PolicyDhara

Tourists pay tributes at the Pahalgam attack memorial, with locals standing guard; the hill station is once again teeming with visitors, hotels are offering rebates on tariffs, and taxi operators are providing free rides for an hour on April 22

The Income Tax Department (IT) on Tuesday said it filed a complaint with the police and the Election Commission against K Selvaperunthagai, President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, for allegedly disseminating false information and making defamatory allegations against the department.

Rajnath Singh said that the West Asia conflict is no longer a regional issue, given its far-reaching implications for global energy security.

In a “preliminary report”, the I-T Department said the missing disclosure relates to an investment in film production company Red Giant Movies.

Government of India press release: Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 975 crore contracts for TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 Tanks to enhance Indian Army’s min...

"For a developing country like India, which relies on the West Asian region for a significant share of its energy requirements, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are not distant events, they are stark realities with direct implications for our security and economic stability," says Mr. Singh

Tourists pay tributes at the Pahalgam attack memorial, with locals standing guard; the hill station is once again teeming with visitors, hotels are offering rebates on tariffs, and taxi operators are providing free rides for an hour on April 22

Hundreds of officers who were on strike have said they would continue

The RBI Governor was speaking at a round-table hosted by Consulate General of India in New York on April 20

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 494.12 points to 78,779.21 in early trade; the 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 142.2 points to 24,434.40

Jammu and Kashmir is no longer defined only by the massive tourism it hosts. The Union Territory has become a hub for startups, too.

On April 22, 2025, terrorists opened fire at Baisaran meadow, killing 26 people, most of them tourists.

NDMA ramping up Heat Action Plans, eyes parametric insurance to shield vulnerable workers

Karnataka Congress faces internal strife over discipline actions against leaders, raising concerns about minority voter alienation and party unity ahead of elections.

The owner of a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu has surrendered after an explosion killed 25 people; four accomplices were arrested as investigations continue.

A Delhi court has ordered charges under MCOCA against gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and 19 others for running a nationwide organized crime syndicate.

Reacting to International Monetary Fund data, he noted that a GDP base revision and a weaker rupee pushed India’s size below $4 trillion

In matters of macro policy, going slow and steady is usually wiser. Full rupee convertibility for capital transactions may be a worthy goal, but it mustn’t be pursued at the cost of the economy’s stability. Robust policy often needs priority over what’s optimal.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside order of eviction of government officers from Sujan Singh Park flats near New Delhi's Khan Market [Union of India v. Sri Sobha Singh and Sons].A Bench of Justice Sanjoy Karol and Justice PK Mishra allowed an appeal moved by the Central government in 2022 challenging a Delhi High Court verdict allowing eviction. The Delhi High Court in January 2020 had affirmed the decision of the Additional Rent Control Tribunal directing the Centre to make good the unpai

Desai & Diwanji Parter Aneesh Gupte has joined Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.Gupte is an alumnus of the University of Mumbai. He is a Solicitor associated with the Bombay Incorporated Law Society.Gupte specialises in domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, PE-VC and early-stage enterprise investments, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and restructuring. He also deals with formulation of exit strategies, commercial contracts and general corporate law. He regularly adv

Proctored home-based national entrance test for Round 4 applicants on 17 May 2026

The episode, captured on video, quickly gained traction online, amplifying criticism of the BJP's protest tactics

The high court observed that the constitution of the Commission is neither arbitrary nor illegal. However, the observations made in the Commission’s report shall remain inoperative, and no action shall be taken based on its findings.

Government of India press release: Atal Pension Yojana (APY) Crosses Historic Milestone: Total Gross Enrolments Surpass ...

Karnataka moves towards a new ‘Alcohol in Beverage’ (AIB) policy with respect to excise taxation

Revenue Minister Rajan says decision was taken in a special online Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Data are now beginning to accumulate, revealing the slowdown in the Indian economy brought on by the crisis in West Asia. The latest is the Index of Eight Core Industries. The data for March, the first month since the war broke out, show that these eight key industrial sectors together contracted by 0.4% over their level in March last year. This was the worst performance in 19 months but was not unexpected.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 756.84 points or 0.95% to settle at 78,516.49

CUET PG Result Date: NTA will declare the CUET PG 2026 result on April 24, 2026, accessible via exams.nta.nic.in using application number and password.

