RBI MPC keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25%
The [Monetary Policy Committee] of the [Reserve Bank of India] voted unanimously to keep the benchmark policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25%. Consequently, the rates for the [Standing Deposit Facility] and [Marginal Standing Facility] remain unchanged at 5% and 5.50%, respectively.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study NotesOn India’s updated climate pledges
The Indian government has announced revised [Nationally Determined Contributions] (NDCs) under the [Paris Agreement], setting upgraded climate targets for 2035. The new commitments aim to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 47% below 2005 levels, achieve 60% non-fossil fuel installed power capacity, and create an enhanced carbon sink of 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes.
Must ReadIndia welcomes Iran-U.S. ceasefire, stresses dialogue and diplomacy
The Indian government has officially welcomed a newly brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran, emphasizing the critical need for uninterrupted trade flows through the Middle East. Notably, the official statement strategically omitted any mention of Pakistan, which mediated the agreement, reflecting India's complex diplomatic posture regarding its neighbor.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Polity & Governance: The [Ministry of Home Affairs] has issued a strict 90-day ultimatum to all state and Union Territory governments to clea](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-04-08%2Fhome-ministrys-90-day-ultimatum-states-told-to-clear-forensic-backlogs-as-india-shifts-to-tech-driven-naveen-sanhitas-399577fc.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadHome Ministry’s 90-day ultimatum: States told to clear forensic backlogs as India shifts to tech-driven ‘Naveen Sanhitas’
The [Ministry of Home Affairs] has issued a strict 90-day ultimatum to all state and Union Territory governments to clear mounting forensic backlogs and upgrade their forensic science laboratories. This capacity-building push is fundamentally designed to align state infrastructures with the evidence-heavy mandates of India's newly implemented criminal codes, collectively referred to as the 'Naveen Sanhitas'.
Read on Indian ExpressDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Science & Technology: The [Indian Space Research Organisation] has announced that the launch date for the first uncrewed mission of the [Gagan](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-04-08%2Flaunch-date-of-first-uncrewed-mission-of-gaganyaan-to-be-announced-soon-isro-chairperson-1313b75d.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadLaunch date of first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan to be announced soon: ISRO Chairperson
The [Indian Space Research Organisation] has announced that the launch date for the first uncrewed mission of the [Gaganyaan] program, designated as HLVM3 G1/OM1, will be revealed shortly. Initially scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, the mission faced delays due to the intense complexities of human-rating the launch vehicle.
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Must ReadRBI MPC key takeaways 2026: Check major announcements by Governor Sanjay Malhotra
In April 2026, the six-member Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Committee, headed by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, convened to decide on the benchmark repo rate, currently sitting at 5.25%. After cutting rates by 125 basis points since early 2025, the central bank is expected to maintain its 'wait-and-watch' stance.
Read on Economic TimesDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Polity & Governance: A 9-judge [Supreme Court] Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant is currently hearing overarching questions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-04-08%2Fsabarimala-women-entry-case-highlights-supreme-court-asks-centre-if-non-devotees-of-lord-ayyappa-can-challenge-customs-of-sabarimala-temple-c7b3d20b.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadSabarimala women entry case highlights: Supreme Court asks Centre if non-devotees of Lord Ayyappa can challenge customs of Sabarimala temple
A 9-judge [Supreme Court] Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant is currently hearing overarching questions related to religious freedom and the Sabarimala temple entry case. During the hearings, the Union Government strongly opposed the use of the 'constitutional morality' doctrine by the judiciary, arguing it is too subjective and calling past landmark verdicts on decriminalizing adultery and same-sex relationships 'not a good law'.
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Must ReadIran 10-point plan says U.S. must accept uranium enrichment, lift all sanctions
Amidst an ongoing five-week conflict in West Asia, Iran has issued a 10-point plan brokered by Pakistan to end hostilities with the United States. The proposal demands the lifting of all US sanctions, formal acceptance of Iran's uranium enrichment program, and U.S.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Science & Technology: The [Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor] at Kalpakkam has successfully achieved 'criticality', marking a foundational milest](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-04-08%2Fwhy-does-india-want-fast-breeder-nuclear-reactors-explained-dd4e25f1.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadWhy does India want fast breeder nuclear reactors? | Explained
The [Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor] at Kalpakkam has successfully achieved 'criticality', marking a foundational milestone in operationalizing the second stage of India's indigenous nuclear power programme. This development brings India a step closer to utilizing its vast thorium reserves for long-term energy security, despite ongoing challenges related to cost overruns and technical complexities.
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Must ReadDelimitation, women’s reservation, political dynamics
The article analyzes the structural and political implications of the [Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023], which mandates 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies. Recent reports indicate the government may expedite implementation by conducting a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 [Census] and expanding the [Lok Sabha] by nearly 50%, raising critical debates around federalism, demographic representation, and electoral fairness.
