM relies upon a decentralized approach where the responsibility of implementation lies with the State Governments and Union Territories.
• Funds allocated under the scheme are monitored to ensure transparency and optimized utilization.

Conclusion:

The ongoing developments emphasize the Indian government's commitment to improving rural water supply through the JJM initiative. Through substantial financial commitments and enhanced infrastructure, the mission aims to provide universal access to safe drinking water, thereby significantly improving health outcomes and the quality of life in rural areas.

Important Points:

• Mission Launch Date: August 2019.
• Initial Coverage: 3.23 crore households with tap water connections (16.7%).
• Current Coverage: 15.67 crore households (80.94% coverage).
• Additional Connections Since Launch: 12.44 crore.
• State-wise Notables: Uttar Pradesh leads in coverage, with significant contributions from Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
• Overall Investment: 50,667.81 crore reported utilization in 2022-23; 82,295.58 crore in 2023-24.
• Decentralized Implementation: Primarily executed through State Governments and UTs.

The progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission indicates a substantial shift towards addressing rural water supply issues in India, underpinning the governmental commitment to sustainable development goals related to water and sanitation.

The recent signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marks a significant milestone in international trade relations for India. The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, publicly congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this achievement, describing it as a person-centered trade diplomacy that aims to enhance prosperity for various sectors, particularly farmers and local artisans.

Key Highlights of the India-UK FTA:

• Date of Signing: The FTA was signed on July 24, 2025.
• Historical Significance: This agreement represents a landmark in global trade relations for India and is seen as a pivotal moment for the Indian economy.
• Agricultural Exports: The treaty waives duties on 95% of agricultural exports, significantly benefiting farmers.
• Marine Exports: Fishermen will also benefit from zero duty on 99% of marine exports, which supports the fishing industries.
• Support for Local Industries: The FTA aligns with the government's "Make in India" initiative, aimed at boosting local manufacturing and enhancing the export potential of products such as textiles, leather goods, footwear, gems, jewelry, and toys.
• Market Opportunities: The agreement is expected to open wider markets for Indian artisans and weavers, thereby elevating their economic prospects and integrating them more deeply into global supply chains.

Implications of the FTA:

• Economic Growth: The agreement is projected to foster economic growth and create new job opportunities in various sectors by facilitating access to the UK market.
• Trade Diplomacy: Amit Shah emphasized that the signing of the FTA signifies a people-centric approach to trade, indicating the government's commitment to improving the livelihoods of citizens through international cooperation.
• Boost to Exports: The reduction in tariffs is expected to enhance India's export capabilities, pushing for a more balanced trade relationship with the UK.
• Strategic Partnership: The FTA also serves as a strategic partnership initiative that may pave the way for further economic ties and collaborative ventures between India and the UK.

Future Prospects:

• The successful implementation of the FTA is anticipated to set a precedent for future trade agreements with other countries, showcasing India’s growing significance in the global market.
• The government aims to monitor the impacts of this agreement in terms of trade volumes, job creation, and economic stability to leverage benefits for its citizens continuously.

In summary, the India-UK FTA is poised to create substantial economic opportunities through reduced trade barriers, supporting key sectors in India's economy, and fulfilling the broader objectives of the government's economic policies.