Prelims Facts

PRELIMS DATA & FACTS Prelims Facts

Prelims fact is an exclusive column to assist the students, in preparation for subject wise prelims facts and data this section not only helps in UPSC prelims in interview but also helps in various public service commission examination like OAS UPPCS UKPCS Rajasthan PCS Haryana PCS

World Happiness Report

The UN-backed World Happiness Report 2026 has highlighted a growing concern that heavy social media usage is negatively affecting the well-being of young people across many countries. The report suggests that increased digital engagement, particularly among youth, is linked to reduced mental well-being, raising concerns about the broader social and psychological impacts of technology-driven li

V.O. Chidambaranar Port

The V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu) has become the first port in India to launch a Digital Twin-based port management system. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader maritime modernization goals under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The objective is to make port operations more efficient, predictive, and technology-driven. What is the Digital T

EASE 9.0 Reforms

The EASE 9.0 reforms, launched in February 2026 by the Department of Financial Services, aim to transform India’s Public Sector Banks (PSBs) into globally competitive, technology-driven, and resilient institutions. The initiative aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and emphasizes technology-led modernization, operational excellence, and socio-economic impact. Founda

Open Acreage Licensing Policy

Oil India Limited has undertaken seismic studies in the blocks awarded under the 9th round of OALP. This step has been taken to assess hydrocarbon potential and to formulate an effective bidding strategy for the upcoming 10th round. This development highlights the growing importance of data-driven exploration and strategic planning in India’s oil and gas sector. Introduction to OALP Th

Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS)

  Recent data indicates that outward remittances by Indians under the Liberalised Remittances Scheme declined to $1.94 billion in November 2025, marking a two-year low. This decline was mainly due to a significant reduction in spending on foreign education, reflecting changing trends in overseas expenditure. About the Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) The Liberalised Remittances S

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)

Recently, the Union Cabinet of India approved equity support of ₹5,000 crore for the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). This decision aims to strengthen SIDBI’s financial capacity to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promote entrepreneurship across the country. About Small Industries Development Bank of India The Small Industries Development

Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

Recently, India launched the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre. The index aims to evaluate countries not only on economic strength but also on their responsibility toward citizens, the environment, and the global community. About the Responsible Nations Index The Responsible Nations Index (RNI) is India’s first globally anchored index designed to

Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026, aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in resolving customer complaints against banks and other regulated entities. About the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026 The Scheme is designed to improve grievance redressal mechanisms for customers of banks and financial instituti

Henley Passport Index 2026

The 2026 Henley Passport Index reflects significant shifts in global travel mobility, with Asian countries continuing to dominate the top ranks. The latest rankings highlight changing diplomatic alignments, global trust, and mobility trends. About the Henley Passport Index The Henley Passport Index is one of the most widely cited global passport rankings. It measures the strength of passport

Export Preparedness Index (EPI)

The NITI Aayog has released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, which assesses the export readiness of India’s States and Union Territories (UTs). This is the fourth edition of the index, with the first edition having been published in August 2020. About the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 The Export Preparedness Index is a comprehensive assessment tool designed to evalu

Urban Cooperative Banks

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed resuming the issuance of licenses for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) after nearly two decades. This move is expected to strengthen the cooperative banking sector and improve financial inclusion in urban and semi-urban areas. About Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) Urban Cooperative Banks are primary cooperative banks located in urban and semi-urb

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

A. Sakthivel has recently been appointed as the Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), marking his fifth term at the helm of the organisation. His reappointment highlights continuity in leadership at a time when India is seeking to enhance its global apparel export competitiveness. About the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) The Apparel Export Promotion Council w

Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program

Recently, the Government of India announced relaxations for deep-tech startups to facilitate easier recognition under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). The decision aims to encourage innovation and strengthen the country’s research and development ecosystem. About the Industrial Research and Developmen

Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme

The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme is a critical initiative aimed at anchoring India in the most strategic and value-intensive segment of the global semiconductor value chain—chip design. The scheme focuses on building India’s fabless semiconductor ecosystem, which emphasises design and intellectual property rather than manufacturing alone. About the Design Linked Incentive (

Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI)

Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved emergency financial assistance of USD 206 million to Sri Lanka under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). The funding is intended to help the country meet urgent balance of payments needs arising from the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah. About the Rapid Financing Instrument The Rapid Financing Instrument is an IMF facility th

Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced that the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) has helped prevent potential financial losses of nearly ₹660 crore across the banking and digital payments ecosystem within six months of its launch. The initiative strengthens India’s response to the rising threat of digital and telecom-enabled financial frauds. What is the

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

Recently, the Ministry of Finance unveiled a new logo for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to project a single, unified brand identity across the country. This move aims to enhance visibility, trust, and recognition of RRBs as key institutions for rural financial inclusion. About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) were established in India to promote financial inclusion i

Hybrid Mutual Funds

Hybrid mutual funds are investment schemes that invest in more than one asset class, mainly equity (stocks) and debt (bonds), and in some cases gold, REITs and InvITs. Their main objective is to provide a balanced combination of growth and stability by diversifying investments across different assets. These funds are also known as asset allocation funds because they follow a pre-decided or fle

India’s Plan to Develop GIFT City as a Global Reinsurance Hub

India’s plan to transform Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) into a global reinsurance hub is progressing steadily. More than 10 international insurers have already established operations, and several others are in the pipeline. This development aims to reduce India’s dependence on overseas reinsurance markets and position the country as a major player in global fin

RBI’s Repo Rate

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%, marking a cumulative cut of 125 basis points in 2025. The RBI described the current macroeconomic situation as a “Goldilocks phase”, characterised by low inflation and strong GDP growth. What is the ‘Goldilocks Phase’ in an Economy? A Goldilock

Masala Bonds

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued show-cause notices to senior political leaders in Kerala for the alleged violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directions in connection with the issuance of Masala Bonds. This has brought renewed attention to the regulatory framework governing these instruments. What are Masala Bonds? Masala Bon

Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)

Recently, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), organised a “Niveshak Shivir” in Jaipur, aimed at enhancing investor awareness and financial literacy. About Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) was established in

Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)

Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch ‘Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT)’ as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT). This development is aimed at mobilising long-term capital for national highway infrastructure development. What is an Infrastructure Invest

Open Market Operations (OMO)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently announced that it will conduct Open Market Operation (OMO) purchases of government securities worth ₹1 trillion. In addition, the RBI will undertake a three-year dollar–rupee buy/sell swap of $5 billion. These measures are aimed at injecting durable liquidity into the financial system and supporting orderly financial market conditions. Wh

Masala Bonds

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices to the Kerala Chief Minister in connection with the KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) Masala Bond investigation. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the LDF state government and central agencies over Kerala’s state financing model. About Masala Bonds Definition:

Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) Report

The latest Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) Report has stated that India is progressing steadily toward its vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047. The report highlights the increasing resilience and inclusiveness of India’s financial system. About the Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) Report The Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) Report is published by the World Bank. I

State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) 2025

The Ministry of Mines has recently released the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI), a tool designed to assess and benchmark the performance of Indian states in the mining sector. The index aims to foster healthy competition among states, accelerate the pace of mining reforms, and promote sustainable resource management. The SMRI 2025 evaluates states based on key parameters related to auction

National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has recently announced the 35th National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025, inviting applications to recognize and honor outstanding contributions in energy efficiency and conservation across various sectors in India. About the National Energy Conservation Awards The National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) is one of the most prestigious natio

First Cooperative Multi-Feed Compressed Biogas (CBG)

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation recently inaugurated India’s first cooperative multi-feed CBG plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra Key Highlights of the CBG Plant Daily Production: The plant is set to produce 12 tons of Compressed Biogas (CBG) daily, along with 75 tons of potash derived from jaggery/molasses. This will contribute to reducing India's import of p

