🏛️ TAMIL NADU STATE AFFAIRS
Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Hub Launch
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurates Tamil Nadu AI and Data Analytics Hub in Chennai with ₹2,500 crore investment
- Partnership with global tech giants Microsoft, Google, and Meta for advanced AI research and development
- 15,000 direct employment opportunities expected in the first phase across 5 districts
- State-of-the-art AI training centers established in 12 engineering colleges for skill development • Tamil language processing AI models to be developed for government services digitization
- Startup incubation program launches with ₹500 crore fund for AI-based ventures
- International collaboration with Singapore and Israel for technology transfer in smart governance
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
Tamil Nadu Information Technology Statistics:
- IT Exports: ₹2.1 lakh crores (2024-25) – 2nd highest in India after Karnataka
- IT Companies: 1,500+ companies including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant
- Employment: 17+ lakh direct employees in IT/ITeS sector
- TIDEL Park: Asia’s largest IT park in Chennai with 2 million sq ft space
Key IT Hubs in Tamil Nadu:
- Chennai: Major hub with OMR, Sholinganallur, and Ambattur IT corridors
- Coimbatore: Emerging IT destination with 300+ companies
- Madurai: ELCOT IT SEZ with focus on software development
- Tiruchirapalli: Growing IT services sector with government support
Tamil Nadu Innovation Ecosystem:
- Startup Tamil Nadu: State nodal agency for startup ecosystem
- NASSCOM Centers: 4 centers of excellence in emerging technologies
- Research Institutions: IIT Madras, Anna University, IISc Bangalore (Chennai campus)
- Incubators: 50+ incubation centers across universities and private organizations
Government Digital Initiatives:
- Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA): Established in 2009
- Digital Services: 600+ citizen services available online
- Common Service Centers: 14,000+ CSCs providing digital access
- Aadhaar Seeding: 99.2% coverage in government schemes
Tamil Nadu Electronics Hardware Manufacturing:
- Foxconn: iPhone manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur
- Samsung: Largest mobile manufacturing plant in Noida (serves TN market)
- Electronics Hardware Parks: 3 dedicated parks in Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur
- Policy Support: Tamil Nadu Electronics Hardware Manufacturing Policy 2020
🇮🇳 NATIONAL AFFAIRS
National Tax Reforms Implementation Phase-II
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Finance Ministry announces comprehensive tax code simplification to boost domestic consumption amid potential US trade tensions
- Direct tax rates rationalized with new slabs benefiting middle-class taxpayers by 15-20%
- GST structure streamlined from 5 slabs to 3 slabs for easier compliance and administration
- Digital tax filing process enhanced with AI-powered assistance for error-free returns
- Tax dispute resolution mechanism expedited with online arbitration facility
- Corporate tax incentives extended for manufacturing sector under PLI schemes
- International tax cooperation agreements signed with 15 countries for information exchange
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
India’s Tax Structure Overview:
- Direct Taxes: Income Tax, Corporate Tax, Wealth Tax (abolished 2015), Capital Gains Tax
- Indirect Taxes: GST (implemented July 1, 2017), Customs Duty, Central Excise
- Tax-to-GDP Ratio: 11.7% (2024-25) – target 15% by 2030
- Tax Revenue: Direct taxes 55%, Indirect taxes 45% of total tax collection
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Framework:
- Constitutional Amendment: 101st Amendment (2016) – Article 246A added
- GST Council: Chaired by Union Finance Minister, 33 members (all state FMs)
- Tax Slabs: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% (luxury and sin goods)
- Cess: Additional cess on luxury and sin goods
Income Tax Structure (Current):
- Exemption Limit: ₹3 lakh (General), ₹5 lakh (Senior Citizens)
- Standard Deduction: ₹50,000 for salaried employees
- 80C Limit: ₹1.5 lakh deduction for specified investments
- HRA Exemption: 50% of salary (metro), 40% (non-metro)
Tax Administration Bodies:
- Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT): Direct tax administration
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC): Indirect tax administration
- Income Tax Department: 700+ assessing offices across India
- GST Network (GSTN): IT backbone for GST implementation
Recent Tax Reforms History:
- 2016: Demonetization for digital transactions promotion
- 2017: GST implementation – “One Nation, One Tax”
- 2019: Corporate tax rate reduced to 25% for companies with turnover <₹400 crores
