Economics

Context: The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in Maharashtra, launched four months before elections, offers ₹1,500 monthly financial aid to poor women. This has sparked debates about whether such Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes amount to voter bribery or genuine welfare measures. Key Features of Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana …

The global trend towards de-dollarisation refers to the efforts by various countries to reduce their reliance on the US dollar in international trade and finance. This editorial, based on the article Why ‘De-Dollarisation’ is Imminent, explores the causes and consequences of this shift, with a particular focus on the role …

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have signed an agreement aimed at promoting the use of local currencies—the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)—in cross-border transactions. About Cross-Border Payments (CBPs) Cross-border payments involve financial transactions where the payer and the recipient …

Context (TH) Despite a global consensus on combating climate change, fossil fuel subsidies persist as a major hurdle for governments. By making fossil fuels cheaper, these subsidies encourage their continued use, ultimately undermining global climate objectives. Global Scope of Fossil Fuel Subsidies OECD Estimates: Approximately $1.5 trillion annually (2022). IMF …

Context: The CEO of Niti Aayog recently suggested that India should reconsider its decision not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), especially in light of changing global trade dynamics and new opportunities. Background: In 2019, India decided not to join the RCEP, a trade agreement covering 30% of …

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) represents the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specified period. While it is widely used as an indicator of economic performance, it has significant limitations in assessing overall well-being and environmental health. Criticisms of GDP as an …

Context: Rising Litigation Costs and Case Backlogs in India (TH): Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) is seen as a potential solution to rising litigation costs and case delays in India. A national regulatory framework for TPLF is being proposed to improve access to justice. What is TPLF? Definition: Third-Party Litigation Funding …

GS-3: Key Environmental Concerns in the Indian Himalayan Region, Recent Supreme Court Judgments Support Environmental Conservation Efforts, The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is widely recognized as India’s “water tower” and a vital provider of essential ecosystem goods and services. Despite this critical understanding, there remains a significant disconnect between the …

Unlocking Value in Infrastructure The NMP is a government initiative launched in the 2021-22 Union Budget to leverage private sector expertise for infrastructure development. It focuses on monetizing core government assets (roads, railways, power) through partnerships, not privatization (ownership transfer). Goals and Benefits: Generate Rs 6 lakh crore over four …

Reserve Bank of India Surplus Transfer: A Boon or Bane? GS3 :Reserve Bank Of India (RBI), Income and Expenditure of Central Bank, RBI Surplus Transfer To Government, Sources and Uses of RBI Surplus, Significance of RBI’s Surplus Transfer The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) recent announcement of a record-breaking ₹2.11 …

Introduction Under OMSS, Food Corporation of India  sells surplus stocks of wheat and rice under OMSS(Domestic) at predetermined prices through eauction in the open market from time to time. OMSS aims to enhance the supply of food grains, especially wheat, during the lean season, there by moderating the open market …

Concept : The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), enacted by the Indian government, targets money laundering and associated financial offenses. Enacted in 2002, the PMLA aims to prevent and control money laundering activities and confiscate proceeds of crime derived from illicit activities. Key Provisions: Offences and Penalties: The PMLA …

Concept : Governments impose anti-dumping duties as a trade remedy measure to protect domestic industries from unfair competition resulting from the dumping of goods by foreign producers. Dumping: Dumping refers to the practice of exporting goods to another country at prices lower than their normal value, typically the price in …

TABLE OF CONTENTS News Concept Calculation Components of PMI PMI Releases News: Business activity in the services sectors likely clocked their fastest expansion in more than 13 and a half years in March, aided by a record uptick in export orders, as per the HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index …

TABLE OF CONTENTS News Concept Types of Exchange-Traded Currency Derivatives Currency Options News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Thursday deferred the implementation of norms on exchange-traded currency derivatives (ETCDs) linked to Indian rupee until May 3 following concerns by investors. Concept : Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is …

 Concept The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 is a significant legal document in Indian electoral law. It was issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the authority granted by the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This order primarily deals with the reservation and allotment of …

  Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are privately pooled investment vehicles in India that collect funds from sophisticated investors for investing in accordance with a defined investment policy. They are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. Why in NEWS …

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is a comprehensive legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament to combat money laundering and related activities. It aims to prevent the use of the financial system for the purpose of concealing or laundering proceeds of crime, to provide for the confiscation of …

The Earth Summit, often referred to as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 3–14, 1992. This international conference brought together political leaders, diplomats, scientists, media representatives, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from 179 countries in an attempt to focus …

‘More tariff cuts will worsen trade deficit in plantation commodities’ The United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) has said that plantation commodities should be kept out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), if India signs the agreement. AL. Rm. Nagappan, president, UPASI, said in a statement that in …