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Why in NEWS Flipkart has become the first Indian e-commerce firm to receive a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This allows Flipkart to directly lend to its customers and sellers, marking a major step in integrating fintech with e-commerce. Key Concepts & Terms Term Definition NBFC A company […]

Why in News? The PM-PRANAM scheme, launched to reduce synthetic fertilizer usage, has recorded an initial reduction of 15.14 lakh tonnes of fertilizers in 2023–24, leading to significant subsidy savings. Karnataka alone contributed 30% of these savings, with Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh together adding 58% more. Key Concepts Term Meaning PM-PRANAM Programme for […]

Why in NEWS For decades, policymakers believed that irrigation alone drives farmers to switch to water-intensive crops. However, data from 2011–12 to 2022–23 reveals a more nuanced reality: farmers decide on crops and irrigation simultaneously based on real-time conditions like rainfall, seed/fertilizer availability, and market prices. This evolving trend calls for smarter, synchronized irrigation planning […]

Why in NEWS? India’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) collapsed from $10.1 billion in FY 2023–24 to just $0.4 billion in FY 2024–25, as per RBI data. Key Concepts & Terms Term Explanation Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Investment by a person/entity outside India in equity instruments of an Indian company. Minimum 10% stake in listed […]

Why in NEWS? India is planning to bring online real money gaming (RMG) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) to ensure financial integrity and user protection. What is Online Real Money Gaming (RMG)? Concept Explanation RMG Platforms Apps where users stake real money for winnings (e.g., poker, fantasy leagues, rummy) India’s Gaming […]

Why in NEWS The Government of India successfully achieved its fiscal deficit target of 4.8% of GDP for FY 2024–25, as per provisional data by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA). This reflects strong fiscal discipline amid rising expenditure needs. Key Terms and Concepts Simplified Key Term Explanation Fiscal Deficit The gap between the government’s […]

Why in NEWS The Vice President highlighted that direct transfer of agricultural subsidies could significantly increase farmer incomes. He estimated that each farmer could receive at least ₹35,000 annually if subsidies were provided through direct benefit transfer (DBT) instead of indirect channels. Key Terms/Concepts/Incidents Simplified Key Term Simple Explanation Agricultural Subsidy Government aid provided to […]

Why in News The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its Annual Report 2024–25, presenting key developments in monetary policy, financial stability, inflation control, GDP growth, and digital financial inclusion—vital for UPSC aspirants to understand India’s macroeconomic outlook. Key Terms and Concepts Key Term Simple Explanation Inflation The general rise in prices of goods and […]

Why in News?NITI Aayog has released a report titled ‘Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises’ that proposes concessional credit schemes, digital portals, R&D support, and innovation clusters to boost the growth of medium-sized businesses. The report is also seen as a foundational step to reform the wider MSME ecosystem. Key Recommendations of the Report Focus […]

Why in NewsThe Centre’s 50-year interest-free capex loans under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) are driving major land reforms across India by pushing states to modernise property systems, boosting efficiency, and industrial growth. About the Scheme Aspect Details Name Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) […]