ECONOMY

Table of Contents
1. GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY 3.4. Key Concepts on Banking and Monetary
ALLEVIATION ________________________ 5 Policy _______________________________ 32
1.1. Growth and Development ___________ 5 4. PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND FINANCIAL
1.1.1. GDP-GVA GAP ______________________ 5 MARKETS __________________________ 36
1.1.2. Human Development Report (HDR) _____ 6
4.1. Payment Systems _________________ 36
1.2. Poverty Alleviation _________________ 7 4.1.1. Indian Payment System ______________ 36
1.2.1. Poverty Estimates ___________________ 7 4.1.2. Other developments in Payment Systems 36
1.2.2. Developments on financial inclusion ____ 9
4.2. FinTech __________________________ 37
1.3. Key Concepts and Information on Growth, 4.2.1. Central Bank Digital Currency _________ 38
Development and Poverty Alleviation _____ 9 4.2.2. Tokenisation _______________________ 39
4.2.3. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ______ 40
2. FISCAL POLICY ____________________ 11 4.2.4. Digital Banking Units (DBUs) __________ 40
2.1. Status of Government Finances ______ 11 4.2.5. Digital Lending _____________________ 41
2.1.1. Current Account Deficit (CAD) ________ 11 4.3. Financial Markets _________________ 43
2.1.2. Strengthening State Finances _________ 12 4.3.1. Credit Rating_______________________ 43
2.1.2.1. State’s Fiscal Responsibility and Budget 4.3.2. Social Stock Exchange (SSE) ___________ 44
Management (FRBM) __________________ 13 4.3.3. Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB) ________ 44
2.1.2.2. Municipal Financing _____________ 13 4.3.4. Institutions and systems in the Financial
2.2. Taxation _________________________ 14 Sector _________________________________ 46
2.2.1. Goods and Services Tax (GST) _________ 14 4.3.5. Other concepts in the Financial Sector __ 47
2.2.2. Digital Tax ________________________ 15 4.4. Insurance Sector __________________ 48
2.2.3. Taxation of Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) 16 4.4.1. New Insurance Rules ________________ 48
2.3. Non-Tax Revenues_________________ 18 4.5. Pension Sector ____________________ 50
2.4. Key Concepts and Information on Fiscal 4.5.1. Pension System in India ______________ 50
Policy_______________________________ 18 5. EXTERNAL SECTOR_________________ 51
3. BANKING, ASSET QUALITY, 5.1. Trade ___________________________ 51
RESTRUCTURING AND MONETARY POLICY 21 5.1.1. Internationalization of Rupee _________ 51
5.1.2. World Trade Organization (WTO) ______ 52
3.1. Banking _________________________ 21 5.1.3. Marine Products Export Development
3.1.1. Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) _____ 21
Authority (MPEDA) _______________________ 53
3.1.2. Regional Rural Banks (RRB) ___________ 23
3.1.3. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) 5.2. Investment _______________________ 54
______________________________________ 24 5.2.1. Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) _______ 54
3.1.4. Amendment to Nidhi Rules, 2014 _____ 24 5.2.2. Other Developments Related to Foreign
3.1.5. Financial Services Institution Bureau (FSIB) Investment _____________________________ 55
______________________________________ 25
3.1.6. Banking System Liquidity ____________ 26
5.3. Exchange Rate Dynamics____________ 55
5.3.1. Indian Rupee (INR) Depreciation _______ 55
3.2. Asset Quality and Restructuring ______ 26 5.3.2. India’s Forex Dynamics ______________ 56
3.2.1. Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) ________ 26
3.2.2. Recovery and Restructuring Measures _ 27
5.4. Global Institutions _________________ 57
3.2.2.1. Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) __ 27 5.4.1. International Monetary Fund (IMF) ____ 57
3.2.2.2. Asset Reconstruction Companies 5.4.2. World Bank Group __________________ 58
(ARCs)_______________________________ 28 5.5. Key Concepts and Information on External
3.3. Monetary Policy __________________ 28 Sector ______________________________ 58
3.3.1. Inflation in India ___________________ 29 6. INNOVATION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT and
3.3.2. Inflation Targeting __________________ 30
3.3.3. Price Monitoring Centres (PMC) _______ 31
ENtrepreneurship ___________________ 61
3.3.4. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) ________ 31 6.1. Innovation _______________________ 61
 6.1.1. Global Innovation Index (GII) _________ 61 8.5. Technical textiles (TT) ______________ 89
6.1.2. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Regime in
India __________________________________ 62 8.6. Pharmaceutical Industry and Medical
6.1.3. National Intellectual Property Awareness Devices _____________________________ 90
Mission (NIPAM) ________________________ 64 8.6.1. Medical Devices Industry in India ______ 90
8.6.2. Bulk Drug Park (BDP) ________________ 91
6.2. Skill Development _________________ 65
6.2.1. National Initiative for Promotion of 8.7. Toy Sector in India _________________ 91
Upskilling of Nirman workers (NIPUN) _____ 66 8.8. Other Developments in the Industrial
6.3. Entrepreneurship _________________ 66 Sector ______________________________ 92
6.3.1. Unicorns in India ___________________ 66 8.8.1. Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) ________ 92
6.3.2. Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal 67 8.8.2. Competition Law and Big Technology
Companies _____________________________ 92
6.4. Key Concepts and Information on
Innovation, Skill development and 8.9. Key Concepts and Information on Industry
Entrepreneurship _____________________ 68 ____________________________________ 94

7. AGRICULTURE ____________________ 70 9. SERVICES SECTOR _________________ 95

7.1. Agricultural Inputs_________________ 70 9.1. Tourism Sector in India _____________ 95
7.1.1. Minimum Support Price (MSP) ________ 70 9.1.1. National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism
7.1.2. Nano-Urea ________________________ 71 ______________________________________ 95
9.1.2. Other developments in the tourism sector
7.2. Crop Cultiation ___________________ 71 ______________________________________ 95
7.2.1. International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 71
7.2.2. Rice/Paddy Acreage ________________ 72 9.2. E-Commerce______________________ 96
7.2.3. Sugarcane Production in India ________ 73 9.2.1. Promotion and Regulation of E-Commerce
7.2.4. Cotton Cultivation __________________ 74 ______________________________________ 96
7.2.5. Jute Cultivation ____________________ 75 9.2.2. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
7.2.6. Draft Coffee (Promotion and Development) ______________________________________ 96
Bill, 2022 ______________________________ 76 9.3. Telecom Sector ___________________ 98
7.2.7. Tobacco Cultivation _________________ 77 9.3.1. GatiShakti Sanchar Portal ____________ 98
7.3. Allied Sector _____________________ 78 9.4. Other Services Sector Developments __ 99
7.3.1. India’s Dairy Sector _________________ 78 9.4.1. Software as a service (SaaS) __________ 99
7.4. Food Processing___________________ 80
10. INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR ________ 100
7.4.1. Food Processing Sector in India _______ 80
10.1. Logistics Sector _________________ 100
7.5. Agricultural Marketing and
10.1.1. National Logistics Policy (NLP) _______ 100
Entrepreneurship _____________________ 80 10.1.2. PM Gati Shakti ___________________ 101
7.5.1. Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA) ________ 80 10.1.3. Logistics Ease Across Different States
7.5.2. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) (LEADS) 2022 Report ____________________ 102
______________________________________ 81 10.1.4. Multi Modal Logistics Park__________ 102
7.5.3. Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) _ 81
10.2. Railways _______________________ 103
7.6. Key Concepts and Information on 10.2.1. Innovation in Railways _____________ 103
Agriculture __________________________ 81 10.2.2. Aluminium Wagons _______________ 104
8. INDUSTRY AND ASSOCIATED 10.2.3. Other developments in Railways _____ 104
DEVELOPMENTS ____________________ 83 10.3. Civil Aviation Sector _____________ 105
10.3.1. National Air Sports Policy (NASP) 2022 105
8.1. Mining __________________________ 84 10.3.2. Other Developments in the Civil Aviation
8.1.1. District Mineral Foundation (DMF) ____ 84 Sector ________________________________ 106
8.1.2. Gold Mining in India ________________ 84
10.4. Roadways ______________________ 106
8.2. Steel Industry in India ______________ 86 10.4.1. Private Investment Models in Road
8.3. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Infrastructure __________________________ 107
(MSMEs) ____________________________ 87 10.4.2. Other developments in the Roadways
Sector ________________________________ 108
8.4. Semiconductor Industry in India _____ 88
10.5. Indian Shipping Industry __________ 108
 10.5.1. Landlord Port Model ______________ 108 11.2.2. Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing
10.5.2. National Centre of Excellence for Green Policy (HELP) ___________________________ 115
Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) _______________ 109 11.2.3. Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff, Authorisation
10.5.3. Other developments in the Shipping and Capacity Regulations ________________ 115
Industry ______________________________ 109 11.2.4. Other Developments in Gas Sector ___ 116
11.2.5. Developments in the Oil sector ______ 116
10.6. Key Concepts and Information on
Infrastructure _______________________ 109 11.3. Key Concepts and Information on Energy
Sector _____________________________ 117
11. ENERGY SECTOR_________________ 111
12. MISCELLANEOUS ________________ 118
11.1. Power Sector ___________________ 111
11.1.1. Green Energy Open Access Rules ____ 111 12.1. Nobel Prize for Economics 2022 ____ 118
11.1.2. Electricity Amendment Bill 2022 ____ 112
11.1.3. Other developments in the Power Sector
12.2. Standards National Action Plan (SNAP)
_____________________________________ 112 2022_______________________________ 119

11.2. Coal, Oil, Gas and Others _________ 113 12.3. Corporate Social Responsibility ____ 119
11.2.1. Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition &
Development) Act ______________________ 115
1. GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY
ALLEVIATION
1.1. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
1.1.1. GDP-GVA GAP
Why in News?
Recently, the gap between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA) of India increased.

GVA in India
• GVA at basic prices (base year 2011-
12) became the primary measure of
output (in 2015) across the
economy’s various sectors in India.
o It was done to conform to the UN
System of National Accounts
(SNA), 2008.
o SNA is the latest version of the
international statistical standard
for the national accounts
adopted by United Nation
Statistical Commission (UNSC).
• The quarterly and annual estimates
of GVA are given by National
Statistical Office (NSO) under eight
broad sectors- covering goods and
services in India (see image).
Reasons behind GDP-GVA Gap
• Basic difference: GDP is calculated at
market prices while GVA is calculated
at basic prices.
• Other Reason: GDP growth lags GVA growth when subsidies are high and taxes are low. Similarly, when
tax collection is high and subsidies are low, GDP growth is higher than GVA.
Utility of GDP and GVA under different circumstances
GDP GVA
• Identify Health of an Economy, i.e., growing or • Get real picture on State of Economic Activity, i.e., amount
it is experiencing recession. of goods and services produced as GDP growth can happen
• Identify standard of living of people via because of better tax compliance as well.
income and private consumption data. • Sector-wise and region-wise breakdown of value added to
• Make cross-country analysis on various identify sectors requiring incentives or stimulus.
parameters like investments, government • Identify productivity of a sector based on global data
spending and net exports. standards, helping investors in investment decisions.
Related News
Green GDP
• As per a recent RBI paper, India’s Green GDP is growing faster than traditional GDP, after an opposite trend for
past three decades.
• Green GDP: First proposed by UN in 1993, Green GDP is calculated by taking into account the estimates of
environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, and savings of resources and environment into the
national income accounts.
India’s attempts to measure Green GDP
• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation initiated compilation of environmental accounting under
Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (NCAVES).
o NCAVES project was launched in 2017 by UN and
European Union to enhance knowledge and
accounting process for ecosystem accounting.
• Green Accounting for Indian States & Union Territories
Project (GAISP) to build a framework for environmentally
adjusted national income accounts.
• 1st state in India to measure Gross Environment Product:
Uttarakhand.
Related information: Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC)
• EKC argues that in initial phases of economic
development, there seems to be a positive relationship
between pollution level and per capita income.

1.1.2. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT (HDR)

Why in news?
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the 2021/22 HDR report - ‘Uncertain times,
unsettled lives: Shaping our Future in a Transforming World ’.
More on news
• Human development is defined as the
process of enlarging people’s freedoms
and opportunities and improving their
well-being.
• HDR report, first released in 1990,
measure achievements in three key
dimensions of human development:
o Long and healthy life (Life
expectancy),
o Access to knowledge (expected and
mean years of schooling), and
o Decent standard of living (GNI per
capita).
Key Findings of the 2021/22 report
• Decline in global HDI for two consecutive years in a row (2020 and 2021, reversing 5 years of progress).
• India is ranked 132 out of 191 countries, in comparison to Sri Lanka (73), China (79), Bangladesh (129) and
Bhutan (127) fared better than India.
o India is bridging human development gap between men and women faster than the world.
Reasons behind HDI Decline
• Global: A combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and climate crises dragged
down the human development score.
o Globally, life expectancy dipped to in 2021 from 2019.
• Domestic: India’s human development value fell in 2021-22 from 2020, placing the country in medium
human development category, due to the following reasons:
o Life expectancy drop.
o Expected years of schooling at 11.9 years, and the mean years of schooling are at 6.7 years.
o India’s per capita income in terms of purchasing power parity has gone down by 5% during 2019 and
2021-22.

1.2. POVERTY ALLEVIATION

1.2.1. POVERTY ESTIMATES
Why in News?
The authors affiliated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and
World Bank (WB) published two different estimates of poverty and
inequality in India (see image).
More on News
• Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has also
released the State of Inequality in India report.
Different Poverty Measures
• Poverty is usually measured as either absolute or relative poverty, based on a poverty threshold or
poverty line, with people falling under this threshold/line being considered poor.
o Absolute poverty, or extreme poverty, represents the lack of sufficient resources to secure basic life
necessities, such as safe drinking water, food, or sanitation.
 ▪ E.g., People earning less than $1.9 on purchasing power parity (PPP) basis a day are considered
extremely poor by the World Bank.
o Relative Poverty represents the worse income and resource status of a person or a household than
what is thought to be adequate or socially acceptable in the society in which they live.
• But poverty has many faces, changing with time and place, leading to different poverty measures like:

Poverty Estimation in India

Tendulkar • Methodology: Based on Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) computed
Committee, 2009 on the basis of data from the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).
• Findings: 21.9% of total population was below poverty line in 2011-12.
Rangarajan • Methodology: Based on an independent large survey of households by Center for
Committee, 2014 Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE).
• Findings: 29.5% of total population was below poverty line in 2011-12.
NITI Aayog’s • It is developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with UNDP and Oxford Poverty and Human
National MPI: Development Initiative (OPHI)
Baseline Report o It is based on 12 parameters (10 indicators of MPI and two new indicators antenatal care
and bank account under Health and Standard of Living.
• Findings: 25.01% of India's population as multidimensionally poor.
Other committees • Alagh Committee (1979), Lakdawala Committee (1993)

Other inequality measurements for India

‘Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2022: Correcting Courses’ Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index
• It is a biennial report from World Bank (WB) on • India Ranked at 123 for reducing inequality, improving
global estimates and trends in poverty and shared by 6 places from previous ranking.
prosperity. • The 2022 CRI Index looks at government policies and
• It has raised the extreme poverty line of $1.90 to $2.15 actions in 161 countries to fight inequality during the
per person per day, based on 2017 purchasing power first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
parities (PPPs). • Index is prepared by Oxfam International and
o The poverty line is of living on less than $6.85 per Development Finance.
person per day.
1.2.2. DEVELOPMENTS ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION
Global Findex • World Bank has released ‘Global Findex Database 2021: Financial Inclusion, Digital
Database 2021 Payments, and Resilience in the Age of COVID-19’, surveying how people in 123 economies
use formal and informal financial services.
• According to it, India is among seven countries home to half the world’s 1.4 billion adults
without access to formal banking.
Fincluvation • Launched by India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), it is a joint initiative to collaborate with
Fintech Startup community to co-create and innovate solutions for financial inclusion.
o It will be a permanent platform of IPPB to co-create financial solutions with start-ups.
• IPPB (launched in 2018) was established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of
Communication with 100% equity owned by Government of India.
Financial inclusion • It is released by RBI to capture the extent of financial inclusion across India by covering
index (FI-Index) details of banking, investments, insurance, postal as well as the pension sector.
o It comprises of 3 parameters (access, usage and quality) with 97 indicators.
o Index has been constructed without any base year and reflects cumulative efforts of
all stakeholders over the years towards financial inclusion.
• The index for the FY 21-22 improved to 56.4 from 53.9 in 2020-2021, with growth seen across
all its sub-indices.

1.3. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT

AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Glass cliff • It refers to a situation in which women are promoted to higher positions during times of
crisis, or during a recession when the chance of failure is more likely.
• Promoting women to leadership position gives companies someone to blame if she fails to
pull the company out of its downward spiral.
• This phenomenon reinforces stereotypes about women not being ideal in leadership
positions.
• The term also applies to the challenges faced by minorities/marginalized groups when
promoted to leadership roles.
Technical • A technical recession is a term used to describe two consecutive quarters of decline in
Recession output.
o Representing back-to-back contractions in real GDP of a nation’s economy, it is most
often caused by a one-off event (say COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns imposed) and is
generally shorter in duration.
• It is mainly used to capture trend in GDP while a ‘recession’ encompasses more broad-based
decline in economic activity that covers several economic variables including employment,
household, and corporate incomes etc.
Doom Loop • According to economists, Europe is headed for doom loop.
• Doom loop is the circle of vulnerability where a country’s banking system can be severely
hurt by volatility in the price of the sovereign bonds, they hold for reserves resulting in a
contraction in lending provided by the banks.
• It is a phenomenon whereby a shock to one part of its economic system is amplified by its
effect on another.
Creative • As per UN Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTD), CE is an emerging concept
Economy (CE) dealing with interface between creativity, culture, economics and technology in a
contemporary world dominated by images, sounds, texts and symbols.
• UN marks 2021 as International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.
• Creative economy comprising the arts and crafts, audio and video arts and design, among
others, accounted for exports of goods and services worth $121 billion in 2019 in India.
Twin City • Prime Minister lays foundation stone for multiple projects including Twin City Development.
Development • TCD involves transforming existing cities and developing new genre of satellite/ theme
(TCD) townships which are safe, efficient, clean and green and offer high quality of life.
• Under this, Cities are in close proximity and are interdependent on economic, functional, and
urban infrastructure needs.
Urban-20 (U20) • U20 provides a platform for G20 countries cities to discuss on various important issues of
urban development including climate change, social inclusion etc. and propose collective
solutions.
• It facilitates a productive dialogue between the national and local governments and helps
promote the importance of urban development issues in the G20 agenda.
Twin Transition • A twin transition approach recognizes that there is a huge and largely untapped opportunity
for technology and data to drive sustainability goals.
o Need for Twin transition arises in the backdrop of Fourth Industrial Revolution or
Industry 4.0
• Rather than treating digital and sustainability in isolation, it combines them to unlock huge
benefits in terms of efficiency and productivity.
o By adopting this approach, leaders can bring the digital and sustainability agendas
together to future-proof their organizations.
Cost of living • Worldwide Cost of Living Index, 2022 released by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
index, 2022 o It compares the prices of more than 200 goods and services in 172 cities worldwide.
o New York (USA) topped the list followed by Singapore as the most expensive cities in
world.
• EIU are research and analysis division of The Economist Group, sister company to The
Economist newspaper. It was created in 1946.
Developed • On Independence Day, Prime
Country through Minister asked Indians to embrace
PanchPran “PanchPran” for India to become a
developed country in next 25 years.
• UN classifies countries into three
broad categories: developed
economies, economies in transition,
and developing economies.
• India is currently in ‘Lower Middle
Income’ category with respect to
Gross National Income (GNI) per
capita.
o India’s current Human
Development Index score (0.64) is much lower.
o On absolute level of gross domestic product and purchasing power parity (PPP), India is
one of biggest economies of world.
Financial • A new FIF for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) has been established
Intermediary internationally, with financial commitments from multiple countries including India.
Fund (FIF) • Hosted by World Bank and with technical support from WHO, FIF will:
o Provide long-term financing to strengthen PPR capabilities in low- and middle-income
countries.
o Address critical gaps at national, regional, and global levels.
• FIF will help in strengthening PPR capacity in areas such as zoonotic disease surveillance,
laboratories, emergency communication, critical health workforce capacities etc.
 .
2. FISCAL POLICY
2.1. STATUS OF GOVERNMENT FINANCES
2.1.1. CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT (CAD)
2.1.2. STRENGTHENING STATE FINANCES
Why in News?
The Central
government has raised
alarm on the mounting
debt burden and the
deteriorating fiscal
situation in some
States due to excessive
doling out of freebies.
State Finances
State finances include
states own tax and
non-tax revenues as well as the Tax Devolution and grants
from Centre (see image), provided by the Constitution of
India:
• Post Devolution Revenue Deficit from union
government to states under Article 275 to meet the
gap in Revenue Accounts of the States post
devolution.
• Discretionary Grants under Article 282.
• Net divisible pool distribution based on the
Finance Commission recommendations (Article
280) etc.
Initiatives taken to Support State Finance
• Reduced Borrowing Limits for states from 5% of
gross state domestic product (GSDP) during
Covid-19 to 3.5% for FY 2022-23.
• Inclusion of Off-Budget Borrowings as
borrowings made by the State itself.
• Lowering of Ways and Means Advances (WMA)
limit for States and Union Territories by RBI.
• Maximum number of Overdraft (OD) Facility days
for State Governments/Union Territories (UTs) is
reverted to 36 days in a quarter from 50 days by
RBI.
• Scheme for “Special Assistance to states for
Capital Investment”, providing ₹1,00,000 crore interest free loan for 50-years.
• Reform-linked additional borrowing space to state government, allowing additional borrowing of 1% of
their GSDP to implement four critical reforms, i.e. Implementation of One Nation One Ration Card System;
Ease of doing business reform; Urban Local body/ utility reforms; and Power Sector reforms.
About Ways and Means Advances (WMAs)
• Introduced in 1997, WMAs are temporary advances given by RBI (under the RBI Act 1934) to Centre and States to
tide over any mismatch in receipts and payments.
o Such advances are repayable within three months from the date of making that advance. Interest is charged
at existing repo rate (rate at which RBI ends short-term money to banks).
• WMA is not part of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM) because they get paid within
the year itself.
• Two types of WMA –special and normal
o Special WMA or Special Drawing Facility is provided against the collateral of the government securities held
by the state. After the state has exhausted the limit of SDF, it gets normal WMA.
o The interest rate for SDF is one percentage point less than the repo rate.
• There is a State-wise limit for the funds that can be availed via WMA. Decided by the government and RBI
mutually, these limits depend on factors such as total expenditure, revenue deficit and fiscal position of the State.
2.1.2.1. STATE’S FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND
BUDGET MANAGEMENT (FRBM)
Why in news?
Ministry of Finance informed the states that
borrowing by state-owned companies, special
purpose vehicles or agencies borrow from the
markets, will be considered under the states’ FRBM
limit.
More on news
• As this borrowing has an impact on Revenue
deficit and Fiscal Deficit of these borrowing
needs the consent of the Union Government
under Article 293(3) of the Constitution.
o Revenue deficit occurs when the actual
amount of revenue and/or the actual amount
of expenditures do not correspond with
budgeted revenue and expenditures.
• Article 293(3) provides state may not, without
the consent of the Government of India, raise any
loan if there is still an outstanding part of a loan.
• All States have enacted their FRBM Act as per the
12th Finance Commission (FC) recommendation
and its’ compliance is monitored by the
respective State Legislatures.
o The normal Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) of
each State is fixed by the Union Government
in the beginning of each financial year.
o NBC of the state FY 2022-23 has been
determined at 3.5% of Gross State Domestic
Product (GSDP) based 15th FC
recommendation.

2.1.2.2. MUNICIPAL FINANCING

Why in news?
RBI released a first ever
comprehensive
analysis of Municipal
finances and covers 201
municipal corporations
(MCs) across all States.
About Finance of
Municipalities
• The 74th
Amendment Act
1992, through the
12th Schedule
institutionalized
the urban local bodies (ULBs) as the third tier of the government to promote grassroots level democracy
(refer to the infographics).
• However, it doesn’t provide for a corresponding ‘municipal finance list’ in the Constitution and it has been
completely left to the discretion of the State Governments.
2.2. TAXATION
2.2.1. GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST)
 Other key terms in context of GST
Sin goods Circular Trading Input tax credit
Sin goods are the goods on which Circular trading refers to Input tax credit means that at the time of
the government imposes sin tax- a fraudulently availing input tax paying tax on output, one can reduce tax
special tax placed on goods and credit (ITC) by traders by issuing of that has already been paid on inputs and
services that are seen to be invoices without availing any real pay balance amount. ITC can be claimed
socially detrimental. goods or service. only for business purposes.
GST compensation Cess
• As per Goods and Services Tax (Period of Levy and Collection of Cess) Rules, 2022, compensation cess will continue
to be levied from July 1, 2022, to March 31, 2026.
o Levy of cess was to end on June 30, 2022, but GST Council (chaired by Union Finance Minister) decided to
extend it to repay borrowings that were done earlier to compensate States for GST revenue loss.
o However, whether States would be compensated till that period is not decided yet.
• GST Compensation Cess is collected on supply of select goods or services or both.
o This includes luxury, demerit and sin goods. E.g., pan Masala, various tobacco products etc.
• It is used to compensate states for loss of any revenue arising on account of implementation of GST as per
provisions of GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017 for a period of five years.
o It was paid bi-monthly.
GST Applicability on Pre-Packaged and Labelled Goods
• Under GST, single packages of food items like cereals, pulses and flour weighing up to 25 kg will be considered
as 'pre-packaged and labelled', liable to 5% GST.
• However, sales to customers by retail shopkeeper in loose quantity from the item bought from a manufacturer/
distributor in a 25-kg pack, will not attract GST.
Anti-profiteering
• Recently, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs empowered Competition Commission of India to
decide on anti-profiteering issues.
• Under Section 171 of the Central Goods and Services Act, 2017, Profiteering is defined as the willful action of goods
and services suppliers to not pass the benefit of any tax rate reduction or the input tax credit to the recipients.
• NAA is a statutory mechanism under GST law to check these unfair profiteering activities by the registered
suppliers.
• Under the sunset clause, the tenure of NAA was 2 years, but the GST Council can extend it.

