Socio Economic

Context (TH): At COP29, activists and experts called for holding fossil fuel-exporting nations accountable for emissions generated abroad, particularly in developing countries. This issue has gained global attention as the environmental impact of fossil fuel exports is increasingly recognized in climate negotiations. Advantages of Fossil-Fuel Exports Economic Growth: Fossil fuel …

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 (TH): Private universities in India are rapidly advancing in global rankings, surpassing public institutions through deliberate internationalization strategies and a heightened emphasis on research output. Internationalization of Higher Education incorporates a global outlook into teaching, learning, and research, promoting graduates who are culturally aware and globally proficient. Key Findings …

The Silk Road was a complex network of ancient trade routes linking China in the East to the Mediterranean in the West. This extensive web of routes facilitated the exchange of goods like silk, spices, gold, and gemstones, connecting various civilizations. Zhang Qian is often recognized as the “Father of …

Context: China recently restricted the export of antimony citing ‘national security’ concerns. Antimony Overview: Antimony is a semi-metal, silvery white in color, brittle, and crystalline. It is not a good conductor of heat or electricity and has a low vaporization temperature. Though not abundant, it is found in trace amounts …

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 …

Background: The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched in 2015 to promote entrepreneurship by providing collateral-free micro-loans up to ₹10 lakh. Recent Changes: The Union Budget 2024 increased the loan ceiling to ₹20 lakh, specifically benefiting those under the Tarun category who had previously accessed MUDRA loans. Impact: The …

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 …

Despite the efforts initiated by the 11th Finance Commission, financial devolution to urban areas remains inadequate. Municipalities suffer from poor fiscal health, and rapid urbanization without sufficient fiscal measures hinders development. Financial Devolution to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) India allocates only 0.5% of its GDP to ULBs, whereas countries like …

Social Fabric of Alwar State: Relation between Court and the Rajputs Hereditary Rule: Alwar, like other Rajput states, functioned with a hereditary monarchy. The Maharaja held significant power, but not absolute. Rajput Privileges: Rajputs enjoyed land grants, held military positions, and wielded influence in the court. This created a social …

Introduction The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, popularly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), is a landmark legislation in India. It aims to address historical injustices faced by Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) and empower them by …

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 …

The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It was established in 1989 with the objective of providing financial assistance, concessional loans, and skill development training to members of Scheduled Castes (SCs) for …

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 …

Intellectual property deals with the human capital applied for creativity and inventions. Intellectual Property Rights are legal rights given to a creator or innovator to enjoy the economic benefits of their invention or creation. These are territorial rights registered with a legal authority. It provides a secure environment for investors, …

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 …

Introduction Microfinance is a method of lending very small sums to individuals to start or expand a small business. These borrowers tend to be low-income individuals. Features of Microfinance in India The principal amount borrowed is less than Rs 1 lakh Interest rates are lower than normal banks Does not …

A Rajasthan village is free of open defecation — on paper The narrow village street is lined with gutters, dotted with excreta flushed out from latrines inside upper caste homes. Santa Devi pulls a corner of her sari over her mouth and begins to push the morning quota of waste …