General Studies Paper-3 Context: India has achieved a record of over 145 million tonnes of cargo movement on inland waterways in 2024-25. About The number of National Waterways increased from 5 to 111, with the operational length growing from 2,716 km (2014–15) to 4,894 km (2023–24). Massive infrastructure development includes Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Inter-Modal Terminals (IMTs), community jetties, floating terminals, and green tech like Hybrid Electric and Hydrogen Vessels. Future Prospects: India aims to increase IWT modal share from 2% to 5%, and raise traffic to 200+ MMT by 2030 and 500+ MMT by 2047 under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: According to the April 2025 edition of the IMF’s World Economic Outlook, India will remain the fastest growing major economy over the next two years. World Economic Outlook Report The World Economic Outlook (WEO) is the International Monetary Fund’s key report on global economic trends and policy challenges. Published twice a year it provides projections for the near and medium term, covering advanced, emerging, and developing economies. Key highlights India’s Growth outlook: India is projected to remain the fastest-growing large economy and is expected to grow by 6.2 percent in 2025 and 6.3 percent in 2026.....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: ISRO’s study using satellite data has estimated India’s total wheat production for the 2024-25 Rabi season at 122.724 million tonnes from eight major wheat-growing states. About the study It used the Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress (CROP) framework, which employs Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) datasets from EOS-04, EOS-06, and Resourcesat-2A to monitor wheat sowing and crop conditions in near real-time. CROP is a semi-automated, scalable framework, developed by NRSC/ISRO that enables the near real-time monitoring of crop sowing and harvesting during the Rabi season across India. As of March 31, 2025, the....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla outlined a comprehensive roadmap for achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. About India’s vision for 2047, known as ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), aims to transform the nation into a developed economy by the time it celebrates its 100th anniversary of its independence. The four pillars of Viksit Bharat are Yuva (Youth), Garib (Poor), Mahila (Women) and Kisan (Framers). It requires comprehensive efforts across various sectors, including economic growth, social equity, global competitiveness, environmental sustainability, industrial modernization and good governance. Major Highlights Economic Growth Trajectory: Growth rate....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: Recent developments indicate that the Indian government may be losing momentum in its disinvestment drive, raising concerns about its long-term economic implications. About the Disinvestment Strategy in India Disinvestment refers to the process through which the government sells or liquidates its ownership stake in public sector enterprises (PSEs). It aims at promoting efficiency, enhancing competitiveness, and generating non-tax revenue. In India, disinvestment began during the Economic Reforms of 1991, aimed to reduce the fiscal burden and bring in managerial efficiency. It is spearheaded by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance.....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Ltd and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) completed 10 years on April 8, 2025. About PM Mudra Yojana Mudra Vision: PMMY was initiated with the vision to ‘Fund the Unfunded’ – aiming to empower micro and small enterprises (MSEs) by facilitating access to collateral-free institutional credit of up to ₹10 lakh. The loans are disbursed through three products: Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000 for budding entrepreneurs. Kishore: Loans between ₹50,000 and ₹5 lakh for growing businesses. Tarun: Loans between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh for established enterprises. Target: Small....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: On 8 April 2025, India marked 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY). About the Scheme Launched: April 2015 Objective: To provide collateral-free institutional credit to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises. Tagline: Funding the Unfunded Implementation: Through MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency). Target: Small businesses in manufacturing, trading, processing, and services—a major employment segment after agriculture. Collateral-free credit up to ₹20 lakh is provided by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) i.e. Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs). Loan Categories under....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: India’s e-retail market is expected to triple to $170–$190 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) by 2030 driven by an expanding shopper base and innovative business models. India’s retail industry It is one of the fastest-growing globally and India is a key market for international retail giants, driven by its large middle class and untapped potential. The urban Indian consumer’s increasing purchasing power is fostering demand for branded goods across various categories. Drivers of Growth Favorable Demographics: India’s large, young population, rising middle class, urbanization, and changing lifestyles are major contributors to retail growth, supported by....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The Sagarmala Programme which was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Ports has revolutionized India’s maritime sector. About With a 7,500 km coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, and a strategic position on key global trade routes, India holds immense potential for port-led economic growth. The Sagarmala Programme is a key pillar of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV), driving India’s ambition to become a global leader in maritime affairs. Building on Maritime India Vision 2030, MAKV sets ambitious targets, including 4 million Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of shipbuilding capacity and 10 billion....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of inclusive development for all regions, including those affected by Maoist extremism in Chhattisgarh. About She stressed the need to balance modern development with environmental protection and the inclusion of all sections of society in the development process. Naxalism or Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is one of the major challenges to India’s internal security. Naxalites seek to overthrow the State through violent means. Naxal affected areas in India are known as the ‘Red Corridor’. The States of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Bihar are considered severely affected. She emphasized the....Read More