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Subject: Economics

  • Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

    Why in the News?

    The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has begun the wet commissioning of the first 250 MW unit of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP), India’s largest hydropower installation.

    About Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP):

    • Overview: A run-of-the-river hydroelectric project located on the Subansiri River at Gerukamukh, straddling Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the Lower Subansiri district.
    • Developer: Implemented by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited, India’s leading central public-sector hydropower enterprise.
    • Installed Capacity: 2,000 MW (8×250 MW), the largest hydroelectric project in India upon completion.
    • Dam Structure: A concrete gravity dam, 116 m high from riverbed (130 m from foundation) and 284 m long, built to withstand high flood discharge and seismic activity of the Eastern Himalayas.
    • Reservoir & Components: Features a 34.5 km reservoir, five diversion tunnels, eight spillways, and a surface powerhouse on the right bank.
    • Power Output & Benefits: Expected to generate 7,500 MUs annually (90% dependable year), contributing to clean power supply, flood moderation, irrigation, and drinking water for downstream Assam.
    • Timeline: Construction began 2005, stalled 2011 due to environmental protests, resumed October 2019 after NGT clearance and PMO intervention.
    • Recent Milestone: In October 2025, NHPC began wet commissioning of the first 250 MW unit, marking the project’s operational phase.

    Back2Basics: Subansiri River

    • Overview: Arises in the Tibetan Himalayas, flows southeast through Miri Hills (Arunachal Pradesh), entering Assam, and joins the Brahmaputra at Lakhimpur.
    • Tributary Importance: Largest right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra, contributing ~7.9% of total river flow.
    • Catchment Area: Covers 32,640 sq. km, combining steep Himalayan terrain and fertile plains.
    • Local Name: Known as the “Gold River” due to historic alluvial gold traces in its sands.
    • Ecological Significance: Supports endemic fish species, riparian forests, and floodplain livelihoods across Dhemaji and Lakhimpur.
    • Strategic Relevance: Its high gradient and perennial discharge make it ideal for renewable hydropower, central to Northeast India’s energy security.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following? Options: (a) Irrigation of terraced crop fields

    (b) Lift irrigation of cereal crops

    (c) Long duration energy storage*

    (d) Rainwater harvesting system

     

  • The mirage of port led development in Great Nicobar

    Introduction

    The proposal for a mega port at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar is being presented as a milestone in India’s maritime rise, intended to transform the country into a regional logistics hub comparable to Colombo or Singapore. Yet, experts argue that this vision rests on flawed economic assumptions, geographical isolation, and logistical weaknesses. The project’s viability is in question, as it lacks the organic trade ecosystem necessary for sustainable growth.

    Why in the News?

    The Great Nicobar port project has been in focus due to its scale, ₹75,000 crore investment aimed at creating a massive transshipment hub with long-term geopolitical and economic significance. It’s projected as India’s entry into the global maritime league. However, this marks a sharp contrast with earlier models of port development that grew around organic trade clusters and industrial hinterlands, not in remote ecological zones. The controversy centers on economic overestimation and environmental underestimation, making it one of the most debated infrastructure projects in recent years.

    Is the economic rationale of the port sound?

    1. Flawed Assumptions: The project assumes India can capture transshipment traffic from Colombo and Singapore, but transshipment thrives on connectivity, carrier loyalty, and trade density, none of which currently exist at Nicobar.
    2. Absence of Hinterland: Unlike Colombo, which is connected to industrial networks, Nicobar lacks any comparable economic base, making port sustenance difficult.
    3. Dependence on Subsidies: Without a strong domestic trade ecosystem, the port would require massive subsidies to remain operational, contradicting long-term economic logic.

    Why geography makes the project inherently difficult?

    1. Remoteness: Great Nicobar is 1,200 km from mainland India, severely limiting cost-effective logistics.
    2. Lack of Connectivity: Poor access to support industries, dry ports, and container parks increases shipping costs and delays.
    3. Comparative Disadvantage: Other regional ports (Colombo, Singapore, Klang) already have integrated logistics and deep-water infrastructure, leaving Nicobar at a permanent disadvantage.

    Does strategic utility justify economic risk?