PTR is an investment banker-turned-politician and represents the fourth generation of his family’s long political legacy.

The application pointed out a serious threat to the fragile ecology of the foothills between Dehradun and Mussoorie due to unchecked illegal constructions

The government in 2026-27 Budget had projected a 4.3% fiscal deficit, a tad lower than 4.4% as per revised estimates for 2025-26

Industry seeks structural tax and pricing reforms alongside short-term relief on jet fuel costs amid West Asia-driven volatility

Liquidity support by the Centre may offer symptomatic relief, but India’s microfinance sector needs a structural recast. Without reforms to address recurring cycles of over-lending and loan stress, another credit guarantee package will only postpone the next crisis in this fragile sector.

Is it time to retire the ‘demographic dividend' from India's national narrative? Recent labour protests have put a spotlight on wage stagnation amid rising prices, but this could be a sign of worse to come if we can’t achieve less inequitable growth.

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Rain-fed Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka face the highest exposure, while Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh benefit from a stronger irrigation cover.

The film is set against a gangster backdrop and is likely to hit the screens for Sankranthi 2027.

The 2026 reset: Assam to Puducherry

National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) have collaborated to conduct the assessments of the 350 Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) across the country.

A state-level initiative to build awareness and institutional readiness for quality certification through targeted workshops.

RBI changes autodebit rules Your Netflix SIPs and bill payments may get easier

Trump credits Paks Asim Munir cites fractured Iran as he extends ceasefire

ORF Expert Speak: Below the Band: The Arithmetic of India’s Disinflation in FY26

Around two lakh Form-7 applications received after April 2, 2026 have been kept on hold; letter from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer directs Electoral Registration Officers to carry out door-to-door survey, and physically verify the authenticity of voter rolls, which impacts final deletion

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will assign ranks to districts depending on how much capital is created

Domestic production of oil, gas ramped up amid West Asia crisis: RBI governor

Kerala Police have warned of a cyber fraud targeting users of Vivo and iQOO smartphones through fake "OriginOS Update" messages that trick users into installing malware and stealing sensitive data, including banking credentials

The report projected India to register a 6.4% growth rate in 2026 and 6.6% next year. Inflation for the country is projected to be 4.4% this year and 4.3% in 2027.

Also, Brent crude oil prices trading below the $100 per barrel mark provided optimism to the markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 445.82 points to 78,966.12 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty advanced 121.15 points to 24,486

Investigations reveal tech-driven extortion across Madhya Pradesh and beyond.

India's economy projected to grow at 6.4 per cent this year: UN

The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has already applied for bail for the incarcerated MP on humanitarian grounds at Patiala House Court, New Delhi

The cost of private healthcare has increased at a much greater pace than of public health care, says the data released by National Statistical Office.

The announcement comes as Coforge shares trade at ₹1,294.20 on the NSE, up 0.47 per cent on the day, with the stock recovering from a 52-week low of ₹1,008.10 hit in March 2026

Sanjay Malhotra credits strong institutions, policy frameworks, and steady reforms for India’s growth outpacing global peers

The Income Tax Department has told the Madras High Court that an investment of ₹7.36 crore in Red Giant Movies disclosed by Udhayanidhi Stalin in 2021 is missing from his 2026 election affidavit.At the same time, the 2026 affidavit shows an investment of ₹2.63 crore in the same company in the name of his spouse, which was not disclosed earlier, the Department said. In a counter-affidavit, the Department pointed to inconsistencies across election affidavits and financial records. It said that no

The Bombay High Court has urged the Union government to frame a clear national litigation policy to avoid judicial chaos arising from inconsistent stands by Central authorities before different High Courts on identical issues, particularly in tax matters [Rika Global Impex Limited v. Union of India].In a judgment delivered on April 20, a Division Bench comprising Justices GS Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe stressed the need for judicial uniformity in the interpretation of Central laws. Justices GS

Last date of application is 31/10/2025 (midnight). For nomination related query email atso_establishment@ncte-india.organd for technical support email atmail@ncte-india.org.