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ImportantIran-US ceasefire: What each side was fighting for, and what they have won or lost
A two-week ceasefire has been announced to pause a 38-day military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The cessation aims to facilitate negotiations based on competing demands regarding nuclear enrichment, economic sanctions, and regional security architectures.
Read on Indian ExpressDive Into Study NotesSpecial session on delimitation: T.N. CM Stalin says ‘DMK will not stand by and watch’
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly opposed the upcoming post-2026 delimitation exercise, warning the Union government against reducing the political representation of Southern states.
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Must ReadUS-Iran two-week ceasefire: How Trump stepped back from brink, Pakistan’s role, and what comes next
The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire following a 39-day military conflict, temporarily halting hostilities to allow for negotiations. The pause was largely forced by Iran's strategic blockade of a major maritime chokepoint, which heavily disrupted global energy flows.
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Must ReadSystemic reckoning: On the verdict in the Sattankulam murder case
A Madurai trial court has awarded the death penalty to nine police officers for the brutal custodial torture and murder of a father-son duo, Jayaraj and Benicks, in Sattankulam, Tamil Nadu, during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. The landmark verdict underscores the severe consequences of police brutality and highlights the necessity of active judicial oversight and independent investigation to hold law enforcement accountable.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Poverty & Inequality: A recent working paper by the [World Inequality Lab] highlights stark land concentration in rural India, revealing that](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-04-08%2Ftop-10-rural-households-own-44-land-in-india-world-inequality-lab-study-findings-explained-5c97866e.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadTop 10% rural households own 44% land in India: World Inequality Lab study findings, explained
A recent working paper by the [World Inequality Lab] highlights stark land concentration in rural India, revealing that the top 10% of households own 44% of the land while 46% remain completely landless. Utilizing data from the [Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011], the report demonstrates how historical land tenure systems, caste dynamics, and agricultural suitability continue to perpetuate deep-rooted asset inequality across Indian states.
Read on Indian ExpressDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Monetary Policy & Banking: The [Reserve Bank of India] maintained the policy repo rate at 5.25% and lowered its 2026-27 GDP growth forecast to 6.9%](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-04-08%2Feven-with-us-iran-ceasefire-rbi-signals-a-tough-year-ahead-for-economy-5546959d.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadEven with US-Iran ceasefire, RBI signals a tough year ahead for economy
The [Reserve Bank of India] maintained the policy repo rate at 5.25% and lowered its 2026-27 GDP growth forecast to 6.9% amid global geopolitical uncertainties like the US-Iran conflict. The central bank remains cautious regarding elevated crude oil prices, persistent inflation threats, and massive foreign capital outflows that have significantly depreciated the Indian rupee.
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ImportantIn Iran, Trump faces the limits of American power | Analysis
On the 40th day of an active military conflict, the United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire to pursue diplomatic negotiations. The U.S.
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Must ReadChina is gaining at America’s expense. India must navigate choppy waters
Recent conflicts in the Gulf and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz have triggered massive disruptions in global energy markets and shipping lanes. Concurrently, global opinion polling indicates a structural shift in diplomatic trust, with China's global approval ratings surpassing those of the United States.
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ImportantIn Delhi’s support for Arab Gulf, a return of the Bombay school of thought
Recent geopolitical developments and conflicts in the Middle East have highlighted India's deepening strategic, economic, and security ties with the Arab Gulf. This shift is analyzed through the historical framework of the British Raj's 'Bombay School' of maritime strategy, contrasting it with the land-centric 'Ludhiana School', to explain India's modern foreign policy evolution.
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ImportantAfter the ceasefire: The politics, geopolitics and challenges for peace in the Middle East
Following severe military escalation between the US, Israel, and Iran, a two-week ceasefire has been announced to facilitate negotiations in Islamabad. The proposed diplomatic settlement revolves around Iran's 10-point plan, which demands sanctions relief and sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for nuclear concessions and regional de-escalation.
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ImportantHow Trump pushed the US into Israel’s bid for ‘regime change’ in Iran
Recent reports highlight internal discussions within the US administration regarding an Israeli proposal for military intervention and 'regime change' in Iran. The proposed strategy involves targeted strikes against Iran's leadership and military infrastructure, sparking intense debate among US policymakers over the risks of a broader regional war and its global repercussions.
Read on Indian ExpressDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Polity & Governance: The [Supreme Court] has placed an interim stay on the [University Grants Commission]'s Promotion of Equity in Higher Edu](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-04-08%2Flimits-of-neutrality-in-addressing-caste-1e79ec29.png&w=1200&q=75)
ImportantLimits of neutrality in addressing caste
The [Supreme Court] has placed an interim stay on the [University Grants Commission]'s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulation, 2026. Stemming from the [Abeda Salim Tadvi v Union of India] case, the rules restricted the definition of caste-based discrimination to [Scheduled Castes], Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs.
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