Overview of Recent State Announcements Several state governments have announced additional incentives for farmers, complementing the Centre’s PM-KISAN disbursement. These incentives include: While these measures aim to support farmers, they also increase the financial burden on state exchequers. Key State-Level Initiatives State Additional Support for Farmers Madhya Pradesh ₹ 4,000 per hectare for paddy growers (₹ 480 crore burden); ₹ 125 per quintal bonus for wheat (₹ 2,600 per quintal total price). Rajasthan PM-KISAN top-up to ₹ 9,000 per annum; ₹ 150 per quintal wheat bonus. Chhattisgarh Krishak Unnati Yojana (₹ 10,000 crore) includes ₹ 19,257 per acre subsidy and paddy purchase bonus. Odisha CM-KISAN scheme (₹ 2,020 crore allocation); ₹ 10,000 per annum (₹ 4,000 under CM-KISAN + ₹ 6,000 under PM-KISAN); ₹ 12,500 livelihood support for landless farmers. Paddy procurement at ₹ 3,100 per quintal (vs. ₹ 2,300 MSP). Challenges and Concerns Alternative Approaches for Supporting Farmers Economists have debated three key policy mechanisms: A study by C.S.C. Sekhar at Delhi University estimated that a combination of MSP procurement and DPP would cost the government ₹ 2.65 lakh crore to ₹ 3.4 lakh crore annually (based on 2019-20 prices). Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) as a Sustainable Alternative Trade-offs & Policy Recommendations While state governments are increasing direct transfers and MSP bonuses, the long-term fiscal sustainability of these incentives is in question. A balanced approach—with a mix of targeted procurement and direct income support—could help secure farmer incomes while minimizing budgetary strain.
Rural Co-operative Credit (RCC)
Context: NABARD’s ₹1,000 Crore Initiative to Modernize Rural Co-operative Credit (RCC) System. Rural Co-operative Credit (RCC) Rural Co-operative Credit (RCC) is a system of credit cooperatives that provide credit and savings accounts to rural areas. RCCs are an institutional mechanism that helps address rural poverty and indebtedness. How RCCs operate Enhancing Technology for RCCs RCC Ecosystem & Its Challenges Purpose & Structure Declining RCC Market Share in Agriculture Credit Expected Outcomes & Way Forward This initiative marks a significant step in d
Women-Led Farming Cooperatives in the Eastern Himalayan Region (EHR)
Women’s Role in EHR Agriculture Women-Led Cooperatives: Empowerment through Collective Action Women’s Leadership in Cooperatives Impact of Women-Led Cooperatives Challenges and the Way Forward Women-Led Cooperatives as a Force for Change
Makhana: India’s Superfood Revolution
Makhana’s Rise as a Superfood Makhana’s Global Superfood Status Economic Impact on India’s Agriculture Makhana’s Sustainability Factor Makhana’s Future Source: BL
India’s Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) Framework
Context: The 2015 model BIT of India did not deliver, since it came into existence with only five agreements (Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Brazil, UAE, Uzbekistan). Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows have only marginally increased from $60.2 billion (2016 17) to $70.9 billion (2023-24) because of investors’ citing legal unpredictability and restrictive dispute resolution mechanisms.The current BIT framework adopted to avert the legal challenges as seen in the Cairn Energy and Vodafone cases turned out to be too restrictive for global investors. Key Highlights: India shall make changes in its BIT framework not bringing it back to the favor of investors, which was the scenario before the year 2016. A balance will boost credibility along with deep integration into the global value chains and rapid economic growth.
US Creates Strategic Crypto Reserve
Context: On March 2, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced the creation of a US Crypto Strategic Reserve comprising Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). This landmark move is expected to legitimize cryptocurrencies further and potentially fuel a major bull run in the market. Market Impact Risks and Challenges A. Market Volatility B. Regulatory Uncertainty C. Investment Guidelines Security Considerations Taxation and Compliance Best Practices for Securing Crypto Assets The US Crypto Strategic Reserve is a major milestone in mainstream crypto adoption, potentially driving global regulatory acceptance and institutional investment. However, investors must carefully assess risks, follow security measures, and ensure compliance before increasing exposure to digital assets.
SBI Asmita Digital SME Loan & Nari Shakti Debit Card
Empowering Women in Business & Banking SBI Asmita: Digital Loan for Women Entrepreneurs ‘Nari Shakti’ Platinum Debit Card SBI’s Vision & Leadership Statements Additional Initiatives in Women’s Banking A Step Towards Women’s Financial Inclusion & Empowerment These initiatives strengthen financial inclusion and women’s participation in India’s banking and business ecosystem. Source: Business Line
Issues for the New SEBI Chief to Address
Investor Protection as the Primary Goal Expanding Investment Advisory Services Nationwide Improving Quality of SEBI’s Adjudication Orders Speeding Up Enforcement Actions Ensuring Regulatory Stability & Market Orderliness Rethinking the ‘Independent Director’ Definition The new SEBI Chief is encouraged to lead with decisiveness, balancing regulation with market growth. The letter expresses good wishes and high expectations for a productive tenure.
Futures and Options (F&O) Trading
Context: Leading financial services firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services will bar its clients from taking intraday short-selling position on stocks that are not part of the futures and options (F&O) segment. Motilal Oswal Financial Services, with 10.3 lakh clients at the end of January, is the first large brokerage to undertake such a move at a time when the markets have been battered for five straight months. Futures and Options (F&O) Trading Futures and Options (F&Os) are derivatives which can be traded in financial markets for all and sundry. They are primarily used to hedge risk, speculate outcomes, and diversify portfolios. Futures Contracts Options Contracts Major Differences between Futures and Options Feature Futures Options Obligation Buyer and seller must execute contract Buyer has a choice; seller is obligated if exercised Risk Unlimited for both parties Limited for buyer, unlimited for seller Profit Potential Depends on price movement Buyer’s profit depends on market movement, seller gains limited to premium Flexibility No flexibility; must settle at expiry High flexibility; can expire worthless or be exercised Cost No upfront premium, margin required Buyer pays a premium, which is the maximum loss Benefits and Risks Associated with F&O Trading
India: The Prime Target for Hacktivist Attacks in 2024
Context: India has become the top global target for hacktivist attacks, accounting for 13% of worldwide incidents in 2024, as per the High Tech Crime Trends Report – 2025 by Group-IB. It also ranks among the top three countries for data leaks, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and attacks by Initial Access Brokers (IABs). Key Findings from the Report A. Hacktivist Attacks B. Data Leaks & Cybercrime C. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) D. Initial Access Brokers (IABs) Attacks E. Compromised Hosts The Growing Cybersecurity Threat Strengthening Cyber Defenses India’s rising cyber vulnerabilities demand urgent action from policymakers, businesses, and cybersecurity experts. With hacktivism, data breaches, and cyber warfare increasing, strengthening national cyber resilience is critical to securing India’s digital future. Source: BS
