Source: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) & The Hindu Context: India’s population is estimated to have reached 146.39 crore by April, says a new UN demographic report, which adds that the country’s total fertility rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9, falling below the replacement level of 2.1. Key Highlights: India’s Position India’s Current Population Status (2025): Fertility Trends: Population Growth Projection: Youth and Working-Age Demographics: Elderly Population and Life Expectancy: Census and Official Estimates:
India-US Trade Deal: Agricultural Negotiation
India has grouped US agricultural imports into three strategic buckets based on economic and political sensitivity: Trade Priorities Implications:
UN Declares 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer
Context: The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, with support from over 100 co-sponsoring countries. This historic resolution acknowledges women’s critical contributions to global agriculture and calls attention to the persistent challenges they face, including limited land rights, restricted access to markets, and climate vulnerabilities. Key Statistics: Challenges Faced by Women Farmers Government Initiatives in India Innovative Approach: ENACT Project (Assam) Outcomes and Impact: Recommendations and Policy Directions:
Farm Pond Irrigation Model in Rajasthan’s Kukas Village
Context: A climate-resilient rural water conservation initiative in Kukas village, Jaipur district, Rajasthan, is demonstrating the impact of scientifically designed farm ponds. This model aims to capture seasonal monsoon run-off and transform farming livelihoods by ensuring year-round irrigation. Key Features of the Kukas Model: Water Security and Agricultural Benefits: Sustainability and Development Impact:
India-EFTA Trade Deal to Take Effect by September 2025
Context: India’s Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)—comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—will come into force by September 2025, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Key Highlights: India’s Global Trade Strategy Update:
SBI Offloads ₹1,556 Crore Stressed Loan of Regen Powertech to Clean Up Books
Context: State Bank of India (SBI) is selling its ₹1,556 crore stressed loan exposure to Regen Powertech Private Ltd (RPPL), a South India-based wind turbine manufacturer, as part of efforts to clean up its balance sheet. Key Details of the Sale Why Is SBI Selling? SBI’s Broader NPA Strategy This sale is part of SBI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its balance sheet and focus on profitable lending. Source: Business Standard
Finance Ministry Pushes PSBs for Faster Loan Disbursal
Context: To enhance credit flow to India’s handloom sector, the Ministry of Finance has instructed Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to speed up the sanction and disbursement of loans to eligible weavers under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY). This comes under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and aims to support both working capital and term loan needs. Key Highlights: Digital Portal for Scheme Monitoring Credit Benefits for Individual Weavers and Organisations Boost to Market Access for Weavers
Jana Small Finance Bank Applies to RBI for Universal Bank License
Context: Jana Small Finance Bank (Jana SFB) has officially applied to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for approval to transition into a universal bank, marking a major step in its growth strategy. Key Highlights: What Is Universal Banking? Universal banking is a system in which banks provide a wide variety of comprehensive financial services, including those tailored to retail, commercial, and investment services. RBI’s Licensing Guidelines Universal Banking Licences in India (2016) The Reserve Bank of India introduced the ‘On Tap’ Licensing Policy in August 2016 for private sector universal banks. This policy allows eligible applicants to seek a banking licence at any time, enhancing dynamism and competition in the Indian banking sector. Eligibility Criteria
RBI Flags High Interest Rates and Coercive Recovery in Microfinance Sector
Context: RBI Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao, speaking at a Mumbai event on 5 June 2025, raised serious concerns over the deteriorating conditions in India’s microfinance sector. His speech was uploaded to the RBI website on 10 June 2025. Key Highlights: Persistent Sectoral Issues Rising Financial Stress in FY26 Interest Rates and Margins RBI’s Recommendations BS
The Digital Rupee (e₹)
Context: The Digital Rupee (e₹) is a central bank digital currency (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), functioning as a digital version of cash. Unlike cryptocurrencies, it is a legal tender backed by the RBI. Key Features of e₹: How It Differs from UPI & Cryptocurrencies Current Status (2025) Anonymity & Usage The Digital Rupee aims to modernize payments, reduce cash dependency, and enhance financial inclusion in India’s digital economy.