2.2.2. DIGITAL TAX

Why in news? OCED’s Inclusive framework on BEPS
Recently, the G24 grouping objected • Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) refers to tax planning
strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) that exploit
to the proposal of making sovereign
gaps and mismatches in tax rules to avoid paying tax.
commitments to not introduce any
• To address tax avoidance, the OCED’s framework is based on two
future digital services tax like pillars:
equalization levy, potentially delaying o Pillar One i.e., Reallocation of taxing rights: Applied to about 100
implementation of the global tax deal. biggest MNEs with global turnover above 20 billion euros and
More on News profitability above 10%.
o Pillar Two i.e., Global anti-base erosion mechanism: Setting
• Digital Services tax is part of the ‘global minimum corporation tax’ of 15% from 2023 to large
OECD’s two-pillar plan of 2021 MNEs with revenues above EUR 750 million globally.
agreed by 138 countries (as of 16 • Global Minimum Tax, also known as Global Minimum Corporate Tax
December 2022), including India, Rate (GMCTR), is a part of the inclusive framework on BEPS) to:
to o Prevent multinationals from paying low taxes (or no tax) by
o Reform global taxation rules. booking their profits in tax havens, and
o Address the tax challenges o Make them pay taxes wherever they operate/conduct business
in, even if they do not have physical presence in the country.
arising from digitalization of
the economy (Refer box).
About Digital Tax in India
• Digital Tax is tax levied on digital goods/services/digital business activities. It is a form of Direct tax.
• India introduced 6% equalization levy (a Digital tax on non-resident digital companies like Google). It was
limited to online advertisement services.
o In 2020, the Indian Income-tax Act expanded the scope of Equalisation Levy (commonly referred to
as ‘Equalisation Levy 2.0 or EL 2.0’) as part of the Finance Act 2020.
 o EL 2.0 was made effective on
April 1, 2020.
✓ It is set to stay beyond 2023,
as a global tax deal which
was to replace such levies by
individual nations by then
faces implementation
challenges.
o The new levy now includes 2
percent Digital Service Tax
(DST) or EL on trade and
services of foreign e-commerce
companies such as Amazon and
Walmart-owned Flipkart and
others having an annual
turnover of ₹2 crore or more.
• DST is aimed at ensuring that non-
resident, digital service providers
pay their fair share of tax on
revenues generated in the Indian
digital market.
Implementation challenges:
• Divergent interests: European countries had prioritized the question of digital taxation, while US had
prioritized the global minimum rate.
• Legislators in both U.S. and Europe are now struggling to pass the laws needed to implement the deal.
E.g., Hungary has recently withdrawn support for minimum corporate tax in EU.

2.2.3. TAXATION OF VIRTUAL DIGITAL ASSETS (VDAS)

Why in News?
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has amended income tax rules to specify ways to comply with the new
TDS provision on virtual digital assets (VDAs).
More on News
• Under the rules:
o TDS of 1% will be levied on payments towards VDAs or cryptocurrencies beyond ₹10,000 in a year.
o The threshold limit for TDS would be ₹50,000 a year for specified persons, which include
individuals/HUFs who are required to get their accounts audited under the I-T Act.
About VDAs Concerns over VDA
• Highly risky assets and largely unregulated; leaving no
• Finance Bill 2022 defined VDAs under regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions.
IT Act, 1961 as ‘any information or • Threat to the financial system stability and risk of
code or number or token generated dollarization of a part of the Indian economy; going against
through cryptographic means or the country's sovereign interest and undermining RBI
otherwise and which can be Monetary policy influence.
transferred, stored or traded o Dollarization means use of the US Dollar in addition to or
electronically’. instead of the domestic currency of the country.
o It includes the non-fungible • Risk of anonymous use for making it liable to be misused for
tokens (NFTs), cryptos etc. terror financing, money laundering and drug trafficking.
• It is a digital representation of value
that is exchanged with or without
consideration.
• It includes cryptocurrencies, NFTs,
Dematerialized Shares, Promotional
currencies, E-books etc.
o RBI highlighted cryptocurrencies
risk like dollarization of the
economy and would be against
India's sovereign interest.
o Promoted as decentralized
international virtual currency, they
are allowed as legal tender or made
official currency by some nations
like El Salvador and the Central
African Republic.
Taxation of VDAs
• Income from the transfer of VDAs will be taxable at a flat rate of 30%, without the ability to offset it
against any other losses.
o No deductions will be allowed and only the cost of acquisition will be allowed as deduction while
computing income.
o A gift of VDAs will be taxable at the hands of the recipient.
Regulation of VDA Advertising
• By Consumer Protection Act 2019: It lays down penalties for endorsers in case of misleading
advertisement and if they have done no due diligence.
• By Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): ASCI issued guidelines for the promotion and
advertisement of crypto, and NFTs; mandating all VDA products and services to carry the disclaimer
regarding Crypto products and NFTs.
o ASCI is a voluntary self-regulatory organization, established in 1985, to protect Indian consumers’
interests through self-regulation in advertising.
o It issues non-legally binding advertisement codes and guidelines.
o Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2006 make it mandatory for all advertisements
carried by cable services to be compliant with the ASCI code.
2.3. NON-TAX REVENUES

2.4. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON FISCAL POLICY

Twin Deficit • Ministry of Finance in its Monthly
problem Economic Review cautioned the re-
emergence of the twin deficit problem in
the economy, with higher commodity
prices and rising subsidy burden.
• Twin deficit refers to a nation’s current
account deficit and a simultaneous fiscal
deficit.
o Fiscal Deficit is the shortfall between
total revenue and total expenditure
of government in a given financial
year.
Single Nodal • Ministry of Finance launched the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) dashboard of the Public Financial
Agency (SNA) Management System (PFMS) to ensure effective leveraging of technology in public finance.
dashboard • The initiative is a part of forms part of PFMS reform that was initiated in 2021 with regards to
how funds for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) are released, disbursed, and monitored.
o PFMS is a web-based online software application developed and implemented by the
Office of Controller General of Accounts to facilitate a sound public financial management
system for the government.
• SNA model: The SNA model requires the states to notify an SNA for each CSS which will open a
unique bank account at a commercial bank responsible for all transactions related to the
implementation of the particular CSS.
Status Report • Released by the Department of Economic Affairs; the report
on India’s highlights 8.2% rise in India's external debt to stand at $620.7
External Debt billion on March 31, 2022.
2021-22 • External debt refers to ‘money borrowed from outside the
country and has to be paid back in currency in which it is
borrowed’.
o U.S. dollar-denominated debt remained the largest
component of India’s external debt.

Tobin Tax • Tobin tax is a tax levied on spot currency conversions, with the intention of disincentivizing
short-term currency speculation.
• It generates a revenue stream for countries that see great deal of currency movement.
Windfall Tax • Centre has cut windfall tax on crude producers, scraps petrol exports levy.
• Windfall tax is a one-off tax imposed by a government on a company.
o It is levied on an unforeseen or unexpectedly large profit, especially unfairly obtained.
o It is only levied in public interest.
o It was announced to control rising domestic oil price and to meet domestic need for petrol.
GAAR (General • GAAR is an anti-abuse provision invoked by tax authorities to strike down unacceptable tax
Anti-Avoidance avoidance practices. Used by most of the mature economies, in India it was first introduced in
Rule) 2012.
o Under Income Tax Act, 1961 it came into effect on 1st April, 2017 and its effective
implementation started this year.
• It is a provision of last resort and used to strike down those lawful practices which undermine
intention of tax laws, i.e. misuse or abuse of law.
o Before introduction of GAAR in India, such transactions were dealt with by the
implementation of judicial decisions and Specific Anti-Avoidance Rules (SAAR), including
Transfer Pricing regulations.
Central Board • The guidelines are related to applicability
of Direct Taxes of new tax deducted at source (TDS)
(CBDT) provision regarding benefits received in a
guidelines on business or profession.
TDS • Budget 2022-23 had brought a new
section in the Income Tax Act i.e., 194R
which requires deduction of TDS at the
rate of 10% by any person providing any
benefit or perquisite, exceeding ₹20,000
in a year to a resident.
o CBDT clarified that section 194R
would apply on distribution of free
samples to the hospital for doctors
receiving free samples of medicines while employed in a hospital.
Double • Income Tax Appellate Authority (ITAT) ruled that Google India’s payment to Ireland unit was not
Taxation royalty; therefore, it is not subject to withholding tax.
Avoidance o Royalty refers to payment that is made to the owner of an asset or property for usage.
Agreement o Income earned from royalties is subject to tax in India.
(DTAA) o Withholding tax (also known as Retention tax) is the taxpayer's obligation to withhold tax
when paying rent, commission, or payment for professional services.
o As per Income Tax (IT) Act, it is obligatory for person responsible to make a payment to
deduct tax while making payment in Non-Resident Individual account.
 o Rate of tax applicable to such payments is determined by Double Taxation Avoidance
Agreement (DTAA).
• DTAA is a tax treaty signed between India and another country so that taxpayers can avoid
paying double taxes on their income earned from source as well as residence country.
• India has DTAA with more than 80 countries and it covers withholding tax on payments such
as Dividend, Interest, Royalty etc.
RNOR • It is a class of residential status under the Income-tax law. RNOR represents a person who does
(Resident but not qualify as an ordinary resident.
Not Ordinarily • It includes person who-
Resident) o Spends over 120 but less than 182 days, and
o Earns ₹15 lakh or more from assets in India.
o EPCG authorization holder can export either directly or through third party.
Automatic • As per annual data from Switzerland's central bank, funds parked by Indian individuals and firms
exchange of in Swiss banks jumped to a 14-year-high in 2021.
information o To fight tax fraud and evasion, an automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters
(AEOI) between Switzerland and India has been in force since 2018.
• AEOI provides for the automatic exchange of a predefined set of information between tax
authorities.
o Under this framework, detailed financial information on all Indian residents having
accounts with Swiss financial institutions is provided every year.
3. BANKING, ASSET QUALITY, RESTRUCTURING
AND MONETARY POLICY
3.1. BANKING
3.1.1. URBAN CO-OPERATIVE BANKS (UCBS)
Why in News?
RBI has revised the UCBs regulatory framework based on the recommendations of Expert Committee on
Urban Co-operative Banks (N S Vishwanathan panel) for strengthening the financial soundness of the UCBs.
Key highlights of revised
norms
• Replaces current two-tier
regulatory framework by
a Four-tiered regulatory
framework with
differentiated regulatory
prescriptions to
strengthen the financial
soundness of the existing
UCBs (see image).
• Minimum net worth of₹2
crore for Tier 1 UCBs and ₹5 crore for others to strengthen the financial resilience of the banks.
o UCBs which don’t meet the minimum net worth requirement, shall achieve it in a phased manner.
• Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR):
o Tier 1 UCBs shall maintain, as hitherto, a minimum CRAR of 9 percent of Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs)
on an ongoing basis.
o Tier 2 to 4 UCBs shall maintain a minimum CRAR of 12 percent of RWAs on an ongoing basis.
o UCBs in Tier 2 to 4, which don’t meet the revised CRAR, shall achieve the same in a phased manner.
• Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM): The revised criteria for determining the FSWM status is:
o Net NPA of not more than 3%.
o No default in the maintenance of CRR / SLR during the preceding financial year.
o Sound internal control system with at least two professional directors on the Board.
o Core Banking Solution (CBS) fully implemented.
• Applicability: Framework is applicable to all Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks.
About Cooperative Banks
• Co-operative banks are
financial entities
established on a co-
operative basis and
belonging to their
members. This means
that the customers of a
co-operative bank are
also its owners.
• Registration: UCBs are
primarily registered as
cooperative societies
under the provisions of
either the State
Cooperative Societies Act of the State concerned or the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 if the
area of operation extends beyond one state boundary.
• Regulation of UCBs: It is split between RBI and Centre/State Governments, while that of smaller co-
operative banks is divided between NABARD and State governments.
o They come under the regulatory ambit of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under two laws, namely, the
Banking Regulations Act, 1949 and the Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act, 1955.
o Urban and Multi State Cooperative Banks are under the direct supervision of RBI.
But, Regulatory Frameworks for UCBs, Universal Banks (UNBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and Regional
Rural Banks (RRBs) varies.
3.1.2. REGIONAL RURAL BANKS (RRB)
Why in News?
The Union Government had asked Indian Banks Association
(IBA) to assist in the sustainability push to RRBs.
More on News
• For RRBs financially sustainable, government will infuse
record ₹10,890 crore into RRBs during FY22 and FY23.
o ₹5,445 crore will come from Centre while the remaining
shareholders, i.e., states and sponsor banks.
About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
• RRBs were set up on the
recommendations of the
Narasimha Working Group (1975),
under the provisions of the
Ordinance promulgated in 1975
and Regional Rural Banks Act,
1976.
• Objectives of RRBs: To provide
sufficient banking and credit
facilities in rural and semi –urban
areas. They also provide-
o Para-banking facilities like
locker facilities, debit and
credit cards, mobile and
internet banking, etc.
o Carry out government operations like disbursement of MGNREGA wages, distribution of pension etc.
• Features: They are region-based and rural-oriented with features of a cooperative bank in customer
experience and of commercial banks in mobilization of financial resources.
Significance of RRBs Priority Sector Lending (PSL)
With over 81% of loans to the priority sector (against The advances made to sectors which are
considered important for the development of
benchmark of 75%) and nearly 60% as agriculture advances
the basic needs of the country and are to be
out of total advances, their role becomes significant in: given priority over other sectors.
• Extending institutional credit to the weaker section,
especially small and marginal farmers.
• Financial Inclusion by providing basic banking services in
the rural areas.
• Increase trust of rural population in banking services.
• Provide easy and direct finance to co-operative societies
and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Create Employment in rural India.
Problems faced by RRBs
• Financial Viability due to high operational cost and poor
Return on Assets (RoA).
o ROA is a financial ratio that indicates how profitable
a company is in relation to its total assets.
(Calculated by Return on Assets = Total Assets/Net
Income).
• Non-fulfillment of 13% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), also
known as Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio
(CRAR).
 o CAR is a measurement of a bank's available capital expressed as a percentage of a bank's risk-
weighted credit exposures.
• Regulatory discrepancies as they are supervised by NABARD while their annual plans and financials are
monitored by both the RBI and NABARD.
o The Central Government and the sponsoring bank also have their own control.

3.1.3. NON-BANKING FINANCIAL COMPANIES (NBFCS)

Why in News?
Recently, the SC held that state enactments will have no application to NBFCs and RBI Act, 1934 supersedes
State enactments.
About NBFCs
• NBFCs are registered entities under the Companies Act providing bank-like financial services such as loans
and advances, acquisition of shares, bonds etc. with no banking licence.
• Also, there are few differences between banks and NBFCs. E.g., NBFCs-
o Cannot accept demand deposits.
o Do not form part of payment and settlement system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself.
o No deposit insurance facility is available to depositors of NBFCs.
• Primarily, NBFCs are
regulated and
governed by RBI.
o Some NBFCs are
regulated by
SEBI, IRDAI,
National Housing
Bank etc.
• Recently, RBI
tightened NBFCs
lending and
disclosure guidelines
through a scale-
based regulations
whereby NBFCs are
graded into 3 layers
(see diagram).
Key highlights of
Guidelines
• Aggregate exposure of an upper layer NBFC to any entity must not be higher than 20% of its capital base
(board can approve an additional 5%).
o For infrastructure finance companies, it is30% to a single entity.
• To a group of connected entities, aggregate exposure will be limited to 25% of the capital base for all upper
layer NBFCs (35% for infrastructure finance companies).
• Unless sanctioned by the board, mid-layer and upper layer NBFCs shall not lend more than ₹5 crore to
directors, CEO or relatives of directors.
• Loans to real estate sector can be provided after prior permission to borrowers from the government or
other statutory authorities for the project.

3.1.4. AMENDMENT TO NIDHI RULES, 2014

Why in News?
The Central Government has amended Nidhi Rules, 2014 in the light of sharp rise in number of ‘Nidhi’
companies.
Key amendments
Aimed at improving their governance and safeguarding public interest, under amended rules:
• A public company set up as a Nidhi with share capital of ₹10 lakhs needs to first get itself declared as a
Nidhi from Union government.
o Earlier, there was no such need for a company to get declaration.
• Promoters and Directors of company have to meet the criteria laid down in rules.
About Nidhi company
• Nidhi company (similar to an NBFC) is formed to borrow and lend money to its members.
• It inculcates saving habits among its members and works on the principle of mutual benefit.
• They don’t need RBI license but need approval under the Companies Act.
• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs regulates its operational matters and RBI has the power to issue
directions for its deposit-taking activities.
• Can’t deal with chit funds, hire-purchase finance, leasing finance, insurance, or securities business. It is
strictly prohibited from accepting deposits from or lending funds to, any other person except members.
• Only individual members are allowed in Nidhi companies.

3.1.5. FINANCIAL SERVICES INSTITUTION BUREAU (FSIB)

Why in News?
Appointments Committee of the
Cabinet (ACC) has approved a
government resolution for
establishing the Financial Services
Institutions Bureau (FSIB) in place
of the Banks Board Bureau (BBB).
About Financial Services
Institutions Bureau (FSIB)
• It is set up under the
Department of Financial
Services (DFS), Ministry of
Finance, to:
o Recommend persons for appointment as whole-time directors and non-executive chairpersons on
the Boards of financial services institutions (including public sector banks (PSBs), public sector
insurers (PSIs) and financial institutions (FIs)).
o Advise on certain other matters relating to personnel management in these institutions.
o Promote excellence in Corporate Governance in Public Sector Financial Institutions.
• Other major functions of FSIB include:
o To advise the Government on matters relating to appointments, transfer or extension of term of
office and termination of services of the said directors.
o To advise the Government on the desired management structure at the Board level for PSBs, FIs and
PSIs.
o To build a databank containing data related to the performance of PSBs, FIs and PSIs.
o To advise the Government on formulation and enforcement of a code of conduct and ethics for
whole-time directors in PSBs, FIs and PSIs.
o To help PSBs, Fls and PSIs in terms of developing business strategies and capital raising plan etc.
Composition of FSIB
• Chairperson of FSIB, to be nominated by Central Government who shall be:
o a retired official from the banking sector or a regulatory institution, or
o a businessperson of repute with sufficient knowledge of the financial sector, or
o a person with at least 25 years of experience in public administration with experience in banking and
the financial sector.
• Ex officio members: Secretary in charge of DFS, Department of Public Enterprises, Chairperson of the
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), Deputy Governor of RBI.
• 3 persons with subject matter knowledge relating to PSBs and FIs and 3 persons with subject matter
knowledge relating to PSIs (to be nominated by the Central Government) as part time members.
3.1.6. BANKING SYSTEM LIQUIDITY
Why in News?
After remaining in surplus mode since May 2019, the Indian banking system liquidity turned into a deficit mode
in September 2022.
About Banking System Liquidity and its Significance
• Meaning: It is understood through Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), the primary instrument of the
RBI’s operations to inject or absorb liquidity into the banking system.
• Surplus vs. Deficit: On any given day, if the banking system is a net borrower from the RBI under LAF, the
system liquidity can be said to be in deficit and if it is a net lender to the RBI, the system liquidity is in
surplus.

Impact of Liquidity Deficit

• Increase in Deposit rates or Special Deposit Schemes
from banks to get money.
• Increased cost of borrowed funds due to rise in Money
Market Rates. E.g., Yields on Treasury bills or T-bills
spiked recently due to tighter liquidity conditions.
• Potential Repo rate change from RBI which will increase
banks repo-linked lending rates and the marginal cost of
funds-based lending rate (MCLR), resulting in higher loan
interest rates for consumers.
• Reduced Demand which can further lead to contraction of economic activities.
• Increased RBI Difficulties in maintaining low borrowing costs for growth while continuing with its
monetary tightening cycle.

3.2. ASSET QUALITY AND RESTRUCTURING

3.2.1. NON-PERFORMING ASSETS (NPAS)
Why in News?
RBI’s recent ‘Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2021-2022’ highlights the banking Gross NPAs
(GNPAs) declining to 5% from a peak of 9% in 2017-18.
About NPAs
• Primary assets of banks, a loan or advance is classified as NPA for which the principal or interest payment
is overdue for a period of 90 days (one quarter).
• It is further categorized under different heads (see image).
o For Agricultural loans, the overdue for NPA is two crop seasons for short duration crops and one crop
season for long duration crops.
 Related News
EASE Reforms
• Launched in 2018 (EASE 1.0), EASE reforms are overseen by Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
• Latest EASE reforms, EaseNext consist of two key initiatives:
o EASE 5.0 for a common PSB reforms agenda of continued investment in new-age capabilities and respond to
evolving customer needs, changing competition, and adoption of newer technologies.
o Bank specific three-year strategic roadmap, based on bank’s business priorities, going beyond EASE 5.0,
including business growth, profitability, risk, customer service, operations, and capability development.
Inter-operable Regulatory Sandbox (IoRS)
• RBI has announced SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for IoRS.
• SOPs are prepared by the inter-regulatory technical group (IRTG) on fintech, chaired by RBI’s fintech department
and representatives of SEBI, IRDAI, IFSCA, PFRDA and central government.
o It provides a framework to regulate newer fintech products and services falling in the ambit of more than
one financial regulator.
• IoRS is ‘a mechanism to facilitate testing of innovative hybrid financial products / services falling within the
regulatory ambit of more than one regulator’.
• Key highlights of the framework
o Dominant feature of the product to determine influence of the regulator and regulator under whose
jurisdiction such feature will be principal regulator (PR) and others will be associate regulators (AR).
o The dominant position will be decided in two ways:
▪ Type of enhancement to the existing products like loans, deposits, etc.,
▪ Number of relaxations sought by the entity for undertaking the test under IoRS.
o International Financial Services Centres Authority will be PR for Indian FinTechs having global ambition and
foreign FinTechs seeking entry to India.
o IRTG on FinTech will resolve any coordination issue between PR and AR etc.

3.2.2. RECOVERY AND RESTRUCTURING MEASURES

3.2.2.1. DEBTS RECOVERY TRIBUNALS (DRTS)
Why in News?
Government has created exclusive benches at 3 debts recovery tribunals (DRTs) at DRTs in Chennai, Mumbai
and Delhi to resolve cases above ₹100 crore.
About DRTs
• The Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act (RDB Act), 1993 provides for establishment of DRTs with
original jurisdiction and Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) with appellate jurisdiction.
• Objective of these tribunals is to provide expeditious adjudication and recovery of debts due to Banks and
Financial Institutions.
• It also hears cases filed under The Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement
of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002.
o SARFESI Act guards financial institutions from loan defaulters by allowing them to take control of
securities pledged against the loan, manage or sell them to recover dues without court intervention.
 o It is applicable throughout the country and covers all assets, movable or immovable, promised as
security.
o It comes into play if a borrower defaults on his or her payments for more than six months
• At present, 39 DRTs and 5 DRATs are functioning across the country.

3.2.2.2. ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANIES (ARCS)

Why in News?
RBI has amended regulatory framework for ARCs based on the Sudarshan Sen Committee recommendations.
About ARC
• ARC is a company which is set up to provide a focused approach to Non-Performing Assets resolution on
recommendations of Narasimham Committee- II.
• It is a company registered under Section 3 of SARFAESI Act, 2002.
• It is regulated by RBI as a Non-Banking Financial Company.
Key guidelines are:
• Eligible ARCs: With a minimum net owned fund of ₹1000 crore to act as resolution applicants under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016.
o Earlier, SARFAESI Act prohibited ARCs from doing other activities than that of securitization or asset
reconstruction, without RBI's permission.
o IBC provides for a time-bound process for resolving insolvency in companies and among individuals.
• Raised minimum capital requirement for setting up an ARC to ₹300 crore from the existing ₹100 crore in
a phased manner.
• Changes in corporate governance norms, like to constitute an Audit Committee, which shall comprise of
non-executive directors only.
Related News
National Asset Reconstruction Co Ltd (NARCL) and India Debt Resolution Co. Ltd (IDRCL)
• Bad Bank or National Asset Reconstruction Co Ltd (NARCL)is a corporate structure (announced in 2021 Budget)
that isolates risky assets held by banks in a separate entity.
• Under the approved structure, bad bank will consist:
o NARCL: To acquire and aggregate NPA/ bad loan accounts,
✓ Majority stake in NARCL: Public Sector Banks (with Canara Bank as Sponsor).
o IDRCL: For management and value addition and will handle the debt resolution process,
✓ Majority stake in IDRCL: Private sector banks.
3.3. MONETARY POLICY
3.3.1. INFLATION IN INDIA
3.3.2. INFLATION TARGETING
Why in News?
The average headline consumer price index inflation (CPI-Inflation) in India stayed above 6% for three
continuous quarters due to supply shocks such as pandemic lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, elevated
commodity prices and Ukraine war.
About Inflation Targeting Framework
• Price stability is a necessary precondition for
macroeconomic and financial stability, making it the
dominant objective of the monetary policy.
• Under Inflation Targeting Framework, the central bank
specifies an inflation rate as a goal and adjusts its monetary
policy to achieve the specified annual inflation rate.
Flexible Inflation Targeting Framework in India
• Based on the Urjit Patel committee recommendation (2014), Government of India and RBI also signed the
Monetary Policy Framework Agreement in 2015.
• The RBI Act, 1934
was amended in
2016 to:
o Make inflation
targeting the
nominal anchor
of RBI’s
monetary
policy (Section
45ZA of RBI
Act),
o Have a
statutory and
institutionalized framework for Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) (Section 45ZB).
• MPC is a six-member body to set the policy rate (repo rate) to achieve the inflation target while keeping
in mind growth objectives.
o The Inflation target is set by the Government of India, in consultation with RBI, once in every five
years.
o Currently, it is 4% CPI inflation target with +/- 2% as upper and lower tolerance limit.
• If average inflation remains above upper tolerance or lower tolerance level for any three consecutive
quarters, RBI shall set out in a report to the Central Government.
o Reasons for failure to achieve inflation target.
o Remedial actions proposed by RBI.
o Estimated time-period within which the inflation target shall be achieved pursuant to timely
implementation of proposed remedial actions.
Different Types of Policy Stances
Accommodative Stance • When the central bank is prepared to expand the money supply to boost economic
growth, i.e. willingness to cut policy rate.
Neutral Stance • When the central bank can either cut rate or increase policy rate. It is usually adopted
when policy priority is equal to inflation and growth.
Hawkish Stance • When the central bank is prepared to curb the money supply to keep the inflation low,
i.e., willingness to increase policy rate.
Calibrated Tightening • Another term to represent the rate hike in a calibrated manner, i.e., tilt towards rate
hike but no necessary policy rate hike at every policy meeting.
3.3.3. PRICE MONITORING CENTRES (PMC)
Why in News?
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution suggested having price monitoring centres for
critical goods in all districts of India.
More about news
• Centre intends to have 750 price
monitoring centres by March
31st 2023.
• As per current status, 50% will be
funded by State government and
50% will be funded by Central
Government for infrastructure.
Current setup for Price Monitoring
• Price Monitoring Division (PMD)
in the Department of Consumer
Affairs is responsible for
monitoring prices of selected
essential commodities.
o It monitors the retail and
wholesale prices, and spot
and future prices of selected
essential commodities on a
daily basis.
o State Civil Supplies Departments of the
respective State Governments report Benefits of PMC
• Control Inflation as essential commodities prices will be
the price on the PMS App daily about 22
monitored through PMC and controlled by centre.
essential food products.
• Protect Consumer interests in terms of quality, quantity,
• 22 essential food commodities monitored standards, testing and benchmarks through BIS, NTH,
based on data collected from 340 market Legal Metrology and National Consumer Helpline.
centres spread across the country. • Use of e daakhil portal for online filing of consumer
• To cross-check accuracy of prices reported complaints as PMC will be able to take action fast.
by centres from States/UTs, services of FCI • Market intervention through regular retail price reviews.
and NAFED are utilised.

