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- Why in News?
- The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has announced a 100 basis points (bps) reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and a 50 bps cut in the repo rate to enhance liquidity in the banking system.
- Key Provisions:-
- The CRR is the portion of a bank’s deposits that must be kept with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and cannot be used for lending or investment, nor does it earn interest.
- The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks during fund shortages, typically using government securities as collateral.
- To manage liquidity, the RBI also uses tools like the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), comprising repo and reverse repo operations, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF).
- Additionally, banks must maintain a Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), a reserve held in liquid assets.
- The MPC, mandated under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934, includes six members and meets at least four times annually.
- Why in News?
- According to a recent report by Kearney, India’s Quick Commerce (Q-Commerce) grocery market is projected to triple by 2027, reaching approximately ₹1.7 lakh crore.
- Key Provisions:-
- Q-Commerce is a fast-evolving model that enables delivery of goods within 10–30 minutes of ordering, with examples like Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart.
- It relies on micro-warehouses closer to customers instead of traditional, large warehouses.
- The model is reshaping consumer expectations by offering instant access and convenience. Around 6–8% of Q-Commerce sales are incremental, driven by impulse purchases such as snacks, gifting, and festive items. However, categories like fruits, vegetables, and dairy still see limited adoption due to concerns over freshness and price.
- The sector is also fueling job creation—generating nearly 62–64 jobs per crore of monthly GMV, more than double that of traditional e-commerce.
It promotes a shift toward gig-based employment models, offering flexible, hyperlocal work opportunities. As it grows, Q-Commerce is influencing business investments and retail strategies across India
- Why in News?
- The Union Minister for Minority Affairs launched the UMEED Central Portal, aimed at streamlining the management of Waqf properties through real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring. Waqf refers to any movable or immovable property dedicated for religious, pious, or charitable purposes under Muslim law.
- Key Provisions:-
- The UMEED Portal, established under the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, 1995, seeks to bring greater transparency and efficiency in Waqf administration. Key features include the creation of a comprehensive digital inventory of Waqf assets, complete with geo-tagging and GIS mapping.
- The platform also facilitates online grievance redressal, helping stakeholders engage more effectively.
- The initiative holds significant value as it enables better utilization of Waqf properties for broader social purposes such as healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, and welfare programs. By digitizing and monitoring these assets, the portal aims to prevent misuse and encourage their active participation in community development.
- Why in News?
- The Union Minister for Minority Affairs launched the UMEED Central Portal, aimed at streamlining the management of Waqf properties through real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring. Waqf refers to any movable or immovable property dedicated for religious, pious, or charitable purposes under Muslim law.
- Key Provisions:-
- The UMEED Portal, established under the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, 1995, seeks to bring greater transparency and efficiency in Waqf administration. Key features include the creation of a comprehensive digital inventory of Waqf assets, complete with geo-tagging and GIS mapping.
- The platform also facilitates online grievance redressal, helping stakeholders engage more effectively.
- The initiative holds significant value as it enables better utilization of Waqf properties for broader social purposes such as healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, and welfare programs. By digitizing and monitoring these assets, the portal aims to prevent misuse and encourage their active participation in community development.
- Why in News?
- The Union government has issued a call for proposals to establish District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in 291 underserved districts across 30 States and Union Territories.
- Key Provisions:-
- This initiative falls under the centrally sponsored National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), which aims to minimize the harmful effects of drug abuse through a comprehensive strategy focused on prevention, de-addiction, and rehabilitation.
- The program’s core objectives include raising awareness, reducing stigma, building capacity, and promoting social reintegration of affected individuals.
- It also emphasizes training, research, innovation, and data collection to support evidence-based policy.
- Community-based services like counseling, after-care, and Whole Person Recovery (WPR) are key components.
- Financial assistance is provided to State/UT governments for awareness and capacity-building initiatives, to NGOs/VOs for operating Integrated Rehabilitation Centres (IRCAs), peer-led interventions, outreach centers, and DDACs, and to government hospitals for Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs).
- The target period for implementation is 2018–2025, with a strong focus on a multi-agency, collaborative approach