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The videos contain disturbing visuals, with some participants allegedly using sharp weapons, including knives and kirpans

Government of India press release: DGGI Ahmedabad Zonal Unit officials apprehend mastermind of the biggest GST refund fraud of around ₹1,825 crore at IGI D...

Government of India press release: Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 975 crore contracts for TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90...

About 1.7 million staff join strike as government invokes ‘No Work, No Pay’ rule and warns of action under Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act

They sparkle briefly and vanish. Only electricity gives sustained light. That electricity is the DMK-led alliance. Its path is permanent, according to Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani. He says actor-politician Vijay seems to have applied the ‘work from home’ philosophy to politics

Sensex settled at 79,273.33 and Nifty ended at 24,576.60

Karnataka moves towards a new ‘Alcohol in Beverage’ (AIB) policy with respect to excise taxation

Trafficking of bonded labourers: SC asks labour ministry to file affidavit

A viral video shows BJP leader Nazia Elahi Khan applying tilak on Lenskart employees, amidst claims of religious bias in the company's dress code.

Speaking at Princeton University, he said monetary policy should look beyond immediate supply shocks while preventing inflation expectations from becoming entrenched

A Delhi court on Tuesday charged gangster Lawrence Bishnoi with offences under Sections 3 and 4 of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in a 2021 case registered over the alleged running of a crime syndicate and extortion and kidnapping racket.While Section 3 prescribes punishment for organised crime, Section 4 deals with the punishment for possessing unaccountable wealth on behalf of a member of an organised crime syndicate.Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Prashant Sharma of th

The Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre (NPAC) is hosting a conference on the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016 on the theme "From Resolution to Resilience: Reimagining India’s Corporate Restructuring Landscape" on April 25, 2026 (Saturday) at Chennai.With the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 poised to redefine resolution paradigms, this conference brings together policymakers, insolvency professionals, asset reconstruction companies, audit leaders, and corporate st

The Supreme Court recently warned bar associations across the country to ensure 30 per cent representation for women in their governing bodies or face suspension and fresh elections [Deeksha K Amrutesh v. State of Karnataka].A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi made it clear that non-compliance with its earlier order dated March 13, 2026 would invite strict consequences. "We also deem it necessary to issue a word of caution and

The top court was hearing a petition seeking enforcement of fundamental rights of people trafficked as bonded labourers.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for Mr Khera, argued that the case is politically motivated.

Following wider outrage, the state government took cognisance of the incident and placed him under suspension.

Jagan alleged drop in GST and sales tax growth points to the "lower purchasing power and consequently lower demand"

The Reserve Bank of India today issued directions on Digital Payments – E-mandate framework, 2026. The directions consolidate extant instructions on e-mandates as also incorporate a few minor changes based on feedback obtained from stakeholders. The directions come into effect immediately. (Brij Raj)            Chief General Manager Press Release: 2026-2027/116

In a memorandum to the poll panel, the saffron party demanded the poll panel to ‘initiate suitable penal and regulatory proceedings under the applicable law.’

Our operations in India play an increasingly important role in our technology transformation: Greg Chandler of The Standard

Tourists are paying tributes at the memorial, with locals standing guard; the hill station is once again teeming with visitors, hotels are offering rebates on tariffs, and taxi operators are providing free rides for an hour on April 22

NSE last month appointed 20 banks to manage its IPO, the most selected to manage any public issue in India to date.

The Bank of Israel’s preliminary estimates suggest that Israel’s war with Iran came at the cost of 35 billion shekels ($11.52 billion) in budgetary expenses. Its operations in Gaza till 2025 cost the country around 8.6% of its annual gross domestic product.

As the global economy pivots to the AI era, we are evolving our all-weather portfolio, says Roshni Nadar Malhotra

Karnataka moves towards a new ‘Alcohol in Beverage’ (AIB) policy with respect to excise taxation

The Election Commission said its aim is to "ensure free, fair, peaceful and violence-free elections". To that end, the poll body had earlier doubled the duration of liquor ban in the state.