3.3.4. STANDING DEPOSIT FACILITY (SDF)

Why in News?
In its first bi-monthly policy review (FY23), the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has introduced Standing
Deposit Facility (SDF) as the floor in the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor.
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
• SDF is a liquidity management instrument to absorb liquidity (deposit) from Scheduled Commercial banks
(SCBs) without any collateral/government securities in return.
o It was first recommended by the Urjit Patel Committee in 2014 as a tool to manage liquidity.
• In 2018, Section 17 of the RBI Act, 1934 was amended to empower the RBI to introduce SDF as an additional
tool for absorbing liquidity without any collateral.
• SDF will replace the Fixed Rate Reverse Repo (FRRR) as the floor of the LAF corridor.
• Deposits under the SDF won’t be eligible for the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) maintenance under Section 42
of the RBI Act, 1934, but they will be an eligible asset for maintenance of the Statutory Liquidity Ratio
(SLR) under Section 24 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• Need for SDF: To manage surplus liquidity due to Covid-19.
• Other Liquidity Management Instruments: Targeted Long-Term Repo Operations (TLTROs), Open Market
Operations (OMOs) etc.
Related News
Regulations Review Authority (RRA 2.0)
• Set up in 2021 by RBI, the RRA 2.0 submitted its report with final set of recommendations.
o RRA 1.0 was set up in 1999 to streamline RBI procedures and simplify regulatory prescriptions.
Objective of RRA 2.0:
• Reduce the compliance burden on Regulated Entities (REs) like SCBs/ RRBs/ UCBs /NBFCs, etc. by streamlining the
regulatory instructions and rationalizing reporting requirements.
• REs are the entities regulated by RBI under the RBI Act (1934), The Banking Regulation Act (1949) The Payment &
Settlement Systems Act (2007) etc.

3.4. KEY CONCEPTS ON BANKING AND MONETARY POLICY

Counter- • Following Basel-III norms, central banks specify certain capital adequacy norms for banks in a
Cyclical Capital country. CCCB is a part of such norms and is calculated as a fixed percentage of a bank’s risk-
Buffer (CCCB) weighted loan book.
o In India, framework on CCCB was put in place by RBI in 2015.
• Aim of CCCB regime is two-fold:
o It requires banks to build up a buffer of capital in good times which may be used to
maintain flow of credit to the real sector in difficult times.
o It restricts banks from indiscriminate lending in the periods of excess credit growth that
have often been associated with the building up of system-wide risk.
Bancassurance • Bancassurance is an arrangement between a bank and an insurance company allowing the
insurance company to sell its products to the bank's client base.
• Banks earn additional revenue by selling insurance products, and insurance companies expand
their customer bases without increasing their sales force.
Credit-Deposit • CD ratio tells how much of money banks have raised in form of deposits has been deployed as
(CD) Ratio loans.
• A low CD ratio suggests relatively poor credit growth compared with deposit growth indicating
banks are not making full use of their resources.
• A high CD ratio means strong demand for credit with relatively slower deposit growth. If ratio
is above a certain level, it indicates pressure on resources.
Prompt • The PCA framework is imposed when a bank breaches certain regulatory thresholds on capital
Corrective to risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR), net NPAs and return on assets (RoA).
Action (PCA) • Various action under PCAs include
Framework o Restriction on dividend distribution/remittance of profits.
o Restriction on branch expansion; domestic and/or overseas.
Loan waive-off • A loan waive-off is a complete cancellation of a loan account. This means that the borrower is
free from that particular debt. E.g.
o Loan waive-off provided by the government to farmers at times of natural calamities.
Loan write-off • It is the movement of defaulted loan/NPA from assets side and reports it as a loss by lender.
• Bank’s writes off a loan after the borrower has defaulted on the loan repayment and there is a
very low chance of recovery; reducing bank NPAs.
o It does not take away the bank's right of recovery from the borrower through legal
means. In the last five years, the banks write-offs is around ₹10 lakh crore, out of which
banks were able to recover ₹1,32,036 crore.
Marginal Cost • Instituted by RBI in 2016, it is the lowest interest rate that a bank or lender can offer, except in
of Funds Based some cases allowed by the RBI.
Landing Rate o Thus, it is an internal benchmark or reference rate for the bank.
(MCLR) • It is calculated on the basis of four components: marginal cost of funds, negative carry-on
account of cash reserve ratio, operating costs and tenor premium.
o Tenor means that the amount of time left for the repayment of a bank loan.
• Benefits: Transparency in financial institutions while determining their interest rates.
o According to RBI, it is more effective than the erstwhile Base rate method.
Financial • FSR is a bi-annual report from RBI that reflects risks to financial stability and the resilience of
Stability Report Indian financial system (Global FSR is released by IMF).
(FSR) • Latest FSR highlighted improved ability of banking system to absorb macro shocks without
further capital infusion due to:
o Improved Capital to risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of scheduled commercial banks
(SCBs).
o Declining Gross non-performing asset (GNPA) and Net NPA (NNPA).
o Improved Provisioning Coverage Ratio (PCR).
Reserve bank- • The Scheme integrates the existing three Ombudsman schemes of RBI namely,
Integrated o The Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006
ombudsman o The Ombudsman Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies, 2018; and
Scheme o The Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions, 2019.
• It provides for a single window for resolution of complaints not resolved within 30 days or not
resolved satisfactorily by banks/NBFCs/system participants regulated by RBI.
• Aimed to improve the grievance redress mechanism, it defines ‘deficiency in service’ as the
ground for filing a complaint, with a specified list of exclusions.
o A Centralized Receipt and Processing Centre has been set up at RBI, Chandigarh for receipt
and initial processing of physical and email complaints in any language.
DAKSH • DAKSH is a web-based end-to-end workflow application, launched by RBI, which will monitor
compliance requirements in a more focused manner.
• Objective: Further improve the compliance culture in Supervised Entities (SEs) like Banks,
NBFCs, etc.
• The application will also enable seamless communication, inspection planning, execution,
cyber incident reporting, and analysis, which enables anytime-anywhere secure access.
Small Finance • SFBs are registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013 and are licensed
Banks (SFBs) under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
o Announced during Union Budget 2014-15, RBI issued the guidelines in November 2014.
• The prime objective for setting up SFBs was furthering financial inclusion by serving primarily
to unserved and underserved sections of the population.
• They are required to extend 75% of credit to the sectors eligible for classification as PSL.
• Minimum paid-up equity capital for small finance banks is ₹200 crore.
• Listing is mandatory for SFBs within three years of their net worth reaching ₹500 crore.
• Challenges: High cost of borrowing, sharp deceleration in loan growth since the pandemic
struck last year, etc.
Account • Unveiled in 2021, AA system is a type of RBI regulated entity (with an NBFC-AA license) that
Aggregator helps an individual securely and digitally access and share information from one financial
(AA) System institution to another in the AA network.
• Significance of AA system
o Consolidated dashboard of all bank accounts of user in one place.
 o Reduce instances of misuse of account-
related data shared in physical form.
o User controlled data sharing as Data will be
shared only on user’s consent.

Cost Inflation • The Income Tax Department has notified the CII for current FY.
Index (CII) • The CII is notified every year under Income Tax Act, 1961 to match the prices to inflation rate
based on the Consumer Price Index or CPI (urban).
o CII= 75%
average
increase in CPI
for the
immediate
previous year
• It is used by a
taxpayer to compute long-term capital gains (LTCG) arising out of the sale of capital assets
after adjusting for inflation.
London • LIBOR is the global reference rate for unsecured short-term borrowing in interbank market.
Interbank o It acts as benchmark for short-term interest rates and used for currency rate swaps and
Offered Rate mortgages.
(LIBOR) o It is administered by Intercontinental Exchange.
o It is computed for five currencies: Swiss franc, euro, pound sterling, Japanese yen and US
dollar.
o It is an indicator of health of financial system and provides an idea of trajectory of
impending policy rates of central banks.
o Indian equivalent is known as Mumbai Inter-Bank Offer Rate (MIBOR) calculated by
National Stock Exchange of India.
Bond yield • Yield curve is the graphical representation of yields from bonds. Under normal circumstances,
curve inversion as one lends for a longer duration, one gets higher yields.
• However, there are times when this bond yield curve becomes inverted (bonds with shorter
tenure end up paying higher yields than bonds with longer tenure) which suggests that
investors expect future growth to be weak.
• This is a strong predictor of recessions.
Yield Curve • The Japanese Yen has declined further as the Bank of Japan has stuck with its policy of yield
Control (YCC) curve control.
• Yield control curve, also referred as interest rate caps, aims to control interest rates along some
portion of the yield curve.
o It involves targeting a longer-term interest rate by a central bank, then buying or selling
as many bonds as necessary to hit that rate target.
• Different from Quantitative Easing (QE) and short-term interest rate targets, YCC focuses on
bond prices and provides economic stimulus as short-term rates near zero.
o It helps to prevent recession or lessen its impact.
Global • Global stagflation (slowdown in growth and increase in consumer price inflation) can impact
Stagflation domestic growth and inflation through multiple channels.
o Lower external demand drags down export demand and overall domestic demand and
growth.
o Higher global commodity prices increase domestic inflation through direct and cost-push
channels and dampen domestic growth through weakening of aggregate demand.
• Higher global inflation and global interest rates impact capital flows, putting downward
pressures on the domestic currency.
Provisions • Any change in design of a currency note has to be approved by the RBI’s Central Board and the
related Design Central government.
of rupee notes o Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, gives RBI the “sole right” to issue banknotes in India.
and coins • The Coinage Act, 2011 gives the central government the power to design and mint coins in
various denominations.
Handbook Of • It is being released annually, by Reserve Bank of India, since 2016.
Statistics on • It contains comparable data at one place for different States on various dimensions –
Indian States economic, social, and demographic, over various time periods ranging from 1951 to 2021-22.
o In current edition two new sections – Health and Environment have been introduced.
Legal Entity • Recently, RBI has extended the guidelines on LEI to large borrowers of NBFCs and Primary
Identifier (LEI) (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
• LEI is a 20-character alpha-numeric code which is used to create a global reference data system
that uniquely identifies every legal entity in any jurisdiction that is party to a financial
transaction.
• LEI improves the quality and accuracy of financial data reporting systems for better risk
management.
4. PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND FINANCIAL MARKETS
4.1. PAYMENT SYSTEMS
4.1.1. INDIAN PAYMENT SYSTEM
Why in News?
RBI has unveiled ‘Payments Vision 2025’, to outline the thought
process for the period up to December 2025.
Payment System in India
• Payment System is regulated and supervised by RBI under the
Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• Importance of Payment System: It plays a vital role in economic
development, financial stability, and financial inclusion.
• The Indian payment system is fast becoming digital with UPI,
IMPS and Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) transactions
registering a CAGR of 104%, 39% and 13% respectively between
2019 and 2021.
o At the same time, share of paper instruments in total retail
payments declined from 3.83% to 0.88% in terms of volume.
Payments Vision 2025
• Building upon the four goalposts (competition, cost, convenience, and confidence) of the Payments
Vision 2021, the Payments Vision 2025 has set five anchor goalposts as:
o Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation, Institutionalization and Internationalization for enhanced outreach,
customer centricity, cyber security, and digital deepening.
• Core Theme: E-payments for everyone, everywhere, everytime (4Es).
• Vision: Provide every user with Safe, Secure, Fast, Convenient, Accessible, and Affordable e-payment
options.
Related News
Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS)
• UIDAI has introduced a new security layer in AePS - called liveliness of fingerprints to prevent use of fake
fingerprints to fraudulently withdraw money.
• AePS is a bank led model which allows online interoperable financial inclusion transaction at PoS (MicroATM)
through Business correspondent of any bank using the Aadhaar authentication.
• AePS is provided by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India). Only inputs required for a customer to do a
transaction are Bank Name, Aadhar Number and Fingerprints.

4.1.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN PAYMENT SYSTEMS

Reserve Bank • RBI-DPI has
of India - demonstrated
Digital significant growth
Payment Index (between March
(RBI-DPI) 2021- March 2022)
indicating rapid
adoption and
deepening of
digital payments
across the country.
o RBI-DPI was
launched on
01 January
2021 with
March 2018 as
the base period.
• RBI-DPI comprises 5 broad parameters that enable measurement of deepening and penetration
of digital payments in the country.
Storage of • Issued in 2018, RBI directive advises all payment system providers to ensure that their entire
Payment data relating to payment systems operated by them is stored in a system only in India.
System Data o It includes Payment System providers (under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007);
(SPSD) banks and any other entity in payments ecosystem providing payment services in India.
o CERT-In empaneled auditor audits the system and data can be shared with overseas
regulator only after RBI approval.
Bharat Bill • RBI has reduced the minimum net worth requirement for non-bank Bharat Bill Payment
Payment Operating Units (BBPOUs) from ₹100 crore to ₹25 crore.
System (BBPS) • BBPS is RBI-conceptualized system driven by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Objective of BBPS: To implement an integrated bill payment system that offers interoperable
and accessible bill payment services (electricity, telecom, gas etc.) to customers through a
network of agents, enabling multiple payment modes, and providing instant confirmation of
payment.
• It has a centralized customer grievance redress mechanism and a uniform customer
convenience fee.
Merchant • MDR is the cost paid by a merchant to a bank for accepting payment from customers via digital
discount rate means.
(MDR) • It is expressed in percentage of transaction amount.
Financial • FIU-IND, set up in 2004, is an independent central national agency responsible for receiving,
Intelligence processing, analyzing, and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions
Unit India (FIU- to enforcement agencies and foreign FIUs.
IND) o It reports to Economic Intelligence Council (EIC) headed by Finance Minister.
• FIU-IND is a member of Egmont Group, a united body of 166 FIUs.
• Egmont Group provide FIUs a platform to securely exchange expertise and financial intelligence
to combat money laundering, terrorist financing etc.

4.2. FINTECH
4.2.1. CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY
Why in news?
RBI has launched a pilot project on
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
along with a Concept Note on it.
More on news
• It aims is to create awareness
about CBDCs in general and the
planned features of the digital
Rupee, in particular.
• It called for the amendment of
the RBI Act, 1934 to include
Digital Rupee in the definition of
the term “bank note”.
Digital Rupee as proposed by
Concept note
• As per the concept note, the
design of the Digital Rupee or e₹,
will be based on the
circumstances and need so that it
is compatable with the goals of
financial and monetary stability.
• Accordingly, two forms of CBDCs
may be introduced:
o CBDC-Retail:
potentially available
for use by all private
sector, non-financial
consumers, and
businesses.
o CBDC-Wholesale:
designed for
restricted access by
financial institutions.
• e₹ can be structured as
‘token based’ or ‘account-
based’.
o Token-based CBDC is a
bearer instrument like
banknotes; whose
holder is presumed to
own them.
o Account-based
system would require
maintenance of
record of balances
and transactions of all
holders of the CBDC.
• Principle of Managed
Anonymity may be
followed i.e., “anonymity
for small value and
traceable for high value,” akin to anonymity associated with physical cash.
• CBDC in India would be based on the Two-
tier, Indirect model and non-remunerative
i.e. Non-interest bearing.
About Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
• RBI defines CBDC as the legal tender issued
by a central bank in a digital form.
• It is pegged to the value of that country's
fiat currency and adds digital form to
existing physical form of bank note (Finance
Bill 2022).
• Under the RBI Act (1934), RBI has the sole
right to issue bank notes in India.
o Only coins, under the Coinage Act (2011)
and ₹1 note are issued by central
government.
Related News
Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF)
• Released by OECD, the CARF provides for reporting of tax information on transactions in Crypto-Assets in a
standardized manner, with a view to automatically exchanging such information.
o CARF intends to combat international tax evasion using digital assets e.g., Cryptocurrency.
• It covers exchanges, brokers, and ATM operators that facilitate exchanges between relevant crypto assets.
• Under CARF, due diligence procedures require the identification of both individual and Entity customers, and
controlling persons to identify themselves.

4.2.2. TOKENISATION
Why in news?
Reserve Bank of India’s card-on-file (CoF)
tokenisation norms are effective from 1st
October.
About Card-on-File (CoF) Tokenisation
• Tokenization is a process by which card
details transaction are replaced by a
unique code or token allowing
purchases to go through without
exposing sensitive details.
o A CoF transaction is one in which a
cardholder has authorized a
merchant to store his or her
Mastercard or Visa payment
details, and to bill the stored
account.
o A token is a unique for a
combination of card, token
requestor and the device.
• Under tokenization process,
online players or merchants are
not allowed to store card
number, CVV and expiry date for
processing online transactions.
• Tokenization and de-
tokenization (conversion of the
token back to actual card details)
can be performed by-
 o Card issuing Bank, or
o Visa / Mastercard / Rupay who are referred as authorised card networks.
• More than 10 crore tokens have already been generated covering 60-70% of the Indian cardholders.

4.2.3. UNIFIED PAYMENTS INTERFACE (UPI)

Why in News?
UAE joined the nations like Bhutan, Nepal and
Singapore by accepting UPI payments.
UPI and its Features
• UPI is an instant real-time payment system
developed by NPCI facilitating inter-bank
transactions.
• It is the most successful real-time payments
systems globally, providing simplicity, safety, and
security in person to person (P2P) and person to
merchant (P2M) transactions using tools like BHIM.
About NPCI
• NPCI is an initiative of RBI and Indian Banks'
Association (IBA) under provisions of Payment and
Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust
Payment and Settlement Infrastructure in India.
• It aims to create a robust Payment &
Settlement Infrastructure in India and
operates-
o RuPay (Indigenously developed
Payment System),
o IMPS (Immediate Payment
Service),
o NACH (National Automated
Clearing House),
o ABPS (Aadhaar Payment Bridge
System),
o NFS (National Financial Switch)
and
o Bharat Bill Payment System etc.
• In 2020, NPCI put a volume cap of 30%
of the overall volume of transactions
processed in UPI for Third Party App Providers (TPAPs), whose deadline is now extended till December
2024.

4.2.4. DIGITAL BANKING UNITS (DBUS)

Why in News?
The PM dedicated 75 DBUs to spread the benefits of digital banking to every nook and corner of India.
More on News
• Based on the RBI Guidelines, the 75 DBUs are set as a joint initiative of the Government, the RBI, the Indian
Banks Association, and the participating banks.
• DBUs can be set up by all Scheduled Commercial banks (SCBs) (excluding Regional Rural Banks, Payments
Banks and Local Area Banks) with past digital banking experience.
o E.g., the banks setting the 75 DBUs include 11 public sector banks, 12 private sector banks and one
small finance bank.
• SCBs are permitted to open DBUs in Tier 1 to Tier 6 centers, without the need to seek permission from
RBI, unless otherwise specifically restricted.
4.2.5. DIGITAL LENDING
Why in News?
RBI’s guideline on digital lending became effective on December 1.
Digital Lending
• Digital lending guidelines are applicable to all Regulated Entities (RE) i.e., Commercial banks, Primary
(urban) co-operative banks, NBFCs etc. and the Lending Service Providers (LSPs) engaged by them to
extend various permissible credit facilitation services.
• Purpose: To tighten norms for digital lending in order to protect consumers from breach of data privacy,
unfair business conduct, charging of exorbitant interest rates and unethical recovery practices by fintech
players.
• Need for Guidelines:
o Rising illegal lending apps.
o Concerns over Data Privacy
because of the use of AI,
Machine Learning data
analytics etc.
o Unregulated entities
engaged into lending and
unreported products like
'Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)'
Loans.
✓ BNPL is a form of point-
of-sale credit where
buyers/ purchasers are
typically given a 15–30-
day interest-free
repayment period.
o Rise in crypto lending
which poses serious issues
in the absence of any
regulatory framework.

Key Provisions
Parameters Guidelines
Customer • All Loan Disbursal, Servicing and Repayment etc. to be executed by borrowers directly in the
Protection and RE’s bank account without any pass-through account/ pool account of any third party.
Conduct • No automatic increase in credit limit without the explicit consent of borrower.
requirements • Provide a Key Fact Statement (KFS) to borrower before the execution of contract of digital
products.
o KFS contain the details of All-inclusive cost of digital loans in the form of Annual
Percentage Rate (APR), the recovery mechanism, details of grievance redressal officer
designated and the cooling-off/ look-up period.
• Nodal Grievance Redressal Officer appointment by REs and the LSPs to deal with
FinTech/digital lending related complaints/issues raised by the borrowers.
o Borrower can complain over the Complaint Management System (CMS) portal under
RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme if their grievance isn’t resolved in 30 days.
Technology and • Collection, usage and sharing of data by the DLAs must be need-based and with prior and
Data explicit consent of the borrower having audit trail.
Requirement • Storage of data: REs shall ensure that:
o LSPs/DLAs engaged by them do not store personal information of borrowers except
some basic minimal data (viz., name, address, contact details of the customer, etc.).
o No biometric data is stored/ collected in the systems associated with the DLAs.
o All data is stored only in servers located within India.
o The borrowers must be informed about the storage of customer data.
• RE is responsible for data privacy and security of the customer’s personal information.
• REs shall ensure that they and the LSPs engaged by them comply with various technology
standards/ requirements on cybersecurity stipulated by RBI and other agencies.
Regulatory • Reporting of Loans by REs to Credit Information Companies (CICs), irrespective of its nature or
Framework tenor.
o Lending through the BNPL model also needs to be reported to CICs.
• Explicit option to exit digital loan to borrowers by paying the principal and the proportionate
APR without any penalty during the cooling off period(determined by the Board of the RE).
• Enhanced Due diligence by REs before entering into a partnership with a LSP for digital lending
and shall carry out periodic review of the conduct of the LSPs engaged by them.
4.3. FINANCIAL MARKETS
4.3.1. CREDIT RATING
Why in news
SEBI has issued guidelines on
Standardization of Rating
Scales used by Credit Rating
Agencies (CRAs).
Key highlights of guidelines
• Standardized symbols and
their definitions have been
devised for issuer rating or
corporate credit rating.
o Rating Symbols (AAA,
AA, A, BBB, BB, B, C and D) should have CRAs first name as prefix.
o CRAs can use modifiers (+ or -) to reflect the comparative standing within the categories of AA to C.
• Provide standard descriptors for Rating Watch and Rating Outlook (refer image).
o Rating Watch: It
indicates CRAs
view on expected
direction of
rating movement
in short term.
o Rating Outlook: It
indicates CRAs
view on expected
direction of
rating movement
in near to
medium term.
About Credit Rating and
Credit rating agency
(CRA)
• A credit rating is an opinion of a particular credit
agency regarding the ability and willingness of
an entity (government, business, or individual)
to fulfill its financial obligations in completeness
and within the established due dates.
o It signifies the likelihood a debtor will default
and used by investors, intermediaries such
as investment banks, issuers of debt, and
businesses and corporations.
• Credit rating agency evaluates the credit rating
of a debtor by analyzing the qualitative and
quantitative attributes of the entity in question.
o Presently, three prominent CRAs control 85%
of the overall ratings market: Moody’s
Investor Services, Standard and Poor’s (S&P),
and Fitch Group.
• Types of Credit Ratings - Investment grade
ratings mean the investment is considered solid
and Speculative grade rating implies that investments are high risk.
4.3.2. SOCIAL STOCK EXCHANGE (SSE)
Why in News?
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a framework for SSEs after it notified rules for
SSEs to provide social enterprises (SE) with an additional avenue to raise funds.

Social Stock Exchange (SSE)

• SSE is a novel concept, first floated by Finance Minister in Budget speech for financial year 2019-20.
• It allows investors to buy shares in a social enterprise that has been vetted by an official exchange.
o Social enterprises are non-loss, non-dividend-paying companies established to address social
problems.
• BSE and NSE has got SEBI nod for SSE.
• Examples of SSE: UK (Social Stock Exchange), Canada (Social Venture Connexion), and Singapore (Impact
Investment Exchange).
Key Highlights of the Framework
• Social Enterprises (SEs) eligible to participate in the SSE will be: Non-profit organisations (NPOs) and
For-profit social enterprises—having social intent and impact as their primary goal.
o 16 broad activities are allowed including eradicating hunger, poverty, malnutrition, LGBTQIA+ etc.
• NPOs should be registered as a charitable entity, and it must be valid for next 12 months.
o Age of the NPO should be "minimum of three years".
• SEs raising funds via SSE should disclose Annual Impact Report within 90 days from financial year end.
• NPOs raising funds through the issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments must disclose
their Vision, Target Segment, etc.

4.3.3. SOVEREIGN GREEN BONDS (SGRB)

Why in news?
Recently, Ministry of Finance has approved the final Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB) framework of India with
an intention to issue bonds worth ₹16,000 crore.
About Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB)
• Green bonds are fixed-income financial instruments which are used to fund projects that have positive
environmental and or climate benefits.
o Difference between Green Bonds and ordinary bonds: Funds raised by green bonds are used only to
support initiatives which are beneficial for environment, e.g., green construction, renewable energy
etc.
• Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB): When these bonds carry guarantees related to the repayment of principal
and payment of interest by the sovereign or the government, they are called SGrB.
Key features of Framework
• Under the framework, ‘green
project’ classification is based on
the following principles:
o Encouraging energy efficiency.
o Reducing carbon and
greenhouse gases emissions.
o Promoting climate resilience
and/or adaptation.
o Values and improves natural
ecosystems and biodiversity in
accordance with SDG principles.
• Green Finance Working Committee
(GFWC) will support Ministry of
Finance with selection and
evaluation of projects etc.
• The proceeds of SGrB will be
deposited to Consolidated Fund of
India (CFI), and then funds from the
CFI will be made available for
eligible green projects.
o Public Debt Management Cell
will keep a track of proceeds.
• Eligible projects (refer image) will
use the raised proceeds from
sovereign green bonds for capitalisation or re-capitalization.
Other Types of bonds in news
• Fixed Rate Bonds: Interest remains fixed throughout the tenure of the bond.
• Floating Rate Bonds: They have a fluctuating interest rate (coupon rate) as per the current market reference rate.
• Zero Interest Rate Bonds: It does not pay any regular interest to the investors and issuers only pay the principal
amount to the bondholders.
• Inflation-indexed bonds: In this, coupon payments are adjusted for inflation by linking the payments to some or
the other inflation indicator (like CPI or WPI).
• Blue bonds: A blue bond is a relatively new form of debt instrument that is issued to support investments in
healthy oceans and blue economies.
o Blue Economy is sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
• Rupee-denominated Bonds or Masala Bonds: Masala Bond is a term used to refer to a financial instrument
through which Indian entities can raise money from overseas markets in the rupee.
o It is an attempt to shield issuers from currency risk and instead transfer the risk to investors buying these
bonds.
o In 2015, RBI allowed Indian entities to issue Rupee dominated Bonds overseas.