Naying Hydroelectric Project

The Naying Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh is a proposed 1,000 MW hydropower initiative on the Siyom (Yomgo) River, which has recently been in the news due to the upcoming environmental public hearing scheduled for November 12. About the Naying Hydroelectric Project: Location: The Naying Hydroelectric Project is planned on the Siyom River (also called Yomgo River) in

Payments Regulatory Board

The establishment of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) marks a significant step in strengthening the governance and oversight of India’s payment systems. Composition of the PRB: Chair: The RBI Governor will chair the PRB, which aligns with the central role the RBI plays in regulating and supervising the country’s payment systems.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board

The recent move by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to invite stakeholder and consumer comments on an LPG interoperability framework is an innovative step in improving the convenience and accessibility of LPG refills for consumers. If implemented, this framework would allow households to draw LPG refills from distributors of other PSU oil companies, much like the concept

Hydroelectric Project

The Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project has been a subject of intense debate and protest, especially following recent demonstrations in Daporijo, Arunachal Pradesh. Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project: Project Overview: Location: The project is planned on the Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh, which is part of the Brahmaputra River Basin. Installed Capacity: The

Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS)

The Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) has been launched by the Union Finance Minister at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). About Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) What is the FCSS? The Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) aims to facilitate foreign currency transactions between IFSC Banking U

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)

Recently, the Chief Justice of India praised the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) for its significant contribution to the justice delivery system, especially marking its 84th anniversary. About the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) is a quasi-judicial institution established in 1941. It is specialized in handling appeals related to direct

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

Recently, as part of its ongoing pan-India initiative "Operation Weed Out", the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully seized 39.2 kg of hydroponic weed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. This operation reflects the agency's continued efforts in curbing drug trafficking and smuggling activities across the country. About Directorate

NPCI Extends Market Cap Deadline for UPI Apps

NPCI Extends Market Cap Deadline for UPI Apps Why in News? The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has extended the deadline for Third-Party App Providers (TPAPs) to comply with the 30% transaction cap on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction volumes until 31st December 2026. Key Points: Impact on Major UPI Players: This extension impacts major TPAPs like PhonePe

Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE)

Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) The Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) has been set up to streamline and expedite the process of company closures in India. The initiative aims to significantly reduce the time required for the voluntary winding-up of companies, bringing the process down to 70-90 days. Key Objectives and Functions Accel

Forex reserves

Context: Recently, Forex reserves jumped $2.816 billion to $606.859 billion. About forex reserves Foreign Exchange Reserves refer to assets kept in reserve by a central bank, comprising foreign currencies such as bonds, treasury bills, and government securities. These reserves, expressed in the US dollar, the international standard, are managed by the RBI, serving as the cust

India's stock market

India overtakes Hong Kong to become 4th-largest stock market recently. India's stock market capitalization crossed USD 4 trillion for the first time, with about half of that reportedly coming in the past 4 years. The top 3 stock markets are the U.S., China, and Japan.

Post Payments Bank

Context: India Post Payments Bank enter into MoU with Hindustan Zinc to offer financial inclusion services to its CSR beneficiaries. Significance of the MOU: The collaboration will ensure in creating a lasting impact on the lives of community beneficiaries around Hindustan Zinc’s operational areas.  The key services provided by the IPPB will ensure Financial Inclusion and ens

‘Swayam Siddha’

Swayam Siddha is a financial product from the State Bank of India (SBI) that provides loans to women entrepreneurs from Self Help Groups (SHGs). The loans can be up to 5 lakh rupees.

