National News & Governance: Parliamentary Actions: Parliament passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 , on March 26, 2025, introducing reforms like allowing up to four nominees for bank accounts. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 , also received Presidential assent on April 5, 2025, after debates in Parliament. This Act aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address challenges in managing Waqf properties, improve administration, and ensure uniformity and accountability, while also repealing the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923. The Bill includes provisions for a centralized portal for property management, restoring pre-2013 rules for dedication by practicing Muslims, and special provisions for women's inheritance before dedication. The government highlighted enhanced transparency and accountability, while critics raised concerns about constitutional rights. Renamed Places: Several places in Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts were renamed, often honoring historica...
National Developments Legislation & Policy: The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 , was introduced in Parliament by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, aiming to modernize India's immigration framework by replacing colonial-era laws, simplifying the legal structure, and providing better control over foreign nationals. Key provisions include entry restrictions for foreigners posing a threat to national security or integrity. Economy & Finance: The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a total expenditure of ₹50.65 lakh crore, a 7.4% increase over FY 2024-25. The fiscal deficit for FY 2025-26 is projected at 4.4% of GDP. The government notified revisions to MSME investment and turnover criteria , effective from April 1, 2025, increasing limits to enhance business opportunities and financial flexibility. The RBI revised Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms , also effective April 1, 2025, to enhance credit accessibility for sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, r...