What Latest NCRB Data Says About Law And Order In Different States; Centre's Advance Tax Devolution For Festive Season; And More

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Delhi Records Highest Crime Rate at 1,508 Per Lakh Population: NCRB 2023

Delhi recorded India's highest crime rate in 2023 with 1,508 cases per lakh population—more than three times the national average of 448—according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report.

The capital's elevated rate stems from urban density, socio-economic disparities, and better reporting mechanisms. Despite robust law enforcement, theft, assault, and crimes against women remain serious concerns.

Kerala ranked second at 721 crimes per lakh. Manipur placed third at 594, with ethnic unrest and insurgency contributing to violent crimes.

The top ten also includes Haryana (426), Telangana (411), Odisha (366), Madhya Pradesh (342), Maharashtra (304), Andhra Pradesh (289.1), and Rajasthan (289).

Experts suggest these figures reflect increased public trust in law enforcement and improved reporting rather than solely rising crime. States like Telangana and Maharashtra have invested in digital policing and surveillance infrastructure.

Centre Releases Rs 1.01 Lakh Crore Tax Devolution to States Ahead of Festive Season

The Union government Wednesday released Rs 1,01,603 crore in additional tax devolution to state governments to support capital spending and welfare expenditures ahead of the festive season.

The funds were released ahead of the normal monthly devolution scheduled for October 10, days before Diwali. The devolution was effected "In view of upcoming festive season and to enable States to accelerate capital spending and finance their development/welfare related expenditure," the Finance Ministry stated.

Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocation at Rs 18,227 crore, followed by poll-bound Bihar with Rs 10,219 crore, and Madhya Pradesh with Rs 7,976 crore.

Goa received the lowest allocation at Rs 392 crore, with Sikkim next at Rs 394 crore.

The early release aims to boost state finances during the high-expenditure festive period. States can utilise these funds for infrastructure projects and social welfare schemes alongside their regular budgetary allocations.

Other developments

PM Modi Hails RSS as Character-Building Organisation at Centenary Celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as an organisation focused on character development and nation building at its centenary event at Dr Ambedkar International Centre.

"The field of a Sangh Shakha is a land of inspiration, where the journey of a volunteer begins from I to We. The Shakhas of the Sangh are the sacred altars of character-building," Modi said.

He highlighted the RSS's widespread impact, noting that "many lives have flourished with the stream of Sangh," touching every aspect of the country. Modi emphasised the unity of the organisation's sub-groups under the principle of "Rashtra Pratham" (Nation First).

Paying tribute to RSS founder K.B. Hedgewar, Modi recalled the organisation's participation in the freedom struggle, noting Hedgewar's imprisonment in Nagpur Jail. He acknowledged past conspiracies against the RSS, including false cases against leaders even after Independence.

RBI Increases IPO Financing Limit to Rs 25 Lakh, Share Loans to Rs 1 Crore

The Reserve Bank of India has significantly eased lending norms for IPO financing and loans against shares, enhancing credit availability for capital market participants.

The RBI raised the IPO financing limit from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per person and increased the loans against shares (LAS) cap fivefold—from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore. The regulatory ceiling on lending against listed debt securities was removed entirely.

"These measures are balanced, calibrated, and thoughtfully considered," Governor Sanjay Malhotra said, noting that provisions like IPO financing hadn't been revised in years, with share loan limits last updated in 1998.

The changes enable banks to recapture business lost to NBFCs and structured credit providers.

The reforms also complement SEBI's recent IPO norm changes.

GST Collections Rise 9.1 Per Cent to Rs 1.89 Lakh Crore in September Despite Rate Cut Anticipation

Gross GST collections reached Rs 1.89 lakh crore in September (covering August transactions), up 9.1 per cent year-on-year, despite anticipated large-scale rate reductions that might have deferred purchases.

However, net GST receipts grew slower at 5 per cent to Rs 1.6 lakh crore as refunds surged 40 per cent. This marks the ninth consecutive month with revenues above Rs 1.8 lakh crore.

The gross collection includes central GST of Rs 33,645 crore, state GST of Rs 41,836 crore, IGST of Rs 1.01 lakh crore, and cess of Rs 11,941 crore.

Major manufacturing states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka showed single-digit growth.

Experts predict festive consumption will maintain positive collection trajectories despite rate rationalisation impacts.

Cabinet Approves Rs 11,440 Crore Mission to Achieve Pulses Self-Sufficiency

The Cabinet Wednesday approved a six-year Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses with Rs 11,440 crore allocation to reduce import dependence and boost production of protein-rich staples.

The centrally sponsored scheme (2025-26 to 2030-31) will expand cultivation area from 24.2 million hectare to 31 Mha and raise productivity from 8.81 to 11.3 quintal/hectare. Production targets aim for 35 million tonne by 2030-31 from 25.23 MT currently.

Implemented through 416 focused districts, the mission will establish 1,000 packaging and processing units with subsidies up to Rs 25 lakh. Agencies like Nafed will procure 100 per cent of tur, urad, and masoor under price support schemes for four years.

India imports 15-18 per cent of annual consumption, including a record 7.3 MT in FY25, mainly from Africa, Myanmar, and Canada.

You’re all caught up—until next time.