Internet cable project in Lakshadweep

Context: recently Kochi–Lakshadweep submarine optical fibre cable project was inaugurated , implemented at a cost of ₹1,072 crore, which will connect the islands to high-speed internet for the first time, after years of relying on limited satellite bandwidth. About the project: Objective   The KLI project involves extending submarine cable connectivity from Kochi to eleve

Gulf of Aden

Context: The Indian Navy has deployed ships and aircraft to maintain enhanced surveillance and maritime security operations in the North/Central Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden.  News: The Navy is actively observing the situation in collaboration with national maritime agencies and is dedicated to guaranteeing the well-being of merchant shipping and seafarers in the area. Cu

MSMEs in India

A recent report of CBRE-CREDAI says that Maharastra, TamilNadu and Uttar Pradesh (top 3 States) contribute 40% of registered MSMEs in India. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are known by the acronym MSME.

Investment bankers

An investment banker is an individual who often works as part of a financial institution and is primarily concerned with raising capital for corporations, governments, or other entities. Examples of investment banker employers - Goldman Sachs (GS), Morgan Stanley (MS), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAC), and Deutsche Bank (DB).

Small finance bank

Context: Recently, Small finance bank (SFB) campaigns were launched.The initiative aims to showcase the achievements of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in terms of their business models to various stakeholders. About Small Finance Bank (SFB): Small Finance Banks are financial institutions dedicated to providing financial services in regions that are underserved and unbanked. They are i

Show Cause Notice by Financial Intelligence Unit

Context: India’s Financial Intelligence Unit has issued show-cause notices to nine offshore crypto-currency operators, including Binance, for not complying with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). News: Show Cause Notices for compliance have been sent to nine offshore Virtual Digital Assets Service Providers (VDA SPs) under Section 13 o

Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)

Context: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued its list of Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs). News: In the recent update by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), both the State Bank of India (SBI) and HDFC Bank have been reclassified to higher tiers, while ICICI Bank maintains its existing categorization from the previous year The revised classifications pla

North India's 1st Biotech Industrial Park

North India’s 1st industrial biotech park inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua recently. Biotech Parks offer facilities to scientists and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for technology incubation, demonstration, and pilot plant studies. The parks are established to facilitate product advancement and innovation through the development of biot

Sanjauli-Dhalli Tunnel

Context: Recently, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated the newly-constructed Sanjauli-Dhalli tunnel. About  Sanjauli-Dhalli Tunnel: Description: A double-lane tunnel spanning approximately 150 meters, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 47 crore. Existing Dhalli Tunnel: Originally built in 1852 as a single-lane passage, the older Dhalli tunnel had exceed

Mountain Green Cover Index (MGCI)

Recently National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a 3-year MoU with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to develop & report a Green Cover Index for National highways. MGCI is a metric that measures the amount of green vegetation in mountain areas (forest, shrubs, trees, pasture land, crop land, etc.) in order to monitor progress towards the mountain targe

Zero coupon zero principle

Context: Capital markets regulator Sebi on Thursday came out with a procedure for public issuance of 'zero coupon zero principle' instruments by not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) and listing of such instruments on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE). News: Instruments issued in dematerialized form are non-transferable. The minimum issue size for such instruments is set a

South Coast Railway Zone

The South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone is India's 18th railway zone, and its headquarters are in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It was announced in 2019 and still not started yet.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA)

RGIA in Hyderabad was ranked 2nd among the top 20 global airports with the highest On-Time Performance (OTP), according to Cirium’s annual report released recently. On-time performance (OTP) is a measure of how punctual an airline's flights are compared to their scheduled times. A flight is considered on-time if it arrives or departs within 15 minutes of its sche

Inoperative account by RBI

A savings or current account is treated as inoperative, if there are no ‘customer induced transactions’ in the account for a period of over 2 years. A customer induced transaction can be a financial transaction initiated by or done at the Behest of the account holder by the bank or third party, or A non-financial transaction, or A KYC (know your

