Current Affairs - National

India is set to conduct its first-ever All-India Household Income Survey in 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s data-driven policymaking efforts. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), this initiative will gather detailed income data from households nationwide to better understand income distribution, the impact of technological change on wages, and gaps in welfare coverage. The survey will be overseen by a Technical Expert Group led by Surjit Bhalla and will adopt international standards to ensure reliability and comparability. The 2026 launch aims to enhance welfare targeting and inform future economic strategies.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the final “Project Finance Directions 2025” to create a structured regulatory framework for banks and other regulated entities in handling project finance, particularly in risk-heavy sectors such as infrastructure and commercial real estate. By setting revised, lower provisioning norms—1.25% for under-construction CRE and 1% for infrastructure—the RBI has aimed to reduce the capital burden on lenders while encouraging disciplined project completion. The directions also include a principle-based stress resolution framework and rationalised DCCO (Date of Commencement of Commercial Operations) extensions, giving banks flexibility while maintaining prudent risk management.

Delhi University has launched the JAIHIND scheme, which stands for Janajati Immersive Holistic Intervention for Novel Development. This initiative is specifically designed to empower Scheduled Tribe (ST) students from remote and underserved regions of India. Targeting school students from Classes 9 to 12, the scheme offers training in digital literacy, online admission processes, and preparation for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). The programme addresses the digital access gap faced by tribal students, especially in light of CUET becoming a mandatory, computer-based exam. With DU covering all training expenses and planning outreach expansions, JAIHIND represents a significant move toward inclusive higher education.

The Government of India has introduced a FASTag-based Annual Pass specifically for private vehicles at a fixed cost of Rs. 3000. This pass allows for up to 200 toll-free trips or one year of highway travel across all National Highways, whichever is earlier. The initiative aims to streamline toll collection, reduce congestion, and eliminate frequent toll-related disputes. It also promotes a digital-first, contactless travel experience. Available from August 15, 2025, the pass can be activated through the Rajmarg Yatra App or NHAI and MoRTH websites, making it a major step toward more predictable and cost-effective road commuting.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has launched the country’s largest in-plant automobile railway siding at its Manesar facility in Haryana. This strategic investment of ₹452 crore is part of the company’s green logistics initiative to transition 35% of its vehicle dispatches to rail by FY2030-31. Spread over 46 acres and featuring 8.2 km of rail tracks, the Manesar siding can dispatch up to 4.5 lakh vehicles annually. The facility is expected to cut 1.75 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions and save 60 million litres of fuel each year, supporting India's broader goals under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the Net Zero Emissions target for 2070.