- 2020: New tax regime introduced with lower rates but fewer deductions
Mission Sudarshan Chakra – Defense Modernization Initiative
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Prime Minister Modi’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra represents paradigmatic shift from reactive to proactive defense strategy
- Integrated air defense system deployment along 3,488 km land borders and 7,516 km coastline • Indigenous defense manufacturing target of ₹3 lakh crores production by 2030
- Advanced missile defense systems integration with space-based early warning networks
- Cyber warfare capabilities enhanced with dedicated Defense Cyber Operations Center
- Joint military exercises frequency increased with Quad and SCO member nations
- Defense spending planned to increase from current 1.9% to 2.5% of GDP by 2030
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
India’s Defense Organization Structure:
- Defense Minister: Head of Ministry of Defense (Cabinet rank)
- Chief of Defense Staff (CDS): Tri-service coordination (created December 2019)
- Service Chiefs: Chief of Army Staff, Naval Staff, Air Staff
- Defense Secretary: Senior-most civilian officer in MoD
Indian Armed Forces Strength:
- Indian Army: 13 lakh active personnel (7 Commands, 37 Corps)
- Indian Navy: 67,000 personnel (3 Commands – Western, Eastern, Southern)
- Indian Air Force: 1.4 lakh personnel (7 Commands, 41 squadrons of fighters)
- Strategic Forces Command: Nuclear triad management since 2003
Major Defense Commands and Organizations:
- Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC): Only tri-service integrated command
- Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD): Special operations coordination
- Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO): 52 laboratories
- Defense Space Agency (DSA): Space warfare and satellite operations
Indigenous Defense Programs:
- Tejas Fighter Aircraft: Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program
- Arjun Tank: Main Battle Tank developed by DRDO
- INS Vikrant: Indigenous aircraft carrier (commissioned 2022)
- BrahMos Missile: Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile
Defense Budget Allocation (2025-26):
- Total Defense Budget: ₹6.21 lakh crores (2.1% of GDP)
- Capital Procurement: ₹1.72 lakh crores (modernization)
- Revenue Expenditure: ₹4.49 lakh crores (salaries, maintenance)
- Defense Pensions: ₹1.38 lakh crores (separate allocation)
Border Management Infrastructure:
- Line of Actual Control (LAC): 3,488 km with China
- Line of Control (LoC): 776 km with Pakistan
- International Border: 3,323 km with Pakistan, Bangladesh
- Border Roads Organization (BRO): 40,000 km strategic roads
💰 ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
RBI Economic Resilience Assessment 2025
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Reserve Bank of India bulletin confirms Indian economy remains resilient with strong rural demand despite potential US trade policy risks
- GDP growth projection maintained at 6.5-7% for FY26 with rural consumption driving expansion
- Inflation targeting framework successful in maintaining price stability within 2-6% band
- Banking sector NPAs decline to historic low of 2.1% with improved credit growth
- Foreign exchange reserves cross $700 billion milestone providing external sector stability
- Monetary policy transmission mechanism strengthened across banking system
- Digital payment ecosystem records 18 billion transactions monthly with enhanced security
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Structure:
- Establishment: April 1, 1935 (nationalized January 1, 1949)
- Headquarters: Mumbai (Central Office)
- Regional Offices: 4 (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata)
- Governor’s Term: 3 years (can be extended, max 5 years typically)
RBI Functions and Powers:
- Monetary Policy: Repo rate, reverse repo, CRR, SLR determination
- Currency Management: Issue and supply of Indian rupee
- Banking Supervision: Commercial banks, NBFCs, payment systems oversight
- Foreign Exchange: FOREX reserves management, exchange rate stability
Monetary Policy Framework:
- Inflation Target: 4% (+/- 2%) – flexible inflation targeting
- Policy Rates: Repo (current ~6.5%), Reverse Repo, MSF, Bank Rate
- Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): 6 members (3 RBI + 3 Government nominees)
- Meeting Frequency: 6 times per year (bi-monthly)
Banking System Statistics (2025):
- Scheduled Commercial Banks: 12 Public Sector, 22 Private Sector, 46 Foreign
- Regional Rural Banks: 43 RRBs covering rural and semi-urban areas
- Cooperative Banks: 1,540+ urban cooperative banks
- Payment Banks: 6 operational (Airtel, Paytm, Jio, etc.)