    1. Strategic Overreach: Supporters link the project to India’s naval presence and eastern maritime security, yet this rationale is weak for a commercial port.
    2. No Clear Defence Objective: India’s navy already operates from INS Baaz, and duplicating facilities under civilian guise increases financial and administrative strain.
    3. Limited Security Value: The port adds little to India’s surveillance or deterrence posture compared to existing assets in the Andaman and Nicobar Command.

    How logistics and trade realities contradict projections

    1. Trade Patterns: Global shipping lines are deeply entrenched in established networks like Colombo and Singapore, where carrier commitments drive decisions.
    2. Operational Constraints: Indian ports, even major ones, struggle with high port-calling and handling costs, illustrated by Krishnapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh), which still depends on government facilitation.
    3. Organic Hubs vs. Engineered Hubs: Great Nicobar, unlike Vizhinjam (Kerala) or Vadhavan (Maharashtra), lacks a supportive industrial corridor to sustain container flow.

    Is there a precedent for success or failure?

    1. Colombo’s Model: Success based on decades of carrier relationships, industrial integration, and trust-based trade routes.
    2. Indian Experience: Vizhinjam shows progress but is still dominated by a single operator (MSC), revealing dependency rather than competitiveness.
    3. Lesson Learned: Without reciprocal liner relationships or industrial hinterland, a port remains a mirage of connectivity.

    Conclusion

    The Great Nicobar port embodies ambition divorced from ground realities. With limited economic viability, high environmental cost, and questionable strategic logic, it represents a misplaced vision of growth. Port-led development must emerge from organic trade evolution, not state-engineered projects in ecologically fragile zones. The focus should shift toward strengthening existing ports, coastal shipping, and integrated logistics, ensuring India’s maritime rise is both sustainable and strategic.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2021] Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India’s experience.

    Linkage: It directly aligns with The Mirage of Port-Led Development in Great Nicobar article. Both examine how infrastructure-led growth can be unsustainable without economic and logistical foundations. The Nicobar port exemplifies the limits of infrastructure expansion without inclusive or organic economic linkages.

  • RBI draft norms on Capital Market Exposure (CME)

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India released draft “Capital Market Exposure Directions, 2025” to overhaul rules on banks’ exposure to capital markets.

    What is Capital Market Exposure (CME)?

    It simply means how much a bank is involved in the stock market and related financial activities.

    When banks deal with the capital market, they can do this in two main ways:

    1. Direct Exposure: When the bank itself invests in shares, bonds, or mutual funds, just like an investor would. Example: if a bank buys shares of a company or invests in government bonds, that’s direct exposure.
    2. Indirect Exposure: When the bank gives loans linked to the stock market, for example, lending money to stockbrokers, mutual funds, or investors who want to buy shares.

    Because the stock market goes up and down, these activities are riskier than normal banking (like giving home or business loans). So, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) keeps a close watch and sets limits on how much banks can invest or lend in the capital market.

    About Draft Norms on Capital Market Exposure, 2025:

    • Objective: To modernise, unify, and simplify rules on banks’ capital-market lending and investment exposures.
    • Expanded Scope: Permits acquisition-finance lending for corporates and higher credit limits for individuals participating in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Follow-on Public Offerings (FPOs), and Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs).

    Key Features of the Draft CME Norms:

    • Exposure Limits:
      • Direct exposure (investments + acquisition finance) capped at 20 percent of Tier-1 capital on solo and consolidated bases.
      • Aggregate exposure (direct + indirect) capped at 40 percent of consolidated Tier-1 capital.
    • Acquisition Finance:
      • Banks may finance up to 70 percent of acquisition cost, with borrowers contributing 30 percent equity from own funds.
      • Permitted only for listed companies with sound financials and independent valuations compliant with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) norms.
      • Aggregate acquisition-finance exposure limited to 10 percent of Tier-1 capital; not allowed for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), or related parties.
    • Individual Market-Participation Loans:
      • Maximum loan per individual increased to ₹ 25 lakh; up to 75 percent of subscription value may be financed with a 25 percent margin.
      • Shares allotted under IPOs, FPOs, or ESOPs must be pledged and lien-marked to the lending bank.
    • Loans Against Securities:
      • Capped at ₹ 1 crore per individual for eligible securities (government securities, mutual-fund units, listed shares, or high-rated corporate debt).
      • Banks must maintain prudent LTV ratios and adopt internal risk-control systems for valuation and monitoring.