While some models indicate an earlier onset, others suggest a more gradual transition, with uncertainty hinging on ocean-atmosphere coupling — a critical factor for sustaining a full-fledged El Nino

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Vigilance Department is under the overall charge of the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO). The main function of the Vigilance Department is to undertake preventive vigilance and anti-corruption measures as also investigate complaints /allegations having vigilance angle (as defined by the Central Vigilance Commission) against the employees of the Authority.Know More

The former PDP minister traces Kashmir’s long history with liquor—from Sufi poetry and Sultanate-era sales to the 1990s militant crackdown—while also discussing several political pain points for his party.

He said that the mule accounts have become a key tool for cyber fraudsters, and noted that these concerns came to light during the Hyderabad Police’s high-profile investigation, ‘Operation Octopus’, which exposed serious lapses in Know Your Customer (KYC) verification processes at the branch level

The countries signed 15 pacts in areas such as ports, steel supply chains, telecom, climate, defense, electronics, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, finance, minerals, semiconductors, supply chains among others

The drive, aimed at curbing black marketing and ensuring equitable distribution of LPG, has led to substantial seizures and legal action against offenders: Reports

Urban development principal secretary Suresh Kumar issued GO-Ms-86 here on Tuesday, amending certain provisions in the Levy and Assessment of Property Tax Rules, 2020.

Amicus Legal Advocates and Consultants is looking to hire Senior Associates and Associates across practice areas in New Delhi and Jaipur.Open PositionsJaipur OfficeDispute Resolution & Litigation – 5 Senior AssociatesCorporate Litigation – 3 AssociatesTax Litigation – 1 Senior Associate, 2 AssociatesExecutive Assistant–cum–HR – 2 PositionsNew Delhi OfficeDispute Resolution & Litigation – 2 Senior Associates, 2 Associates General Corporate – 1 Senior Associate, 2 Associates EligibilityLeg

Allahabad High Court dismisses a husband’s appeal against interim maintenance, stating a man cannot cite poor finances to avoid supporting his wife during a matrimonial dispute.

Under the new rules, male employees face a ₹200 fine for keeping long hair or a beard while on duty, while female employees will be penalized the same amount if they fail to wear their hair in a bun or a hairnet.

On delimitation, the Union Minister for Home Affairs has clarified that not only Tamil Nadu but other States also will not be affected. I have also reiterated it. Tamil Nadu’s share will go up from 7.18% to 7.23%. This has disproved what Mr. Stalin has been saying: Edapaddi K. Palaniswami

A predominantly agrarian, the constituency in the heart of the Cauvery delta, continues to suffer from a lack of infrastructure, with several panchayats still without proper link roads, complicating the movement of produce and isolating villages.

U.S. benchmark crude gained 5.6% to $87.20 a barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, was up 5.3% at $95.16 a barrel.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Trent, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Asian Paints, Adani Ports and Axis Bank were the major winners

India's multi-level car parks are underused despite heavy153/160 char investment, as free on-street parking dominates

The visits to West Asian states by Indian leaders are aimed at ensuring energy supplies continue without disruptions and the well-being of the Indian diaspora.

With record budget allocation, station redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Scheme and plans to connect all districts, Indian Railways aims to boost passenger amenities, freight capacity and regional economic growth.

India aims for carbon neutrality by 2070 but faces a $4.1 trillion investment challenge over the next two decades. This needn't be an uphill battle if we do what’s needed for patient capital to play a major role. Let’s get risk-return equations right across a wide spectrum of appetites.

A week of peace hopes ended in despair as Iran shut Hormuz again in the face of harsher US pressure on its economy. As their ceasefire nears its end, their standoff needs a new balance. Thankfully, one may be within reach. Here’s what it could look like.

US President Trump’s Russian oil waiver may have been granted under the duress of petrol prices running above $1 per litre in America. As every barrel counts, what we await is a return to oil and gas supplies flowing freely out of the Gulf via Hormuz.

