PIB Summary - 2nd August 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Relief for Households: Inflation Eases

Overview

•  Recent data shows that after months of inflationary pressure, prices are now cooling down, which is relieving households and boosting consumption, particularly in rural India. 
•  India’s strong export growth and structural reforms are also enhancing macroeconomic stability, putting the country on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030. 

GDP Growth

•  India’s real GDP is projected to grow by 6.5% in FY 2024–25 and is expected to continue at this pace in FY 2025–26. 
•  By 2030, India’s GDP is expected to reach $7.3 trillion, making it the 3rd largest economy in the world. 

Growth Drivers

•  Strong domestic demand. 
•  A youthful demographic dividend. 
•  Ongoing structural reforms in logistics, compliance, and tax policies. 

Inflation Trends: Retail & Wholesale

Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

• June 2025 WPI inflation: –0.13% YoY. 
• Key contributors to decline: Food items, crude oil, mineral oils, basic metals. 
• WPI Food Index: declined to –0.26% YoY. 

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• June 2025 CPI inflation: 2.10% – lowest since Jan 2019. 
• Within RBI’s target band of: 2–6%. 
• Food inflation (YoY): –1.06% (lowest in 6 years). 
• Major contributors: Vegetables, pulses, cereals, milk, spices, meat. 

Implication

• Indicates: Softening demand pressures and effective supply-side management. 
• Purchasing power: Increased for households. 
• Reflects: Macroeconomic stability in both input and output prices. 

Rural Economy Dynamics

Income & Consumption

NABARD’s RECSS (July 2025):

• 76.6% of rural households: Reported an increase in consumption. 
• 39.6% of rural households: Experienced an increase in income YoY. 

Rural CPI: Declined to 1.72% in June 2025 (–394 basis points YoY). 

Agricultural Output

• Rice: 1490.74 LMT (↑ from 1378.25 LMT in 2023–24). 
• Wheat: 1175.07 LMT (↑ by 42.15 LMT YoY). 
• Better yields: Contributed to lower food inflation and improved rural income. 

Government Measures

• Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS-D): Strategic release of buffer stocks. 
• Stock limits: Imposed to curb hoarding. 
• Income tax exemption: Up to ₹12L for individuals to enhance disposable income. 

Monetary Policy Intervention

• Repo rate: Initially raised to 6.5% to tame inflation, then reduced to 5.5% in 2025 to balance growth and inflation. 
• Transmission: High earlier rates helped contain demand-led inflation; recent rate cut aims to promote investment and consumption recovery. 

External Sector: Export-Led Growth

Q1 FY 2025–26 Export Performance

• Merchandise exports: $210.31 billion (↑5.94% YoY). 
• Services exports: $98.13 billion (↑10.93% YoY). 
• Trade deficit: Reduced to $20.31 billion (↓9.4% YoY). 

Export Composition Growth

• Rising exports: Electronics, cereals, tea, dairy, poultry. 
• Declining imports: Pulses, newsprint, coal, transport equipment. 

Long-Term Trends

• FY 2024–25: Total exports reached $824.9 billion (↑6.01% YoY). 
•  Reflects better global integration and strengthening of India’s high-value manufacturing and services base. 

Policy Interventions – Supply Side & Trade

Trade & Export Promotion

• FTP 2023: Focus on export incentives, e-commerce boost, and Amnesty Scheme. 
• RoDTEP/RoSCTL: Tax reimbursement for export sectors. 
• Districts as Export Hubs: Implementation of a localized export strategy. 
• TIES & MAI: Support for export infrastructure and marketing assistance. 

Infrastructure & Manufacturing

• PM GatiShakti & NLP: Initiatives aimed at reducing logistics costs and enhancing multimodal connectivity. 
• PLI Schemes (2025–26): Increased budget allocation for sectors such as Electronics, Textiles, Auto, and Defence. 

Ease of Doing Business

• Compliance Reduction: 42,000 compliances removed and 3700+ laws decriminalized. 
• NSWS & Trade Connect: Introduction of a digital single window and trade matchmaking platform. 
• MSME Export Facilitation Centres: Establishment of 65 centres linking MSMEs with credit, fintechs, and global markets. 

Multidimensional Impacts

Challenges Ahead

•  Global uncertainty due to factors like the Federal Reserve's interest rate cycle, oil price volatility, and geopolitical tensions. 
•  Variability in monsoon patterns, which can affect agricultural prices and rural incomes. 
•  Sustaining export momentum, which is contingent on the recovery of global demand. 
•  Maintaining manufacturing competitiveness, necessitating ongoing reforms in logistics, energy, and addressing skill gaps in the workforce. 

Conclusion

 India’s recent macroeconomic indicators show a positive transformation: 

•  Inflation is under control, as evidenced by both CPI and WPI figures. 
•  Consumption is on the rise, particularly in rural areas. 
•  Exports are strengthening, contributing to a narrowing trade deficit. 
•  Structural reforms in manufacturing, compliance, and logistics are yielding positive results. 
•  With well-coordinated policies, robust export performance, and relief from inflation for households, India is on a path towards sustainable and inclusive growth, paving the way for its transition to a $7.3 trillion economy by 2030.

 Infrastructure development for Judiciary

Physical Infrastructure Development

Objective:

• To enhance state resources for creating physical judicial infrastructure through a centrally sponsored scheme.

Components:

• Court Halls
• Residential Quarters
• Lawyers’ Halls
• Digital Computer Rooms
• Toilet Complexes

Financial Outlay:

• Total Fund Released: ₹12,101.89 crore (1993–2025)
• Since 2014-15: ₹8,657.59 crore (71.54% of total)
• Indicates increased central prioritization of judicial infrastructure in recent years.

