A New Economics for Inclusive Growth
Context: The inadequacy of jobs and incomes is identified as a critical vulnerability in India’s economy. The evidence is apparent beyond the confines of economists’ datasets. Farmers are advocating for improved prices, while workers in the informal sector and contractual roles are pushing for fair wages and social security. The state of the economy appears […]
Significance of Small Businesses in an Economy
Context: There has been a significant surge in micro-venture capital funding in India. Amidst various investors in the startup ecosystem, including angels, incubators, accelerators, family offices, India-focused large funds, and global VC funds, micro-VCs have gained prominence. According to Praxis, their number has increased from around 30 in 2014 to 90 in 2020. Relevance: GS3- Indian […]
International Monetary Fund’s Sovereign Debt Risk Assessment
Context: In the context of its Articles of Agreement, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) engages in annual bilateral discussions with its member countries. During these discussions, IMF staff gathers economic and financial data, engages in policy discussions with top officials, and subsequently compiles a report for review by the Fund’s executive board. Last Friday, the Finance Ministry released […]
National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL)
Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Cooperation informed the Lok Sabha about the National Cooperative Exports Limited. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: About the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL): Types of Members: Ordinary Members: Nominal or Associate Member: -Source: The Hindu, PIB
Alternative Investment Fund
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a directive to Regulated Entities (REs), including banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and other lenders, prohibiting them from investing in alternative investment funds (AIFs) schemes that have downstream investments in debtor companies. This move is aimed at addressing concerns related to the evergreening of stressed loans. […]
Coal Market Outlook: A Structural Shift by 2026
Context: The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a substantial decline in global coal demand by 2026, attributing this shift to the expansion of renewable energy and increased nuclear generation in key regions. Relevance: GS III: Energy Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Coal Market Report Global Coal Demand Trends: Anticipated Decline in Coal […]
What is a Social Stock Exchange?
Context: Recently, the Unnati Foundation became the first entity to list on the social stock exchanges (SSE). Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What is a Social Stock Exchange? Eligibility -Source: Indian Express
Countervailing Duties Imposed on Indian Products
Context: The United States and the European Union have levied countervailing duties (CVDs) on four Indian products in response to the introduction of the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme for outbound shipments in January 2021. The U.S. concluded countervailing investigations, resulting in CVD determinations for items such as paper file […]
Anarcho-Capitalism in Spotlight
Context: The term “anarcho-capitalism” has garnered recent attention, notably following Javier Milei’s electoral triumph in Argentina. Milei, a self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist, advocates for the abolition of the state, proposing a system where private companies manage law and order within a free market. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy (Capitalism) Dimensions of the Article: Anarcho-Capitalism: A Political and […]
Warning on Fiscal Burden from Return to Old Pension Scheme
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a report titled “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2023-24,” expressing concern over the financial strain imposed by a return to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) by some states. The report highlights that such a move would significantly burden state finances, limiting their capacity for […]