Economics

Are Election-Time DBT Schemes Voter Bribes?

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 …

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The Shift Toward De-Dollarisation

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 …

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Cross-Border Payments

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 …

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Struggle to Eliminate Fossil Fuel Subsidies

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 …

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GDP as a Measure of Economic Performance

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 …

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Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF)

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 …

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Sustainable Development in the Indian Himalayan Region

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 …

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National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)

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 …

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Open market sale scheme

open market

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 …

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PMLA: Combating Money Laundering and Financial Crimes

pmla

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 …

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Anti Dumping Duty – protection of Domestic Industries by WTO

ANTI-DUMPING

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 …

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Purchasing Managers’ Index: The Economic Health Indicator

purchasing manager's index

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 …

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Exchange Traded Currency Derivatives

Exchange Traded Currency Derivatives

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 …

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