4.3.4. INSTITUTIONS AND SYSTEMS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR

The Investor • It was established by GOI in 2016 under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Education and • The IEPFA Authority is entrusted with the responsibility of:
Protection o Administration of the Investor Education Protection Fund (IEPF),
Fund Authority o Making refunds of shares, unclaimed dividends, matured deposits/ debentures etc.,
(IEPFA) o Promoting awareness among investors and protecting the interests of the investors.
SCORES • SCORES, i.e., SEBI Complaints Redressal System, is a web based centralized grievance redress
system pertaining to the securities market, mainly against listed companies and registered
intermediaries.
• It was made operational in 2011 and from 2018 it has been made mandatory for lodging a
complaint.
India • India's first IBX is launched at International Financial Services Centres (IFSC) at Gujarat
International International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar.
Bullion • Purpose: Have standard gold pricing in country and make it easier for small bullion dealers and
Exchange jewelers to trade in precious metal.
(IIBX)
Central • CDSL is a government-registered share depository, founded in 1999, alongside its other state-
Depositories owned counterpart National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL).
Services India • CDSL is promoted by BSE Ltd. jointly with leading banks such as State Bank of India, Bank of
Ltd (CDSL) India, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Union Bank of India
o It helps consumers store shares in a dematerialised form.
 • As a Market Infrastructure Institution, CDSL is a crucial part of capital market structure.
o MIIs are institutions providing infrastructure of trading, settlement and record keeping
and include stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories.
Financial • FBIL, jointly owned by FIMMDA, FEDAI, and IBA, was formed in 2014 as a private limited
Benchmarks company under Companies Act 2013.
India Private • It develops and administers benchmarks relating to the money market, government securities,
Limited (FBIL) and foreign exchange in India.
o E.g., Mumbai Interbank Offered Rate (MIBOR), Mumbai Interbank Forward Offer Rate
(MIFOR) etc.
• Key drivers of price integrity of financial markets, these benchmarks are used for purpose of
pricing, settlement, and valuation of financial contracts.
International • Founded in 1983 (HQ: Madrid, Spain), it is an international body that brings together the world's
Organization securities regulators as the global standard setter for the securities sector.
of Securities • It works with G20 and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) on the global regulatory reform
Commissions agenda.
(IOSCO) • Membership from India in IOSCO:
o SEBI is an ordinary member of IOSCO;
o International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) is an associate member; and
o BSE, NSE and Multi Commodity Exchange of India are its affiliate members.

4.3.5. OTHER CONCEPTS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR

Non- • NDF is a foreign exchange contract, where two parties agree to, on a date in future, exchange
deliverable currencies for prevailing spot rate.
forward (NDF) • Under this, an NDF is fixed for an agreed amount on a specific due date, and at a defined
market forward rate.
• At maturity, forward rate is compared against reference rate of that day.
o Difference between the pre-agreed forward rate and fixing rate is settled in convertible
currency, like US dollars.
Passive Funds • Passive Funds are investment instruments which replicate a market index or specific market
segment. E.g., Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Index Funds.
o Unlike with an active fund, the fund manager does not decide what securities the fund
takes on.
o This normally makes passive funds cheaper to invest in than active funds, which require
the fund manager to spend time researching and analysing opportunities to invest in.
Hybrid • SEBI has set up a 20-member committee under K V Kamath on Hybrid Securities to make
Securities recommendations on issues related to development and regulation of primary and secondary
markets of hybrid securities.
• Purpose: Boost the growth of hybrid securities, ease of issuance and attracting domestic and
global capital.
• Hybrid Securities are investment instruments that combine two or more different financial
instruments, commonly the equities and bonds (debt) characteristics.
o For example, InvITs, REITs, Preferred Stocks etc.
Poison pill • Officially known as the shareholder rights plan, poison pill strategy allows existing
strategy shareholders to purchase additional shares in a company at a discount.
• It makes the buyout costly for the other party, effectively diluting its ownership interest.
Anchor • Anchor Investors, also known as cornerstone investors, are qualified institutional buyers who
Investors buy shares in large quantities such as mutual funds, foreign institutional investors, banks,
provident funds etc.
o They have guaranteed allotment of shares ahead of company IPO, upto 60% of the
qualified institutional investors’ pool, to help the company in bringing other investors.
Infrastructure • InvITs is a Collective Investment Scheme similar to mutual funds, which enables direct
investment investment of small amounts of money from individual/institutional investors in infrastructure
trusts (InvITs) to earn a small portion of the income as return.
• It is regulated by the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
o These are similar to real estate investment trusts (REITs), i.e. the listed entities which own,
operate and manage buildings/properties for generating income.
Forward • Forward premium represents the interest rate differential between the Indian and US bonds.
Premium o It is a situation in which the forward or expected future price for a currency is greater
than the spot price (current price).
o It can be used as an indicator while trading in the forex markets.
 Insider Trading • SEBI has categorized front-running as a form of market manipulation and insider trading, and
penalized several fund houses over this activity.
• Insider trading refers to ‘the practice of purchasing or selling a publicly-traded company’s
securities while in possession of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI)’.
o UPSI includes- financial results, dividend declaration, buyback announcements, expansion
plans, mergers/amalgamations, share sale etc.
• Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) held that mere possession of price-sensitive information and
trading on the basis of that are not sufficient to prove insider trading.
Front Running • Front-running is a market malpractice where a dealer, trader or fund manager who is aware of
large upcoming share purchase order, buys the same share in advance in bulk.
o Such bulk orders drive up share price.
• It is illegal in India.
Commercial • CP refers to short-term debt instrument issued by companies to garner funds generally for time
Paper (CP) period up to one year.
o It is an unsecured money market instrument issued in form of promissory note.
o Offered at discount to face value.
Participatory • Participatory Notes or P-Notes (PNs) are financial instruments issued by a registered foreign
Notes (P- institutional investor (FII) to an overseas investor who wishes to invest in Indian stock markets
notes) without registering themselves SEBI.
• The anonymity provided by the P- Notes makes it lucrative for entities that try to use this route
to round trip funds.
Alternative • AIF means any fund established or incorporated in India which is a privately pooled investment
Investment vehicle which collects funds from sophisticated investors, whether Indian or foreign, for
Funds (AIFs) investing it in accordance with a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors.
and Venture • VCF is a type of AIF which is an investment fund that manages money from different investors
Capital Funds seeking to provide capital in startup and small- and medium-size enterprises.
(VCF)
Impact • It is an investment strategy that aims to generate specific beneficial social or environmental
Investing effects in addition to financial gains.
• Under it, investors consider a company's commitment to corporate social responsibility or the
duty to positively serve society as a whole. E.g.
o Educate Girls Development Impact Bond: As world’s first development impact bond (DIB)
for education, it was launched as a proof-of-concept project in Rajasthan.

4.4. INSURANCE SECTOR

4.4.1. NEW INSURANCE RULES
Why in News?
To boost Insurance
penetration (4.2%
compared to the
world average of
6.3%) in India, the
government has
notified six new
rules of Insurance
Regulatory and
Development
Authority of India
(IRDAI).
About IRDAI
• IRDAI (HQ:
Hyderabad
since 2001,
earlier in Delhi) is an autonomous regulatory body, established in 1999 through IRDAI Act,
1999onrecommendations of RN Malhotra Committee Report.
o It aims to protect the policyholder’s interests.
 o It manages and regulates insurance and reinsurance industry in India along with registering and/or
licensing insurance, reinsurance companies and the intermediaries.

New Rules
• A Corporate Agent
can tie up with 9
insurers and
Insurance Marketing
Firms can tie up with 6
insurers.
• Raises Regulatory
Sandbox (RS)
experimentation
period from 6 months to up to 36 months.
• The requirement of prior approval from IRDAI for raising ‘Others form of Capital’ is dispensed with.
o It includes subordinated debt and/or preference shares.
• The experience and qualification requirements have been made flexible for Appointed Actuary (AA).
• The period for considering State/Central Government premium dues for calculation of solvency position
has been increased from 180 to 365 days.
• For ease of doing business, the process of setting up an insurance company has been made simpler.
Related News
‘Use and file’ procedure
• IRDAI has extended ‘use and file’ procedure to authorize life insurers to launch new products without prior
approval.
o Earlier, similar relaxations were extended to health and general insurance products.
• Expected Benefits: Faster response to emerging market needs, more choices for the policyholders, and increasing
the insurance penetration in India (it was 4.2% in FY21).
Micro insurance

• A committee appointed by IRDAI has suggested over a dozen low-cost "micro insurance" modules.
• About micro insurance:
o Aim: To protect low-income people with insurance products that are affordable.
o Objectives: Empower people to cope with common risks such as death of the breadwinner, paying for
treatment of serious illnesses, reconstructing destroyed homes and businesses etc.
4.5. PENSION SECTOR
4.5.1. PENSION SYSTEM IN INDIA
Why in News?
The debate on pension reforms has
intensified over Old Pension Scheme
(OPS) vs New Pension Scheme (NPS).
India’s Pension System
• The Indian Pension System is
highly complex and fragmented
with a wide variety of options. E.g.
o Public Pensions such as OPS
for civil servants and NPS
(replacing OPS from 01
January 2004) for new
entrants.
✓ Armed forces personnel
are an exception to NPS
and are still covered by
OPS.
o Employee Pension Scheme
(EPS) for employees in the
organized sector by
Employees' Provident Fund
Organisation (EPFO).
o Government Pension Schemes such
as Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan
Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana
(PMVVY), Indira Gandhi National Old
Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) etc.
o Pension Plans from Organizations
such as LIC’s Saral Pension etc.
• Reasons behind NPS Introduction: It was
introduced in 2004 based on the report of OASIS (Old Age Social and Income Security) Project due to
o Increasing pension liability of the government with no specific growing corpus for payments.
o Unsustainable nature of OPS as pension liabilities kept climbing with increasing life expectancy due
to better health facilities.
5. EXTERNAL SECTOR
5.1. TRADE
5.1.1. INTERNATIONALIZATION OF RUPEE
Why in News?
Recently, the central government has made
changes to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) to
allow for rupee settlement of international
trade for export promotion schemes.
About International Currency and
Internationalization of Rupee
• The Tarapore Committee on Fuller
Capital Account Convertibility (CFAC)
defined international currency as ‘a
currency that is widely used for
international transactions’.
• Internationalization of a currency
(rupee here) is a process to increase
rupee acceptance (credibility) across
the world.
• It can also be referred to adopting full
capital account convertibility, i.e.,
freedom to convert local financial
assets into foreign financial assets and
vice versa.
o Currently, India allows partial
Capital Account Convertibility and
full current account convertibility.
o Current Account Convertibility is
the freedom or ability to convert domestic currency into any foreign currency and vice-versa.
• In India, the broad framework for cross-border transactions is governed by the Foreign Exchange
Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
Benefits of Internationalization of Rupee
• Reduced Foreign Exchange Reserves requirement for balance of payment. It can also reduce the imposed
cost of forex on the economy by Interest Rate Differential (IRD).
o IRD is the change in interest rates between the currencies of two countries.
• Reduced Vulnerability to External Shocks because of reduced dependence on foreign currency.
• Mitigates Currency Risks for Indian Enterprises by eliminating foreign exchange fluctuation, reducing the
cost of doing business and support global growth of Indian businesses.
• Enhance India’s global stature and respect, helping Indian Businesses through increased bargaining
power.
RBI guidelines on International Trade Settlement (ITS) in
Indian Rupees
• Exports and imports under invoicing arrangement may be
denominated and invoiced in Rupee, while exchange rate
between currencies of two trading partner countries may
be market determined.
• Exporters and importers can now use a Special Vostro
Accounts linked to correspondent bank of partner country
for receipts and payments denominated in rupees subject
to Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
o Vostro (Latin: Yours) Account is an account a
correspondent bank holds on behalf of another bank,
e.g.an HSBC Vostro account is held by SBI in India.
✓ We also have another set of account, i.e., Nostro
(Latin: Ours) account between two banks for
international trading.
o Vostro account allows Indian importers to pay for
their imports in INR into these accounts.
• Also, bank guarantee, setting-off export receivables,
advance against exports, use of surplus balance, approval
process, documentation, etc., related aspects would be
covered under FEMA rules.

5.1.2. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)

Why in News?
Recently, the 12th Ministerial Conference
(MC) of WTO held.
WTO: Its Structure and 12th MC Outcome
• WTO is the only global international
organization dealing with the rules of
trade between nations.
• It has 164 members (including European
Union) and 23 observer governments
(like Iran, Iraq, Bhutan, etc.)
• The structure of the WTO is dominated
by its highest authority, the Ministerial Conference, composed of representatives of all WTO members,
which can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.

Agenda Outcome at MC12

Fisheries • There would be a check on illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
• No subsidies to be provided for fishing in areas outside EEZ or RFMOs (regional fisheries
management organizations).

IP waiver on • A country can authorize production of vaccines patented elsewhere and there would be no
Covid vaccines consent required as well as there would be no limit on exports.
 On e- • Members reached a provisional deal to extend a moratorium on applying duties to electronic
Commerce transmissions till the next ministerial conference (MC13) or March 2024, whichever is earlier.
moratorium o It was first imposed in 1998 on electronic transmissions covering both goods (such as e-
books and music downloads) and services. The moratorium was extended periodically.

Food Security • There will be no export restrictions on World Food Programme purchases for food security in
other countries, although domestic food security will take priority.

Other Developments related to WTO

Operation of • India opposed the Group consultation format on food subsidies programme from 10-member
Public group of developed and developing countries including US, Australia, Canada, Thailand etc.
Stockholding • Some PSHP’s are considered to distort trade when they involve purchases from farmers at
Programmes prices fixed by governments, known as supported or administered prices (MSP in India).
(PSHP) o To overcome this, WTO members, at Bali ministerial meeting, put in place a peace clause.
o No such format on consultation was given under Bali Ministerial meeting (2013) as the
group includes developed and developing countries as well as food importing and food
exporting countries.
Peace Clause
• Under peace clause, WTO member countries are refrained from challenging any breach in
prescribed subsidy ceiling given by a developing nation at dispute settlement forum of WTO.
• India invoked the peace clause 3rd time for exceeding the 10% ceiling on support offered to rice
farmers to meet the domestic food security needs of poor population.
o In 2020, India became the first country to invoke peace clause as rice subsidies exceeded
cap in 2018-19.
Government • India denied any plans to join the WTO’s GPA - which allows WTO members to mutually open
Procurement up their markets for selling goods and services to governments.
Agreement o The Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA 2012) is a plurilateral agreement, i.e.,
(GPA) it includes some but not all WTO members. It consists of 21 parties (covering 48 WTO
members, counting the EU and its 27 member states as one party).
Goods Trade • Latest World Trade Organization (WTO) Goods Trade Barometer hints toward slowing of trade
Barometer growth in the rest of 2022 and into 2023.
o WTO's Goods Trade Barometer index is a composite leading indicator for world trade,
providing real-time information on merchandise trade trajectory relative to recent trends.
• Its baseline value is 100. A value greater than 100 suggests above trend growth while a value
below 100 indicates below-trend growth.

5.1.3. MARINE PRODUCTS EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MPEDA)

Why in News?
Recently, the MPEDA
th
celebrated its 50 years.
Functions of MPEDA
• Identifying bottlenecks
in seafood trade and
taking corrective action.
• Registering seafood
processing units, fishing
vessels, pre-processing
centres, etc.
• Marketing activities such as buyer-seller meets, delegation visits to potential markets, etc.
• Promotes R&D for commercial aquaculture activities through the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture
(RGCA).
• Undertaking capacity building through societies such as:
o National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture- It empowers the marginalised and poor rural
aquaculture farmers through capacity-building at the grass-roots level.
o Network for Fish Quality Management and Sustainable Fishing – It imparts training to fishermen on
marine conservation, post-harvest handling and other.
• Since 2004, it is implementing the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP), for monitoring the residues of
substances like Antibacterial/Veterinary Medicinal Products, etc. for exports of marine products to EU.

5.2. INVESTMENT
5.2.1. FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS (FDI)
5.2.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Foreign • FIFP, the online single point interface to facilitate FDI in India has completed 5 years.
Investment o It was set up after the abolishment of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in 2017.
Facilitation • FIFP is administered by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),
Portal (FIFP) Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• It facilitates single window clearance of applications which are through approval route.

Foreign • New rules allow foreign investment of up to 20 per cent in LIC and other such corporate bodies.
Exchange o Presently, the foreign inflows' ceiling for public sector banks is 20 per cent under
Management government approval route.
(Non-debt • Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, under Finance Ministry, consolidates and
Instruments) amend laws relating to foreign exchange for facilitating external trade and payments and for
(Amendment) maintenance of foreign exchange market in India.
Rules, 2022 o It replaced the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) and extends to whole of India.

United Nations • According to the World Investment Report from UNCTAD, India jumped by one position to 7th
Conference on among the top FDI recipients in 2021.
Trade and o USA remains the top recipient with $367 billions of FDI, followed by China and Hong Kong.
Development • UNCTAD (HQ: Geneva) is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the UN General
(UNCTAD) Assembly in 1964.
o It has 195 member states, and it is part of the UN Sustainable Development Group.
o Other Major Reports by UNCTAD: Trade and Development Report, Digital Economy
Report, Technology, and Innovation Report etc.
• UNCTAD also releases the Trade and Development Report annually.

5.3. EXCHANGE RATE DYNAMICS

5.3.1. INDIAN RUPEE (INR) DEPRECIATION
Why in News?
To stem Indian rupee (INR) slide and boost forex inflows, RBI
has relaxed norms for foreign investment in debt, external
commercial borrowing (ECB), and Non-Resident Indian (NRI)
deposits.
About Exchange Rate and its Influencing Factors
• Exchange rate is the price of one currency
in terms of another currency.
• It can be fixed (exchange rate decided by
central banks) or floating (decided by
demand and supply) exchange rate.
• Floating (flexible) exchange rate is
determined by the foreign exchange
market or forex based on various factors
(see image).
• In India, the exchange rate management
has evolved from the fixed exchange rate
regime (in line with prevalent Bretton
Woods System) to market-determined
exchange rate since March 1993.
o The role of RBI and central government
is limited to just interventions
necessary to ensure orderly conditions
in the forex ecosystem.
5.3.2. INDIA’S FOREX DYNAMICS
Why in News?
India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves declined to
over two-year low of $532.66 billion in 2022,
reducing the import coverage to 8-9 months
from peak coverage of a year of India’s import.
Foreign Exchange Reserves: its Composition
and Management
• Foreign Exchange Reserves, also known as
Forex Reserves, are assets held on reserve
by a central bank in foreign currencies.
• Dominated by Foreign Currency Assets
(FCA), it can also include other instruments
like bonds, treasury bills, Gold Reserves,
Special Drawing Rights at IMF etc.
o Some of the common FCA’s are US
dollar, Euro, British pound, Japanese
Yen, and Chinese Yuan.
• As the Central Bank of India, RBI manages
India’s forex reserves under:
o Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and
o Foreign Exchange Management Act,
1999
Need of Forex Reserves
• Supporting and maintaining confidence in the exchange rate and monetary policies.
• Handling external market risks and Gain investors’ confidence to meet external obligations in case of
liquidity crisis.
• Assist government in meeting its foreign exchange needs and external debt obligations.
• Withstand domestic financial system shocks or any other national disaster/emergency.
Reasons behind Forex Reserves Fall
• Decline in Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), the biggest reason.
o For instance, the Dollar Index, which gauges US Dollar (Greenback) strength against a basket of six
currencies, advanced 0.67 per cent to 113.94.
• RBI Forex Interventions to curb excessive volatility of rupee.
• High Capital Outflows from India to safe havens (including Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs)).
• Weak Global Outlook due to geopolitical reasons.
Related News
According to the World Gold Council, central banks across the globe are on a gold buying spree purchasing record
levels of Gold in the third quarter of 2022.
• RBI was the third largest among the known buyers in Q3 of 2022 and biggest buyer since April 2020.
• Reasons for the trend
o Under prevailing Economic Uncertainties (high inflation and global growth uncertainties), it can be used as a
tool to hedge against inflation with no risk of default.
o Increased weightage in the country’s overall reserves due to appreciation of dollar.
• Impact of gold imports: It increases India’s Current Account deficit.

5.4. GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS

5.4.1. INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)
Why in News?
Recently, Union Minister of Finance, while addressing International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC),
stated that International Monetary Fund (IMF) must commit higher resources for emerging and low-income
countries.

About International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC)

• IMFC advises and reports to the IMF Board of Governors on the supervision and management of the
international monetary and financial system, including on responses to unfolding events that may disrupt
the system.
• IMFC has 24 members (including India) who are central bank governors, ministers, or others of
comparable rank and who are usually drawn from the governors of the IMF members (currently,
190countries).
• Although IMFC has no formal decision-making powers, in practice, it is a key instrument for providing
strategic direction to the work and policies of IMF.
• IMFC usually meets twice a year.
• Board of Governors, highest decision-making body of the IMF, is advised by two ministerial committees,
IMFC and Development Committee.
Related News
Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
• International Monetary Fund (IMF) has increased the weighting of USD and Chinese Yuan in its review of the
currencies that make up the valuation of its SDR.
• SDR is an international reserve asset, created by the IMF in 1969 to supplement its member countries’ official reserves.
• Its value is based on a basket of five currencies: US dollar (highest weightage), Euro, Chinese Yuan, Japanese yen,
and British Pound Sterling (lowest weightage).
• It is allocated to IMF member countries in proportion to their relative share in the IMF.

5.4.2. WORLD BANK GROUP

5.5. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON EXTERNAL SECTOR

Anti-Dumping • India has initiated anti-dumping probe against import of certain type of optical fibre from
Duty China, Indonesia and South Korea.
• Anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff imposed by a domestic government on foreign
imports if it believes it is priced below fair market value (or dumping).
• Dumping is an unfair trade practice under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and its 1995 rules which
provide the legal basis for anti-dumping duty in India.
• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), as the investigation arm of the Ministry
of Commerce, carries out the anti- dumping probe.
India’s • The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released ‘The
Competitiveness Competitiveness Roadmap for India@100’ in collaboration with the Institute for
Roadmap Competitiveness.
• Competitiveness means any macro-variable which represents the ability to compete globally.
• It is centered on overall productivity, i.e., the effectiveness to mobilize country’s assets and
available labour force to create value.
World • Released by Institute for Management Development (IMD), India jumped by six-position - from
Competitiveness 43rd to 37th - the sharpest rise among the Asian economies due to gains in economic
Index 2022 performance.
• Note: This is different from Global competitiveness report of World Economic Forum.
Rules of Origin • Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) stated that in case of conflict between
(ROO) Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020 (CAROTAR)
and ROO (under FTA) provisions, provision of FTA or its ROO shall prevail.
o FTAs allow imports of most of the items at nil or concessional basic customs duty rate.
• CAROTAR are aimed at plugging duty evasion through routing exports to India under FTAs.
• Under CAROTAR rules, importers need to furnish proof of 35% value addition in goods from
country of origin to claim duty concession under FTAs.
• A list of minimum information which importer is required to possess is also provided.
About ROO
• ROO are the criteria prescribed to determine national origin of an imported product in a
country.
• Under this, a country that has inked an FTA with India cannot dump goods from some third
country in Indian market by just putting a label on it.
• It has to undertake a prescribed value addition in that product to export to India
Export Import • It was established by the Government of India, under the Export-Import Bank of India Act,
(Exim) Bank 1981.
• It extends Lines of Credit (LOCs) to overseas financial institutions, regional development
banks, sovereign governments, and other entities overseas.
• Objective: To enable buyers in those countries to import developmental and infrastructure
projects, goods and services from India, on deferred credit terms.
NIRYAT • NIRYAT portal- a one-stop place for all info needed on India’s foreign trade.
(National o It will help in breaking silos by providing real time data to all stakeholders.
Import-Export • Important information related to more than 30 commodity groups exported to more than 200
Record for countries of the world will be available.
Yearly Analysis o In the coming time, information related to district-wise exports will also be made
of Trade) portal available.
Indian Business • It is an online global trade hub launched for exporters and foreign buyers.
Portal (IBP) o It is Business to Business (B2B) digital marketplace to empower small medium enterprises
(SMEs) exporters, artisans, and farmers to identify new markets for their products and
grow their sales globally.
o Encourage greater exports of products `Made in India’.
o Developed by Federation of Indian Export Organisation.
RBI’s report on • The RBI’s annual Report, with theme “Revive and Reconstruct”, provides a strategy for
Currency and medium-term steady economic growth of 6.5-8.5%.
Finance (RCF) • Key observations for 2021-22
o Indian economy is likely to take over 12 years to overcome the COVID-19 losses.
o Capital infusion has helped PSBs improve their CRAR.
 o Amount recovered through ARCs dipped in recent years before getting revived to 41% in
2020-21.
Reverse • Raising interest rates in the US has led to weakening of other currencies vis-à-vis dollar.
Currency War o Mostly, countries do this themselves to keep their exports competitive and is known as
currency war.
• However, weakening currency against dollar also leads to costlier import of crude oil as a
result of which countries are now working to ensure their currency doesn’t lose too much
value against the dollar.
o This is being termed as the reverse currency war.
Overseas Direct • Savvy investors are using ODI route to bet on cryptocurrencies abroad with liberalised
Investment remittance facility (LRS).
(ODI) • ODI is an investment made outside India in a Joint Venture (JV) or Wholly Owned Subsidiary
(WOS) either under Automatic Route or Approval Route.
• Indian Parties are not permitted to invest in foreign entities which are-
o engaged in Real Estate business activity.
o which offers financial products linked to Indian Rupee.
• Eligibility- Company; body created under Act of Parliament; Partnership Firm registered under
Indian Partnership Act, 1932; Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), registered under LLP Act,
2008, Resident Individuals under LRS.
International • IFC has launched a $6 billion Global Food Security Platform to strengthen the private sector's
Finance ability to respond to the crisis and help support food production.
Corporation o The platform will focus on improving resilience of the global food system and lessen its
(IFC) climate and ecological footprint.
• IFC (HQ: Washington DC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group.
• It is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging
markets; supporting World Bank in its twin goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting
shared prosperity.
• Other arms of World Bank include - International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(IBRD), International Development Agency (IDA), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
(MIGA) and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) or the
Washington convention.
o India is a member of all except the ICSID.
 .
6. INNOVATION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
6.1. INNOVATION
6.1.1. GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX (GII)
Why in News?
India became 40thmost innovative country (46thin 2021) in the Global Innovation Index (GII).