Physical Assets Created (India-wide):

• Year: 2014Court Halls: 15,818 Residential Units: 10,211
• Year: 2025Court Halls: 22,372 Residential Units: 19,851
• % Increase:Court Halls: 41.43% Residential Units: 94.40%

Maharashtra Focus:

• Funds Released (1993–2025): ₹1,099.83 crore
• Since 2014-15: ₹700.17 crore (63.67%)
• Current Infrastructure (2025):Court Halls: 2,503 Residential Units: 2,202
• Under Construction: 560 court halls, 144 residential units
• Judicial Infrastructure: Maharashtra accounts for nearly 11% of national court hall infrastructure, reflecting its significant judicial caseload and scale.

Digital Infrastructure – eCourts Mission Mode Project (Since 2007)

Project Scope:

• Part of the National e-Governance Plan.
• Integrated approach to digitize judiciary operations across all levels.
• Currently in Phase III (2023–2027) with an outlay of ₹7,210 crore.

Key Digital Deliverables under Phase III

ComponentDetailsFunds Allocated

• Digitization & Digital PreservationHigh Court + District Court records₹2,038.40 crore
• Pages Digitized till June 2025High Courts: 213.29 crore District Courts: 307.89 crore—
• Paperless Courts SoftwareDigital Courts 2.1—
• Record Preservation SoftwareDeveloped for High & District Courts—

Digitization Progress:

• Over 520 crore judicial pages digitized, reflecting India’s extensive legal archival workload and progress in e-governance.

Stakeholder-Specific Digital Services:

• For Lawyers:
• e-Filing 3.0: Submit case documents from anywhere.
• e-Payment: Online transfer of court fees.
• NSTEP: Digital tracking of summons & process service.
• For Litigants & Public:
• Judgment Search Portal: Search judgments by Bench, Party, Case No., Year (free access).
• eSewa Kendras: 1,814 facilitation centers offering court services to the public.
• Virtual Courts: 29 courts across 21 States/UTs for traffic violations.

Multi-dimensional Assessment:

• Governance: Reduces pendency and increases transparency.
• Inclusivity: eSewa & eFiling improve access for rural and remote users.
• Efficiency: Reduces time and paperwork; improves file tracking.
• Security: Digital preservation enhances data integrity.
• Sustainability: Paperless courts align with environmental goals.

Challenges:

• Digital Divide: Rural lawyers and judges require more training and internet support.
• Non-uniform Adoption: Some states lag in infrastructure and digitization efforts.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: Need for robust data protection protocols.
• Language Barriers: Most digital tools are still dominantly in English.

Future Priorities:

• Integrate AI and ML for legal research and cause-list generation.
• Enable real-time video trials beyond virtual courts.
• Ensure vernacular interfaces in all digital services.
• Expand Phase III with feedback loops from stakeholders.

Conclusion:

• The judiciary infrastructure drive, encompassing both physical and digital aspects, has significantly accelerated post-2014.
• The e-Courts project, particularly Phase III, marks a transformative shift towards technology-enabled justice.
• However, challenges related to last-mile connectivity, inclusivity, and digital literacy remain crucial areas for further reform to achieve Accessible, Affordable, and Accountable Justice.

India’s victory in the Women’s Chess World Cup is testament to the sporting prowess of Bharat

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the winners of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy, highlighting India’s rise as a strong contender in intellectual sports.

The 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup took place from July 5 to 28 in Batumi, Georgia, featuring a historic all-Indian final between 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh and veteran Grandmaster Koneru Humpy. This was a significant moment as it marked the first time India secured the Women’s World Cup title with both finalists being Indian.

During the tournament, Divya showcased her exceptional skills by defeating prominent players such as Zhu Jiner, Harika Dronavalli, and Tan Zhongyi. In the final against Humpy, Divya faced tough competition, with the match ending in two classical draws. Ultimately, she triumphed in the tiebreaks, becoming the youngest ever champion and securing her first Grandmaster norm in the process.

a) Significance of Milestone

• Divya Deshmukh made history as the first Indian woman to win the Women’s World Cup, achieving this remarkable feat at a young age.
• Koneru Humpy’s presence in the final alongside Divya highlights the strength and depth of talent in Indian chess across different generations.

b) Government Support & Policies

• Minister Mandaviya praised the sports ecosystem developed under Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the importance of structured and tangible support for athletes rather than mere symbolic gestures.
• He also pointed out upcoming legislative reforms such as the National Sports Governance Bill and the earlier launch of the Khelo Bharat Niti, which aim to institutionalize governance and support in sports.

c) Impact on Indian Sports & Youth

• Champions like Deshmukh and Humpy serve as inspiring role models, particularly for young girls, encouraging them to pursue mind sports and chess.
• Federations such as the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry were recognized for their consistent and sustained support for athletes.

Implications for UPSC Aspirants

• The event illustrates the combination of performance excellence and policy support in India’s national sports strategy.
• It reflects the potential impact of reform-oriented legislation, like the Sports Governance Bill, on elevating sports standards in the country.
• The situation reinforces the connection between Indian culture, exemplified by chess as an ancient tradition, and modern sports policy.

Way Forward

• The anticipated implementation of the National Sports Governance Bill and the Khelo Bharat Niti is expected to bring about reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and grassroots development in sports.
•  Continued recognition and visibility of achievers like Divya Deshmukh are likely to stimulate interest in chess and other lesser-known sports. 
•  India’s upcoming hosting of the FIDE Men’s World Cup in Goa in October 2025 presents another opportunity to demonstrate its organizational capabilities and strengthen sports diplomacy on an international level.