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 …
Read More »Indian Economy
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 …
Read More »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 …
Read More »Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card
Context (TH|DDN): The Prime Minister has introduced the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card as part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Coverage: Provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family specifically targeting elderly individuals aged 70 years and above. If multiple elderly members are …
Read More »Reduced Spending by Middle-Income Households in India
Context (IE | ET): Leaders in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector have raised concerns over declining consumer demand among urban middle-income households. Reasons for Reduced Spending High Food Inflation & Essential Service Costs: Rising costs in areas like food, healthcare, and education have reduced disposable income, cutting into discretionary …
Read More »Indian Railways and Its Challenges
Context: Recent incidents like the Mysuru-Darbanga Express collision highlight the persistent safety and operational challenges facing Indian Railways. Challenges of Indian Railways: Frequent Train Accidents: High-profile accidents such as Balasore (2023) and Kavaraipettai (2024) point to significant safety gaps, with human error (55.8%) and signaling issues being the primary causes. …
Read More »Addressing Rising Income Inequality
Context: Income inequality remains a critical global challenge, requiring comprehensive solutions. To achieve greater equity, there is a need to shift from the traditional “economies of scope and scale” to an “economy of purpose.” Key Strategies to Combat Income Inequality Implementing Progressive Taxation: Progressive tax systems are essential for redistributing …
Read More »Unemployment
Unemployment is defined as the condition of being without a job despite actively seeking employment and possessing the necessary qualifications, skills, and willingness to work. Types of Unemployment Frictional Unemployment: Temporary joblessness when individuals are between jobs or changing careers. Structural Unemployment: Occurs due to a mismatch between job seekers’ …
Read More »Taxation and Black Money
Context A dive into the taxation system in India and its impact on the black money market. Black Money Definition: Also known as illicit wealth, black money refers to assets and income not declared to the government for taxation. Sources: Includes income from illegal activities like drug trafficking and money …
Read More »Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted resident individuals to open Foreign Currency Accounts at International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in GIFT City, Gujarat, under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Details: Authorised Persons: These are entities authorised by the RBI, such as banks and designated FX dealers, to facilitate …
Read More »Angel Tax and Indian Startup Companies
Context: Indian industry bodies have expressed concerns regarding the Angel Tax, particularly its recent expansion in the Finance Bill 2023. This development comes amidst a decline in startup funding and job losses. Understanding Angel Tax: Angel Tax refers to the income tax levied on unlisted companies that issue shares to …
Read More »Hunar se Rozgar Scheme, The Skilling Potential of Tourism
Relevance : Hunar se Rozgar Scheme, India Skills Report 2024 And Skill Development In India, and Higher Education & The Skill Requirements In The Job. Since 2006, the Ministry of Tourism is implementing a relatively less-known scheme called ‘Hunar se Rozgar’ meaning skill to employment, primarily aimed at catching the …
Read More »Vibrant Villages Programme
Scheme Overview: Launched: Union Budget 2022-23 (ongoing till 2025-26) Target: Border villages along the northern borders of India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh) Focus: Comprehensive development of these villages to improve living standards and curb outmigration. Funding: Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a budget of ₹4,800 crores. Key Objectives: …
Read More »PMAY: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for Affordable Housing.
Introduction: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), also known as “Housing for All” mission, is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India in 2015. It aims to achieve the ambitious goal of “Housing for All by 2022” by providing affordable housing solutions to all eligible urban and rural …
Read More »Green Bond
Concept Green bonds have emerged as a financial instrument aimed at channeling investments into environmentally sustainable projects. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, green bonds offer a mechanism to finance initiatives that mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability. Definition of Green Bonds: Green bonds are debt …
Read More »Corrupt practices under RPA,1951
What is the Representation of People Act, 1951? The electoral framework in India is regulated by specific sections within the Indian Constitution, namely Articles 324 to 329 of Part XV. These provisions empower the Parliament to formulate legislation pertaining to both national and statelevel elections. Article 324 specifically establishes the …
Read More »PMLA: Combating Money Laundering and Financial Crimes
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 …
Read More »Purchasing Managers’ Index: The Economic Health Indicator
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 …
Read More »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 …
Read More »Allocation of Election Symbol
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 …
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