ECONOMY

GS3 – Indian Economy   Despite having the world’s largest youth population, India struggles with inadequate policies that limit their potential, impacting economic growth and global competitiveness. Youth Demographic Advantage India’s vast young population presents a unique opportunity to strengthen its workforce and drive economic progress—if effectively utilized. Challenges Faced …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is exploring amendments to short-selling regulations to broaden market access, ease disclosure requirements, and refine penalty structures. Historical Background 2001: SEBI imposed a ban on short selling. 2007: Institutional investors were granted permission to engage in short …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Background The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Financial Stability Report 2024 highlights a surge in household debt, with a shift toward more creditworthy borrowers. However, the growing trend of consumer loans raises concerns about broader macroeconomic stability. Household Debt Trends Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Increased from 36.6% in …

Subject: GS-2: International Relations – India-Canada Diplomacy, Foreign Policy Dynamics GS-3: Economic & Trade Ties – Bilateral Commerce, Diversification Efforts Key Points Context of India-Canada Rift Ties soured in 2023 over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Canada’s Trudeau government implicated India, labeling diplomats “persons of …

Subject: GS-2: International Relations & Trade – WTO Compliance, India-U.S. Trade Ties GS-3: Economy & Global Commerce – Bilateral Trade Deals, Most Favored Nation (MFN) Clause Key Points India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) India and the U.S. plan to negotiate a multi-sector BTA by late 2025. Though not termed a …

Subjects: GS-2: International Relations: India-UK, India-EU Partnerships GS-3: Economy & Trade: Trade Deals, Bilateral Economic Ties Key Points India-UK & India-EU Trade Efforts External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to the UK and Ireland aimed to bolster trade links amid security tensions. Talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy focused …

Subjects: GS-1: Society: Women’s Advancement, Social Challenges GS-2: Governance & Welfare: Gender Initiatives, Economic Inclusion GS-3: Economy & Technology: Startups, Digital Empowerment Key Points Sanitation & Water Access Programs Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM) enhanced cleanliness, dignity, and well-being for 116 million households. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) boosted tap water coverage …

SUBJECT: GS-2: Governance (Urban Development, Public-Private Partnerships) GS-3: Economy (Infrastructure Projects, Legal and Financial Implications) Key Highlights Overview of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Aims to transform Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums, into a modern urban area. Maharashtra government awarded the project to Adani Properties in 2022 after cancelling Seclink …

SUBJECT: GS-3: Economy (Taxation, Disaster Management) GS-2: Governance (Federalism, Fiscal Policy) Key Highlights Formation of the GoM The GST Council constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) to devise revenue mobilisation strategies for natural calamities. The decision was made in a meeting on December 21, 2024, to ensure a structured fiscal …

SUBJECT: GS-3: Economy (Biofuels, Agricultural Productivity) GS-2: Government Policies (Energy Security, Cooperative Sector Reforms) Key Highlights Overview of the Scheme The Government of India introduced the Modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme to improve the financial viability of Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs). Allows CSMs to upgrade their ethanol plants to use …

SUBJECT: GS-2: Governance (Food Security, Welfare Schemes) GS-3: Economy (Financial Inclusion, Infrastructure Development) Key Highlights Launch of the Campaign Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign in Limbayat, Surat. Aims to distribute benefits under the National Food Security Act to 2.3 lakh beneficiaries. Represents Surat’s collective …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: Punjab has successfully utilized its allocation under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. Overview of the AIF Scheme Launch & Duration: Approved in 2020 as a Central Sector Scheme, running until FY2032. Objective: Provides medium to long-term financing for post-harvest management and community farming assets. …

GS3 ECONOMICS:  EU-India TTC establishment was announced in 2022 as a key bilateral platform to address challenges at the confluence of trade, trusted technology and security. It has 3 working groups, one each on: Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity Clean and Green Technologies Trade, Investment and Resilient Value …

GS3 ECONOMICS: The report recognizes that India needs to grow by 7.8% on average over the next 22 years to become High-Income Country (HIC) by 2047. India became a Low Middle-Income Country (LMIC) in 2007-08 and is currently on track to become an Upper Middle-Income Country (UMIC) by 2032. Key …

GS3 ECONOMICS: Key Proposal The central government plans to lower states’ share of federal tax revenue from 41% to 40%, potentially increasing central funds by ₹35,000 crore ($4.03 billion). The Finance Commission will review the proposal, with binding recommendations expected by October 31, 2025. Fiscal Impact & Revenue Constraints India’s …

GS 3 ECONOMY Context: The Union Ministry of Rural Development has introduced the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) initiative. What is NAKSHA? NAKSHA is a pilot city survey initiative under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). It combines aerial and field surveys with GIS …

GS3 ECONOMICS:  The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has published a report titled Tariffs and India, which evaluates the potential effects of the U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Plan and suggests strategies for the Indian government and industry to minimize losses. The U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Plan seeks to address trade imbalances by …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to inject rupee liquidity for an extended period through another $10 billion dollar-rupee buy-sell swap. It’s a tool used by the RBI to manage liquidity and support the rupee’s value. How does it work? The RBI buys …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a USD/INR buy/sell swap auction worth $10 billion, aiming to inject ₹86,000 crore into the banking system. Understanding Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions Rupee-Dollar swap auctions are monetary tools employed by the RBI to manage liquidity in …

GS 3 – ECONOMY   Context: India’s economic framework exposes the rupee to long-term depreciation and the possibility of currency crises. Rupee Depreciation Rupee depreciation refers to the decline in the rupee’s value relative to the US dollar, meaning the rupee weakens and holds less purchasing power against the dollar. …