AI and Technology Revolutionize Indian Agriculture

The Indian government has been actively leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address various challenges faced by the agricultural sector. These technological advancements are aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, reducing costs, and improving farmers’ livelihoods. A press release on these advancements was issued on December 10, 2024.

India Promotes Integrated Healthcare with Ayush Integration

The Government of India has been actively promoting the integration of Ayush systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) into the mainstream healthcare system. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Ayush are working collaboratively to implement the co-location strategy.

India Outperforms Global Average in Energy Intensity Improvement

India has demonstrated commendable progress in energy conservation, outperforming the global average in recent years. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India’s energy intensity improved by 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, surpassing the global average of 2%. A press release on this progress was issued on December 10, 2024.

Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rolled out a series of developmental and regulatory policy measures aimed at strengthening liquidity, boosting financial markets, ensuring better regulation, enhancing financial inclusion, and embracing technological advancements in the financial sector. These measures are spread across six key areas: Liquidity and Financial Markets, Regulation, Communication, Financial Inclusion, Payment Systems, and Fintech. Let’s break down some of the significant changes announced by the RBI.

RBI clarification on Maintenance of Cash Reserve Ratio

Reserve Bank of India hereby notifies that the average Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) required to be maintained by every bank shall be 4.25 per cent of its net demand and time liabilities effective from the reporting fortnight beginning December 14, 2024 and 4.00 per cent of net demand and time liabilities effective from fortnight beginning December 28, 2024.

Sanchar Saathi portal

DoT and TSPs have developed Prevention of Spoofed Incoming International System to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls which display Indian mobile numbers and appear to be originating from within India. Such international spoofed calls have been made by cyber-criminals in recent cases of fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, and impersonation as government and police officials, etc.