Aravind Rao & Associates

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in managing Waqf properties, improve administration, and ensure uniformity and accountability, while also repealing the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923.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...

National News & Government Initiatives The Union Cabinet approved the new Income Tax Bill, 2025 , which is set to replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961. The objective is to simplify, modernize, and streamline India’s tax system. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha on February 13, 2025. The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three years beyond March 31, 2025, until March 31, 2028. This extension has a financial implication of ₹50.91 crore. The NCSK focuses on the socio-economic upliftment of sanitation workers, improving working conditions, and achieving zero fatalities in hazardous cleaning. Its key functions include policy recommendations, scheme evaluation, grievance redressal, work conditions monitoring, and reporting to governments. Under the MS Act, 2013, it monitors implementation, handles complaints, and advises governments. The con...

National and Government News: The first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of 2025 was conducted on January 20, a week earlier than usual due to Republic Day. The broadcast marked the 75th anniversary of the Indian Republic and discussed the Constitution, democracy, space technology advancements, and human-animal harmony. The 2025 Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path showcased India’s military strength and cultural diversity. The Signals Contingent was the Best Marching Contingent among Services (Popular Choice). The CRPF Marching Contingent was the Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/Other Auxiliary Forces (Popular Choice). Uttar Pradesh’s tableau on Mahakumbh 2025 was selected as the Judges’ Choice for Best Tableaux (States/UTs). The Ministry of Women & Child Development won the Best Tableau from Central Ministries/Departments (Popular Choice). Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Asia's second-largest ISKCON temple. Th...