1. Why is India revamping its Consumer Price Index (CPI) using Amazon and Flipkart data?
Answer: India’s Ministry of Statistics is modernizing CPI by sourcing real-time price data from e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart to better capture evolving consumption patterns among the ~270 million online consumers, with a revamped CPI set to launch in early 2026 Reuters.
2. What progress has India made in easing trade with China through border points?
Answer: India and China have agreed to resume cross-border trade via Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh), Lipulekh (Uttarakhand), and Nathu La (Sikkim), as a move toward restoring economic links halted since 2020 The Times of India.
3. How has China’s new dam project raised concerns in India?
Answer: China’s mega dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River could reduce Brahmaputra River’s dry-season flow by up to 85%, prompting India to fast-track its Upper Siang dam in Arunachal Pradesh to protect water security, despite social and environmental challenges Reuters.
4. What is the significance of the newly unveiled Lalbaugcha Raja for 2025?
Answer: The first glimpse of Mumbai’s famous Ganesh idol—Lalbaugcha Raja—for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 has been revealed, marking the start of festivities from August 27 to September 6, emphasizing cultural importance and sustainable design trends The Economic Times.
5. What steps has the Congress party in Madhya Pradesh taken around the Constitution?
Answer: Newly appointed district Congress leaders pledged to “save the Constitution” during a session at AICC, emphasizing democratic values and countering alleged BJP “vote theft” The Times of India.
6. What economic pressures is the rupee facing due to U.S. tariffs?
Answer: With a U.S. tariff hike (25%) looming from August 27 on Indian goods, the rupee is under pressure. At the same time, India is restructuring its tax system—lowering GST slabs to 5% and 18% starting October—to manage fiscal stress while investors watch economic indicators closely Reuters.
7. What did EAM Jaishankar emphasize at the EL WLF 2025 regarding trade?
Answer: S. Jaishankar highlighted risks of reliance on a single market or supply chain and advocated for economic diversification to enhance resilience against global shocks The Economic Times.
8. What major reform was introduced in India’s maritime law this month?
Answer: On August 11, 2025, Parliament passed the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, replacing the 1958 law. The updated legislation aligns India’s maritime regulations with global standards, enhancing safety, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare Wikipedia.
9. What sports governance reform is underway in India?
Answer: The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, passed in Lok Sabha on August 11, aims to overhaul sports administration by enforcing ethics, athlete welfare, and legal oversight—aligning governance with Olympic and Paralympic norms Wikipedia.
10. How does the One Hundred and Thirtieth Constitutional Amendment aim to change governance?
Answer: Introduced on August 20, 2025, this amendment mandates removal of the PM, CM, or ministers if detained for over 30 consecutive days under serious criminal charges—even before conviction Wikipedia.
11. What’s new in India’s direct tax laws for 2025?
Answer: The Income-tax Act, 2025, approved in August and effective from April 1, 2026, consolidates and simplifies tax law across 536 sections, promoting easier compliance and reduced litigation Wikipedia.
12. What modernization has taken place in India’s port laws?
Answer: The Indian Ports Act, 2025, passed in Lok Sabha on August 12, replaces the colonial-era 1908 law. It introduces integrated port development, environmental safeguards, and centralized coordination via new maritime councils Wikipedia.
