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MGNREGA replaced: Government announces wage rates under new jobs scheme
The central government has notified new wage rates under the [Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act], or [VB-G RAM G Act], which replaces the two-decade-old [Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act] ([MGNREGA]). The new daily wages for unskilled manual workers range from Rs 300 to Rs 409 across states, with a minimum floor of Rs 300 established for 21 states, resulting in significant hikes (over 15%) for northern and northeastern states, while southern states saw marginal increases.
Must ReadSafe Hormuz key, Modi tells Iran’s Pezeshkian; Tehran says invited to BRICS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a formal invitation to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the The 2024 BRICS Summit was hosted by Russia in Kazan. India is scheduled to host in 2026.
Read on Indian ExpressDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Environment & Ecology: The [Zoological Survey of India] and [Botanical Survey of India] released their annual reports documenting new species d](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-07-01%2Findia-adds-709-new-species-to-its-faunal-database-in-2025-353-taxa-to-its-flora-de22df16.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadIndia adds 709 new species to its faunal database in 2025, 353 taxa to its flora
The [Zoological Survey of India] and [Botanical Survey of India] released their annual reports documenting new species discoveries for the year 2025. India added 709 new animal species and 353 plant taxa, bringing the total faunal biodiversity to over 1.05 lakh species.
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Must ReadCensus 2027: Enumerators begin door-to-door visits for Houselisting phase in Kerala
The Houselisting and Housing phase of Census 2027 has officially commenced in Kerala, marking the beginning of India's first digital Census. The exercise, managed via a dedicated web portal and mobile app, follows a two-phase structure: houselisting in July 2026 and population enumeration in February 2027.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Economy: The [Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation] (MoSPI) is developing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp (VBS) indicato](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-07-01%2Fnew-macro-indicators-in-the-works-to-track-viksit-bharat-progress-fffa3fff.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadNew macro indicators in the works to track Viksit Bharat progress
The [Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation] (MoSPI) is developing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp (VBS) indicator framework to track India's progress toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Expected to be implemented by 2031 or earlier, this framework will utilize approximately 385 macro indicators across key sectors—including agriculture, health, urban development, and transport—to assess economic, social, and infrastructure outcomes.
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Must ReadFiscal deficit widens to 9.6% of FY27 target on higher spending
Official data reveals that the central government's **fiscal deficit** (the gap between total revenue and total expenditure) reached 9.6% of the FY27 target in the first two months (April-May). Despite a surge in the overall deficit driven by higher revenue expenditure and subsidy outgo, a record surplus in May, largely due to a substantial dividend payment from the [Reserve Bank of India], has bolstered analysts' confidence in the government meeting its 4.5% of GDP deficit target for the fiscal year.
Must ReadReimagining sovereign AI for India’s strategic future
The article analyzes the growing trend of 'sovereign AI,' where nations like the US and European countries are framing Artificial Intelligence policies around national security and strategic advantage. It argues that India, lacking its own 'frontier AI' models (highly advanced, resource-intensive models), must adopt a strategic approach.
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Must ReadWhy managing fiscal is a tightrope for State governments
Recent White Papers by the governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have highlighted alarming levels of outstanding state debt. While often attributed to fiscal mismanagement, this issue underscores a systemic challenge in Indian federalism: the mismatch between the limited revenue-raising capacity of states and their extensive expenditure responsibilities, particularly in crucial social and economic sectors.
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