RBI has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%, signalling a rare Goldilocks period in the economy.

What is Goldilocks Economy?

• Definition: A Goldilocks economy represents an ideal economic condition where there is balanced growth, low inflation, and full employment, without overheating or slipping into a recession.
• Indicators:  Latest data show projected GDP growth of 7.3%, paired with benign inflation around 2%, reflecting Goldilocks-like conditions. 

SEBI has barred a prominent finfluencer from securities markets for illegal gains from unregistered services.

About Finfluencers

• They are a breed of social media influencers who act as financial advisors and post content on investment, personal finance, mutual funds etc. on various social media platforms.

SEBI’s Guidelines under 2013 Investment Advisers Regulations

• Mandatory registration: Anyone providing investment advice must register with SEBI as a Research Analyst (RA) or Investment Advisor (IA). 
  • Unregistered finfluencers cannot provide investment advice or make performance claims about securities. 

The armies of India and Malaysia have commenced the 15th edition of joint military exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’ in Rajasthan.

About Harimau Shakti Exercise

• It is an annual bilateral exercise, conducted alternately in India and Malaysia.

• The exercise aims to jointly rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate, with a focus on coordinated counter-terrorist operations.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has provided relaxation in the Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) Regulations for IndiGo amidst widespread flight cancellations due to pilot shortages.

About DGCA (HQ: New Delhi)

• It is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation primarily dealing with
  • safety issues, regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and
  • enforcement of civil air regulations and airworthiness standards.
• Ministry: It is an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• It also co-ordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The Union Minister informed that delayed registration of Waqf properties on UMEED Portal will not be penalized for the next 3 months.

About UMEED Portal (Ministry of Minority Affairs)

• UMEED stands for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.
• It is a centralized digital platform for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties.
• Key Features:
  • Creation of a digital inventory with geo-tagging of all Waqf properties
  • Online grievance redressal system.
  • Transparent leasing and usage tracking.
  • Integration with GIS mapping and other e-Governance tools.
  • Public access to verified records and reports.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) receives SEBI’s In-Principle approval for registration of Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).

About InvIT

• InvITs are Collective Investment Scheme similar to a mutual fund, that allow investors to invest in infrastructure projects (E.g. toll roads, power transmission lines etc.).
• InvITs are created by sponsors (infrastructure companies or private equity firms) who transfer ownership of underlying assets to a Trust. 
  • The Trust issues units to the investors.
• InvITs are regulated by the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
  • SEBI requires InvITs to distribute at least 90% of their income to investors.

Lok Sabha passes the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill 2025 to mobilise additional fiscal resources for strengthening defence preparedness, public-health systems, and national security.

Key Features of The Bill

• Introduced to create a clear legal framework for a special excise cess.
• Introduces a capacity-based excise cess on machinery/processes used to manufacture specified goods, initially pan masala.
• Cess proceeds will support national security and public health via the Consolidated Fund of India.