Financial Inclusion Initiatives:
- Jan Dhan Yojana: 52+ crore accounts with average balance ₹3,500
- Unified Payment Interface (UPI): 16+ billion monthly transactions
- Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): Pilot phase in 25+ cities
- Priority Sector Lending: 40% of credit to agriculture, MSME, housing
External Sector Management:
- FOREX Reserves: $700+ billion (18+ months import cover)
- Current Account Deficit: 1.2% of GDP (manageable level)
- External Debt: $663 billion (19.5% of GDP – sustainable)
- Rupee Exchange Rate: Market-determined with RBI intervention
Export Promotion Mission 2025-31
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Government announces ₹25,000 crore Export Promotion Mission over six years with export loan moratorium
- Merchandise exports target raised to $800 billion by 2030 from current $422 billion
- Services exports projection of $500 billion by 2030 leveraging IT and digital services
- Special Economic Zones (SEZ) policy revamp with simplified procedures and tax benefits
- Green export financing mechanism launched for sustainable manufacturing practices
- Export credit guarantee coverage expanded to cover 95% of eligible export transactions
- International trade facilitation through blockchain-based documentation system
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
India’s Export Performance Statistics:
- Merchandise Exports (2024-25): $422 billion (engineering goods, petroleum products)
- Services Exports (2024-25): $340 billion (IT services, business services)
- Total Exports: $762 billion (goods + services combined)
- Export-Import Ratio: 86% (imports higher than exports)
Major Export Categories:
- Engineering Goods: $112 billion (machinery, auto components, electrical items)
- Petroleum Products: $78 billion (refined petroleum, petrochemicals)
- Gems & Jewelry: $38 billion (diamonds, gold jewelry, precious stones)
- Textiles: $44 billion (readymade garments, cotton yarn, fabrics)
Key Export Markets:
- USA: Largest export destination ($78 billion – 18.5% share)
- UAE: $35 billion (petroleum products, gems & jewelry)
- Netherlands: $18 billion (petroleum products, chemicals)
- China: $16.5 billion (organic chemicals, cotton, iron ore)
Export Infrastructure and Support:
- Ports: 12 major ports handle 70% of cargo traffic
- Special Economic Zones: 265 operational SEZs
- Export Promotion Councils: 14 commodity-specific councils
- Indian Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO): Export facilitation
Government Export Schemes:
- Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS): Replaced by RoDTEP
- RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products): Current scheme
- EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods): Zero duty capital goods import
- Advance Authorization Scheme: Duty-free import of inputs
Export Credit and Finance:
- Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank): Principal export finance institution
- Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC): Export credit insurance
- Commercial Banks: Export credit at concessional rates
- Interest Subvention: Government support for pre/post shipment credit
🌍 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
India-US Strategic Dialogue Amid Trade Tensions
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- High-level strategic dialogue initiated to address growing rift in India-US partnership amid Trump administration’s trade policies
- Defense technology transfer agreements under review with focus on Indo-Pacific cooperation
- Trade diversification strategy accelerated to reduce dependence on US markets
- Quad partnership mechanisms strengthened with Australia, Japan for regional security
- Educational and technological exchange programs continue despite bilateral tensions
- Climate cooperation initiatives maintained through clean energy partnerships
- Diaspora engagement programs enhanced to leverage 4.8 million Indian-Americans
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
India-USA Strategic Partnership Evolution:
- 2005: US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement (123 Agreement)
- 2016: India designated as Major Defense Partner
- 2018: Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) status granted