    Need for Such Norms:

    • Modernisation: Replaces fragmented rules with a unified prudential framework.
    • Corporate Expansion: Enables M&A financing, supporting Indian firms’ global competitiveness.
    • Retail Participation: Encourages individual investment and deepens equity-market access.
    • Risk Containment: Exposure caps and buffers ensure stability and discipline in bank lending.
    • Global Alignment: Harmonises with Basel III and international acquisition-finance standards.
    • Economic Impact: Enhances financial depth, liquidity, and investment-led growth in capital markets.
    [UPSC 2023] Which one of the following activities of the Reserve Bank of India is considered to be part of ‘sterilisation?

    Options: (a) Conducting ‘Open Market Operations’ *

    (b) Oversight of settlement and payment systems

    (c) Debt and cash management for the Central and State Governments

    (d) Regulating the functions of Non-banking Financial Institutions

     

  • Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) India Scheme 

    Why in the News?

    India’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme was commended by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for significantly enhancing MSME participation in global trade.

    What is AEO India Scheme?

    • Overview: It is a voluntary certification programme launched by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in 2011 to promote secure and efficient cross-border trade.
    • Objective: Identifies and accredits trusted traders demonstrating high customs compliance and supply chain security, offering trade facilitation benefits.
    • Evolution: Began as a pilot in 2011, revised in 2016 to merge with the Accredited Client Programme (ACP), aligning with the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards.
    • Certification Tiers: Consists of AEO-T1, AEO-T2, AEO-T3, and AEO-LO (Logistics Operator) each offering progressively higher benefits based on compliance, solvency, and security.
    • Key Benefits: Provides faster customs clearances, deferred duty payments, direct port delivery, reduced inspections, priority adjudication, and dedicated client managers.

    About WCO AEO Framework:

    • Origin: Established by the World Customs Organization (WCO) under the SAFE Framework of Standards (2005) to enhance trade security and customs modernisation.
    • Core Aim: Ensures secure, legitimate trade through collaboration between Customs authorities and private traders.
    • Three Pillars:
      • Customs-to-Customs cooperation for border coordination.
      • Customs-to-Business partnership via AEO certification.
      • Customs-to-Other Agencies collaboration for integrated control.
    • AEO Concept: Certifies compliant entities as trusted operators, granting simplified and expedited procedures.
    • Benefits: Enables faster clearances, mutual recognition between countries, enhanced risk management, and lower transaction costs.
    • Global Adoption: Over 90 countries have operational AEO programmes with Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) ensuring standardisation.
    • India’s Alignment: India’s AEO model is fully harmonised with the WCO SAFE Framework, ranking among the most comprehensive customs–business partnership systems in the developing world.

  • The Tailwinds from Lower Global Oil Prices

    Why in the News

    Global oil prices have fallen by nearly 16% since the beginning of the year, with Brent crude now around $61 per barrel. This decline comes despite geopolitical disruptions such as Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian energy assets and ongoing U.S.–China tariff frictions.
    The fall signals a major shift in global oil dynamics, driven by technological advances, demand stagnation in OECD economies, and a surge in production from both OPEC+ and non-OPEC countries. For India, this could translate into substantial fiscal gains and macroeconomic stability, but the relief may be short-lived given the cyclical volatility of the oil market.

    Introduction

    Crude oil remains the world’s most traded and influential commodity, impacting not just transportation and industry but also fiscal and foreign policy. With over 100 million barrels produced daily, the oil market’s direction affects the global economy’s heartbeat.
    In recent months, a fascinating shift has occurred — a supply-driven decline in prices, contradicting traditional geopolitical expectations. For India, this moment offers both an opportunity for economic strengthening and a reminder of the need for strategic resilience in energy planning.

    Shifting Dynamics in the Global Oil Market

    What is Driving the Decline in Global Oil Prices?

    1. Technological disruptions: Innovations like shale extraction, horizontal drilling, and deep-sea exploration have boosted supply, lowering dependency on traditional producers.
    2. Stagnant demand in OECD economies: Due to slow post-COVID recovery, climate action, and EV adoption, demand growth has flattened.
    3. Emerging market growth plateau: Even China’s demand is tapering, with electric vehicles forming 50% of all new car sales.
    4. Supply overhang — Global production rose by 5.6 mbpd, outpacing demand growth of 1.3 mbpd, creating a glut that pushed prices down.