Nation’s first interstate multi-modal transport hub coming up near Delhi airport

CONTEXT: The proposed hub located near the GMR Aerocity will provide connectivity through an Interstate Bus Terminus, Delhi Metro, the proposed Passenger Transport Centre, and proposed Rapid Rail Transit System station. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) plans to develop India's first multi-modal interstate transport hub near Aerocity, focusing on integrating bus, metro, and air

DOUBLE TAXATION AVOIDANCE AGREEMENTS (DTAAS)

It is a mutually consented upon agreement between two countries on the taxability of specified incomes which both countries claim to have the right to levy tax on. Most countries have DTAAs to overcome the issue of double taxation arising due to cross border incomes. It is also aimed to promote international trade and amplify economic relations.  DTAAs ensures that the same income is

Global hunger Index

Global hunger Index       India has been ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2023. The index is published on an annual basis by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. India has a score of 28.7, indicating a serious level of hunger, ranking after neighbouring countries of Pakistan (102nd), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal (69th) and Sri Lan

Open Market Operations (OMO)

Open Market Operations (OMO)     It refers to the purchase and sale of securities (treasury bills and government securities) in open market by the central bank of any country. This is done to regulate money supply in the economy. OMO is one of the most important ways of monetary control that is exercised by the central banks.  The central bank sells securit

India Steel

India Steel     Indian steel companies plan to raise prices of various grades of the alloy due to rising import costs of coking coal.  Australia accounts for over 50% of its coking coal imports of around 55-60 million metric tonne a year. India also meets its coking coal requirements by importing from Russia and the United States. India su

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) IRDAI cuts minimum capital requirement for foreign reinsurance branches from Rs 100 crore to Rs 50 crores with the provision to repatriate any excess assigned capital. The move is intended to Increase the overall capacity of the reinsurance sector to accommodate growing demand and manage larger risks. broader goa

National Investment Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)

National Investment Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)     The NIIF was launched in 2015 as India’s first state-backed fund. JBIC will contribute 51 per cent of that figure and the rest will be contributed by India. for enhancing infrastructure financing by investing in greenfield (new), brownfield (existing) and stalled projects. The fund was set up as Category II

Purchasing Manager’s Index

Purchasing Manager’s Index   It is an index that reflects the prevailing direction of economic trends in the manufacturing and service sectors. It has a diffusion index that summarizes whether market conditions are expanding, staying the same, or contracting as viewed by purchasing managers. It is a monthly survey released by the Institute for Supply Manag

Short Selling

Short Selling     The Enforcement Directorate’s preliminary investigation has concluded that the “top beneficiaries” of short selling in shares of Adani Group companies, post release of the Hindenburg Research report and the subsequent market crash, are based in tax havens. Short sellers are investors who believe and bet that sh

Sugar industry in ethanol sourcing

Sugar industry in ethanol sourcing The Niti Aayog envisages requirement of 1,400 crore litres of ethanol to achieve 20% blending by 2025-2026.  Nearly 550 crore litres of ethanol have been produced and 450 crore litres of it came from the sugar industry and the remaining from maize and damaged grain, in 2022. Molasses, a byproduct of sugar processing, are currently being used for bi

Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)

It is an international financial institution established by two or more countries for the purpose of encouraging economic development in poorer nations. It consists of member nations from both developed and developing countries. It intends to provide loans and grants to member nations to fund projects to support social and economic development in the areas of infrastructu

National Deep Tech Startup Policy

A.  Aims to bolster the growth of Startup ecosystem through optimal policy interventions access to funding strengthening Intellectual Property Regime (IPR) Sustaining Deep tech startups. Enabling shared infrastructure and resource sharing. B. The draft outlines four key pillars Securing India’s economic future. Knowledge-driven economy bolstering national c

Engel's law

Engel's law It states that, as income increases, the proportion of income spent on food decreases, even if absolute expenditure on food rises. As the economy grows with increases income in the hands of the people, this trend can be witnessed. This formed the basis for reduction in weightage of food in the CPI basket from 60.9 (1960) to 46.2 (2001).

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