About Global Innovation Index (GII)

• Launched in 2007, the GII tracks the global state of innovation and ranks innovative performance of
nations annually.
• Published by: WIPO in partnership with Portulans Institute, various corporate partners (E.g.,
Confederation of Indian Industry), and Academic Network Members.
o The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) joined it in 2011.
• GII 2022 Theme: “What is the future of innovation-driven growth?”.
• GII 2022 Results: It ranks the innovation performance of 132 countries based on two sub-indices:
o Innovation Input Sub-Index, and
o Innovation Output Sub-Index (see image).
• Top 5 countries in GII 2022: Switzerland, USA, Sweden, UK, and the Netherlands.
• India: Jumping 41 places since 2015, India ranks at the top in Central and Southern Asia region as well as
in Lower middle-income group.
o India continues to hold 1st rank in the ICT services exports indicator (within GII).
o Other indicators (within GII): Venture capital recipients’ value (6th), Finance for startups and scaleups
(8th), Graduates in science and engineering (11th), Labor productivity growth (12th) and Domestic
industry diversification (14th).
 o Also, from India, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai featured among the world’s largest top 100
Science and Technology clusters.

Related News
NITI Aayog and the Institute for Competitiveness has
prepared India Innovation Index (III).
• It is a comprehensive tool that ranks states and the
union territories on their innovation performance
to build healthy competition.
• Key highlights of 3rdedition of Index
o It adopts the framework of Global Innovation
Index (GII) across 7 pillars (see infographics).
▪ Five ‘Enabler’ pillars measure the inputs
(features that are crucial for promoting
innovation), and
▪ Two ‘Performance’ pillars measure the
output (represent a nation’s benefits in
knowledge creation and competitiveness.).
o Karnataka (Major States); Manipur (North-Eastern and Hilly states); and Chandigarh (UTs and City-States)
topped in their respective categories.

6.1.2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPR) REGIME IN INDIA

Why in News?
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) released a report on India’s IPR regime.
About Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
• IPR are the exclusive rights given to persons over the use of his/her IP for a certain period of time.
o Such protection is provided in the form of Copyright, Geographical Indications (GI), Patents,
Registered designs Trademarks etc.
• Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is the most comprehensive multilateral
agreement on IPR. It is in sync with the:
o Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (patents, industrial designs, etc.), and
o Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (copyright).
India’s IPR Governance Framework
India ranks at 43 out of 55 countries in the
International IP Index 2022 (by US Chambers of
Commerce) based on its framework for
governance of IPR regime (refer image).
6.1.3. NATIONAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AWARENESS MISSION (NIPAM)
Why in News?
NIPAM, a flagship program of Ministry of Commerce and Industry to impart IP awareness and basic training,
achieved its target of imparting IP awareness and basic training to 1 million students in India.
NIPAM Implementation
• It is implemented by the Intellectual Property Office, the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs
and Trademarks (CGPDTM), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Objectives
• To provide awareness on IP and its rights to 1 million students.
• To inculcate the spirit of creativity and innovation to students of higher education (classes 8 to 12).
• To ignite and inspire students at college / Universities to innovate and protect their creations.
• Contribute to the cultural and economic development of the society through a remodelled approach that
makes use of the IP office’s existing resources in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), All
India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), University Grants Commission (UGC), and others.
• Creation of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat by raising IP awareness.
6.2. SKILL DEVELOPMENT
6.2.1. NATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR PROMOTION OF UPSKILLING OF NIRMAN WORKERS (NIPUN)
Why in News?
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the ‘National Initiative for Promotion of
Upskilling of Nirman workers’ (NIPUN) project to train 100,000 construction workers.
More on News
• Project NIPUN is an initiative under MoHUA’s flagship scheme, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National
Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).
• Its implementation is divided into three parts:
o Training through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at construction sites;
o Training through Fresh Skilling by Plumbing and Infrastructure Sector Skill Council (SSC); and
o International Placements through industries, builders and contractors.
• The courses are aligned with National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and will be imparted at
accredited and affiliated training centres.
o NSQF is a nationally integrated education and competency-based framework that enables persons
to acquire desired competency level.
• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is its implementation partner, and it will be responsible
for overall execution of training, monitoring and candidate tracking.
o NSDC is a Public Private Partnership mandated to involve the private sector in skilling 150 million
Indians by 2022.
• Trainees will be provided with ‘Kaushal Bima’, a 3-year accidental insurance with ₹2 lakhs coverage along
with necessary digital skills.

6.3. ENTREPRENEURSHIP
6.3.1. UNICORNS IN INDIA
Why in News?

India crossed the milestone of 100 unicorns with a total valuation of over₹25 lakh crore rupees.
Unicorn and Startups in India
• Unicorn is used to describe any privately held company that has touched a valuation of more than $1
billion.
o Globally, India ranks 3rd, after US and China, in the total number of unicorns and the overall startup
ecosystem.
• Start-ups are companies or ventures that are focused on a single product or service that the founders
want to bring to market.
o These companies don't have fully developed business model and, lack adequate capital to move onto
the next phase of business.
o Funding sources include venture capitalists, crowdfunding, loans.
o The DPIIT criteria for recognition of start-ups follow the 5 parameters as given in image.
Major Initiatives for Start-ups
• Startup India Initiative along with Startup India Seed Fund.
• Start-up Accelerators of MeitY for product Innovation, Development and growth (SAMRIDH)
programme.
• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)under the Start-up India initiative to mobilise domestic capital to give the
Indian startup ecosystem with a total corpus of ₹10,000 crore.
o Under FFS, support is extended to SEBI registered AIFs, which in turn invest in startups.
o Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)is the implementing agency for the FFS.
• National Startup Awards to recognize and reward outstanding Startups and ecosystem enablers.
• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), launched in 2021, to provide financial assistance to eligible DPIIT
recognized startups through eligible incubators for proof of concept, prototype development, product
trials, market entry and commercialization.
Related News
Ranking of States’ Start-up Ecosystems
• Launched in 2018 by DPIIT, the ranking aims to support states and UTs in developing their start-up ecosystem and
learn from the best practices in each state and UT.
• The 2021 ranking covers 24 States and 7 UTs, ranked on their performance across 7 broad reform areas including
Institutional Support; Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Access to Market; Funding Support; Mentorship
Support etc.
• Participants are graded as best performers, top performers, leaders, aspiring leaders, and emerging start-up
ecosystems.
• AIFs are any privately pooled investment fund (whether from Indian or foreign sources) in the form of a trust, a
company, a body corporate, or a Limited Liability Partnership.
o Family trusts, employee welfare trusts, and gratuity trusts are not counted as AIFs.

6.3.2. GOVERNMENT E-MARKETPLACE (GEM) PORTAL

Why in News?
Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to expand the mandate of GeM to allow procurement by
Cooperatives as buyers on the platform, helping cooperatives to enhance the Ease of Doing Business.
About the GeM
• It was launched in 2016, by the Ministry of Commerce to create an open and transparent procurement
platform for government buyers.
o It was developed by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals with technical support of
NeGD under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• It facilitates online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government
Departments / Organisations / PSUs/ cooperatives.
o Private buyers cannot buy on the platform, but they can sell products to government bodies.
• General Financial Rules, 2017 mandates all Ministries or Departments to procure Goods and Services
available on GeM from GeM.
o It is managed by GeM Special Purpose Vehicle, a 100% Government Owned, Section 8 Company.
• The purchases through GeM by Government users have been authorized and made mandatory by the
Ministry of Finance.
6.4. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON INNOVATION, SKILL
DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Gig Workers • NITI Aayog released
India's Booming Gig
and Platform
Economy' report.
o It suggested
Universal Social
Security
Coverage by
operationalizing
the Code on
Social Security
using RAISE
Framework.
• Gig worker is a
person who
performs work or
participates in a
work arrangement
and earns from such activities outside of traditional employer-employee relationship, (Code on
Social Security, 2020)
Productivity • RBI and Centre for Development Economics released the ‘Indian Productivity Report’.
o The report highlights that India has significantly low productivity.
• Productivity can be defined as the ratio of the output of goods and services to the inputs -
human as well as others - used in the production process.
• It can be measured in terms of Labour Productivity or Total Factor Productivity (TFP).
Time banking • Time banks are time-sharing cooperative among women wherein one hour equals one time
credit, regardless of the service being performed or the level of each person’s skill or gender.
o Time banking can be viewed as an opportunity cost of an unpaid activity in terms of the
time sacrificed.
o For each hour of a service exchanged, the service provider receives one, time credit and
the beneficiary pays one, time credit.
National Career • It is a job platform, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, to provide a
Service (NCS) variety of employment services.
Portal o Aimed at helping qualified job seekers to connect with potential employers for finding
suitable employment.
• NCS also enhances the candidates' personality.
o Through Career counselling, vocational guidance, and career skill training.
• The linkage between NCS and e-Shram has been completed in 2022.
Atal New India • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched women centric challenges under its ANIC program
Challenge to address the major issues faced by women from all spheres of life.
(ANIC) • ANIC is a flagship program of AIM, NITI Aayog.
o It aims to seek, select, support and nurture technology-based innovations that solve
sectoral challenges of national importance and societal relevance.
o It can help address the Commercialization Valley of Death by supporting innovators scale
over the risks associated with access to resources for testing, piloting and market
creation.
• It provides funds up to ₹1 crore through a grant-based mechanism and open for:
o Any Indian Company incorporated under Companies Act,
o Any company registered as a Start-up, recognized by DPIIT.
SETU • Commerce and industry minister has launched SETU to connect start-ups in India to US-based
(Supporting investors and start-up ecosystem leaders with mentorship and assistance in various areas
Entrepreneurs including funding, market access etc.
in o SETU is designed to break the geographical barriers between mentors based in US that
Transformation are willing to invest in entrepreneurship and sunrise startups in India.
and Upskilling) • The interaction between the stakeholders will be supported through the mentorship portal
under the Startup India initiative MAARG (Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and
Growth) programme, which is a single-stop solution finder for startups in India.
MAARG • MAARG portal is to facilitate mentorship for startups across diverse sectors, functions, stages,
(Mentorship, geographies, and backgrounds.
Advisory, Objectives of portal:
Assistance, • Provide sector focused guidance, handholding, and support to startups.
Resilience and • Facilitate efficient mentorship and a mechanism for timely tracking of mentor-mentee
Growth) Portal engagements.
• It includes customizable mentorship programs, recognition for contributing mentors etc.
Going Online as • Recently, Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the 2nd phase of the GOAL programme.
Leaders (GOAL) • GOAL programme is a joint initiative of Facebook India with Ministry of Tribal affairs to provide
Programme mentorship to tribal youth through digital mode.
• It aims to digitally upskill 10 lakh youth from tribal communities and open up opportunities for
them using digital technology.
• It will create a platform for Self-Help Groups and families associated with TRIFED (Tribal Co-
operative Marketing Development Federation of India) to take their products global.
Grameen • To train 450 tribal students in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, the 2ndphase of Grameen
Udyami Project Udyami Project (GUP) is launched.
(GUP) • GUP, funded by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), aims to augment skill training
in tribal communities for their inclusive and sustainable growth.
o It is implemented in six states— Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya
Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat under the Sansadiya Parisankul Yojana.
• Training is conducted in job roles which are relevant to local economy. E.g. electrician,
plumbing, farm mechanisation etc.
7. AGRICULTURE
7.1. AGRICULTURAL INPUTS
7.1.1. MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE (MSP)
Why in news?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
has approved an increase in Minimum Support Price
(MSP) for six Rabi crops for 2023-24.
About Minimum Support Price (MSP)
• It is a price support mechanism that acts as a
safety net for farmers through guaranteed prices
and assured markets for their products.
o MSP was started in 1966-67 for wheat and
expanded further to other essential food
crops, which was then sold to the poor under
subsidised rates under Public Distribution
System (PDS).
o It saves the crops from price fluctuations
caused by unwarranted factors such as
monsoon, information asymmetry etc.
• It is fixed twice a year on Commission for
Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP- statutory body) recommendations and then approved by Cabinet
Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• The CACP determines the MSP based on the expenses incurred by the farmer (See infographics).
o The final MSP is determined as a function of expenses incurred (A2) and the imputed value of family
labour (FL).
o There have been demands for considering a different costing method (C2).
o National Commission on Farmers (Swaminathan Committee) had also recommended MSP should be
at least 50% more than the weighted average cost of production.

Related News
Price Stabilization Fund (PSF)
• PSF was set up in 2014-15 under the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Famers Welfare (DAC&FW). It
provides for:
o Maintaining a strategic buffer of commodities such as Pulses, onion and potato for subsequent calibrated
release; to moderate price volatility and Discourage hoarding and speculation.
o It promotes direct purchase from farmers/farmers’ association at farm gate/Mandi.
7.1.2. NANO-UREA
Why in News?
IFFCO’s Nano Biotechnology Research
Centre at Kalol has developed Nano-Urea.
Nano Urea: Its Properties
• Nano Urea is a patented chemical
nitrogen fertiliser with nano
nitrogen particles from 20-50 nm.
• Nutrient Use Efficiency or NUE
(proportion of nutrient used by
plants) of nano urea is over 80%
against 30-50% of conventional
granular urea.
o This is because Nano urea has higher surface-mass ratios that help in releasing nutrients to plants in a
controlled manner.
• It enhances crop productivity to the tune of 8%.
• Nitrogen from conventional urea goes waste due to leaching (contaminating soil and water bodies) and
volatilization (emissions of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere leading to air pollution and global warming).
o Nano-Urea, along with increased production of traditional urea, can help India to eliminate urea
import by 2025.
Related News
Government aims to launch Nano-DAP, SSP-Urea mix in 2023
• Nano-diammonium phosphate (nano-DAP) and a mix of single super phosphate (SSP) and urea will help reduce
the import dependence of the sector.
• Di-ammonium Phosphate popularly known as DAP is a preferred fertilizer in India because it contains both
Nitrogen and Phosphorus which are primary macro-nutrients. (Largely imported in India)
• SSP is the most popular phosphatic fertilizer after DAP as it contains 3 major plant nutrients namely Phosphorus,
Sulphur, and Calcium along with traces of many micro-nutrients. (Indigenously available)

7.2. CROP CULTIATION

7.2.1. INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS (IYM) 2023
Why in News?
2023 is declared as IYM by the UN
General Assembly to create awareness
about health benefits of millets.
About Millets and their Significance
• Millets, also known as Nutri-cereal
as or superfoods for having
nutrients like protein, Vitamin-A,
iron and Iodine, antioxidants, etc.,
are a diverse family of small-
grained cereals (Poaceae family).
o India celebrated 2018 as
National Year of Millets and
proposed 2023 to be declared
as IYM by UN.
• They are grown on marginal land in
dry areas of temperate, sub-
tropical and tropical regions and
used as cereal crops/grains for
humans and as fodder.
 o Major Millets in India: Pearl Millet (Bajra) (highest share), Jowar (Sorghum), and Finger Millet
(Mandua/Ragi).
o Major producers: Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra,
Gujarat, and Haryana.
• Production in India: Overall, India accounts for 80% of Asia’s production and 20% of global production.
o India ranks fifth in global millet trade, but it is less than 1% of domestic production.
• Beneficial in alleviating malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency.
• Other Features: Drought resistant; Short growing period; Ability to sequester carbon and assist in climate
adaptation; and Traditional association with cultivation practice of tribal e.g., Karnataka Ragi Habba
(Festival).
India’s Initiatives for Millets
• NITI Aayog and the World
Food Programme (WFP),
India has launched the
‘Mapping and Exchange of
Good Practices’ initiative
for mainstreaming millets
in Asia and Africa.
• Millets are notified as
nutri-cereals and included under POSHAN Mission Abhiyan.
• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) intends to achieve
₹2,000 crore of millet exports by FY26 by exporting value-added and processed organic millet products
to at least 100 countries.

7.2.2. RICE/PADDY ACREAGE

Why in News?
Rice acreage, as of July 15, 2022 was 17.4% down from last year (time period: June to mid-July) due to lesser
monsoon rains in the rice-growing belt of North India— UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Rice cultivation in India:
• Climatic conditions: Rice is a kharif crop which requires high temperature (21 to 37º C throughout life
period of crop), high humidity, prolonged sunshine, and an assured supply of water/ rainfall (above
100cm).
o It grows best in alluvial clayey soil, which can retain water (refer map).
• Production in India: India is world’s second largest rice producer, after China, and largest exporter.
o India is also one of the world’s biggest exporter of rice (global share of more than 40%), thus the
options for import in rice — due to any production shortfall — are limited.
• Methods of rice cultivation: Transplantation, Drilling method, Direct-Seeded Method and System of Rice
Intensification.
o SRI is a methodology for increasing the productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of
plants, soil, water and nutrients particularly by eliciting greater root growth.
Rice varieties in News
Basmati Rice • Indian Agriculture Research Institute has developed new varieties that can:
o Resist two common diseases of paddy (one bacterial and one fungal) and also herbicides.
o Save 35% of water as Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) method can be used to raise them.
• States with GI tag for Basmati: Jammu and Kashmir (select districts), Himachal Pradesh,
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh (Western) and Uttarakhand.
China develops • The developed rice variety, named PR23, does not need to be planted every year and can yield
perennial rice eight consecutive harvests across four years because of stronger roots of plants.
varieties • Concerns raised: Needs one to two more herbicide treatments than regular rice, more work
to resow the perennial rice when its yield falters etc.
Kalanamak rice • Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) has successfully developed two dwarf varieties
of Kalanamak rice - Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1638 and Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1652.
o These varieties resolve the issue of lodging.
 • Kalanamak Rice, also known as Buddha Rice, Kalanamak is a scented, one of the finest and
short grain rice with an unusual black husk.
o It is rich in micronutrients such as iron and zinc and can help prevent Alzheimer’s.
o Awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2013 from Uttar Pradesh.
DRR Dhan 60 • Scientists at Indian Institute of Rice Research have developed paddy varieties that require at
least 30% lower phosphorous.
• DRR Dhan 60 is first rice variety in country with low phosphorous tolerance for any crop.
o DRR Dhan 66, DRR Dhan 65, and WGL-1487 are the other varieties which offer same
benefits.
• Phosphorous is a key macronutrient responsible for energy storage and transfer within cells.
• It helps speeding up root development, facilitates greater Nitrogen uptake and results in
higher grain protein yields.

7.2.3. SUGARCANE PRODUCTION IN INDIA

Why in News?
India became world’s biggest sugar producer for
2021-22 followed by Brazil.
More on News
• India also emerged as world’s 2nd largest
exporter of sugar earning nearly ₹40,000
crore of Foreign Exchange.
Climatic conditions for Sugarcane
• It needs hot and humid climate with an
average temperature of 21°C to 27°C.
• 75-150 cm rainfall is favorable for sugar cane
cultivation.
• It requires moisture retentive soil and deep
rich loamy soil is ideal for its growth.
State Level Shift in Sugarcane Production (2011-
2020)
• Northern sugarcane-producing states
recording a 42% increase in output value while
that of southern states declined 32.4% during
the same period (NSSO report).
• Meanwhile, the sugarcane output in the five
southern states of Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and
Maharashtra declined in the
corresponding period.
o Among States, Maharashtra has
overtaken Uttar Pradesh (UP) to
regain its position as India’s top
sugar producer after a five-year gap.
• Why the decline in Uttar Pradesh?
o High diversion of sugar cane for
ethanol production.
o Crop loss due to excess rains and
waterlogging in low-lying areas of
eastern UP.
o Most of the cane area is planted
under a single variety i.e., Co-0238,
making it suspectable to red rot
fungal disease.
7.2.4. COTTON CULTIVATION
Why in News?
The Central government has exempted certain types of genome-edited crops from the stringent regulations
applicable on genetically modified or GM crops, paving the way for further R&D on them.
About genetic modification (GM) of crops Other relaxation on regulation of GM crops
• GM is a technology that involves inserting • Ministry of Environment and Forests exempted SDN1 and
SDN2 genome edited plants from Environment Protect
DNA into the genome of an organism.
Act 1986 for manufacture, use or import or export and
• Categories of GM: Depending on the nature storage of hazardous microorganisms or genetically
of edit, process is divided into three engineered organisms or cells Rules-1989.
categories: site directed nuclease (SDN) 1, o SDN1 and SDN2 do not involve alien genetic material
SDN 2 and SDN 3. and the end result is indistinguishable from
• Regulation: Genetic Engineering Appraisal conventionally bred crop varieties.
Committee (GEAC) a statutory body under o On the other hand, SDN3 process involves larger DNA
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and elements or full-length genes of foreign origin which
Climate Change is the regulator for makes it similar to GMO development.
introduction of any GM material.
• Bt. cotton (BG-1 and BG-2): It is the only GM crop
approved by the GEAC for commercial cultivation.
o Recently, Haryana issued NOC to conduct field
trials on BG-2 RRF, a herbicide tolerant and
insect resistant variety of BT cotton.
o BG-2 RRF can provide protection against
devastating pest attack such as American
Bollworm.
About Cotton
• Cotton is a Kharif crop and grows well in black
cotton soil (high water retention capacity) of
Deccan plateau.
• Climatic conditions:
o Annual temperature requirement is 20-28
degree Celsius and rainfall of 55-110 cm is ideal.
o It requires minimum 180 frost-free days.
• Cotton-producing states: Maharashtra, Gujarat,
MP, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil
Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and UP.
• India grows all four species of cultivated cotton
Gossypium arboreum and herbaceum (Asian
cotton), G.barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and G. hirsutum (American Upland cotton).
Related News
Pink Bollworm (PBW)
• Recently, PBW Infestation was reported at the early stage of the cotton crop cycle in Punjab and Haryana.
• Pink Bollworm (Pectinophoragossypiella) is an insect known as pest of cotton, possibly a native of eastern Indian
Ocean region.
• The adult female PBW lays eggs on cotton balls. Once hatched, the larvae eat the seeds and damage the fibres of
the cotton, reducing the yield and quality.
• It is resistant to first generation transgenic BT Cotton and insecticides.
GM Mustard DMH-11
• Government has approved the environmental release of GM Mustard DMH 11.
• It is made through Barnase-Barstar System, a hybrid seed production system used in self-pollinated crops,
increasing the crop yield and its adaptation - also known as hybrid vigourorheterosis.
o It contains two alien genes isolated from a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
• It is developed by Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) by crossing Indian mustard variety
‘Varuna’ (the barnase line) with an East European ‘Early Heera-2’ mutant (barstar).
 • The field trials of GM Mustard DMH-11 have shown 28% higher yield than national check (Varuna) and 37% more
than zonal checks (RL1359).
o ‘Checks’ refer to reference varieties of mustard in a region and usually, new varieties must prove themselves
superior to be considered for commercial release.
• Also, it was found safe for cultivation and for food and feed use with similar visitation of bees as of non-transgenic
counterparts.

7.2.5. JUTE CULTIVATION

Why in News?
As per third advance estimates, India’s jute economy declined to 1.77 million tonnes in 2021-22, from 2.03
million tonnes in 2011-12, along the ongoing decline in the average area under jute cultivation.
More on News
• India is world’s largest
producer of raw jute,
followed by Bangladesh
and China.
• In exports, India’s share
is just 7% of the global
jute exports while
Bangladesh accounts
for nearly 75%.
About Jute and Jute
Industry
• Jute is an important
cash crop, also known as
golden fibre, is a long,
soft, and shiny natural
fibre used in many
textile applications.
• Area of production:
Primarily grown in West
Bengal, Odisha, Assam,
Meghalaya, and Tripura.
• Climatic conditions: It
requires humid climate
with temperature
between 24-38 degree
Celsius.
o Ganga delta is
excellent for jute
cultivation due to
its fertile alluvium soil & favorable temperature (25-30 degree C).
o Minimum rainfall required is 1000 mm.
Steps taken for Jute Industry
• Mandatory Packaging in Jute Materials: At present, 100% of food grains and a minimum of 20% of sugar
are to be compulsorily packed in jute sacking.
• Golden Fibre Revolution to promote Jute.
• Jute Mark India Logo– a certification for authenticity of Jute Products.
o Each Jute Mark Label will have a unique ‘QR Code’ and by scanning it, customers can know about the
manufacturer, strengthening domestic markets and India’s exports.
• JUTE –ICARE for using certified seeds, adopting scientific technique.
• Jute Smart - Smart Platform for Procurement of Jute Sacking.
7.2.6. DRAFT COFFEE (PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT) BILL, 2022
Why in news?
Ministry of Commerce and Industry is planning to replace the Coffee Act, 1942 with the new Coffee
(Promotion and Development Bill), 2022.

Coffee in India: Its Introduction and Growing Conditions

• Indian Coffee began during 1600 AD when Baba Budan planted coffee beans from Yemen in the
Chandragiri hills of Karnataka.
o Its commercial plantation started under British during the 18th century.
• Coffee types produced in India: Arabica and Robusta.
o Arabica has high market value while Robusta is the majorly manufactured coffee with a share of 72%
of the total production.
• India is the only country in the world where the entire coffee cultivation is grown under shade,
handpicked and sun dried.
o Shade trees prevent soil erosion on sloping terrain, enrich soil by recycling nutrients from deeper
layers, protect coffee from seasonal fluctuations in temperature, and host diverse flora and fauna.
About Coffee Act 1942
• It was introduced during World War II, in order to protect the struggling Indian coffee industry from the
economic downturn caused by the war.
• Through the Act, the Coffee Board was established under the administrative control of the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry.
7.2.7. TOBACCO CULTIVATION
Why in News?
In a first, the A.P. MARKFED (Andhra Pradesh State Co-operative Marketing Federation Ltd) exported 120
tonnes of Tobacco to the USA to bail out farmers struggling to find buyers for low grade varieties.
Tobacco Cultivation in India
• Production inf India: India has around 0.45
million hectares of area under tobacco
cultivation with 9% of global tobacco
production.
o India is the 2nd largest tobacco producer
(behind China) and 2nd largest exporter
(behind Brazil).
• Climatic Conditions
o Basically, tobacco is a semi tropical crop
but can be successfully grown in tropical
region.
o About 100 to 120 days frost-free climate
with an average temperature of 80°F.
o Well distributed rainfall of 88 to 125 mm
per month.
o Cannot tolerate high speed winds and
storms during growth period.
o Light to medium loam soil which is poor
in humus content but better in potash,
phosphoric acid and iron.
• Major tobacco manufacturing states: Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka etc.
Related News
Rubber Board and Rubber Plantation in India
• Constituted as a statutory body under the Rubber Act of 1947, it completed 75 years.
o Rubber Board [HQ: Kottayam (Kerala)] functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• It is headed by a chairman appointed by the Central Government and has 28 members representing various
interests of natural rubber industry.
• Functions: Development of Rubber Industry; Conduct of Scientific, technological, and economic research, Welfare
of labour employed in plantations; Render advice to government on all matters related to rubber etc.
• Recently, Rubber Board introduced the updated version of mRube, the electronic market for rubber, which went
live for trading in July 2022.
Rubber Plantation in India
• Grown in lateritic or loamy soil, Rubber plantation requires tropical climate with annual rainfall of 2000 – 4500
mm is suited for cultivation.
• Minimum and maximum temperature should range between 25-34°C with 80% relative humidity.
• Major producers: Kerala (biggest producer) and Tamil Nadu accounts for 81% production.
o Other Producers: Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Odisha etc.
• Uses of Natural rubber: In medical devices, surgical gloves, aircraft and car tires, pacifiers, etc.