    How Have Global Producers and Consumers Reacted?

    1. OPEC+ internal friction: Saudi Arabia wants to restore full production to regain market share, while Russia seeks gradual output increases amid sanctions.
    2. Consumer advantage: Many countries have used this moment to replenish strategic petroleum reserves, stabilizing short-term demand.
    3. Floating stockpiles: Over 100 million barrels of unsold crude remain on tankers at sea, an indicator of market saturation.

    What Are the Contradictory Forecasts from Key Agencies?

    1. OPEC’s projection: Expects a slight supply deficit by 2026 (~50,000 bpd short).
    2. IEA’s projection: Predicts an unprecedented oversupply of 4 mbpd, aligning with think-tank estimates of Brent falling to $50/barrel.
    3. Divergence significance: Reflects deep uncertainty and potential volatility, crucial for policy planners like India.

    What Is the Broader Economic Context Influencing Oil Prices?

    1. IMF’s World Economic Outlook (2025): Describes global economy as “in flux, prospects remain dim.”
    2. Global growth slowdown: Projected at 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, with trade expansion slowing to 2.9%, down from 3.5% in 2024.
    3. Geopolitical wildcards: Any relaxation of sanctions on Russia, Iran, or Venezuela, or renewed West Asian tensions, could again disrupt supply-demand balance.

    What Does It Mean for India’s Economy?

    1. Import advantage: India’s oil import bill was $137 billion in 2024-25; every $1 decline in prices improves the current account deficit by $1.6 billion.
    2. Fiscal gains: Lower prices reduce subsidies and inflation, improving fiscal space and boosting public capital expenditure.
    3. Diplomatic breathing room: Reduced reliance on discounted Russian crude may ease U.S. trade frictions.
    4. Risk of remittance slowdown: A weaker West Asian economy may hit Indian remittances, exports, and investments.
    5. Cyclical caution: The oil market’s volatility means current relief could be short-lived, underscoring the need for energy diversification.

    Conclusion

    The decline in global oil prices provides India a strategic tailwind: strengthening fiscal health, reducing inflation, and supporting growth. Yet, this momentary advantage must not breed complacency. The future demands long-term energy resilience, investment in renewables, and strategic petroleum reserves. In an interconnected world, India must use this window to transition towards sustainable and self-reliant energy security before the next price cycle strikes.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2013] It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.

    Linkage: The 2013 question on India’s untapped shale reserves links to the article’s theme of global oversupply driven by the shale revolution; India’s limited shale development has kept it import-dependent, making lower global oil prices a temporary boon rather than true energy security.

  • Tapping the Shine: India must step in as a supplier of solar power to sustain its industry

    Why in the News

    India’s solar energy sector has achieved a historic milestone — generating 1,08,494 GWh in 2024–25, overtaking Japan and becoming the third-largest producer globally. This achievement mirrors India’s rapid growth in renewable capacity — solar module manufacturing expanded from 2 GW in 2014 to a projected 100 GW in 2025. However, beneath this success lies a dilemma: despite its potential, Indian-made solar modules are 1.5–2 times costlier than Chinese ones, and without robust export markets, the new manufacturing capacity may struggle. Hence, India’s push to emerge as a solar supplier to Africa under the International Solar Alliance represents not just climate diplomacy but a crucial economic strategy.

    Introduction

    India’s solar revolution is a remarkable blend of climate responsibility, industrial policy, and global ambition. The cost of solar power fell below coal in 2017 — a landmark that catalyzed private and public investment alike. Yet, with China’s dominance in module exports and India’s limited domestic absorption, the future of India’s solar manufacturing depends on securing new markets and deepening its international role as a sustainable energy leader.

    India’s Solar Power Success Story

    1. Massive Growth: India’s solar generation reached 1,08,494 GWh in 2024–25, overtaking Japan (96,459 GWh).
    2. Manufacturing Leap: Module manufacturing capacity expanded from 2 GW (2014) to 100 GW (2025 projection), a fiftyfold jump.
    3. Installed Capacity: India’s current installed solar capacity stands at 117 GW (as of September 2025).
    4. Comparative Rise: India now ranks 3rd globally, behind only China and the US, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA).