Quadra Legal, founded by four lawyers - Abhishek Adke, Himanshu Vidhani, Kaushalya Venkataraman and Vikrant Zunjarrao - has opened its offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Quadra Legal is a specialist commercial law firm with expertise in dispute resolution, insolvency & restructuring, banking & finance, corporate (private equity, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions and general advisory) and real estate.Zunjarrao and Adke folded their established independent practices into Quadra Legal

Valuedrive Technologies Private Limited, dba Spinny, has raised approximately $340 million across its Series F and its Series G fundraises.The Series F round was led by Accel Leaders Fund and WestBridge, with participation from Elevation Capital, Think Investments, and Tiger Global. The Series G round was led by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) and Accel Leaders Fund. Both fundraising rounds were structured as a combination of primary and secondary transactions.Argus Partners

Arbitration and disputes lawyer Shivam Pandey has joined hands with Priyanshu Upadhyay, an Advocate-on-Record (AOR) before the Supreme Court of India, to launch AjaiAnand Law Offices: a specialized cross-border disputes and arbitration practice. AjaiAnand Law Offices positions itself as a specialized boutique practice with deep capabilities in:Cross-border and international arbitrationInvestor-state disputesInternational commercial litigation and enforcementAppellate advocacy before the Sup

A larger bench of the Bombay High Court will decide whether the Goods and Service Tax department can validly issue a single consolidated show‑cause notice (SCN) clubbing multiple financial years under Sections 73 and 74 of the CGST Act, 2017 [Rollmet LLP v UOI Ors. and connected petitions].A division bench of Justices GS Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe referred the issue to a 3-judge bench on April 17 while hearing a batch of petitions led by Rollmet LLP and several other assessees from sectors such as

Arbitration in India is increasingly mirroring court proceedings and that raises concerns that it may be undermining its original purpose as a faster and cost-effective alternative to litigation, Supreme Court Justice Manmohan recently said.He said that the manner in which arbitral proceedings are conducted has led to this problem."I think the legal community must debate whether the arbitral system, which was supposed to be a solution to the problem, has itself become a problem. And has it becom

Iran’s joint military command said Tehran would respond soon and called the U.S. seizure an act of piracy.

The Reserve Bank of India has today released the data on Overseas Direct Investment, both under Automatic Route and the Approval Route, for the month of March 2026. Ajit Prasad           Deputy General Manager (Communications)     Press Release: 2026-2027/109

The Reserve Bank of India has today released the data on External Commercial Borrowings (ECB), Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB) and Rupee Denominated Bonds (RDB) both, through Automatic Route and Approval Route, for the month of February 2026. Ajit Prasad           Deputy General Manager (Communications)     Press Release: 2026-2027/108

The Reserve Bank of India issued Directions under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to The Konark Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Ulhasnagar vide Directive No. CO.DOS.SED.No.S592/45-11-001/2024-25 dated April 23, 2024 for a period of six months up to close of business on October 23, 2024, which was last extended up to close of business on April 23, 2026 vide Directive No. DOR.MON/D-54/12.22.805/2025-26 dated January 19, 2026. The Reserve Bank of India is satisfie

This project, with an investment of more than ₹79,450 crore, represents a significant milestone in India's energy and petrochemical sector, says official statement

K. Rajan says ‘such shrinkages’ have been detected in two of the 178 houses constructed for landslide survivors

Tenkasi Assembly segment’s economy is based on agriculture and Courtallam-based tourism activities; unfortunately, both the livelihood activities are yet to thrive in a big way.

Globally, gold futures declined by 0.87% to $4,788.31 per ounce in New York

Silver was trading 1.54% lower at $79.64 per ounce in New York

The net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned and paid, increased 8.5% to ₹22,979 crore in the last quarter of the fiscal 2025-26 , from ₹21,193 crore in the year ago period

The ⁠vast capabilities of Mythos to code at a high level have given it a potentially unprecedented ‌ability to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities, experts say

India’s most populous state has avoided 'freebies' like unconditional cash transfers and maintained a steady revenue surplus. While other Indian states get more handout-happy, UP has shown a rare restraint that others could learn from.

Unrest in Noida was a wake-up call. Industrial workers have not only seen their real wages stagnate for about a decade, but have been left largely helpless against the force of inflation. Here’s what could be done to address an unjust and risky imbalance.

