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
Bridging the Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship and Finance
Introduction While India has made significant progress in women’s economic participation, gender disparities in entrepreneurship, employment, and access to finance remain stark. Despite increased participation in SHGs (Self-Help Groups) and government-backed loan schemes, women entrepreneurs still face funding and credit access challenges. Gender Disparities in Finance and Entrepreneurship A. Startup Funding Gap B. Employment and Workforce Participation Government Initiatives Supporting Women Entrepreneurs A. Lakhpati Didi Scheme B. Financial Inclusion and Credit Access Declining Trends in Women’s Access to Credit A. Decline in Women Borrowers under Mudra Scheme B. Fluctuating Loan Disbursements Past Efforts and Challenges in Women-Centric Banking Bridging the Gender Gap If India aims to achieve developed nation status by 2047, narrowing the gender gap in entrepreneurship, employment, and finance is critical. While progress is evident, sustained policy action, better access to credit, and cultural shifts are essential for women to thrive in India’s economy. Source: BS
India’s Startup Boom
Context: India has witnessed an unprecedented startup boom, fueled by government enthusiasm, incubators, and a growing tech ecosystem. However, concerns remain about whether this momentum can be sustained without unintended negative consequences, similar to India’s past import-substitution policies. The Scale of India’s Startup Ecosystem Despite these positive trends, structural challenges exist that could hinder long-term success. Challenges Facing Indian Startups A. Limited Early Adopters and Price Sensitivity B. High Startup Failure Rate and Funding Gaps C. Lessons from UPI: A Blueprint for Scaling Startups Despite these challenges, India has demonstrated tech-driven success stories—the most striking example being Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Why did UPI succeed? Policy Tweaks to Ensure Startup Success To replicate UPI’s success in startups, India may need policy interventions such as: The UPI model demonstrates that policy, infrastructure, and incentives can drive mass adoption of new technology. If India applies similar principles to its startup ecosystem, it could unlock world-scale success and avoid the pitfalls of past policy missteps. Source: BS
India’s Semiconductor
Domestic Semiconductor Production Initiative Semicon India Programme (2021) Rising Import Dependency on Semiconductor Chips Key Semiconductor Suppliers to India India’s Role in the Global Semiconductor Value Chain Way Forward