    What are India’s Solar Targets for 2030?

    1. Climate Commitments: India aims to source 50% of its power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
    2. Solar Share: Around 250–280 GW of this will come from solar energy.
    3. Annual Addition Needed: India must add 30 GW/year until 2030, but has managed 17–23 GW/year in recent years.
    4. Challenge: This gap reflects issues in scaling production, costs, and grid integration.

    Why is Indian Solar Manufacturing Still Costlier?

    1. Higher Costs: Indian modules are 1.5–2x costlier than Chinese ones.
    2. Reasons:
      • China’s control over raw materials and solar supply chains.
      • Superior production lines and economies of scale.
      • India’s fragmented ecosystem and dependency on imported inputs.
    3. Export Comparison:
      • India exported 4 GW of modules to the US in 2024 (a temporary gain due to US restrictions on China).
      • China exported 236 GW the same year, a staggering 59x lead.

    How Can India Sustain Its Solar Manufacturing Boom?

    1. Need for New Markets: Without external demand, India’s large new capacity may remain underutilized.
    2. Africa as Opportunity:
      • Africa uses only 4% of its arable land for irrigation due to lack of rural power.
      • India can leverage this gap with solar-powered pumpsets, modeled on its PM Kusum Scheme.
    3. Diplomatic Leverage: India can push its solar expertise through the International Solar Alliance (ISA), showcasing schemes like PM Surya Ghar (urban rooftop) and PM Kusum (rural solar).
    4. Strategic Goal: To become a credible second supplier after China in emerging markets like Africa.

    Domestic Solar Initiatives as Models for Export

    1. PM Kusum Scheme: Promotes solar irrigation pumps for farmers, ideal for replication in Africa’s rural power-deficient regions.
    2. PM Surya Ghar Scheme: Encourages rooftop solar adoption in urban India, demonstrating scalable, decentralized power solutions.
    3. Outcome So Far: Adoption is moderate, but the models offer policy templates for developing nations.

    Conclusion

    India’s solar journey is a story of ambition and transition, from an energy importer to a renewable exporter. Yet, sustaining this momentum requires vision beyond borders. Becoming a solar supplier to Africa can ensure India’s manufacturing viability, strengthen climate diplomacy, and cement its place in the global green order. As the world tilts toward decarbonization, India’s light must not just illuminate its homes, but the developing world.

  • What is Rangarajan Poverty Line?

    Why in the News?

    After the C. Rangarajan Committee (2014) set India’s last official poverty line, economists from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have now revisited and updated the estimates using new household consumption data from Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022–23.

    Evolution of Poverty Measurement in India:

    1. Planning Commission (1962): ₹20 (rural) and ₹25 (urban) per month; excluded health and education.
    2. Dandekar & Rath Committee (1971): Calorie-based standard (2250 kcal/day).
    3. Y. K. Alagh Committee (1979): Calorie-linked poverty line (2400 kcal rural; 2100 kcal urban).
    4. Lakdawala Committee (1993): Introduced state-specific and composite consumption baskets.
    5. Tendulkar Committee (2009): Uniform basket for rural/urban; ₹816 rural and ₹1000 urban (2011–12); shifted from calorie to expenditure-based poverty.

    About C. Rangarajan Committee on Poverty Estimation:

    • Objective: To evolve a broader and realistic poverty metric incorporating food, health, education, clothing, and shelter costs, beyond calorie-based norms.
    • Overview: Formed by the Planning Commission in 2012, chaired by Dr. C. Rangarajan, former RBI Governor, to review India’s poverty measurement methodology.
    • Report Submission: Submitted in June 2014; became a major benchmark in the debate on India’s official poverty line and methodological framework.
    • Definition of Poverty: Based on Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE) ₹972 (rural) and ₹1,407 (urban) at 2011–12 prices, equating to ₹32/day (rural) and ₹47/day (urban).
    • Data & Methodology: Used Modified Mixed Reference Period (MMRP) consumption data with separate rural–urban baskets, adjusting for state-wise price differentials.
    • Poverty Estimate (2011–12): Found 29.5% of India’s population below the poverty line.
    • Key Revision over Tendulkar: Expanded consumption basket to include education, healthcare, rent, transport, and other essentials; replaced calorie-based with expenditure-based cost-of-living approach.