- 2020: Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) signed
Bilateral Trade Relations:
- Total Trade (2024): $190+ billion (India-US combined trade)
- India’s Exports to US: $78.3 billion (largest export destination)
- India’s Imports from US: $46.8 billion
- Trade Balance: $31.5 billion in India’s favor
Defense and Security Cooperation:
- 2+2 Dialogue: Defense and Foreign Ministers’ annual meeting
- QUAD Partnership: India, US, Australia, Japan strategic grouping
- Defense Trade: $25+ billion defense deals since 2008
- Military Exercises: Malabar (Naval), Vajra Prahar (Army), Cope India (Air Force)
Technology and Innovation Partnerships:
- iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies): Launched 2023
- Semiconductor Partnership: Technology transfer and manufacturing
- Space Cooperation: NASA-ISRO collaborative missions
- Clean Energy: International Solar Alliance co-leadership
People-to-People Connections:
- Indian Diaspora in US: 4.8 million (highest-earning ethnic group)
- Students: 2.7+ lakh Indian students in US universities
- H-1B Visas: 75% go to Indian professionals annually
- Remittances: $100+ billion annually from US to India
Challenges and Issues:
- Trade Disputes: Tariffs on steel, aluminum, agricultural products
- Technology Transfer: Restrictions on dual-use technologies
- Immigration: H-1B visa caps and processing delays
- Intellectual Property: USTR Special 301 Report monitoring
India-China Border Management Protocols
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- 21st round of Corps Commander-level talks held to maintain peace along Line of Actual Control
- Infrastructure development in border areas accelerated with 75 strategic roads completion
- Border Personnel Meeting points increased from 5 to 8 for better communication
- Technology deployment enhanced with satellite monitoring and AI-based intrusion detection
- Trade through Nathu La pass resumed with improved bilateral cooperation protocols
- Student and cultural exchange programs gradually restored after 2020 disruption
- Climate change collaboration initiated for Himalayan glacier monitoring
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
India-China Border Dispute Geography:
- Line of Actual Control (LAC): 3,488 km disputed border
- Western Sector: Ladakh region (Aksai Chin disputed – 38,000 sq km)
- Middle Sector: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (smallest disputed area)
- Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh (90,000 sq km claimed by China as “South Tibet”)
Border Management Mechanisms:
- Border Personnel Meetings: 5 designated points (Chushul, Daulat Beg Oldie, etc.)
- Confidence Building Measures (CBM): 1993, 1996, 2005, 2012, 2013 agreements
- Special Representatives Dialogue: High-level mechanism since 2003
- Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC): Established 2012
Military Infrastructure Development:
- Border Roads Organization (BRO): 40+ strategic roads in border areas
- Advanced Landing Grounds: 17 ALGs for military aircraft operations
- Border Outposts: 1,000+ BOPs along LAC
- Surveillance Systems: Satellite-based and ground sensors
Economic Relations Despite Tensions:
- Bilateral Trade (2024): $118 billion (China is India’s largest trading partner)
- Trade Deficit: $85 billion in China’s favor
- Chinese Investment in India: Restricted since 2020 in sensitive sectors
- Apps Ban: 220+ Chinese apps banned for national security
Recent Border Incidents and Management:
- Doklam Standoff (2017): 73-day military standoff resolved diplomatically
- Galwan Valley Clash (2020): First casualties in 45 years
- Disengagement Process: Completed at several friction points
- Buffer Zones: Created to prevent face-offs between patrols
🏥 HEALTH SECTOR
National Mental Health Digital Platform Launch
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Union Health Ministry launches comprehensive mental health digital platform with AI-powered screening tools
- Telemedicine consultations for mental health reach 50 lakh sessions annually
- National suicide prevention helpline integrated with emergency response systems
- Mental health curriculum mandatory in all medical colleges from academic year 2025-26