A Nashik court on Monday declined to grant interim relief to Nida Ejaz Khan, one of the accused in the TCS Nashik BPO religious conversion and sexual harassment case. The criminal bail application was filed by Khan on April 18 through advocates Baba Sayyad and Rahul Kasliwal. Khan also sought interim protection from arrest till pendency of the anticipatory bail application. The same was rejected by the District Judge KG Joshi at the Additional District Court, Nashik Road.The plea will

Minister of State for Labour and Employment and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Union government, Shobha Karandlaje recently wrote to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requesting the establishment of a bench of Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT) in Bengaluru.In her letter dated April 17, Karandlaje noted that parties aggrieved by orders of the Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in Bengaluru are presently required to approach the DRAT located in Chennai. Karandlaje flagged the

Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Monday recused from hearing a plea filed by former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Naresh Balyan seeking bail in a case registered against him under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).Justice Sharma said that the case will be listed before a different bench on April 23. Balyan was arrested on December 4, 2024 on allegations that he was linked to a criminal syndicate headed by gangster Kapil Sangwan. On January 15, 2025, trial judge&

Abhirup Dasgupta has quit HSA Advocates to set up his own independent chambers.Dasgupta is a 2008 alumnus of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha UniversityWith 17 years of experience, Dasgupta specialises in Insolvency & Bankruptcy Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Banking and Finance Litigation and Oppression and Mismanagement cases. He regularly represents several lenders, promoters, Resolution Professionals, acquirers and other stakeholders before NCLT, NCLAT, High Court and Supreme Court.Das

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Act, 2026 is the most structurally significant reform to Indian insolvency law since the Code's enactment in 2016. Passed by the Lok Sabha on March 30 and the Rajya Sabha on April 1, 2026, the Act introduces an entirely new resolution track, legislatively extinguishes certain judicial doctrines, recalibrates the balance between secured and statutory creditors and lays the groundwork for India's first comprehensive cross-border and group insolvency f

Budget with significant income tax relief - no tax up to Rs 12 lakh, new simplified regime with 8 slabs. Rs 11.21 lakh crore for infrastructure, support for MSMEs, and Makhana Board for Bihar. Focus on growth, investment, and consumption.

First full budget of NDA III government with focus on employment and skilling (Rs 2 lakh crore for 5 schemes), new income tax regime slabs, abolition of angel tax, and Rs 11.11 lakh crore capex allocation for infrastructure.

Scheme for traditional artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools, covering 18 trades including carpentry, blacksmithing, and pottery. Provides skill training, toolkit incentives, collateral-free credit up to Rs 3 lakh, and digital payment incentives.

Decriminalised 183 offences across 42 central Acts to promote ease of living and doing business. Replaced imprisonment with monetary penalties and compounding for minor regulatory non-compliance offences.

Incentive scheme across 14 key sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles with total outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore. Aims to boost domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and reduce import dependence.

Micro-credit scheme providing affordable working capital loans (Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 in three tranches) to street vendors affected by COVID-19. Includes digital payment incentives and cashback rewards.

Rs 20 lakh crore (approximately 10% of GDP) comprehensive economic stimulus package announced during COVID-19 pandemic. Covered MSMEs, farmers, migrant workers, and structural reforms across agriculture, coal, defence, and space sectors.

Enables confiscation of assets and properties of economic offenders who flee India to avoid criminal prosecution. Applies to offences involving amounts of Rs 100 crore or more.

India's biggest indirect tax reform unifying over a dozen central and state taxes into a single nationwide tax. The 101st Constitutional Amendment and four GST Acts created a unified national market for goods and services.

India's most significant indirect tax reform, replacing 17 central and state taxes with a unified GST. Required constitutional amendment. Implemented through Central GST, State GST, and Integrated GST with a GST Council for cooperative federalism.

Overnight withdrawal of 86% of currency in circulation to combat black money, counterfeit currency, and terror financing. Led to rapid growth of digital payments and formalisation of the economy, though debated for its economic impact.

Government demonetised 86% of currency in circulation overnight, invalidating Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. Aimed at curbing black money, counterfeiting, and terror financing. Highly debated — accelerated digital payments adoption but caused significant economic disruption.

Unified insolvency resolution framework replacing multiple overlapping laws. Established NCLT as adjudicating authority with time-bound resolution (180+90 days) for corporate insolvency, improving India's ease of doing business.

