Politics & Governance Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Aftermath The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained power with a reduced majority. Opposition alliance INDIA bloc made significant gains, especially in southern and eastern states. Key issues in the elections included unemployment, inflation, women's safety, and caste-based census. Caste-Based Census Debate There's an ongoing debate on conducting a nationwide caste-based census. Some states like Bihar and Karnataka have already conducted their own caste surveys. 📈 Economy & Business RBI Monetary Policy The Reserve Bank of India has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% to curb inflation. Inflation remains a concern, especially with fluctuating food prices. Stock Market Indian markets remain volatile ahead of the Union Budget (expected July 2025). Sectors like IT and pharmaceuticals are showing resilience. 🌍 International Relations India-China Border Talks Military-level talks continue to resolve tensions in eastern Ladakh. Progress remains slow with no breakthrough yet. India-USA Ties Strengthening of strategic ties continues, with emphasis on semiconductor collaboration, clean energy, and defense tech. 🔬 Science & Technology ISRO Updates Gaganyaan Mission (India’s first human spaceflight) is scheduled for an uncrewed test in late 2025. ISRO is also collaborating on a lunar rover project with Japan. Digital India Push The government is expanding AI adoption in public services. Work continues on implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (passed in 2023). 🌦️ Environment Heatwave Alerts Northern and central India are facing severe heatwaves. IMD has issued red alerts in several states like Rajasthan, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Water Crisis Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai are facing acute water shortages. Central government is pushing for Jal Shakti Abhiyan to improve water conservation. ⚖️ Legal & Social Issues Uniform Civil Code (UCC) UCC is being discussed in several BJP-ruled states like Uttarakhand and Gujarat. Civil society remains divided on its implementation. Manipur Conflict Ethnic tensions in Manipur continue, though violence has reduced. Peace talks are ongoing between community leaders and the central government.