- Workplace mental health programs launched for 10,000 companies with government support
- Traditional medicine integration with modern psychiatry through AYUSH-Allopathy convergence
- Community mental health workers trained in 10,000 villages under National Health Mission
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
Mental Health Statistics in India:
- Prevalence: 13.7% of population affected by mental health disorders
- Common Disorders: Depression (4.5%), Anxiety (3.1%), Substance abuse (2.1%)
- Suicide Rate: 12.9 per 1 lakh population (WHO data)
- Treatment Gap: 70-85% people with mental illness don’t receive treatment
National Mental Health Program (NMHP):
- Launch: 1982 (one of the first national programs)
- District Mental Health Program: 733+ districts covered
- Mental Health Institutions: 47 government mental health establishments
- Manpower: 9,000 psychiatrists, 2,000 clinical psychologists in India
Mental Healthcare Act 2017:
- Rights-Based Approach: Mental health as fundamental right
- Decriminalization: Attempted suicide decriminalized
- Advanced Directives: Patients can specify treatment preferences
- Mental Health Review Board: In every state for implementation oversight
AYUSH Integration in Mental Health:
- Yoga: Recognized as complementary therapy by WHO
- Ayurveda: Satvavajaya Chikitsa (psychotherapy in Ayurveda)
- Meditation: Mindfulness-based interventions in treatment protocols
- Research: 15+ studies on traditional medicine in mental health
Digital Mental Health Initiatives:
- Manodarpan: Mental health and psychosocial support during COVID
- Kiran Helpline: 24/7 toll-free mental health rehabilitation helpline
- Apps: Government-approved mental health mobile applications
- Telemedicine: ePsychiatry services through National Telemedicine Network
Institutional Framework:
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS): Premier institute
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences: Mental health departments
- Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute: Northeast regional center
- Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP): Ranchi-based research institution
🌱 ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE
National Ocean Conservation Strategy 2025-35
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Ministry of Environment announces decade-long ocean conservation strategy with ₹15,000 crore investment
- Marine protected areas network expanded to cover 15% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone
- Blue economy initiatives projected to generate $20 billion revenue by 2030
- Coastal aquaculture sustainability program covers 4,000 km coastline across 9 states
- Ocean plastic cleanup mission targets 50% reduction in marine debris by 2030
- Deep sea mining research expeditions launched in collaboration with international partners
- Coral reef restoration projects initiated in Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
India’s Marine Geography:
- Coastline: 7,516 km (including islands) – 6,100 km mainland
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): 2.37 million sq km
- Continental Shelf: Extends up to 350 nautical miles
- Maritime States/UTs: 13 (9 states + 4 Union Territories)
Major Marine Ecosystems:
- Coral Reefs: 4 major reef areas (Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, Andaman)
- Mangroves: 4,975 sq km (3% of world’s mangroves)
- Wetlands: 757 identified wetlands, 75 Ramsar sites
- Estuaries: 14 major estuaries along east and west coasts
Marine Biodiversity Statistics:
- Fish Species: 2,546 marine fish species recorded
- Coral Species: 208 hard coral species (6% of world’s total)
- Marine Mammals: 31 species including whales, dolphins, dugongs
- Sea Turtles: 5 species nest on Indian coasts
Ocean Resources and Blue Economy:
- Fisheries: 16.2 million people dependent on fishing
- Marine Fish Production: 3.7 million tonnes annually
- Salt Production: 33 million tonnes (3rd largest globally)
- Offshore Wind Potential: 127 GW along coastline
Marine Conservation Framework:
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ): Notification 2019 for coastal protection
- Marine National Parks: 5 national parks (Gulf of Kutch, Mahatma Gandhi, etc.)