Comprehensive insolvency resolution framework consolidating existing laws. Created NCLT/NCLAT for resolution, IBBI as regulator, and Insolvency Professionals. Set strict 180-day timeline for resolution. Transformed India's credit culture.

Facilitates bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore to at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up greenfield enterprises. Promotes entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups.

Crop insurance scheme with lowest-ever premium rates (2% for kharif, 1.5% for rabi) providing comprehensive risk cover for pre-sowing to post-harvest losses. Uses technology including satellite imagery and drones for rapid claim settlement.

Action plan to promote entrepreneurship with tax exemptions for three years, self-certification for compliance, simplified startup registration, and a Rs 10,000 crore Fund of Funds. Recognised over 1 lakh startups.

Provides micro-finance loans up to Rs 10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises through three categories: Shishu (up to Rs 50,000), Kishore (up to Rs 5 lakh), and Tarun (up to Rs 10 lakh).

Raised FDI cap in insurance sector from 26% to 49%, strengthened IRDA's regulatory powers, and allowed Lloyd's of London to operate in India. Aimed to increase insurance penetration and capital inflows.

Flagship initiative to transform India into a global manufacturing hub across 25 sectors. Simplified regulatory environment, dedicated investor facilitation, and robust intellectual property regime to boost domestic and foreign investment.

World's largest financial inclusion programme providing universal access to banking services with zero-balance accounts, RuPay debit cards, and insurance cover. Over 50 crore accounts opened since launch.

Comprehensive overhaul of corporate governance law replacing the Companies Act 1956. Introduced mandatory CSR spending (2% of net profit), class action suits, one-person companies, and enhanced auditor accountability.

Comprehensive overhaul of corporate law replacing the Companies Act 1956. Introduced mandatory CSR spending (2% of net profits for qualifying companies), class action suits, one-person companies, and enhanced corporate governance norms.

Pioneered electronic transfer of government subsidies and benefits directly to beneficiary bank accounts using Aadhaar authentication. Aimed at reducing leakages, eliminating middlemen, and improving targeting of welfare schemes.

Launched to transfer subsidies directly to beneficiary bank accounts linked to Aadhaar, reducing leakages and middlemen. Initially covered LPG subsidy (PAHAL), scholarships, and MGNREGA wages. Later expanded massively under NDA government.

India's last Five Year Plan targeting 8% GDP growth with emphasis on health, education, and sustainable development. Introduced focus on governance improvements and the shift towards outcome-based monitoring.

Allowed 51% FDI in multi-brand retail and 100% in single-brand retail, subject to conditions including 30% local sourcing. Aimed to attract global retail chains and modernise India's retail infrastructure.

Waived loans of approximately 3.6 crore small and marginal farmers at a cost of Rs 71,680 crore. One of the largest farm debt waiver programmes in Indian history, covering both direct and indirect agricultural loans.

Planning Commission blueprint targeting 9% GDP growth with focus on inclusive development, education, health, and rural infrastructure. Emphasised bridging divides between rural-urban and rich-poor populations.

Established a framework for creation of Special Economic Zones to promote exports, attract FDI, and generate employment. Provided tax holidays and single-window clearance for SEZ developers and units.

Legislation to institutionalise fiscal discipline by setting targets for reducing fiscal deficit to 3% of GDP and eliminating revenue deficit. Established a framework for responsible fiscal management by the central government.

Established legal framework to prevent money laundering and provide for confiscation of property derived from laundered money. Created Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) and empowered Enforcement Directorate.

Established the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to prevent anti-competitive practices, regulate mergers and acquisitions, and promote competition in Indian markets. Replaced the MRTP Act.

Established SEBI as a statutory regulatory body to protect investor interests, regulate the securities market, and promote the development of the stock exchange. Key institution for India's capital market development.

Finance Minister Manmohan Singh introduced sweeping economic reforms dismantling the License Raj, opening India to foreign investment, reducing import tariffs, and initiating privatisation of state-owned enterprises. This fundamentally transformed India's economy from a closed, state-controlled model to a market-oriented one.