    RBI 2025 Update (DEPR Study):

    • Source & Method: Conducted by RBI’s Department of Economic & Policy Research (DEPR) using HCES 2022–23 data for 20 states; retained Rangarajan framework.
    • New Price Index: Created a Poverty Line Basket (PLB) index instead of CPI reflecting actual consumption inflation more accurately.
    • PLB Composition: Rural PLB had 57% food share (vs 54% in CPI); Urban PLB had 47% (vs 36% in CPI).
    • Key Findings:
      • Rural Odisha poverty fell from 47.8% → 8.6%; Urban Bihar from 50.8% → 9.1%.
      • Lowest Poverty: Himachal Pradesh (0.4% rural), Tamil Nadu (1.9% urban).
      • Highest Poverty: Chhattisgarh (25.1% rural; 13.3% urban).
    • Significance: Confirms broad-based poverty decline yet highlights regional disparities; renews calls for a new official poverty line reflecting modern consumption trends.
    [UPSC 2019] In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because
    Options: (a) poverty rates vary from State to State
    (b) price levels vary from State to State *
    (c) Gross State Product varies from State to State
    (d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State

     

  • RBI’s Gold Reserve exceeds $100 billion

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that India’s gold reserves surpassed $100 billion for the first time in history, reaching $102.365 billion in the week ending October 10, 2025.

    India’s Gold Reserves and Composition (2025):

    • Total Holdings: As of March 31, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held approximately 879.58 metric tonnes of gold.
    • Valuation Milestone: In October 2025, the value of India’s gold reserves crossed USD 100 billion, reaching about USD 102.36 billion, the highest in history.
    • Forex Share: Gold’s share in India’s total foreign exchange reserves rose to 14.7 %, the highest since 1996–97, driven by valuation gains and steady accumulation.
    • Yearly Rise: Early in 2025, gold comprised 12.5 % of reserves, indicating a sharp increase through the year amid global market volatility.
    • Repatriation Move: During FY 2024–25, the RBI repatriated 100.32 tonnes of gold from overseas vaults to India, expanding domestic holdings.

    Distribution of Gold Holdings (March 2025):

    • Domestic Holdings: About 200 metric tonnes held within India.
    • Overseas Holdings: Around 367 metric tonnes stored abroad.
    • Deposits with Foreign Institutions: Approximately 19 metric tonnes.
    • Trend Evolution: Gold share in reserves rose from 5.9 % (2021) to 11.7 % (2025) due to strategic diversification and valuation gains.

    What are Gold Reserves?

    • A gold reserve is the gold held by a country’s central bank, acting as a backup for financial promises and a store of value.
    • India, like other nations, stores some of its gold reserves in foreign vaults to spread out risk and facilitate international trading.
    • India’s Gold Reserves:
      • As of the end of March 2024, the RBI held 822.10 tonnes of gold, with 408.31 tonnes stored domestically.
      • The share of gold in the total forex of India is around 7-8% as of 2023.

    Where does the RBI store its gold?

    • India’s gold reserves are primarily stored in the Bank of England, which is known for its stringent security protocols.
    • The RBI also stores a portion of its gold reserves at the:
      1. Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland, and the
      2. Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the United States.
    During India’s foreign exchange crisis in 1990-91, the country pledged some of its gold reserves to the Bank of England to secure a $405 million loan, according to reports.

    Even though the loan was paid back by November 1991, India decided to keep the gold in the UK for convenience.

    Why does the RBI store its gold in foreign banks?

    • Convenience: Storing gold overseas makes it easier for India to trade, engage in swaps and earn returns.
    • Averting Risks: There are risks involved, especially during times of geopolitical tensions and war.
      • The recent freezing of Russian assets by Western nations has raised worries about the safety of assets kept abroad and the RBI decision to shift a portion of the gold reserve to India could be prompted by these concerns.
    • Stable Prices: Unlike fiat currencies, which can be subject to inflation or devaluation due to various economic factors, the value of gold tends to be relatively stable over time, which makes it an attractive asset for central banks to hold as a reserve.