- Marine Sanctuaries: 25+ marine protected areas
- National Centre for Coastal Research: Chennai-based research institution
International Marine Cooperation:
- UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea signatory
- International Maritime Organization (IMO): Member since 1959
- Indian Ocean Rim Association: 23-member regional grouping
- Blue Economy Declaration: Endorsed at various international forums
📚 EDUCATION SECTOR
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission Scale-up
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- NIPUN Bharat Mission reports 85% children achieving grade-appropriate literacy in Classes I-III
- AI-powered personalized learning modules deployed in 2.5 lakh primary schools
- Mother tongue-based multilingual education implemented in 22 Indian languages
- Teacher capacity building program trains 25 lakh primary school teachers in new pedagogy
- Community participation in education reaches 75% with parent-teacher committees
- Digital library access provided to 15 lakh schools with regional language content
- International collaboration with Finland and Singapore for pedagogical innovation
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Implementation:
- School Structure: 5+3+3+4 system replacing 10+2 structure
- Foundational Stage: Ages 3-8 (play-based learning focus)
- Preparatory Stage: Ages 8-11 (activity-based learning)
- Middle Stage: Ages 11-14 (experiential learning)
- Secondary Stage: Ages 14-18 (multidisciplinary study)
NIPUN Bharat Mission:
- Full Form: National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy
- Target: Universal Foundational Literacy and Numeracy by 2026-27
- Coverage: Children in Classes I-III (ages 3-9)
- Implementation: Through states under centrally sponsored scheme
School Education Statistics (2025):
- Total Schools: 14.89 lakh (government + private + aided)
- Government Schools: 10.51 lakh (70.6% of total schools)
- Student Enrollment: 26.5 crore students across all levels
- Teachers: 94.6 lakh teachers (student-teacher ratio 26:1)
Samagra Shiksha Scheme Components:
- School Infrastructure: Boundary walls, toilets, electricity, libraries
- Teacher Training: Continuous professional development programs
- Inclusive Education: Support for children with special needs
- Digital Education: ICT labs, smart classrooms, educational technology
Language Policy in Education:
- Three Language Formula: Mother tongue/local language + Hindi + English
- Medium of Instruction: Mother tongue preferred till Class 5
- Classical Languages: Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia
- Tribal Languages: 22 languages recognized in 8th Schedule
Assessment and Evaluation Reform:
- National Achievement Survey (NAS): Learning outcome assessment
- PARAKH: National Assessment and Accreditation Council
- Holistic Progress Card: 360-degree evaluation system
- Board Exam Reform: Reduced exam stress, multiple attempts allowed
🎯 EXAM PREPARATION ESSENTIALS
Today’s Key Static Facts for TNPSC
Constitutional Provisions – Education:
- Article 21A: Right to Education (6-14 years) – 86th Amendment 2002
- Article 45: Directive Principle for free education till 14 years
- Article 46: Educational interests of SCs/STs and weaker sections
- 7th Schedule: Education in Concurrent List (Entry 25)
Tamil Nadu Educational Achievements:
- Literacy Rate: 80.1% (2011 Census) – 6th rank among states
- Female Literacy: 73.4% (significant improvement from 51.3% in 2001)
- School Dropout Rate: 4.1% (one of the lowest in India)
- Higher Education GER: 52.1% (above national average)
Important Economic Institutions:
- NITI Aayog: Replaced Planning Commission on January 1, 2015
- Finance Commission: 15th FC (2021-26) headed by N.K. Singh
- GST Council: 52nd meeting held in October 2024
- National Statistical Office: Under Ministry of Statistics & PI
Defense Organizations:
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO): Established 1958
- Ordnance Factory Board: 41 factories under Ministry of Defence
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): Aircraft manufacturing PSU
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL): Defense electronics company
📊 CURRENT STATISTICS (August 29, 2025)
Economic Performance Indicators:
- Repo Rate: 6.50% (maintained by RBI MPC)
- CPI Inflation: 3.2% (within target band of 2-6%)
- WPI Inflation: 1.8% (benign wholesale price inflation)
- Forex Reserves: $702.8 billion (all-time high)
Trade and Commerce:
- August 2025 Merchandise Trade: Exports $48.2 billion, Imports $66.9 billion
- Services Trade: Exports $29.8 billion (IT services lead)
- FDI Inflows: $22.5 billion in Q1 FY26
- FPI Inflows: Net positive $8.7 billion (August 2025)
Agricultural and Rural Statistics:
- Kharif Sowing: 106.2 million hectares (2% above normal)
- Reservoir Levels: 78% of full reservoir level (above 10-year average)
- Rural Wage Growth: 7.2% year-on-year increase
- MGNREGA Demand: 2.1 crore households provided employment
🏆 RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS (August 2025)
International Rankings:
- World Happiness Report 2025: India ranks 126th (improvement from 136th)
- Global Cybersecurity Index: India moves to 10th position globally
- Renewable Energy Capacity: 4th globally with 180 GW installed capacity
- Startup Ecosystem: 3rd largest startup ecosystem with 1.17 lakh startups
Space and Technology:
- Chandrayaan-4: Sample return mission approved with ₹2,104 crore budget
- Gaganyaan Mission: Crew training completed, launch scheduled Q4 2025
- Navigation Satellite: IRNSS-1I successfully launched and operational
- Technology Exports: Software exports cross $200 billion annual target