Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Finance stated that Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) recorded strong growth in credit delivery during the financial year 2025–26.

About Regional Rural Banks

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are financial institutions established to provide banking and financial services in rural areas. They were specifically created to improve access to institutional credit for vulnerable sections of the rural economy.

RRBs are established through collaboration among the Central Government, State Governments and Sponsoring Commercial Banks.

Their primary objective is to provide credit and other banking facilities, particularly to small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, artisans and small entrepreneurs in rural areas.

Origin of RRBs

The concept of RRBs emerged from the recommendations of the Narasimham Working Group in 1975. Subsequently, the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976 provided the legislative framework for their establishment.

The first RRB, Prathama Grameen Bank, was established on 2 October 1975.

Ownership Pattern

The equity ownership of an RRB is shared among the Central Government, concerned State Government and Sponsor Bank in the ratio of:

50 : 15 : 35

Thus, the Central Government holds the largest share, followed by the Sponsor Bank and the concerned State Government.

Nature and Role of RRBs

RRBs combine certain characteristics of cooperative institutions and commercial banks. They have familiarity with rural and local economic conditions, similar to cooperatives, while also possessing the professional structure and financial-resource mobilisation capacity of commercial banks.

Their operations are geographically restricted to the area notified by the Government of India, generally covering one or more districts within a State.

Priority Sector Lending

RRBs have a particularly important role in directing institutional credit towards priority sectors.

The Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for RRBs is 75% of their total outstanding advances, compared with 40% for Scheduled Commercial Banks.

This higher target reflects the developmental role of RRBs in providing credit to agriculture and other priority sectors in rural areas.

Sources of Funds

RRBs obtain funds from several sources. These include their owned funds, deposits and borrowings from NABARD and Sponsor Banks. They can also obtain funds from other institutions, including SIDBI and the National Housing Bank.

Regulation and Supervision

RRBs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), while they are supervised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

This distinction between regulation by RBI and supervision by NABARD is important from the UPSC Prelims perspective.

Management Structure

The affairs of an RRB are managed by a Board of Directors. The Board consists of one Chairman, along with Directors nominated by the Central Government, the concerned State Government and the Sponsor Bank.

The Central Government can nominate three Directors, the concerned State Government can nominate a maximum of two Directors, and the Sponsor Bank can nominate a maximum of three Directors.

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2025 to recognise and reward outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of sports.

About National Sports Awards

The National Sports Awards are presented every year to recognise excellence in sports and acknowledge the contribution of sportspersons, coaches and organisations towards the development and promotion of sports in India.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is the nodal ministry responsible for these awards.

Major National Sports Awards

Arjuna Award

The Arjuna Award is given to sportspersons for good performance over the previous four years. The award also recognises qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and discipline demonstrated by the sportsperson.

Arjuna Award (Lifetime)

The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) is given to sportspersons who have made significant contributions through their sporting performance and have continued to contribute to the promotion of sports even after retirement from active sporting careers.

Thus, the award recognises not only their sporting achievements but also their continued contribution to sports after retirement.

Dronacharya Award

The Dronacharya Award is given to coaches who have performed outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and have enabled sportspersons to achieve excellence in international sporting events.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar

The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar recognises corporate entities, both public and private, and NGOs that have played a visible role in the promotion and development of sports.

Key Facts for UPSC Prelims

Why in News?

Kashmir’s indigenous aromatic rice variety, Mushk Budji, is facing a “problem of plenty” as the government’s crop expansion programme into areas considered unsuitable for the variety has increased production and affected market prices, according to farmers.

About Mushk Budji

Mushk Budji is a highly aromatic, short-grain rice variety native to the Kashmir Valley. It is traditionally cultivated in the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley, particularly in the Highland Himalayas.

The variety is generally grown at an altitude of around 5,000–7,000 feet above mean sea level. Because of its distinctive aroma and flavour, it is traditionally associated with special occasions and festivals.

Mushk Budji received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on 31 July 2023, recognising its unique geographical identity and traditional characteristics associated with Kashmir.

Key Features of Mushk Budji

Grain and Appearance

Mushk Budji has a light ivory colour and a slightly translucent appearance. After cooking, the grains remain slightly sticky and somewhat chewy, while retaining their characteristic fragrance.

Aroma and Taste

The rice is particularly valued for its distinctive aroma and delicate nutty flavour, which make it different from ordinary rice varieties.

Nutritional Characteristics

Mushk Budji is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibre and certain B-vitamins. It is relatively low in fat and is considered easy to digest, making it suitable for meals consumed during fasting and for people preferring easily digestible food.

Geographical Significance

The cultivation of Mushk Budji is closely associated with the high-altitude agricultural areas of Kashmir. Its distinctive characteristics are linked to the local agro-climatic conditions, which contribute to its aroma, flavour and grain quality.

The recent expansion of cultivation into areas that are considered unsuitable for the variety has reportedly increased production but has also affected its market price and economic returns to farmers.

GI Tag Significance

The GI tag establishes a legal link between the product and its geographical origin. For Mushk Budji, this recognition helps protect its regional identity, traditional characteristics and potential market value.

Why in News?

Recently, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court declared Tamil Nadu’s Tamirabharani (Porunai) River a deity and granted it legal personhood as a measure to strengthen protection against pollution and environmental degradation.

The recognition gives the river a distinct legal identity and seeks to reinforce the responsibility of authorities and stakeholders towards its conservation and protection.

About Tamirabharani River

The Tamirabharani, also known as the Porunai, is an important perennial river of southern India. Unlike many rivers of peninsular India that are seasonal, the Tamirabharani carries water throughout the year.

It flows entirely within Tamil Nadu before draining into the Gulf of Mannar.

Origin and Course

The river originates from Agastyarkoodam Peak in the Pothigai Hills of the Western Ghats.

In its upper course, the river initially flows northwards and subsequently turns eastwards.

It passes through the districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi before eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mannar.

Water Sources

The Tamirabharani is distinctive because it receives rainfall from both the Southwest Monsoon and Northeast Monsoon.

This dual monsoonal influence contributes significantly to its perennial nature and makes the river an important source of water for southern Tamil Nadu.

Major Tributaries

The important tributaries of the Tamirabharani include:

Servalar, Manimuthar, Gadananathi, Pachaiyar, Chittar, Ramanathi and Koraiyar.

Most of these tributaries originate in the forested areas of the Western Ghats.

Waterfalls

The river system is associated with several important waterfalls.

Paanatheertham Falls

Paanatheertham Falls is approximately 40 metres high and is located near the Karaiyar Reservoir.

Kalyanatheertham and Agasthiar Falls

The Kalyanatheertham and Agasthiar Falls are located near Papanasam and form important natural features of the Tamirabharani river system.

Major Dams and Reservoirs

Important dams associated with the river system include:

Karaiyar Dam, Manimuthar Dam, Gadananathi Dam and Ramanathi Dam.

These structures play an important role in irrigation, water storage and regional water management.

Ecological and Geographical Significance

The Tamirabharani river system is closely connected with the Western Ghats, particularly the forested Pothigai Hills. Its tributaries, waterfalls, reservoirs and downstream wetlands support a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

The river is also important for the agricultural economy and water security of southern Tamil Nadu.