CURRENT AFFAIRS

Global copper prices have declined due to weakening demand amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia, raising concerns about global economic slowdown and industrial demand.

Disruptions in shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing West Asia conflict have significantly impacted India’s energy supplies, with LPG being more severely affected than LNG.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025 highlights that while women’s wages are growing at a faster rate than men’s, a significant gender wage gap continues to persist across sectors in India.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has projected India’s economy to grow at around 6.1% in 2026–27, highlighting resilience despite global economic uncertainties.

The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization has commenced amid intense debates over global trade reforms, dispute settlement revival, and India’s evolving trade strategy.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stated that India’s forex reserves remain adequate despite heavy foreign investor outflows and a weakening rupee.

The National Housing Bank has launched the Gruha Sugam Portal, a digital platform aimed at simplifying access to housing loans for defence personnel, paramilitary forces, and government employees.

India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) are currently operating at only 64% capacity, holding about 3.37 million tonnes out of a total 5.33 million tonnes, raising concerns over the country’s preparedness against global supply shocks amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, India’s external sector has come under pressure.

Recent data on life insurance claims in India has highlighted a paradox—while claim settlement ratios remain high, the actual financial support provided to households is relatively limited. This has triggered a debate on shifting focus from insurance penetration to adequacy of coverage.