Source: PIB Subject: Economy Context: The Government of India and NABARD have unveiled a common logo for all Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) under the “One RRB, One Logo” initiative. About New Logo for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): What it is? A single, common logo adopted by all 28 RRBs across India. Aims to create a …
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Q5. “Microfinance began as an instrument of poverty alleviation, but commercialisation has altered its character”. Explain the core development philosophy of microfinance. Analyse how profit-driven lending has reshaped lender–borrower relations. Suggest regulatory measures to ensure socially responsible microfinance. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the …
Context: Recent RBI data (2024–25) reveal that Indian households are accumulating debt faster than assets, with annual liabilities rising 102% since 2019–20, outpacing the 48% growth in financial assets. About RBI Data on Household Debt and Asset Growth: What it is? The Reserve Bank of India’s financial accounts data track how Indian households build assets …
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Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population Q4. Evaluate the performance of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in promoting women-led development. What institutional innovations have enhanced its success? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question: To assess how NRLM has advanced women’s socio-economic empowerment in rural India and to …
Context: Microfinance loan defaults in India have risen sharply in FY 2024–25, according to Sa-Dhan’s Bharat Microfinance Report 2025. About Microfinance Loan Defaults Surge in 2024–25: Sa-Dhan Data What it is? Sa-Dhan, India’s self-regulatory body for microfinance institutions (MFIs), publishes the annual Bharat Microfinance Report tracking sectoral credit performance and financial inclusion outcomes. Rising Delinquencies: …
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Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it Q5. UPI has redefined the architecture of retail payments in India. Assess how UPI has altered household expenditure patterns and its role in accelerating economic formalisation. Evaluate the macroeconomic risks of over-dependence on digital payment infrastructure. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question The …
Source: DH Context: The DeFi boom has raised national security concerns, with experts warning of its misuse for terror financing and money laundering. About Decentralised Finance (DeFi): What it is? A blockchain-based financial system that allows people to save, borrow, invest, and transact without traditional banks. Works through smart contracts, decentralised apps (DApps), and peer-to-peer …
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it Q6. Discuss the role of formal credit in strengthening small businesses in India, highlight the challenges they face in accessing finance. Also suggest measures to promote inclusive and sustainable financial access. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question Recent SIDBI–CRIF 2025 report highlighted Tamil …
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it Q5. Assess the role of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in transforming India’s subsidy delivery architecture. How has it helped curb leakages? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Because PMJDY has become the backbone of India’s DBT-led subsidy system, transforming governance by …
Topic: Mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Q6. What are the major causes of persistent credit exclusion among micro enterprises in India? Suggest structural reforms to make institutional finance more inclusive. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question Recent reports by SIDBI and NITI Aayog have highlighted the widening credit gap …
Syllabus: Economy Source: DD News Context: India has become the global leader in real-time payments as UPI processed 18.39 billion transactions in June 2025, according to an IMF-supported report. About India Becomes Global Leader In Fast Payments – IMF Report: What the Report is? Jointly developed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and FIS Global, this …
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Source: BS Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for Small Finance Banks (SFBs) from 75% to 60% to enhance lending flexibility and profitability. About RBI has reduced the Priority Sector Lending target for Small Finance Banks: What it is? RBI’s revised PSL norms aim to ease …
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Syllabus: Economy Source: BL Context: The RBI Deputy Governor flagged a rising crisis in India’s microfinance sector, citing a sharp fall in the gross loan portfolio (13.9%) and surge in delinquencies and NPAs (₹55,000 crore). About Microfinance in India: What is Microfinance in India? Microfinance refers to small-ticket financial services (loans, savings, insurance) extended to …
Topic: Poverty and developmental issues. Q1. Enumerate the socio-economic causes of child labour in India. Elaborate how structural reforms can break this cycle. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Easy Reference: TH Why the question Every year, June 12 is observed as World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO). …
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Q5. What are the main drivers of over-indebtedness in India’s microfinance sector? How does this affect borrower behaviour and credit institutions? Suggest structural solutions to address this challenge. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: BS Why the question: RBI Deputy …
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Q6. Discuss how gold-backed lending reflects financial inclusion trends in India. Examine the regulatory risks posed by its rapid expansion. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question: After the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines …
Syllabus: Economy Source: TH Context: Karnataka passed the Micro Loan and Small Loan (Prevention of Coercive Actions) Bill, 2024, following rising borrower suicides and public backlash against coercive recovery tactics by unregistered microfinance agents. What is Microfinance? Microfinance provides small loans, savings, insurance, and remittance services to low-income, unbanked populations. Evolved in the 1980s with …
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GS Paper 2: Syllabus: Women Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 26th edition of “Women and Men in India 2024”, offering a comprehensive gender data snapshot. Summary of the Women and Men in India 2024 Report: Education – Gender Parity Trends: Gender Parity Index (GPI) remained above 1.00 …
Topic: Money and Banking Q6. Public sector banks have seen significant recapitalization, yet credit delivery to priority sectors remains sluggish. Examine the reasons behind this paradox. Suggest structural reforms to address it. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Easy Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question: In light of massive PSB recapitalization over the past few years, yet persistent …
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Q5. In what ways does India’s capital control regime restrict global diversification for retail investors? How do such restrictions affect the efficiency and inclusiveness of the domestic financial system? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question: The …