7.3. ALLIED SECTOR

7.3.1. INDIA’S DAIRY SECTOR
Why in News?
Recently, the International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit (IDF WDS), 2022 was held.
More on News
• Its first edition was held in 1974 (being held in India for the 2nd time).
• It is a congregation of global and Indian dairy stakeholders including industry leaders, farmers, and policy
planners, etc.
Related News
NDDB has launched NDDB MRIDA Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary company of NDDB to work for manure
management initiatives.
About MRIDA and Manure Management (MM)
• It is established as an Unlisted Public Limited Company under Companies Act, 2013.
o It will set up manure value chain, biogas based CNG and energy generation for dairy plants.
• MM is the process of capturing, storing, treating, and using animal excretion.
• NDDB has registered a trademark named “SuDhan” for common identity to dung based organic fertilizers.
7.4. FOOD PROCESSING
7.4.1. FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR IN INDIA

7.5. AGRICULTURAL MARKETING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

7.5.1 . ASIAN PALM OIL
ALLIANCE (APOA)
Why in News?
The Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA) is
formed by apex edible oil industry
associations of five major palm oil
importing countries, including- India,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and
Nepal.
More on News
• Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA)
of India will manage its secretariat.
• It is based on idea to gain collective bargaining power and make imports sustainable. It will work to:
o Change negative image of palm oil and ensure that it is recognised as a high-quality, economical, and
healthy vegetable oil.
o Safeguard economic and business interests of palm oil consuming countries and increase its
consumption in member countries.
• Indonesia is world’s largest producer and exporter of palm oil.
• India is world’s biggest vegetable oils importer. Out of its annual imports of 14-15 mt, the share of palm
oil is 8-9 mt with Indonesia as India’s top supplier of palm oil.

7.5.2. PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL CREDIT SOCIETIES (PACS)

Why in News?
During inauguration of Eastern and North-Eastern Cooperative Dairy Conclave 2022, Union minister said that
PACS will be set up in all Panchayats of the country.
About PACS
• PACS, registered as cooperative societies, provide the following facilities to their members:
o Input facilities in form of cash or kind component
o Agriculture implements on hiring basis.
o Storage facility.
• They constitute the lowest tier of three-tier Short-term cooperative credit in the country comprising of
around 13 Cr. farmers as its members.
o Other two tiers are State Cooperative Banks at state level and District Central Cooperative Banks at
district level.
o PACS are outside the purview of Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and hence not regulated by RBI.
• Earlier, Cabinet Committee had approved Computerization of PACS with the objective of increasing
efficiency of PACS, bringing transparency and accountability in their operations.

7.5.3. CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION (CAC)

Why in News?
Recently, the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) finalized and recommended quality
standards for nutmeg, saffron, chilli-peppers, and paprika and forwarded it to the Codex Alimentarius
Commission.
About CCSCH
Codex Alimentarius and Codex Alimentarius • It is a committee under CAC to elaborate
Commission (CAC) worldwide standards for spices and culinary herbs.
• India is the host country for Codex Committee on
• The Codex Alimentarius is international food Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH).
standards, guidelines and codes of practice
contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of this international food trade.
o It will help in Protecting Consumer Health and Removing Barriers to Trade.
• Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is the body responsible for all matters regarding the
implementation of the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and WHO Food Standards
Programme.
o Membership of the Commission is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and
WHO which are interested in international food standards. (India is a member.)
• The Commission meets in regular session once a year alternating between Geneva and Rome and works
in the six UN official languages.

7.6. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON AGRICULTURE

11th Agriculture • The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare recently launched 11thAgriculture Census (2021-
Census (2021- 2022).
2022) • The Agriculture Census has been conducted since 1970-71 (every 5 years) in collaboration with
the States and Union Territories as part of a programme of World Census of Agriculture of
FAO.
 • It is the main source of information on a variety of indicators, including the nature of
operational land holdings, their size, distribution by class, land-use statistics, tenancy and
Cropping patterns.
• During the 11thcensus, for the first time, data collection will be conducted on smartphones and
tablets for faster and accurate enumeration.
Orphan Crops • Orphan crops are the neglected and underutilized (NUS) crops.
• They cover the entire spectrum of food and industrial uses including cereals, fruits and nuts,
vegetable and pulse crops, root and tuber crops, oilseeds, starch and sugar, fiber, latex, and
dyes.
Commodities Released by the World Bank, the key findings of the report are:
Market • Increase in energy prices over the past two years has been the largest since the 1973 oil crisis.
Outlook • Price increases for food commodities and fertilizers have been the largest since 2008.
• Global food and fuel price shocks linked to the war are set to last until at least the end of 2024.
Rejuvenating • REWARD Project is initiated by the Department of Land Resources (Ministry of Rural
Watersheds for Development) in Feb 2022, aided by World Bank, to:
Agricultural o Promote resource efficient growth in selected watersheds,
Resilience o Investing in human capital at State and National levels, and
through o Developing networks of scientific and technical partners.
Innovative • Potential Benefits: It will help national and state institutions adopt improved watershed
Development management practices to help increase farmers’ resilience to climate change, promote higher
(REWARD) productivity and better incomes.
Project
Food and • The FFPI measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food
Agriculture commodities.
Organization o It consists of the average of five commodity group price indices (cereal, sugar, meat,
(FAO) Food vegetable oil, and dairy) weighted by the average export shares of each of the groups in
Price Index 2014-2016 (base year).
(FFPI) • FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
Krishi-Decision • The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is developing Krishi-DSS, a decision support
Support system, using Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT - 1) and Visualisation of Earth Observation Data
System (Krishi- and Archival System (VEDAS) of the Department of Space.
DSS) o RISAT – 1, a new class of remote sensing satellite, is useful in developing decision support
systems for Agriculture, Bioresources, Environment, Water Resources and Disaster
Management.
o VEDAS would provide a platform (data, infrastructure and guidance) for utilisation of
information derived over land using mainly Indian space-borne sensors.
• Use of geospatial technologies and related databases would enhance evidence-based decision-
making capability of all the stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
Centre of • CoEK was conceived by Ministry of MSME to support Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Excellence for (KVIC) in association with National Institute of Fashion Technology.
Khadi (CoEK) o Objective is to reach out to young audience and global market.
• Centre has been set up as a hub and spokes model at Delhi as hub and Bengaluru, Gandhinagar,
Kolkata, and Shillong as spokes.
• Khadi cloth must be both handwoven and handspun.
• Under the Khadi Mark Regulations, 2013 the KVIC issues “Khadi Mark Tags and Labels” to
institutions or people to sell, trade, or produce khadi and khadi products.
• About KVIC
o KVIC is a statutory body established under Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of
1956.
o It is an apex organization, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,
with regard to khadi and village industries within India.
Blue • Released by Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO).
Transformation • It aligns with 2021 Declaration for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture of Committee on
Roadmap 2022- Fisheries (COFI) - a subsidiary body of FAO Council established in 1965.
30 • COFI is the only global inter-governmental forum where FAO Members meet to review and
consider issues and challenges related to fisheries and aquaculture.
Organic • APEDA is likely to roll out Organic Aadhaar for farmers engaged in organic farming under the
Aadhaar National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
• The idea is to create an identity for the farmer, based on Personal Aadhaar and Unique Land
Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), for the organic certification process.
o ULPIN is the 14-digit identification number for every plot of land in the country.
Crop Insurance • The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare has set up 2 committees under C. S. Murthy for
nationwide implementation of technology-based crop yield estimation and for standardisation
and improvement of weather data infrastructure.
• Committee has also been tasked to help in the creation of the proposed Weather Information
Network Data System (WINDS), under which a system of automatic weather stations (AWS)
and automatic rain gauges (ARG) will be implemented throughout the country.
KRITAGYA 3.0 • It is a national level hackathon to promote speed breeding for crop improvement to ensure
overall sustainability and resilience in crop production in India.
o It gives an opportunity to students / faculties / entrepreneurs / innovators and others to
showcase their innovative approaches & technology solutions.
o It will also encourage greater adoption of technology enabled solutions in the country.
o It is organized by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with its National
Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) and Crop Science Division.
e-NAM • Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) has launched a Platform of Platforms
(National (POPs) under e-NAM.
Agriculture o PoPs will facilitate farmers to sell their produce beyond their State boundaries.
Market) • This will enhance farmers’ accessibility digitally to multiple numbers of markets, buyers, and
service providers, and to bring transparency in trade transactions.
o e-NAM, launched in 2016, is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks existing
APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
• Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is a lead agency to implement e-NAM under
MoAFW.
Agriculture • Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare inaugurated integrated Agriculture
Investment Investment Portal.
Portal • Portal will be a centralized one stop portal for agri-investors to avail benefits of various
government schemes implemented by various departments related to agriculture and allied
sectors.
• Aim is to boost investments, ease the handholding process for investors, tap potential of all
sub-sectors in Agriculture etc.
• Focus sectors for investment promotion include Agriculture machinery, Seeds, Fertilisers,
agrochemicals, Precision agriculture, Logistics, warehousing and cold chain etc.
8. INDUSTRY AND ASSOCIATED DEVELOPMENTS
8.1. MINING
8.1.1. DISTRICT MINERAL FOUNDATION (DMF)
Why in news? Recent amendments to the DMF
• In March 2020, government issued guidelines suggesting that up to 30%
Centre has released the guidelines of the funds could be used towards expenditure related to COVID-19.
to tighten the criteria for use of • According to MMDR Amendment Act 2021, central government may
DMF fund to ensure they are used also give direction regarding the composition and utilization of the fund
for the specified purpose, which is while state governments continue to prescribe the constitution and
redevelopment of areas and functions of the DMF.
people affected by mining o MMDR act is the principal legislation to regulate mines and
activities. minerals in the country, including coal and lignite.
• In 2021, government issued order that no sanction or approval of any
Key guidelines expenditure out of the DMF fund shall be done at the state level by the
state government or any state-level agency.
• DMFs to prepare a 5-year
perspective plan for systematic development of the area affected by mining-related activities from the
funds accrued from miners’ contribution as a percentage of royalty.
• DMFs will conduct a baseline survey through universities or renowned organisations or agencies to
formulate a perspective plan.
• Gram Sabha or local bodies may aid in preparation of needs assessment reports.
• Based on the findings and gaps as identified through the baseline surveys, the DMF shall prepare a
strategy for five years and the same shall be included in the perspective plan.
About DMF
• Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2015, the Central
Government instituted the DMF in 2015.
o Under this, DMF is created in each district that has mining.
o The mining companies shall pay DMF 30% of the royalty amount for leases granted before 2015 and
10% for leases granted through the auction mechanism post-2015.
• The funds so collected are to be managed by non-profit trusts and are to be used for welfare of mining-
affected population, including tribal and forest-dwelling communities.
o Each district has a separate trust.
• It is a special fund that is not tied to any particular scheme or area of work, and it does not lapse at the
end of each financial year.
o The unused funds get accumulated over the years.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015
• It amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as it regulates the mining sector in
India and specifies the requirement for obtaining and granting mining leases for mining operations.
• It provides for the creation of a District Mineral Foundation (DMF by the state government) and a National
Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET by the central government).
• It creates a new category of mining license i.e., the prospecting license-cum-mining lease, which is a two stage-
concession for the purpose of undertaking prospecting operations, followed by mining operations.
National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)
• It was constituted under section 9C of Mines & Minerals (Development Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.
o It is a non- profit autonomous body.
o Objective is to use funds accrued for purposes of regional and detailed exploration with special emphasis to
strategic and critical minerals.
o Holder of mining lease or a prospecting-licence-cum-mining lease shall pay to trust, a sum equivalent to 2% of
royalty paid in terms of second schedule of MMDR Act.

8.1.2. GOLD MINING IN INDIA

Why in news?
The Bihar government has decided to accord permission for exploration of the country's largest gold reserve
in Jamui district which has around 222.88 million tonnes of gold reserve.
Measures to encourage Gold Mining in India
• Amendments in Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Act
(MMDR Act) 1957:
o 2015: Introduced in a new regime of
granting mineral concessions
through auction to ensure
transparency and non-
discrimination in the allocation of
the mineral wealth.
o 2020: Allowed State Governments
to take advance action for auction
of mineral blocks before the expiry
of lease period facilitating seamless
continuity of mining operations.
o 2021: Enabled transparent auction of 500 mining blocks of various
minerals, including gold.
• National Minerals Exploration Policy (NMEP), 2016 aims to stimulate
non-fuel and non-coal mining exploration by allowing private companies
to enter into a transparent bidding process, conducted via e-auction.
• National Mineral Policy, 2019 provided more streamlined permit award
method with simple, transparent and accountable processes and clear deadlines, to encourage
exploration.
• Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015 amended in 2021 to allow auction of composite
license at for deep seated minerals including Gold.
• 100% FDI is permitted under the automatic route in this sector.
Other Developments in Relation to Gold
World Gold • WGC released ‘Gold refining and recycling’ report.
Council (WGC) o WGC (HQ: London, UK) was established to promote the use of and demand for gold
through marketing, research, and lobbying.
Key highlights
• India is the fourth largest gold recycler in world and recycled 75 tonnes in 2021.
• India’s gold refining capacity increased by 1,500 tonnes (500%) in 2021.
• China topped the chart, followed by Italy and US.
Kolar Fields • Centre has decided to revive gold mining at the Kolar fields in Karnataka.
o Mining was shelved earlier because the extraction had become unviable.
• According to an official estimate, the extracts from Kolar gold fields (KGF) mining (gold and
minerals like palladium and rhodium) are likely to fetch a value worth ₹30,000 crore.
• Operated by the Bharat Gold Mines Limited (BGML), a public sector undertaking, KGF was one
of the world’s deepest gold mines at a depth of 3,000 metres.
Second Phase • Coming into force from 01 June 2022, it
of Mandatory covers 3 additional carat ages of gold
Hallmarking jewellery/artefacts- 20, 23 and 24 carats
mentioned under the Indian Standard IS
1417 and 32 new districts via the
Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold
Artefacts (Amendment) Order, 2022.
o Earlier, it was made mandatory on
14, 18 and 22 carats of gold jewellery/artefacts by Quality control order, 2021.
• Hallmarking is the accurate determination and recording of precious metal content in the
precious metal articles.
o The hallmarking scheme is run by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the hallmark
consists of 3 marks (infographic).
About Carats
• A measurement of gold purity, Carats, or Karats, refers to the actual gold content in the
particular piece of jewellery (1 carat = 0.2 gm). E.g., 24 carat means 100% gold. 18 carat contains
75% gold and rest alloying metals.
8.2. STEEL INDUSTRY IN INDIA
Why in news?
Recently, India has set a target to double the crude steel production capacity from 154 million tonnes per
annum now to 300 million tonnes per annum in the next 9 to 10 years.
8.3. MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMES)
Why in News?
Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance presented its report on MSMEs.

Government Initiatives for MSME Sector

Self-Reliant India • SRI Fund has committed ₹5,000 crore to fund Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(SRI) Fund (MSMEs).
• SRI Fund is a SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), launched in 2020
by the government to provide growth capital to MSMEs.
o It is anchored by NSIC Venture Capital Fund and SBICAP Ventures is the investment
manager.
o It operates through the mother-fund and daughter-fund structure.
o As a mother fund, it invests up to 20% of the overall corpus of daughter fund, and the
latter raises the balance 80% capital from outside sources.
Scientific • The SRIMAN Guidelines are released by the Department of Science and Technology for
Research better access and sharing of publicly funded Scientific Research and Development
Infrastructure Infrastructure.
Sharing o It includes Networking and Cluster Approach, creating Cluster Central Instrumentation
Maintenance and Facility (CCIF) to reduce redundancy and acquire more variety of equipment.
Networks o CCIF will also tie up with industries, especially MSMEs and startups.
(SRIMAN)
Guidelines, 2022
Udyam Portal • The registrations on Udyam Portal of the Ministry of MSMEs reached the landmark of 1 crore.
• It was launched in 2020 for voluntary registration of MSMEs to avail benefits of the Ministry
of MSME schemes and for Priority Sector Lending.
o It is fully digitalized and the registered MSM is issued an Udyam Registration Certificate.
o It is integrated with databases of Income Tax and Goods and Services Tax Identification
Number (GSTIN) systems.
National Board of • NBMSME was established under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act,
MSME (NBMSME) 2006, as a statutory body.
• It examines the factors affecting the promotion and development of MSMEs and review the
policies & programs of the Central Government.
• It provides representation to all sections/segments including Associations of Micro, Small
and Medium manufacturing and service enterprises, women enterprises, Central Ministries,
etc.
Trade receivables • Finance ministry has directed central public sector enterprises to get registered on TReDS.
discounting • TReDS is an electronic platform for facilitating the financing / discounting of trade
system (TReDS) receivables of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through multiple financiers.
 • It is a platform for uploading, accepting, discounting, trading and settling invoices of
MSMEs.
Indian Business • It is an online global trade hub for exporters and foreign buyers.
Portal (IBP) o It is Business to Business (B2B) digital marketplace to empower small medium
enterprises (SMEs) exporters, artisans and farmers to identify new markets for their
products and grow their sales globally.
o Developed by Federation of Indian Export Organisations.

8.4. SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY IN INDIA

Why in news?
The Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology
(MeitY) has formed an advisory
committee, chaired by the
Minister of MeitY, to steer and
guide the ₹76,000 crore
semiconductor mission.
About Semiconductor
• A Semiconductor can be
defined as a material that
has the characteristics and
ability to conduct a small
amount of electrical
current.
o Basic Electronic
Components such as Diodes, transistors, and many photovoltaic cells contain semiconductive
materials.
• The electrical conductivity of a semiconductor device can be controlled over a wide range, either
permanently or dynamically.
• The basic requirement of a semiconductor is that it should not be a very good conductor of electricity,
nor should it be a very bad conductor of electricity.
Initiatives taken for semiconductor manufacturing in India
• Semicon India Program (Program for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing
Ecosystem in India): It aims to provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors,
display manufacturing and design ecosystem. Under it, four schemes have been introduced:
o Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor Fabs in India.
o Scheme for setting up of Display Fabs in India.
o Scheme for setting up of Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors Fab and
Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) / OSAT facilities in India.
o Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme (Chip Design Infrastructure Support, Product Design Linked
Incentive and Deployment Linked Incentive).
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): It has been setup as an Independent Business Division within Digital
India Corporation to drive India’s long-term strategies for developing semiconductors and display
manufacturing facilities and semiconductor design ecosystem.
o It will serve as the nodal agency for efficient, coherent, and smooth implementation of the schemes.
• Attracting foreign capital by allowing 100% FDI in the electronics sector under the automatic route.
• Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS): To boost semiconductor industry, in 2017-18 the
incentive for schemes, such as the M-SIPS and the Electronic Department Fund (EDF), was increased.
Other Initiatives for Semiconductor Industry
Programme for Under the modified programme, a uniform fiscal support of:
Development of • 50% of Project Cost will be provided for all technology nodes under Scheme for Setting up
Semiconductors of Semiconductor Fabrication in India and Scheme for Setting up of Display Fabrication.
and Display
Manufacturing • 50% of capital expenditure under the Scheme for Setting up of Compound Semiconductors
Ecosystem in India / Silicon Photonics / Sensors Fabrication and Semiconductor ATMP /OSAT facilities in India.
• Aim: Expedite investments in semiconductor and display manufacturing in India.
Supply Chain • India adopted the US' joint statement of the 2022 Supply Chain Ministerial Forum on
Resilience cooperation of global supply chains.
• A partnership of 18 economies, including India, US and European Union has unveiled a four-
point roadmap for building collective, long-term resilient supply chains (RSC) to counter
risks arising from supply dependencies and vulnerabilities.
• India, Japan, and Australia have also launched Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) to
counter China’s dominance of supply chain in the Indo-Pacific region
Northeast • Funded by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Capacity Building • Aim: To bring about overall upliftment of the socio-economic status of NE Citizens by
(NECB) 2.0 project creating a smart ecosystem with necessary IT education and skills with a total of 1.665 lakhs
launched citizens across different sections of society.
• Implementing agency: National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology
(NIELIT).

8.5. TECHNICAL TEXTILES (TT)

 Related News
Manmade Fibres (MMFs)
• MMFs are produced by combining polymers
or small molecules of raw materials, mainly
petroleum- based chemicals. Examples are
Viscose, Polyester, Nylon etc.
o Natural Fibres are obtained from the
natural sources such as plants, animals
and mineral sources which are available
to mankind. Examples are Cotton, Jute,
Silk.
• Raw material - Purified Terephthalic Acid
(PTA) and Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) are
the basic raw material used for production of
fibre and filament in the value chain.
• MMF is the backbone of the Technical
Textiles’ products.

8.6. PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY AND MEDICAL DEVICES

8.6.1. MEDICAL DEVICES INDUSTRY IN INDIA
Why in News?
“Medical Devices: Regulations and Control”
report was presented recently in Rajya Sabha.
Medical Devices Industry in India
• In India, the Medical devices are
segregated into five major segments (See
infographics).
• In India, four classes {A (low risk), B (low
moderate risk), C (moderate high risk) and
D (High risk)} of medical devices are
manufactured.
o The high-end medical devices (C and D)
manufacturing value chain is led by
MNCs with over 90% import
dependency.
o Classes A and B, on the other hand,
which are relatively less technologically
advanced, are produced largely by
domestic manufacturers.
Regulation of medical devices in India Government Initiatives for Medical Devices Sector
• Medical devices industry in India is mainly governed by • 100% FDI allowed in medical devices sector.
MoH&FW through CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for
Control Organisation) for regulatory framework. Medical devices to incentivize manufacturers.
o Department of Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of o PLI Scheme for Promotion of Medical Device
Chemicals and Fertilizers) deals with promotion, Parks notified.
production and manufacturing. o PLI scheme for Pharmaceuticals to enhance
o Presently, medical devices are regulated as "drugs" manufacturing capabilities and product
under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. diversification.
• Medical Devices Rules, 2017 notified by the Ministry of • Draft ‘Drug, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics Bill-
Health and Family Welfare, laid out the regulatory 2022.
framework. o The draft focuses on regulating medical
• Following regulatory authorities have jurisdiction over devices as a separate entity.
medical devices in India: o It makes provision for creation of a ‘medical
o CDSCO, State Drug Licensing Authorities (also devices technical advisory board’ on lines of
referred to as the state licensing authorities or SLAs), the existing drugs technical advisory board.
 National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), o Proposes medical device testing centres on
Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP). the lines of drug laboratories in states and at
• Class C & D Medical Devices are regulated by CDSCO the central level.
while manufacturing of Class A & B Medical devices is o Proposes compulsory permission of the
regulated by the concerned SLAs. central licensing authority for clinical trials
o However, sale and distribution of all classes of or clinical investigation of drugs and medical
Medical Devices are regulated by the SLAs. devices.

8.6.2. BULK DRUG PARK (BDP)

Why in News?
The Department of Pharmaceuticals has granted ‘in-Principle’ Approval to Bulk Drug Parks (BDPs) in three
states, i.e. Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh under Promotion of BDP scheme.
Bulk Drugs and Bulk Drug Parks
• China is the world's largest API manufacturer followed by
the US and India.
o Many Indian companies are dependent on bulk drug
import, particularly from China, as India is also the 3rd
largest pharmaceutical industry (by volume).
• BDP is designated contiguous area of land with common
infrastructure facilities for exclusive manufacture of active
pharmaceutical ingredients, drug intermediates.
• Under the scheme, Grants-in-Aid to States by the Centre, with a maximum limit of₹1000 Crore per BDP.
• Other initiatives:
o China Plus One strategy to de-risk dependency on China.
o Production Linked Incentive Scheme for domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials/
Drug Intermediates and APIs.

8.7. TOY SECTOR IN INDIA

Why in news?
Make in India has yielded positive
results for the toy sector as toy
imports in India have declined 70%
(USD 371 million in FY 2018-19 to USD
110 million in FY 2021-22) while
exports increased by 61% over the
last 3 years.
About Toy sector in India:
• Indian toy sector is fragmented
with 90% of the market being
unorganized and over 4,000 toy
industry units are from the
MSME sector.
• Indian toys industry is estimated
to be $1.5 billion making up 0.5%
of global market share.
• Domestic toy demand is
forecasted to grow at 10-15%
against the global average of 5%.
Why ‘Make in India’ for toys?
• Huge import: Almost 85-90% of
toys sold in India are made in
China. This is primarily because Chinese toys are sold for a cheap price.
• Low quality of imported toys: Study by Quality Council of India (QCI) had revealed that 67% of imported
toys failed a testing survey, prompting an aggressive effort to produce safe toys locally.
• Stimulate local economy by boosting local entrepreneurship, encouraging skill development among
youths, and reviving traditional toy industries.
Related News
Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020
• Toys have been brought under compulsory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification through this order.
• A total of 10 Indian Standards have been published, out of which 7 are the part of Quality Control Order (QCO) on
‘Safety of Toys’.
• The QCO makes it mandatory, from Jan 1, 2021, that toys for children under 14 years of age conform to 7 Indian
Standards for Safety of Toys and bear a Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under licence from BIS

8.8. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

8.8.1. EASE OF DOING BUSINESS (EODB)
Why in News?
The Union Minister of Finance released the 5th assessment report of States and UTs under Business Reforms
Action Plan (BRAP) 2020.
More on News
• BRAP is prepared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), since 2014, to
steer Ease of Doing Business reforms across the country.
• It has categorized States/UTs into Top Achievers, Achievers, Aspirers and Emerging Business Ecosystems
based on 301 reform points covering 15 business regulatory areas.
o This includes areas such as access to information, single-window system, labour, sectoral reforms,
reforms spanning across the lifecycle of a business etc.
• Objective of BRAP: Boost investor confidence, foster business friendly climate and augment Ease of
Doing Business across the country by introducing an element of healthy competition among states.
About Ease of Doing Business
(EoDB)
• It is an indication of the
business climate of a nation. It
is based on belief that there is a
positive correlation between
the business regulatory
environment and economic
outcomes.
• World Bank started its
promotion in 2002 through
EoDB rankings but discontinued
the same in 2021 due to data
irregularities.
• India ranked 63rd in EoDB
Rankings 2020.
• It seeks to streamline existing regulations by simplifying the life cycle of a business and create an investor-
friendly ecosystem by:
o Replacing redundant regulations/procedures with simple and transparent rules.
o Protection of property rights of business etc.