    Benefits Offered by Gold Reserves

    • Control domestic gold prices: With its big stash of gold, the RBI can help control local gold prices by using some of it in India. Last financial year, the RBI added about 27.47 tonnes of gold to the total reserve, bringing it to 794.63 tonnes.
    • Security buffer: The increased gold reserve works as a hedge against any financial crisis and to take measures to control inflation as well as currency devaluation.
    [UPSC 2015] The problem of international liquidity is related to the non-availability of:

    (a) Goods and services

    (b) Gold and silver

    (c) Dollars and other hard currencies *

    (d) Exportable surplus

     

  • [16th October 2025 ] The Hindu Op-ed: Navigating the global economic transformation

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2019] The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.

    Linkage: The question reflects India’s shift from moral leadership to strategic pragmatism in global affairs. The article builds on this, urging India to reclaim that leadership by shaping a fair, inclusive global economic order for the Global South.

    Mentor’s Comment

    The tectonic shifts in the world economy today echo the reshaping of global power equations. Salman Khurshid’s article presents a comprehensive analysis of how populist politics, state capitalism, and digital colonialism are reshaping the global economic order. This piece unpacks those arguments and situates them in a UPSC-relevant analytical frame, connecting them to India’s strategic choices and the future of the Global South.

    Introduction: Why in the News

    The world economy is undergoing a seismic transformation, marked by the U.S.–China great-power rivalry, reshaped trade flows, and the rise of state-driven capitalism. This shift is more than cyclical; it is structural, redefining the principles of globalisation itself. For the first time in decades, both economic and political systems are converging towards protectionism and state control, breaking away from the neoliberal consensus that defined the post–Cold War era. The article underscores how these disruptions open a rare opportunity for India and the Global South to shape a fairer and more inclusive global economic order.

    Understanding the New Economic Paradigms

    How are populist autocrats reshaping capitalism?

    1. State–capital fusion: Populist autocrats have created a “state-capital Gordian knot”, replacing laissez-faire capitalism with systems that serve oligopolies in exchange for political loyalty.
    2. Corporate dominance: Crony-capitalists now influence state policies, prioritising corporate gains over citizen welfare — mortgaging public assets and weakening the social contract.
    3. Socio-political consequences: This model centralises power, marginalises public accountability, and distorts market competitiveness — leading to plutocracies, not democracies.

    Why are traditional power politics resurfacing in the economic sphere?

    1. Resurgent statecraft: America’s recalibration to “Make America Great Again” marks a return of economic nationalism.
    2. Strategic control: U.S. actions — shifting Taiwan’s chip manufacturing, securing Panama routes, weaponising rare earths, and asserting dominance in the Arctic — reflect geo-economic containment of China.
    3. Ecological imperialism: By controlling supply chains and energy corridors, global powers are expanding influence under the guise of “strategic autonomy.”
    4. Global instability: These assertive spheres of influence have led to conflicts and genocides, reigniting the dangers of zero-sum geopolitics.

    How is digital colonialism reshaping global economies?

    1. Big Tech dominance: Cloud capitalists have captured value chains and data flows, influencing politics and governance.
    2. Digital imperialism: Initiatives like the AI Action Plan, Cloud Act, and SWIFT weaponisation allow powerful states to dominate financial and cyber infrastructure.
    3. Erosion of sovereignty: Over 100 central banks are piloting state-backed digital currencies, which could ease transactions but risk undermining national autonomy.
    4. Political risks: Digital finance systems complicate political funding, giving populist regimes more tools for manipulation.

    How have aid withdrawals widened global inequalities?

    1. Funding collapse: G-7 nations’ $44 billion cuts in developmental aid could push 5.7 million Africans into poverty by 2026.
    2. Ripple effects: In Nepal, reduced grants for small enterprises led to eight lakh migrations, intensifying domestic dissatisfaction.
    3. Humanitarian fallout: 16.7 million people lost access to the World Food Programme in 2023, sparking recruitment into militias across the Sahel region.
    4. Moral crisis: Retrenchment of aid reflects a shift from shared prosperity to self-preservation, amplifying instability in the Global South.

    What challenges and opportunities emerge for India and the Global South?

