Introduction Gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition are three interlinked social challenges that continue to affect the socio-economic fabric of developing nations like India. These problems are not isolated; they reinforce one another, creating a vicious cycle that traps women and marginalized communities in conditions of deprivation and underdevelopment. Poverty limits access to food, healthcare, and…
Introduction In the contemporary era of globalization and rapid technological transformation, digital literacy and access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have emerged as critical determinants of socio-economic progress. The ability to access, understand, and utilize digital technologies effectively has become as essential as traditional literacy in enabling individuals to participate in the modern economy….
Introduction Poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges in India, particularly in rural areas where limited access to resources, employment, and credit constrains development. Traditional welfare measures, though important, often fail to address the structural aspects of poverty, such as lack of assets, financial exclusion, and vulnerability to shocks. In this context, microfinance has…
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…