8.8.2. COMPETITION LAW AND BIG TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES

Why in News?
Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance gave a report titled ‘Anti-competitive practices
by Big Tech companies’ and urged for a Digital Competition Act and code of conduct for tech companies.
Competition: Its Meaning, Types and Role in an Economy
• Competition refers to ‘a situation in a market in which firms or sellers independently strive for the
patronage of buyers in order to achieve a particular business objective.’
o The objective can be profits, sales and/or market share.
• Based on the market structure, economists identify four main types of competition (refer image).

The committee identifies 10 main anti-competitive practices practiced by Big Tech companies
S.N. Anti-Competitive Practice Description
1. Anti-Steering Provisions Prominently associated with ‘App Stores’ (Google and Apple App Stores), the app
publishers prevent their business users (app users) from moving out of the
platform and use other alternatives for payments.
2. Platform Neutrality/ Self- Commonly associated with ‘marketplaces’, some platforms place their own
Preferencing products prominently. E.g., prominent placement of Google Pay on Play Store by
Google.
3. Adjacency/ Building and In it, digital firms force people to buy related services. E.g., Food delivery apps
Tying making it mandatory for restaurants to use the platform’s delivery services.
4. Data Usage (use of non- Monopolistic usage of data by digital firms, especially from leading platforms with
public data) vast repositories of data. E.g., Past purchase data is used by Swiggy and Zomato
to customize offerings for users, dissuading other players from entering.
5. Mergers and Acquisitions ‘Killer acquisitions’ is a repeated issue in digital markets where Big Techs buy
highly valued start-ups, disallowing the smaller firms to grow beyond a certain
limit. E.g., Facebook acquisition of WhatsApp.
6. Pricing/ Deep Discounting Prominently associated with e-commerce sales, huge discounts are also used by
leading platforms in hotel booking, food delivery etc. It compromises service
providers control over the final price and offline player’s ability to compete. E.g.,
Amazon, Flipkart.
7. Exclusive Tie-ups An exclusive arrangement of e-commerce platforms with a brand hampers the
business of other platforms as well as of brick-and-mortar sellers. Similarly,
platforms use price parity clause to stop businesses from selling at lower rates on
other platforms.
8. Search and Ranking Giving preference to sponsored productsin algorithms used to show results for
Preferencing users search rather than showing organic search results. E.g., Preferential listing
by Amazon and Flipkart.
9. Restricting Third-Party Presence of gatekeepers in digital markets which restrict installation or operation
Applications of third-party applications. E.g., for app developers, Apple’s App Store is the only
channel to distribute their apps to iOS consumers.
10. Advertising Policies Digital advertising market faces issues of conflict of interest and self-preferencing
when platforms operate at all levels of the ad-tech supply chain.
Legislative Framework in India and its issues
• To promote and sustain fair competition, i.e., to
prevent practices having adverse effect on
competition, the government of India enacted the
‘Competition Act, 2002.’
• It provides for the establishment of Competition
Commission of India or CCI (established in 2009) for
its administration, implementation, and
enforcement.
o CCI also protects the interests of consumers and
ensures freedom of trade carried on by other
participants in markets in India.
o Recently, the Competition Law Review
Committee, chaired by Mr. Injeti Srinivas, gave
recommendations to meet new challenges.
• The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal
(NCLAT), constituted under the Companies Act of
2013, is the Appellate Tribunal to hear and dispose appeals against CCI directions, orders, or findings.
o But it is an ex-post approach, i.e., law designed to penalize anti-competitive behavior only after its
occurrence.
o In comparison, digital markets move at high pace due to the Increasing Return of Size Economies –
making ex post effects too delayed to prevent irreparable harm to affected parties from Big Techs.

8.9. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON INDUSTRY

Index of Core • The Eight Core Industries, comprising 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of
industries Industrial Production (IIP), registered 10.4% growth during FY 2021-22.
• Index of Core Industries (ICI) measures combined and individual performance of production in
selected eight core industries viz. Petroleum Refinery Products (28.04%); Electricity (19.85%);
Steel(17.92%); Coal (10.33%); Crude Oil (8.98%); Natural Gas (6.88%) ; Cement (5.37%); Fertilizers
(2.63%).
o These sectors have a major impact on the Indian economy and significantly affect most
other industries as well.
National • NPPA is an attached office of Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals &
Pharmaceutical Fertilizers; constituted in 1997 as an independent Regulator for pricing of drugs to:
Pricing o Implement provisions of Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO).
Authority o Monitor availability of drugs, identify shortages and to take remedial steps.
(NPPA) o Maintain data on production, exports and imports etc. for bulk drugs and formulations.
• On the occasion of its 25 years celebration following initiatives were launched:
o Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System 2.0 to provide a single window
for submissions of various forms as mandated under DPCO, 2013.
o Pharma Sahi Daam 2.0 App with updated features like speech recognition, facility for
launching complaints etc.
Indian • The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare released the 9th edition of IP at the Indian
Pharmacopoeia Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) conference.
(IP) o IPC is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, fully
operational from 2009, to set and regularly update standards of drugs in India.
• IP is the official book which contains these standards for drugs under Second Schedule of the
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• IP prescribes the official standards for drugs produced and/or marketed in India and thus
contributes in the control and assurance of the quality of the medicines.
• These standards are authoritative and legally enforceable.
9. SERVICES SECTOR
9.1. TOURISM SECTOR IN INDIA
9.1.1. NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Why in news?
The Ministry of Tourism launched the
National Strategy for Sustainable
Tourism.
About National Strategy for
Sustainable Tourism
• Aim: Mainstream sustainability in
Indian tourism sector and ensure
a more resilient, inclusive, carbon
neutral and resource efficient
tourism while safeguarding
natural and cultural resources.
• Vision: Position India as a
preferred global destination for
sustainable and responsible
tourism.
• Mission: Increase the economic,
social, and environmental
benefits to build a low carbon,
inclusive and resilient tourism
sector in India.
• Pillars of the strategy:
o Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism
o Protecting Biological Diversity and Natural Heritage
o Promoting Environmental Sustainability
o Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability
o Promoting Economic Sustainability
• IEC and Capacity Building: Ministry of Tourism to set up a National Resource Centre at the National level
for sustainable tourism, adventure tourism and ecotourism.
• Governance:
o National Board on Sustainable Tourism under Secretary (Tourism) will be set up.
o National Nodal Agency to be designated for promotion and development of Sustainable Tourism.
o Each State/ UT may also designate a State Nodal Agency to assist the State Department of Tourism.

9.1.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

YUVA Tourism • CBSE along with Ministry of Tourism has asked its affiliated schools to form YUVA Tourism
Clubs Clubs.
• Objective: To develop young ambassadors for Indian tourism, make them aware of tourism
possibilities in India and appreciate our rich cultural heritage.
• It will also lead to development of soft skills like teamwork, management, leadership and
encourage adoption of ecological tourism.
Craft Villages • Eight Craft Villages are taken up under ‘Linking textile with Tourism’ to promote craft and
tourism at a single location.
• Villages are Raghurajpur (Odisha), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Vadaj (Gujarat), Naini (Uttar
Pradesh), Anegundi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Taj Ganj (Uttar Pradesh), Amer
(Rajasthan).
• Craft Village will develop handicrafts as a sustainable and remunerative livelihood option for
artisans in the clusters and thus protecting the rich artisanal heritage of the country.
9.2. E-COMMERCE

9.2.1. PROMOTION AND REGULATION OF E-COMMERCE

Why in news?
Recently, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce presented its report on ‘Promotion and
Regulation of E-Commerce in India’.
Key Highlights of report
• Committee proposed to bring out a new Digital Markets Act (DMA) to govern business practices,
including data collection and use by digital economy companies.
• The committee has proposed an ex-ante model instead of ex-post model for regulation.
o The ex-ante model of regulation entails a code of conduct for Big Tech including on data collection
and use – to ensure data harvested from consumers is not used for any purpose other than serving
the consumer’s interest.
o It will entail defining big tech companies acting as ‘gatekeepers,’ i.e., business platforms that act as a
gateway for small firms to reach out to end consumer. This will help regulate digital markets better.
• Currently, regulatory vacuum in governing Platform-to-Business user (P2B) relationship and predominant
reliance on ex-post model of regulation does not always lead to optimal restoration of competition in
evolving and fast paced markets, especially involving gatekeepers.
Related News
Framework to check fake reviews on e-commerce platforms
• Department of Consumer Affairs unveiled new standard (19000:2022) made by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
to curb menace of fake and deceptive reviews of products and services.
o Standards, initially voluntary, will be applicable to every online platform which publishes consumer reviews.
• Fake and misleading reviews violate a consumer’s right under Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Key highlights
• Prescribes specific responsibilities for review author and review administrator.
• Responsibilities for organizations and grievance redressal mechanism for consumers.

9.2.2. OPEN NETWORK FOR DIGITAL COMMERCE (ONDC)

Why in news?
ONDC network recently started beta testing with consumers in Bengaluru.
What is ONDC?
• ONDC is an initiative of the Department
of Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce.
• It was incorporated as a Section 8 (Non-
Profit Organisation under Companies Act
2013) company in December 2021.
o The Quality Council of India and
Protean eGov Technologies Limited
are its initial promoters.
• It aims at promoting open networks for
all aspects of exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks.
How is ONDC different form traditional e-commerce models?
Unlike traditional paradigm of e-commerce, ONDC is an open network of platforms/applications which are
interoperable, as a result of which operational control is decentralised.

Significance of ONDC in India

• Ending monopolistic tendencies of
big players and increase consumers
freedom of choice.
• Moving away from an operator-
driven platform-centric model to
avoid concentration risk, exclusion
and discretionary behavior etc.
• Formalizing local businesses.
• Economic Growth and Development
with job creation.
• Encourage small and medium
enterprises participation by
lowering entry barriers.
• Other potential benefits: Enhanced
supply chain efficiencies; amplifying
geographic and socio-economic
coverage of digital commerce
landscape; Standardization of
operations; enhanced pricing
transparency etc.
9.3. TELECOM SECTOR

9.3.1. GATISHAKTI SANCHAR PORTAL Key features of the latest amendment

• RoW application procedures simplified to facilitate
Why in News? faster 5G roll-out.
The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has • Administrative fees have been rationalized to
launched GatiShakti Sanchar portal for centralized reduce the cost of compliance.
Right of Way (RoW) approvals. • Telecom licensees may enter into agreement with
private property owners and they will not require
any permission from any government authority.
More on News
• RoW is a legal right, for online application and permissions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
• Indian Telegraph RoW rules (2016) regulate the underground infrastructure (optical fibre) and
overground infrastructure (mobile towers).
• The portal, developed by MP state Electronics Development Corporation, is a collaborative institutional
mechanism between all stakeholders - Central and State/UT Governments, Local bodies, and Service
Providers.
o It will facilitate smooth deployment of digital communications infrastructure across the country.
Related News
Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)
• Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), a body under DoT has launched TTDF.
• Objectives include:
o Fund R&D in rural-specific communication technology applications.
o Form synergies among academia, start-ups, research institutes, and the industry.
o Promote technology ownership and indigenous manufacturing.
o Develop standards to meet countrywide requirements and create the ecosystem for R&D, prototyping, etc.

9.4. OTHER SERVICES SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

9.4.1. SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SAAS)
Why in news?
The CII and EY released
a report titled “India:
The Next Global SaaS
Capital”, highlighting
Indian SaaS industry’s
unique value and the
enormous impact being
created by Indian SaaS.
About Software as a
service (SaaS)
• SaaS is a software
distribution model
in which a cloud
provider hosts
applications and
makes them
available to end
users over the internet.
o It includes services provided by Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Cloud, Github etc.
Key features of SaaS
• It is rented from a software vendor who also provides technical support.
• It is provided on a subscription basis and the software can be accessed on multiple devices.
• It is one of three main categories of cloud computing, alongside-
o Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) where company leases a whole digital infrastructure (servers,
network resources, etc.) for organizing business activities, creating applications, data storing, etc.
o Platform as a Service (PaaS) where cloud environment (hardware, software, development tools and
infrastructure) is provided for creating apps and their further support.
SaaS sector in India
• India is the 3rd largest SaaS ecosystem globally, after the USA and China.
o India is on the path to surpass China to become the 2nd largest SaaS nation in the world by 2026.
• India presently has 18 SaaS unicorns as compared to one in 2018.
10. INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR
10.1. LOGISTICS SECTOR
10.1.1. NATIONAL LOGISTICS POLICY (NLP)
Why in News?
The PM unveiled the National Logistics Policy
(NLP) to promote seamless flow of goods
across the country and improve Indian goods
competitiveness in domestic as well as global
markets.
Logistics Ecosystem in India
• Logistics, i.e. the overall process of
managing how resources are acquired,
stored and transported to a final
destination, has become an important part
of the economy (see image).
• The Indian Logistics sector is estimated to
be over $250 billion in 2021 and expected to reach $380 billion by 2025.
• Logistics Performance Ranking in Global Logistics Performance Index 2018of World Bank (44th).
National Logistics Policy (NLP)
• Vision - To develop a
technologically enabled,
integrated, cost-efficient,
resilient, sustainable, and
trusted logistics ecosystem
in the country for
accelerated and inclusive
growth.
• Pillars of NLP: It is based on
four major pillars as given
in the image.
• NLP also includes
Comprehensive Logistics
Action Plan (CLAP) to
implement the policy with
eight key action areas:
o Integrated Digital Logistics System to develop a system of unified logistics interface.
o Standardization of physical assets and benchmarking service quality standards.
o Logistics Human Resources Development and Capacity Building to develop an overarching logistics
human resource strategy.
o State engagement by supporting development of state/city level logistics plans, set up institutional
framework at city/state level, measure and monitor action by states.
o EXIM (Export-import) Logistics to address infrastructure and procedural gaps in connectivity and
create efficient and reliable logistics network.
o Service Improvement Framework for improving regulatory interface to enable seamlessness
between sectors.
o Sectoral Plan for Efficient Logistics to be developed for each sector.
o Facilitation of Development of Logistics Parks.
• Implementation: NLP will be implemented by the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) created under
the PM Gati Shakti.
10.1.2. PM GATI SHAKTI
Why in news?
Last year, government identified 197 critical infrastructure gaps across various projects under PM Gati Shakti.

About PM Gati Shakti

• PM Gati Shakti - National Master Plan (NMP) for Multi-modal Connectivity, is a digital platform for
comprehensive database of the ongoing & future projects of 16 Ministries.
• Aim: Create Next Generation Infrastructure by learning from the past and achieving enhanced efficiency
through 6 pillars (refer to the infographic).
• It is integrated with 200+ layers of geospatial data on existing infrastructure, forests, rivers and district
boundaries.
About Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications
• It has been developed by the BISAG-N and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N)
(refer to the box). • BISAG-N is an Autonomous Scientific Society registered
o Dynamic mapping of all under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the MeitY.
infrastructure projects with real- • Its three main domain areas- Satellite communication;
time updation by way of a map Geoinformatics; and Geo-spatial technology.
developed by BISAG-N.
o The map will be built on open-source technologies and hosted securely on Meghraji.e.GoI cloud.
Digitisation Initiatives
• Existing and proposed economic zones have been mapped along with the multimodal connectivity
infrastructure in a single GIS platform.
• Logistic Data Bank (LDB) and Unified Logistic Interface Platform (ULIP) may be integrated under PM
GatiShakti.

Related News
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV)
• Ministry of Education introduced the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to convert the National
Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTU), a deemed-to-be university, into the GSV (an autonomous Central
university).
• GSV will address the need for talent in the strategically important and expanding transportation sector and meet
the demand for trained talent to fuel the growth and expansion of the sector.
10.1.3. LOGISTICS EASE ACROSS DIFFERENT STATES (LEADS) 2022 REPORT
Why in News?
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has
released Logistics Ease Across Different
States (LEADS) 2022.
More on News
• LEADS is an indigenous data-driven
index to assess logistics
infrastructure, services, and human
resources across all 36 States and
UTs.
o It’s a key tool to drive logistics
sector efficiency that helps
achieve target of bringing down
logistics costs compared to global benchmark.
o It was first launched in 2018.
• LEADS 2022 adopted classification-based grading system while previous versions were based on ranking
systems for all states.

10.1.4. MULTI MODAL LOGISTICS PARK

Why in news? India planning 35 MMLPs
Recently, • CCEA had mandated MoRTH to develop 35 MMLPs across the country.
Government awarded • The National Highways Logistics Management (NHLML), a wholly owned special
purpose vehicle (SPV) of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is the nodal
the contract of
agency for getting the 35 MMLPs up and running.
setting up India’s first o These MMLPs are to be developed under PPP on Design, Build, Finance, Operate
multi-modal logistics and Transfer (DBFOT) mode.
park (MMLP) near • This initiative aims to develop MMLP in a hub-and-spoke model - a model where all the
Chennai to Reliance commodities come to a hub and are then sent to smaller distribution units called
Industries (RIL). spokes and finally sent out to customers.
About Multi-modal
logistics park
• A Multi-Modal
Logistics Park
(MMLP) as an
inter-modal
freight-handling
establishment
comprising warehouses, dedicated cold chain facilities, freight or container terminals and bulk cargo
terminals.
• Its objective is to centralize freight consolidation and reduce logistics cost from 14% to less than 10% of
GDP at par with International Standards.
• Under the ‘PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan’, the Government of India has announced that contracts
will be awarded through PPP model for implementation of MMLPs.
• National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has signed a tripartite MoU for swift development of MMLP under
Bharatmala Pariyojana
o Bharatmala Pariyojana, launched under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in 2017, is an
umbrella program for highways sector with focus on optimizing the efficiency of freight and
passenger movement across the country.
10.2. RAILWAYS

10.2.1. INNOVATION IN RAILWAYS

Why in News?
Indian Railways (IR) launched “Indian Railway Innovation Policy” to fund innovations.
Key Highlights of Indian Railway Innovation Policy
• IR will invest in startups to get a head start in procuring innovations directly from them with a promise of
up to ₹1.5 crore of seed money.
• Policy Objective:
o Develop cost-effective, implementable, scalable solutions, functional prototypes and innovative
products.
o Leverage new innovative technologies to improve Operational efficiency & Safety.
• Annual budget for the policy is around₹40-50 crore with an additional fund for the divisional railway
managers so that they can find on-field solutions to on-field problems.
• Developed IPR will remain with innovators only.
Efforts undertaken for Innovation in Railways
Area Steps taken by India
Safety • Bridge Management System (BMS), a web-based IT application for 24x7 information availability.
Enhancement • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags fitted on rolling stock to track and trace the rolling
asset.
• Electronic Interlocking (EI) is being adopted to enhance safety.
• Automatic Train Protection System called Kavach.
 Infrastructure • Modern track structure consisting of Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers.
upgrades • Capacity Augmentation through Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).
• Microprocessor based Train Control and Management System, Emergency Talk Back system/
Panic Buttons etc.
Passenger • Introduction of ‘Make in India’ semi-high speed Vande Bharat Express trains.
experience • Focus on cleanliness of trains and stations with the installation of bio-toilets etc.
improvement • Safety Information Management System (SIMS) to manage and process information related to
any train accidents.
Organizational • National Monetisation Pipeline also has an asset monetisation plan for IR and there are plans for
capability corporatisation of production units.
enhancement • Restructuring of railway board by trimming its strength to half and unifying its eight railways
services into a central service -Indian Railway Management Service.

10.2.2. ALUMINIUM WAGONS

Why in News?
The Union railway minister flagged off the country’s first freight train with an all-aluminium wagon rake.
More on News
• It is manufactured in collaboration with Besco Limited Wagon Division and aluminium major Hindalco.
• At present, India’s high-speed trains, including the Rajdhanis and the Shatabdis, use Linke Hofmann Busch
(LHB) coaches that are made of stainless steel.
Significance
• Lower carbon footprint as 15-20% weight shift by aluminium wagons can reduce 25 Lakh tonnes of CO2.
• Aluminium is 100% recyclable and resistant to corrosion, reducing maintenance costs.
• Make Indian Railways' logistics more efficient as:
o It can carry 180 tonnes extra payload per trip over conventional rakes.
o Aluminium trains take less time to manufacture and thus can help in speeding up production.
• Reduce import of Nickel and Cadmium consumed by the iron and steel industry.
• Boost domestic aluminum industry.

10.2.3. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN RAILWAYS

Bharat • Maiden Service of Bharat Gaurav Train commenced under Bharat Gaurav Scheme from Coimbatore
Gaurav North to Sainagar Shirdi.
Train • Bharat Gaurav Trains are theme-based trains launched by Indian Railways in November 2021.
• Objective: To showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people
of India and the world.
• Aim: Leverage the core strengths of the professionals of the tourism sector to run theme-based
trains to tap India’s vast tourist potential.
o Bharat Gaurav Scheme guidelines apply to already running tourist circuit trains by IRCTC as well
such as Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train.
Jiribam- • Recent landslide in Manipur has hit the Jiribam-Imphal railway line project.
Imphal • It is a111 km long project started in 2013 to connect Imphal (the capital of Manipur) with Jiribam
Railway district of Manipur near Assam Border.
Line o Estimated to be completed by 2023, the project involves 46 tunnels, including a 12-km single
tube tunnel, and Noney Bridge- slated to become world’s tallest rail bridge, once completed.
World’s • Recently, golden joint connecting two ends of overarch deck of the world’s highest railway bridge
Highest over Chenab river was inaugurated.
Railway o 1.3-km-long Bridge is located 359 metres above Chenab riverbed and is 30 metres higher than
Bridge Eiffel Tower.
• Chenab Bridge will provide all-weather rail connectivity to Kashmir and forms a crucial link from
Katra to Banihal, part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla section of the Kashmir Railway project.
Vande • Designed and built in India, Vande Metro hydrogen trains would roll out by 2023.
Metro • Germany was the first country that started operating hydrogen-powered trains for the first time in
hydrogen the world in August.
trains • These trains make very little noise and emit no pollution. It only emits just steam and evaporated
water.
 National • NCRTC is a joint venture company of Government of India and States of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan
Capital and Uttar Pradesh.
Region • It is under the administrative control of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and mandated to
Transport implement the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project across NCR, for a balanced and
Corporati sustainable urban development through better connectivity and access.
on o RRTS is a new, dedicated, high speed, high capacity, comfortable commuter service connecting
(NCRTC) regional nodes in NCR.

10.3. CIVIL AVIATION SECTOR

10.3.1. NATIONAL AIR SPORTS POLICY (NASP) 2022
Why in News?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the NASP with aim of providing a safe, affordable and sustainable
air sports ecosystem in the country.
Objective of NASP, 2022
• Enable adoption of international good practices in safety.
• Enhance participation and success of Indian sportspersons in global air sports.
• Promote design, development, and manufacturing of air sports equipment in India in line with the
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
o Its vision is to include India among the top air sporting nations by 2030.
o Under it, 11 air sports including Aerobatics, aero modelling and rocketry, ballooning, parachuting,
paragliding, and para-motoring etc. will be promoted.
Governance structure
• NASP 2022 covers 11 different air sports and provides a four-tier governance structure (refer infographic)
with Air Sports Federation of India (AFSI) as the apex governing body.
• ASFI shall be an autonomous body under MCA.
o It represents India at Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), headquartered in Lausanne,
Switzerland and other global platforms related to air sports.
o FAI is world governing body for air sports.
10.3.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CIVIL AVIATION SECTOR
Aviation Safety • As per 2022 rankings, India's position jumped to the 48th place from the 102nd spot in 2018.
Rankings o India's aviation sector has become the third largest domestic aviation market in the world.
o India’s airport capacity is expected to handle 1 billion trips annually by 2023.
• About the Rankings
o Released by: International Civil Aviation Organisation.
o 187 countries were ranked, topped by Singapore.
o Index measures eight critical elements of the safety oversight system, including primary
aviation legislation, resolution of safety issues etc.
Bureau of Civil • Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has notified draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022.
Aviation o It enables BCAS to impose penalties upto ₹1 crore on airports and airlines for violation of
Security (BCAS) security measures.
• BCAS (HQ: New Delhi):
o It was set up as a Cell in Directorate General of Civil Aviation in 1978 on recommendation
of Pande Committee.
o In 1987, it was reorganized into an independent department under MoCA.
o It lays down standards and measures with respect to security of civil flights at
international and domestic airports in India.
Aircraft Leasing • Indian Airlines is allowed to take wide-body aircraft on wet lease for up to one year.
• Wet lease refers to renting of the plane along with operating crew and engineers.
o In technical term, wet leasing is called ACMI, i.e. Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and
Insurance.
• Dry lease is when the airline leases only the vehicle.
• Damp Lease is the middle between two where an airline wet-leases a plane but uses its own
cabin crew.
Aircraft • The Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020 has empowered Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(Amendment) (DGCA) to levy fines without approaching a civil court.
Act, 2020 • DGCA (HQ: New Delhi) is the regulatory body in the field of civil aviation responsible for
carrying out the safety oversight and coordinating regulatory functions with the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
o It was made a statutory body by the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020.
10.4. ROADWAYS
10.4.1. PRIVATE INVESTMENT MODELS IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
 Related News
Turnkey project
• It is a contract under which a firm agrees to fully design, construct and equip a manufacturing/ business/ service
facility and turn the project over to the purchaser when it is ready for operation for a remuneration.
o It is one of modes of carrying out international business project.
• It will help NMDC retain and comply with four axioms of public procurement i.e., transparency, equity, fairness, and
competitiveness.

