economy

Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP)

Context: The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) has recorded over 100 crore API transactions, marking a key milestone in India’s logistics sector. About Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) is a digital initiative launched under the National...

What is Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)?

Context: Recently the Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme to promote low-value BHIM-UPI transactions. What is Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)? Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is a fee charged to merchants for processing digital transactions. It is deducted from...

Electronics Components Incentive Policy

Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has finalized an incentive policy for electronic components manufacturing with a total outlay of ₹22,919 crore over six years. Key Features of the Electronics Components Incentive Policy Scheme Targeted Electronic Components:...

Tackling the Problem of Nutrition in India

Context: Although health was not a priority in Budget 2025, the increased allocations for Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 suggest a stronger focus on nutrition in the coming financial year. However, it remains uncertain whether this will effectively address India’s...

Public Healthcare in India, Issues and Global Practices

Context: India has long been committed to ‘Health for All’ under the World Health Organization’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, which prioritises primary health care (PHC) and reduces out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Significant Strides Made in Public Healthcare in India in...

Palm Oil Production, Cultivation and Challenges

Context: Indonesia's biodiesel push and stagnant production are driving up palm oil prices, impacting global vegetable oil markets and inflation. Recent Situation of Palm Oil Production Slow Growth: Global production growth slowed to 1% annually over the past four years...

India’s Business Sector: Corruption and Compliance Challenges

Context: A recent “India Business Corruption Survey 2024” highlighted 66% of business entities admitting to paying bribes, with 54% stating they were coerced to expedite government processes, obtain permits, ensure compliance, or acquire duplicate licenses. India's Business Sector: Compliance Reforms...

What is Quick Commerce, Components and Benefits

Context: According to a recent report by Bernstein, Quick commerce in India is set to grow at an impressive rate of 75-100 per cent year-on-year, significantly outpacing traditional retail. What is Quick-Commerce? It is a unique business model where the...

New Income Tax Bill 2025, Search and Seizure Provisions

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the New Income Tax Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha on 13th February 2025. This bill aims to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961 and seeks to simplify the tax code, reduce litigation,...

US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, Purpose, Function and Benefits

Context: US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a US Digital Asset Stockpile. About US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) is a newly established national reserve of Bitcoin. It...