Current Affairs - Economy

Global copper demand is expected to increase significantly as copper plays a vital role in modern technologies. Rapid growth in artificial intelligence, clean energy systems such as electric vehicles and renewable power infrastructure, and defence-related manufacturing has increased reliance on copper because of its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. These sectors require large quantities of copper for wiring, motors, batteries, and electronic components. As a result, projections indicate that by the year 2040, global copper demand could rise by nearly 50%, making it one of the most strategically important industrial metals for future economic growth.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, through its World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report, has projected India’s GDP growth at 6.6% for the calendar year 2026. This projection positions India as the fastest-growing major economy globally despite ongoing international economic uncertainties. The growth outlook is supported by strong domestic consumption, sustained public investment, and supportive fiscal and monetary policies. Although slightly lower than the estimated growth rate for 2025, the projection reflects India’s resilience and capacity to maintain economic momentum amid slower global growth and weakening international trade conditions.

The First Advance Estimates released by the National Statistics Office indicate that India’s real GDP growth rate for the financial year 2025–26 is projected at 7.4 percent. Real GDP measures economic growth after adjusting for inflation, reflecting the actual expansion in output. This estimate is significant as it guides policy decisions by the government and the Reserve Bank of India, influences investor confidence, and helps assess economic momentum. The strong growth projection reinforces India’s position as one of the fastest-growing major economies, driven largely by robust performance in the services and manufacturing sectors.

SEBI proposed a uniform 30-day lag on sharing and using stock price data to ensure investor education remains informative without turning into investment advice. The move addresses concerns that very recent data could be misused, while excessively old data reduces educational value. By standardising the time lag, SEBI aims to strike a balance between data protection and relevance of learning material. The proposal also helps clearly distinguish education from advisory or research activities, which require stricter regulatory compliance. As India’s securities market regulator, SEBI plays a crucial role in protecting investors, ensuring transparency, and maintaining fairness in capital markets.

India’s fiscal deficit for April–November FY26 reached 62.3% of the full-year Budget Estimate, amounting to ₹9.77 trillion. This rise is attributed to a significant 28% increase in capital expenditure aimed at infrastructure development, while net tax revenue growth lagged, declining to 49.1% of the FY26 target. The fiscal deficit indicates the gap between government spending and receipts, highlighting the need for borrowing to meet expenditure. Front-loaded capital spending, slower revenue mobilization, and adjustments like IGST settlements contributed to this higher share, reflecting pressures on fiscal management and macroeconomic stability during the first eight months of the year.