10.4.2. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ROADWAYS SECTOR

Pre-cast • Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has made mandatory to use factory manufactured
Concrete Policy pre-cast concrete elements in projects within 100 km radius of Pre-cast factory.
• Precast concrete is a form of concrete that is prepared, cast and cured off-site in controlled
factory environment, using reusable moulds.
o Pre-cast factory shall be certified by Quality Council of India (QCI)/IITs and shall have
minimum facility of fully automatic RMC (Ready Mix Concrete) plant for better quality.
Automotive • Ministry of Road Transport and Highway issued a draft amendment to modify technical
Industry requirements as prescribed in AIS -145.
Standard (AIS) • Draft amendment replaces provision for seat belt alarms for ‘driver & co-driver’ with ‘driver
and all other front-facing seat occupants’.
• Seat belt alarms for driver and front row co-passenger were made mandatory in 2019.
• This standard is aligned with international regulation UN Regulation No. 16 (UNR-16).
Convention on • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued notification on standardizing
International process for issuance of International Driving Permit (IDP) across the country in adherence to
Road Traffic of the Convention.
1949 (Geneva • Geneva Convention is an international treaty promoting the development and safety of
Convention) international road traffic by establishing certain uniform rules among the contracting parties.
• India, being a signatory to convention is required to issue IDP as provided under this
Convention, for acceptance of the same on reciprocal basis with other countries.
Bharat Series • MoRTH has proposed to allow conversion of regular vehicle registrations into BH numbers.
(BH) o At present, only new vehicles can opt for BH series mark.
o Also, the transfer of vehicles with BH series registration mark to other persons, who are
eligible or ineligible for BH series, has been facilitated.
• BH series was introduced to ensure seamless transfer of vehicles across states and free
vehicle owners from re-registration process when they shift from one state/UT to another.
o Vehicle registration under BH series is voluntary to defense personnel, employees of
central and state government, PSUs, private sector companies with offices in four or more
states/UTs.
o Working Certificate is needed to be submitted by private sector employees to prevent
misuse.

10.5. INDIAN SHIPPING INDUSTRY

10.5.1. LANDLORD PORT MODEL
Why in News?
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) became the first 100% Landlord Major Port of India.
Ports in India and Landlord Port Model
• Ports in India are classified as Major (under Union govt) and Minor Ports (under state govt) as per the
Indian Ports Act, 1908.
• Landlord port model is characterized by its mixed public-private orientation.
o Under this, the port authority acts as regulatory body and as landlord, while port operations
(especially cargo handling) are carried out by private companies.
o It aims at decentralizing decision making and to infuse professionalism in governance of major ports.
Other PPP models for Ports
Service port model Tool port model Corporatized ports
The port authority owns the land and all The port authority owns, develops, Ports are entirely being
available assets—fixed and mobile—and and maintains the port infrastructure privatized, except that
 performs all regulatory and port functions. as well as the superstructure, ownership remains public and
Here, the port trust is both the landlord and including cargo handling equipment often assumed as a majority
the cargo terminal operator. such as quay cranes and forklift trucks. shareholder

10.5.2. NATIONAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR GREEN PORT & SHIPPING

(NCOEGPS)
Why in News?
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has launched NCoEGPS.
More on News
• NCoEGPS will act as a technological arm of MoPSW and will be working under the framework of the
Sagarmala programme.
• It aims to develop a regulatory framework and alternate technology adoption roadmap for Green
Shipping to foster carbon neutrality and circular economy (CE) in the shipping sector in India.
o Green shipping is when people or goods are transported through ships using minimum resources and
energy as possible, to protect the environment from GHGs and pollutants generated by the ships.
o Main source of CO2 emissions in ship operations: Combustion of fossil fuels in main engines, auxiliary
engines, boilers and incinerators.
o India’s ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’ aims to increase share of renewable energy at major ports to
around 60% by 2030.

10.5.3. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY

National Time • It was recently released by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
Release Study • NTRS 2022 presents the annual report of cargo clearance process through four categories of
(NTRS), 2022 ports - seaport, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Air Cargo Complexes (ACC) and Integrated
Check Posts (ICPs).
• Time Release Study is a performance measurement tool for assessing cargo clearance
process of international trade, as recommended by World Trade Organization (WTO) under
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and World Customs Organization (WCO).

International • India and Iran have signed MoU for smooth movement of seafarers between both countries
Convention on as per STCW provision.
Standards of • STCW Convention is a multilateral convention to establish basic requirements on training,
Training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level.
Certification and • It was adopted in 1978 and it entered into force in 1984.
Watchkeeping o India notified it in 1984; effective from 1985.
for Seafarers • Compliance and implementation to convention is looked after by International Maritime
(STCW), 1978 Organization (IMO), established in 1948 (HQ: Geneva) as a specialized UN agency.

10.6. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure • The government has accorded infrastructure status to data centres with more than 5MW
status to Data capacity of IT load.
Centres • Data centre is included in Harmonized Master List of Infrastructure sub-sectors.
• It is a dedicated secure space within a centralized location where computing and networking
equipment is concentrated.
• It provides Network infrastructure (connects servers etc. to end-user locations); Storage
infrastructure (to store data); and Computing resources (provide processing, memory, etc. that
drive applications).
• India’s biggest hyperscale data centre ‘Yotta D1’ is in Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh).
National Real • NAREDCO has set up a finance committee to enable member developers to easily access funds
Estate from banks and financial institutions.
Development • NAREDCO is an autonomous self-regulatory body established in 1998underMoHUA.
Council o It acts as premier real estate government industry association of India.
(NAREDCO) o Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs serves as Chief Patron of NAREDCO.
• It aims to provide government, real estate industry and general public a legitimate platform to
address their concerns and find effective solutions for issues plaguing the real estate sector.
Smart • These awards are an initiative of National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and UN in India to
Solutions and address city-level accessibility and inclusion challenges faced by persons with
Inclusive Cities disabilities (PwD), women and girls, and elderly.
Awards 2022 • Awards also aim to promote people-centric design and to foster novel home-
grown technological innovations and solutions.
National • The mandate of apex monitoring authority is to periodically review the activities of NICDP.
Industrial • NICDP is India's infrastructure programme aiming to develop new industrial cities as "Smart
Corridor Cities" and converging next generation technologies across infrastructure sectors.
Development • Under this, India is developing various industrial corridor projects.
Programme • National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) is developing 11 Industrial
(NICDP) corridors comprising 32 nodes/projects.
o NICDC Limited is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• NITI Aayog will also map different projects such as Industrial, Freight and Defence Corridors,
PM-Mitra parks, Medical, Pharma and Logistic Parks to bring them under PM GatiShakti.
National • The Minister of Finance chaired the 5th meeting of the Governing Council (GC) of NIIF along
Investment and with its members from corporates, investments, and policy sectors.
Infrastructure • Anchored by Government of India, NIIF is a collaborative investment platform for international
Fund (NIIF) and Indian investors.
• NIIF manages three funds: Master Fund, Fund of Funds and Strategic Fund.
o Funds were set up to make investments in India by raising capital from domestic and
international institutional investors.
• NIIF’s first bilateral fund - an India Japan Fund has been proposed recently.
Transport 4 All • The ‘Transport4All’ Challenge is an initiative of MoHUA in partnership with Institute for
Challenge Transportation and Development Policy and World Bank.
Stage-2 • It aims at enhancing the mobility experience of citizens and focuses on digital innovation to
improve mobility needs of all citizens.
International • The Cabinet has approved India-France’s contract to support ITF activities in the Indian
Transport Transport Sector, helping in-
Forum (ITF) o New scientific results; New policy insights; Capacity building through increase scientific
interaction; and Identification of technology options for decarbonization of the transport
sector in India.
• ITF (HQ: Paris, France), administratively integrated with the OECD, is an intergovernmental
organisation created in 2006 by ministers from 43 countries (now increased to 64 countries).
o It acts as a think tank for transport policies to improve peoples’ lives.
• It is the only global body with a mandate for all transport modes.
11. ENERGY SECTOR
11.1. POWER SECTOR
11.1.1. GREEN ENERGY OPEN ACCESS RULES
Why in News?
The Ministry of Power has notified the Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Rules.
About Open Access and its Objective
• Open access means non-discriminatory access to electricity transmission and distribution system to
eligible consumers, generators, and state distribution companies (DISCOMS).
• The objective of the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules,
2022 is to accelerate our renewable energy
programmes.
Salient features of the rule
• Reduction in the limit of Open Access
Transaction from 1 MW to 100 KW for green
energy.
o Any consumer with a connected load of
100 kW or above can get Renewable
Energy (RE) through open access from
any RE generating plant using the Green
Energy Open Access portal.
• Increase transparency in approval process of
OA.
o OA approvals will be granted in 15 days or
else it will be deemed to have been
approved subject to fulfilment of technical
requirements. It will be through national
portal.
• Cross subsidy surcharge and additional
surcharge shall not be applicable if green
energy is utilized for production of green
hydrogen and green ammonia.
• Consumers are entitled to demand supply of
Green Power from Discoms.
o Green certificates for consumers if they
consume green power.
• Commercial and Industrial consumers are allowed to purchase green power on voluntarily basis.
• Uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) on all obligated entities in the area of a distribution
licensees.
o Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia has also been included for fulfilment of its RPO.
Related News
General Network Access (GNA) Regulations
• The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has proposed GNA Regulations to streamline regulatory
framework for country’s power transmission; in line with one nation, one grid.
• GNA regulations seeks to do away with pre-determined point-to-point transmission access to instead enable both
access or drawal on the entire transmission corridor to generators and procurers.
o Users at present have to pay long-term charges under point-to-point connectivity regime and charged for any
deviations from agreed path.
o GNA will enable them to supply from any point.
11.1.2. ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT BILL 2022
Why in News?
Recently, the government
introduced the Electricity
Amendment Bill 2022 in
the Lok Sabha.
More in news
• The Electricity
(Amendment) Bill,
2022 amends the
Electricity Act, 2003
which regulates the
electricity sector in
India.
Key Provisions of Bill
• Removes requirement of discoms to distribute electricity through their own network.
o Bill adds that a discom must provide non-discriminatory open access to its network to all other
discoms operating in the same area, on payment of certain charges.
• SERC will specify a minimum tariff in case of multiple discoms in the same area of supply, in addition to
maximum ceiling for tariff.
• Cross-subsidy Balancing Fund to be set up by the state government upon grant of multiple licenses for
the same area.
o Cross-subsidy refers to the arrangement of one consumer category subsidizing the consumption of
another consumer category.
o Any surplus with a distribution licensee on account of cross-subsidy will be deposited into the fund.
o The fund will be used to finance deficits in cross-subsidy for other discoms in the same area or any
other area.
• CERC will grant licenses for distribution of electricity in more than one state.
• Electricity will not be scheduled or despatched if adequate payment security is not provided by the
discom.
o The central government may prescribe rules regarding payment security.
• Empowers the CERC and SERCs to adjudicate disputes related to the performance of contracts.
o These refer to contracts related to the sale, purchase, or transmission of electricity. Further, the
Commissions will have powers of a Civil Court.
• Empowers SERCs to specify RPO for discoms.
o RPO should not be below a minimum percentage prescribed by the central government and Failure
to meet RPO will be punishable.

11.1.3. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE POWER SECTOR

Power Trading • Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO-national grid operator) has debarred
discoms of 12 states from buying/selling electricity on exchanges by invoking Electricity
(Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) Rules 2022.
• Delayed payments by Discoms trigger a vicious cycle upstream for generation companies
(Gencos); forcing Gencos to borrow to maintain operations.
o These increases borrowing pushes Gencos into debt trap.
PRAAPTI portal • PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power procurement for bringing
Transparency in Invoicing of generators) portal was launched by Ministry of Power in 2018
to:
o Bring transparency in power purchase transactions between Generators and Discoms.
o Power Discoms can clear invoices and reply to claims raised by generators on this
portal.
Market-Based • Ministry of Power has proposed to move towards a centralized power model through
Economic MBED.
Dispatch (MBED) • MBED is an electricity market operations reform for dispatching the entire annual electricity
Mechanism consumption through a central market operator.
o Currently, India follows decentralized power model under the Electricity Act, 2003.
• Aim: To move towards a “One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency, One Price” framework.
World Energy • It is released by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Outlook 2022 Key highlights
• India will see the highest increase in energy demand globally, rising at more than 3% annually
from 2021 to 2030.
• Over 60% of growth in power demand will be met by renewables, accounting for 35% of
electricity mix by 2030.
• Electricity generation through coal will peak around 2030, rising from 240 GW in 2021 to 275
GW in 2030.
National Open • Recently, the National Open Access Registry was made live.
Access Registry o NOAR is a centralized online platform to maintain the short-term open access to the
(NOAR) inter-state transmission system in India.
• National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) is the nodal agency for implementation and operation
of NOAR.
Hindustan Power • HPX is the 3rd power exchange in the country as Indian Energy Exchange and Power
Exchange begins Exchange of India Ltd are already operational.
operation (HPX) o It is promoted by Power Trading Corporation of India Limited, Bombay Stock Exchange,
and ICICI Bank.
• Power exchanges provide the market participants a platform for trading and hence manage
their power portfolios efficiently.
11.2. COAL, OIL, GAS AND OTHERS
11.2.1. COAL BEARING AREAS (ACQUISITION & DEVELOPMENT) ACT
Why in News?
Union Cabinet recently approved the policy for land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition &
Development) Act, 1957 (CBA Act).
Coal 2022: Analysis and forecast to 2025
More on the news • It is an annual report of International Energy
Agency (IEA) which offers a thorough analysis of
• CBA Act provides for acquisition of coal bearing
recent trends in coal demand, supply, trade,
land and its “vesting in a government company", costs and prices.
free from any encumbrance. • It states that India, along with China, is world’s
• The approved policy provides clear policy largest coal producer, consumer and importer.
framework for utilization of following types of
lands acquired under the CBA Act:
o Lands no longer suitable or economically viable for coal mining activities; or
o Lands from which coal has been mined out / de-coaled and such land has been reclaimed.
• Government coal companies, such as Coal India Ltd. (CIL) shall remain owners of these lands acquired
under the CBA Act and the policy allows only leasing of the land for the specified purposes.

11.2.2. HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION AND LICENSING POLICY (HELP)

Why in News?
Government has offered 42 hydrocarbon blocks {26 oil and gas blocks and 16 blocks for prospecting for coal-
bed methane (CBM)} for exploration and development in latest auction under the HELP, 2016.
More on News
• CBM is an unconventional form of natural gas found in coal deposits or coal seams.
• Generally, it consists predominantly of methane gas, although it can contain trace amounts of ethane,
carbon dioxide and water.
About HELP (replaced New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP))
• A Single license covering Exploration and Production (E&P) of all types of hydrocarbon viz. conventional
oil and gas, coal-bed methane, shale oil, gas hydrates, etc.
• Launch of Open Acreage Licensing (OALP) mechanism which allows the investors to carve out blocks of
their choice by assessing E&P data.
• Adoption of Revenue Sharing Contract model (earlier contracts were based on concept of profit sharing
where profits were shared between Government and the contractor after recovery of cost).
• Reduced royalty rates, no Oil Cess, marketing and pricing freedom.
• Round the year bidding, an easy, transparent and swift bidding and awarding process.
Related News
ONGC is on its way to commercialize Vindhyan Basin, a Proterozoic intercontinental basin in the central part of Indian
shield.
• Vindhyan Basin is bounded by Son-Narmada Geo-fracture in the south, Great Boundary Fault in the west, Monghyr-
Saharsa Ridge in the east, and Bundelkhand Massif and Indo-Gangetic Plains in the north.
• It would be the 9thproducing Basin of India and the 8thby ONGC.
o Earlier, in 2020, Bengal basin became India’s 8thproducing basin, joining the ranks of Krishna-Godavari (KG),
Mumbai Offshore, Assam Shelf, Rajasthan, Cauvery, Assam-Arakan Fold Belt and Cambay.

11.2.3. NATURAL GAS PIPELINE TARIFF, AUTHORISATION AND CAPACITY REGULATIONS

Why in News?
PNGRB has amended Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff, Authorisation and Capacity Regulations.
More on News
• PNGRB aims to provide access to natural gas in far-flung areas at competitive and affordable rates to
achieve one nation one grid and one tariff objective.
• These amendments will act as stepping- stone for implementation of Unified Tariff regulations which will
be effective from 1 April 2023.
Key amendments
• Increased number of unified tariff zones from 2 to 3 to protect
overall interest of consumers in different regions.
• Entity level integrated natural gas pipeline tariff has been
introduced in regulations which will act as building block for
unified tariff at national level.
• Natural Gas is an odourless, gaseous mixture of
hydrocarbons—predominantly made up of methane.
• India, world's 4th largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) importer,
aims to raise natural gas share in its energy mix from present 6% to 15% by 2030.

11.2.4. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN GAS SECTOR

World’s First • Prime Minister has laid foundation stone of the World’s First CNG Terminal and of the
compressed brownfield port at Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
natural gas • It is expected to be operational by 2026.
(CNG) Terminal • It will be developed using a public-private partnership (PPP) approach and has a cargo handling
capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).
o It will have direct door-step connectivity to the existing roadway and railway network
connecting to the largest industrial zones, Dedicated Freight Corridor and northern
hinterland of India.

Indian Gas • ONGC became the first E&P Company in India to trade domestic gas on IGX.
Exchange (IGX) • IGX, a subsidiary of Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), is a trading platform for natural gas.
• It allows buyers and sellers of natural gas to trade both in spot market and in forward market
for imported natural gas.
• Trading is allowed across three hubs —Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat, and Kakinada in Andhra
Pradesh.
• It operates under the regulatory framework of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
(PNGRB).

One nation one • ONOGG refers to the joining of several regional grids, creating a national grid, and supplying
gas grid multiple stakeholders, with natural gas-produced energy.
(ONOGG) o Under this Natural gas-based energy can be produced and distributed throughout the
entire country on a single gas system.
o It intends to reduce the regional disparity in gas availability in the Country.
• Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is responsible for approving the
construction of pipelines.

Kirit Parekh • The panel has made recommendations to ensure a fair price for consumers and increase share
Panel on Gas of gas in India’s energy mix to 15% by 2030.
Pricing • Presently, we have multiple gas pricing mechanisms including, APM (Administered Price
Mechanism), non-APM etc.
o Mechanism is formula based and considers prices prevailing at major international
markets such as Henry Hub, National Balancing Point, Alberta, and Russia.
o Prices are notified after every six months.

11.2.5. DEVELOPMENTS IN THE OIL SECTOR

Exclusive • The Defence and Space Agencies has released 99% of EEZ prohibited areas for oil exploration
Economic Zone and production (E&P).
(EEZ) • Prohibited for security reasons, decision came as part of prioritizing energy security of India.
o It will reduce the ‘no go’ areas of around 2.37 million sq km of India’s EEZ from 42% to just
1%.
• Under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), EEZ is the area beyond and
adjacent to the territorial sea, generally extending 200 nautical miles from shore.

Deregulation of • Government has approved Deregulation of sale of Domestically Produced Crude Oil from
sale of October 1, 2022.
Domestically • It waives the earlier conditions in Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) to sell crude oil to
Produced Crude government or its nominee or government refinery companies (like BPCL).
Oil • As earlier, exports will not be permissible.

Russia becomes • Russia has overtaken Saudi Arabia to become India's second-biggest supplier (for May 2022) of
India’s second oil behind Iraq.
biggest oil o Russia is selling crude oil at discounted rates (following Ukraine war) to ramp up oil
supplier imports.
• After U.S. and China, India is third-largest consumer of oil, over 80% of which is imported.
• India’s top oil supplier in 2021: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, U.S., Nigeria.

Oil Bonds • An oil bond is a promissory note issued by the government to the oil marketing companies
(OMCs), in lieu of cash that government owes them.
• Need: When fuel prices are high for consumers, government directs oil marketing companies
(OMCs) to charge consumers less prices and the balance is to be paid by the government.
o However, if government pays in cash, it would have to tax the same people to collect the
money to pay.

11.3. KEY CONCEPTS AND INFORMATION ON ENERGY SECTOR

Energy • Energy poverty, also referred as fuel poverty, is usually defined in two ways as-
Poverty o Energy Accessibility, i.e., lack of access to electricity, and
o Energy Affordability, I.e., household dependence on inefficient and polluting energy
sources such as burning of solid biomass.
Kaleshwaram • Minister of Jal Shakti said that KLIS was not eligible for inclusion under the National Project (NP)
Lift Irrigation Scheme as Telangana has obtained investment clearance from Centre.
Project (KLIS) o KLIS is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram
(Telangana).
• NP Scheme is implemented with a view to expedite completion of identified National Projects
for the benefit of the people.
• Such projects will be provided financial assistance by Centre in the form of Central grant, which
will be 90% of the estimated cost of such projects.
UN- Energy • The PoA towards 2025 was launched by the UN Energy against the backdrop of a global energy
Plan of Action crisis and worsening climate emergency.
(PoA) • It is a major step to catalyse the large-scale action and support needed for the transition to
clean, affordable energy for all and net-zero emissions.
• About UN-Energy
o UN-Energy is the United Nations’ mechanism for inter-agency collaboration in the field of
energy.
o It aims to promote coherence in the UN system´s multi-disciplinary response to achieve SDG
7 in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on
climate change.
Petroleum • Government has exempted ISRO from getting nod for use, storage of solid propellant for space
and Explosives rockets.
Safety o Earlier, it was required to take a license form the PESO.
Organisations • PESO, formerly known as Department of Explosives, (HQ: Nagpur) is the nodal agency for
(PESO) regulating safety of hazardous substances such as explosives, compressed gas and petroleum
under the:
o Explosives Act, 1884; Petroleum Act, 1934; and related rules.
o It is an arm of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry Of
Commerce and Industry.
BM-SEAL-11 • Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved additional investment by Bharat Petro
Project Resources Ltd. (BPRL) for development of BM-SEAL-11 Concession Project in Brazil.
• BPRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
Petroleum • India received its first ever cargo from Venezuela in the beginning of 2022.
Coke or • Petroleum coke is a carbonaceous product obtained in the oil refining process.
Petcoke • It has higher calorific value than coal but causes huge emission of sulphur dioxide and other
pollutants.
• It is used as fuel in Cement, Lime Kilns, Gasification units, Industrial Boilers and as carbon source
in Electrodes for electrometallurgical industries, Synthetic Graphite, Aluminum Anodes, etc.
• The Supreme Court has banned the use of petroleum coke or petcoke in the NCR.
12. MISCELLANEOUS
12.1. NOBEL PRIZE FOR ECONOMICS 2022
Why in News?
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award
the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences for research
on banks and financial crises.
Winners and their Research
• The prize has been awarded to 3 US-based economists:
o Ben S Bernanke: Former Chair of the US Federal
Reserve and currently associated with the Brookings
Institution in Washington DC.
o Douglas W Diamond and Philip H Dybvig are
professors of banking and finance.
• Their work focused on understanding the role of banks in
the economy; benefitting the society by improving its
ability to avoid serious crises and expensive bailouts.
About the Research Deposit insurance in India
• Bernanke analyzed the Great Depression of • Deposit insurance in India was launched in 1962.
the 1930s, the worst economic crisis in • India was the second country in the world to introduce
such a scheme after the United States in 1933.
modern history.
• In India each depositor in a bank is insuredupto a
• Before his study, bank failures were seen as a maximum of ₹5 Lakhs for both principal and interest
“consequence” of the financial crisis. amount.
• However, in 1983, he proved bank runs led to
bank failures which turned a relatively ordinary recession into depression.
• When the banks collapsed, valuable information about borrowers was lost and could not be recreated
quickly.
• He also demonstrated that the economy did not start to recover until the state finally implemented
powerful measuresto prevent additional bank panics.
• Bernanke as the head of the US Federal Reserve used his wisdom to prevent further deterioration of the
2008 financial crisis.
• Research by Diamond and Dybvig: They developed theoretical models explaining following:
Conflict of saver and investors:
• For the economy to function, savings must be
channelled to investments. However, there is a
fundamental conflict between savers and
investors (refer infographics).
• Diamond and Dybvig show how banks offer an
optimal solution to this problem:
o By acting as intermediaries that accept
deposits from many savers, allow them
access their money when they wish, while
also offering long-term loans to borrowers.
o However, their analysis also showed how
the combination of these two activities
makes banks vulnerable to rumours about
their imminent collapse.
o If a large number of savers simultaneously run to the bank to withdraw their money, the rumour may
become a self-fulfilling prophecy – a bank run occurs and the bank collapses.
o These dangerous dynamics can be prevented through the government providing deposit insurance
and acting as a lender of last resort to banks.
• Role of banks in the society: Diamond demonstrated how banks perform another societally important
function.
o As intermediaries between many savers and borrowers, banks are better suited to assessing
borrowers’ creditworthiness and ensuring that loans are used for good investments.

12.2. STANDARDS NATIONAL ACTION PLAN (SNAP) 2022

Why in News?
The draft SNAP, released by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), proposes a set of actions that would enable
BIS to fulfil its mandate as the National Standards Body and deliver standards according to the market needs
in an efficient and timely manner.
Key features of the draft SNAP
• Specific focus in developing and updating standards w.r.t. India’s commitment on UN SDG 2030 and Paris
Agreement.
• Proposal to bring technologies such as semiconductors, IT services, Information and Communications
Technologies (ICT) such as metaverse, and cybersecurity techniques under BIS.

Related News
Quality Council of India
• It is an autonomous non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
• It was set up through a PPP model in 1997 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry jointly with the Indian Industry.
o It is under the administrative control of the DPIIT.
o The Indian industry is represented by ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI.
• Aim: To establish and operate national accreditation structure and promote quality through National Quality
Campaign.
• It is governed by a Council with equal representations of government, industry and consumers.
o Chairman of Council is appointed by the PM on industry recommendation to the government.

12.3. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Why in News?
MCA has released the Companies (Corporate social responsibility or CSR Policy) Amendment Rules 2022,
amending the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 of Company Act 2013.
Highlights of New rules
• Companies are mandated to utilise fund kept in unspent CSR account within three financial years and
shall constitute CSR committee to oversee its implementation.
• Expenditure for Social
Impact Assessment
(SIA) which can be
included in CSR
spending shall not
exceed 2.5% of total
CSR expenditure or
₹50 lakh whichever is
higher for relevant FY.
o Earlier, it was 5%
of total CSR
spending or ₹50
lakh whichever is
less.
• SIA is mandatory for
businesses with ₹10
crore or more CSR
budget and for all
projects with an
outlay of ₹1 crore or
more.
• Companies are required to disclose composition of CSR committee, CSR policy on company website.
Related News
Environmental Social and Governance (ESG)
• SEBI has constituted an advisory panel to look into enhancements in Business Responsibility and Sustainability
Report (BRSR), ESG ratings and ESG investing.
• ESG criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen
potential investments.
o Environmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature.
o Social criteria examine how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, communities
where it operates etc.
o Governance deals with company’s leadership, audits, internal controls, shareholder rights etc.
• BRSR shall be applicable to the top 1000 listed entities (by market capitalization) and reporting of BRSR shall be
mandatory from FY 2022-23.
National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)
• NFRA was constituted in 2018 by the Government under the Companies Act, 2013to improve the quality of all
corporate financial reporting in India.
• Its chairperson is appointed by the Central Government and it has a maximum of 15 members.
• Functions and Duties include:
o Recommend accounting and auditing policies to be adopted by companies;
o Monitor and enforce compliance with accounting standards and auditing standards;
o Oversee quality of service of the professions associated with ensuring compliance.
• Objective is to oversee compliance with Accounting and Auditing Standards by companies that can be described
as Public Interest Entities (PIEs).
• This group includes all listed companies, and large unlisted companies.