PFRDA to Increase National Pension Scheme Equity Exposure to 25% by Fiscal Year 2027

₹743.43 Cr Revenue Detected in 6 Months: Andhra AI-GST Model Wins National Acclaim at 6th Coordination Meet

Andhra Pradesh’s AI & Machine Learning-based GST administration model has been nationally acclaimed at the 6th National Co-ordination Meeting. The system detected ₹743.43 crore in revenue in just six months—more than double the previous manual process—and has sparked interest from several states. For exam aspirants, this is a key case study on AI in governance, tax administration reform, and state-level innovation.

VB-G RAM G Scheme: Karnataka Person-Days Fall 70% in July, 805 GPs with Nil Expenditure

The new VB-G RAM G scheme, which replaced MGNREGA from July 1, 2026, has seen a drastic drop in employment generation in Karnataka - only 17.98 lakh person-days in July 2026 vs 61.48 lakh in July 2025 under MGNREGA. Implementation delays, lack of clarity, and procedural hurdles are blamed. This is critical for understanding rural employment policy shifts.

FAST-DS: Govt's New Foreign Assets Disclosure Scheme Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Fee, Raises Disproportionate Penalty Concerns

The government's Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers – Disclosure Scheme (FAST-DS), launched on August 16, 2026, requires a flat Rs 1 lakh fee for disclosing undisclosed foreign assets up to Rs 5 crore. This has sparked concerns among salaried employees with ESOPs or small US stock investments, who find the fee disproportionate to the asset value and argue it penalizes honest taxpayers. The scheme aims to regularize non-disclosure but clashes with the Black Money Act's provisions.

Cabinet Raises EPFO Wage Ceiling to ₹25,000, 51 Lakh More Workers Covered; EPS Minimum Pension Unresolved

The Union Cabinet has raised the wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 after a 12-year gap, bringing an additional 51 lakh workers under social security. However, the minimum pension of ₹1,000 per month remains unchanged since 2014, with 45% of 82 lakh pensioners receiving that amount or less, sparking demands for urgent revision.

Centre Mandates 60:40 Centre-State Funding Split for VB-G RAM-G Rural Employment Scheme

The Centre has shifted the funding pattern of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (now VB-G RAM-G) from 100% central funding to a 60:40 Centre-State split (90:10 for Himalayan/Northeast states). This marks a major fiscal federalism change, with states allocating full 40% despite political opposition. Essential for Prelims (ratio, scheme name) and Mains (fiscal federalism, rural wage floor).

₹62,500 Cr Smartphone Manufacturing Scheme: Two-Track Strategy for PLI Successor & Indian Brands

India's new Rs 62,500 crore smartphone scheme aims to sustain large-scale production after the first PLI ends and create a homegrown brand with its own IP. It offers two tracks: one for global manufacturers with incremental production targets, and another with higher incentives for Indian-owned companies that design and develop in India.

16th Finance Commission Prioritises Efficiency Over Equity: Removes RDGs, Keeps Devolution at 41%

The 16th Finance Commission's report marks a decisive shift from equity-based to efficiency-based transfers. By removing Revenue Deficit Grants and introducing performance-linked grants, it risks widening regional disparities. This is a core debate in fiscal federalism — efficiency vs. equity — and a high-probability topic for both Prelims (data) and Mains (analytical).

Tata Trusts’ 66% Stake & Affirmative Voting Rights under Articles 104B, 121: SC Verdict Explained

Tata Trusts, holding about 66% of Tata Sons, are challenging the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as executive chairman, citing the affirmative voting rights of their nominee directors under the Articles of Association. The Supreme Court’s 2021 Tata-Mistry judgment upheld these special rights, making it the key legal backdrop to the current boardroom dispute. For exams, this news tests corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and the binding force of a company’s Articles.