economy

Food Wastage in India: Issues, Challenges and Government Initiatives

Context: The International Day of Zero Waste (March 30) highlights the growing concern of food wastage. It reflects a paradox like large-scale food loss coexisting with hunger and malnutrition. Key Facts The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 highlights that...

Fallout of West Asia Crisis on India’s Economy: Impact and Risks

Context The ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and the crisis in West Asia, have destabilized the global economy. Disruptions in energy markets have led to supply chain disruptions, rising commodity prices, and macroeconomic uncertainty. For India, with nearly...

Windfall Tax: Meaning, Purpose and Impact on Economy

Context: Oil marketing company stocks such as IOC, BPCL, HPCL and Reliance came under pressure after the Centre sharply increased the windfall tax on diesel and ATF exports amid crude prices crossing $100 per barrel due to West Asia tensions....

India’s Payment Revolution: Rise of UPI, Digital Wallets and Cashless Economy

Context: India’s digital payment ecosystem is in the news following the release of January 2026 data, which shows a record-breaking 21.70 billion transactions worth ₹28.33 lakh crore. About India’s Payment Revolution India’s Payment Revolution is the rapid transition from a...

Term Money Market: Meaning, Features and Importance in India

The Term Money Market is a segment of the money market where funds are borrowed and lent for a fixed period beyond overnight, typically ranging from 2 days to 1 year. It is distinct from the overnight market (like the...

Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS): Meaning, Working and Benefits

Context: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India proposed to drop the due diligence requirement for MSMEs to onboard TReDS platforms to promote ease of doing business for micro, small and medium enterprises. Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) Trade Receivables Discounting...

NITI Aayog Launched Report on From Borrowers to Builders

Context: NITI Aayog released the second edition of the joint report From Borrowers to Builders, highlighting that women now hold a ₹76 lakh crore credit portfolio, accounting for 26% of India’s total system credit. Factsheet of Report on From Borrowers...

Fisheries Sector in India: Current Status, Challenges and Government Initiatives

Context: The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying highlighted the sector’s transformation, supported by a record budgetary allocation of ₹2,761.80 crore in the Union Budget 2026-27. This funding aims to consolidate gains from the PMMSY and Blue Revolution, focusing...

16th Finance Commission: Key Facts, Functions and Challenges 

Context: The recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, accepted by the Union government, have raised concerns about the direction of fiscal federalism in India. Although the States’ share in central taxes remains at 41%, underlying changes suggest a move towards...

Stagflation: Causes, Impacts, Challenges and Policy Responses

Context: The ongoing conflict between the US-Israel and Iran in April 2026 has triggered a pernicious energy supply and price shock, leading to fears of a return to 1970s-style stagflation. What is Stagflation? Stagflation is an economic situation characterised by high...