Introduction Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) form an integral part of India’s financial architecture aimed at promoting rural development. Established in 1975 under the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, RRBs were designed to combine the local feel and accessibility of cooperatives with the professionalism and financial strength of commercial banks. Over the years, however, RRBs faced…
Introduction Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as one of the most debated economic and social policy ideas in the 21st century. The concept advocates for providing all citizens with a guaranteed, unconditional sum of money regularly, regardless of their employment status, income, or wealth. Supporters argue that UBI has the potential to eradicate poverty,…
Introduction Economic inequality refers to the unequal distribution of income, wealth, and opportunities among individuals or groups within a society. While some level of inequality is inevitable in a market-driven economy, excessive economic disparity can threaten social cohesion, reduce economic efficiency, and impede sustainable development. In contrast, inclusive growth emphasizes equitable access to economic opportunities,…
Introduction Poverty is one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges in developing countries, especially in nations like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and several African states. Despite decades of development initiatives, poverty continues to persist in rural as well as urban areas due to structural inequalities, unemployment, lack of access to resources, and limited financial inclusion. Traditional…
Introduction The 21st century has witnessed a revolutionary transformation in the way money, finance, and trade operate. Traditional fiat currencies, governed by central banks and facilitated through commercial banks, are now being challenged by digital currencies. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) being developed by countries such as China and India,…
Introduction India’s financial ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last decade. The shift from a predominantly cash-driven economy to a digitally empowered one has been fueled by innovations such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and other digital payment mechanisms. UPI, launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016, has emerged…
The global financial system, for centuries, has been predicated on the bedrock of trust in intermediaries. Whether it’s a bank safeguarding your savings, a lawyer drafting a contract, or a brokerage executing trades, these central entities have been indispensable. However, the advent of blockchain technology has ushered in a radical alternative: a world where trust…
Introduction India’s financial system is a complex network comprising various types of institutions, each playing a crucial role in ensuring the economy’s smooth functioning. Among these institutions, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have gained significant importance over the past few decades. These entities serve as an alternative to traditional banks, providing a wide range of financial…
Introduction In the context of global economic development, financial inclusion refers to the process of ensuring that individuals and businesses, regardless of their financial status, have access to useful and affordable financial products and services. These include payments, credit, insurance, and savings that are delivered in a responsible and sustainable manner. In India, financial inclusion…
Introduction Monetary policy is a critical component of a country’s macroeconomic management. It involves regulating the money supply, interest rates, and credit availability in the economy to maintain price stability, ensure adequate liquidity, and foster economic growth. In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is entrusted with the responsibility of formulating and implementing monetary…