    1. Debt and inequality: Neoliberal globalisation fostered sovereign debt traps and extreme wealth concentration in the Global North.
    2. Poverty crisis: The World Bank’s 2022 Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report notes 47% of humanity lives below the $6.85 poverty line, while 735 million suffer hunger.
    3. Collaborative alternatives: India and the Global South can construct a New Economic Deal through debt-relief frameworks, institutional reforms, and South–South cooperation.
    4. Strategic vision: Building bipartisan international ties and fair trade alliances through BRICS and regional groupings will ensure resilience against Western hegemony.

    How must India recalibrate its domestic policies to lead globally?

    1. State leadership: The government must play a commanding role in strategic sectors — energy, data, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture — as done by East Asian economies.
    2. Anti-monopoly mechanisms: Creating sovereign wealth funds (like Norway) and enforcing anti-trust norms can prevent oligarchic dominance.
    3. Reimagining PSUs: Instead of privatisation, redeploying PSUs like China’s state-owned enterprises can serve national and geopolitical goals.
    4. Knowledge economy: Heavy investment in research, education, and innovation will secure India’s place as a globally competitive power.
    5. True non-alignment: India’s foreign policy must remain substantive, not performative — driven by consensus and independence rather than partisan interests.

    Conclusion

    The global economic transformation is not merely about trade or finance; it is about who controls the architecture of global interdependence. As old hierarchies fracture and new alignments emerge, India stands at a crossroads, between aligning with entrenched powers or leading a new era of equitable globalization. The coming decade will test whether the Global South can collectively author a future defined by justice, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The moment is precarious, but also profoundly promising.

  • The critical factor in India’s clean energy ambition

    Introduction

    India’s ambition to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070 depends not just on sunlight and wind but on minerals buried beneath the earth’s surface. Lithium, cobalt, and REEs form the backbone of technologies driving the clean energy revolution. However, India imports almost all of these minerals, exposing its renewable future to external shocks. The article explores how India is gearing up to build a resilient supply chain, promote domestic mining, and move toward a circular economy, turning its green dreams into a self-reliant reality.

    India’s Clean Energy Journey and the Mineral Imperative

    1. Critical minerals as enablers: They power EV batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines, the pillars of the green transition.
    2. Explosive market growth: India’s EV market is projected to grow at a 49% CAGR from 2023 to 2030, driven by the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024.
    3. Battery boom: The battery storage market, valued at $2.8 billion in 2023, is set to surge with renewable energy integration.
    4. Import dependency: India currently imports nearly 100% of lithium, cobalt, and nickel, and over 90% of REEs, creating severe strategic vulnerabilities.

    Why Dependence is Dangerous: Global Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

    1. China’s dominance: Controls 60% of global REE production and 85% of processing capacity, giving it massive leverage.
    2. Geopolitical risks: Trade restrictions, conflicts, and supply disruptions can derail India’s energy transition plans.
    3. National security angle: Critical minerals are not just about clean energy,  they are strategic assets influencing defence, technology, and economic sovereignty.

    India’s Domestic Potential: A Hidden Treasure Beneath the Soil

    1. New discoveries: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) identified 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium in Jammu & Kashmir in 2023, a major breakthrough.
    2. Policy push: The National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP), 2016, and amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2021, opened up exploration to private players.
    3. Auctions driving interest: In 2023 alone, 20 critical mineral blocks (lithium, graphite, REEs) were auctioned, attracting domestic and multinational bidders.
    4. Potential-rich states: Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan (lithium), Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh (REEs) have emerged as mineral hotspots.

    From Discovery to Refinement: The Missing Link

    1. Production bottleneck: India contributes less than 1% of global REE production due to weak refining and processing infrastructure.
    2. Need for partnerships: Public-private collaborations can bring in advanced processing technologies and recycling systems.
    3. Government incentives: Subsidies, tax breaks, and R&D grants are critical to scale domestic lithium and cobalt pilot projects.

    Investment and Policy Momentum: Building the Foundation

    1. Regulatory reforms: The Mines and Minerals (Amendment) Act, 2023 allows private exploration but the sector faces high costs and environmental concerns.
    2. Economic potential: Mining contributes only 2.5% to India’s GDP, compared to 13.6% in Australia — signalling untapped opportunity.
    3. National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM): With an outlay of ₹34,300 crore, it aims to strengthen the value chain — from exploration to recycling.

    Institutional efforts:

    1. NMDC diversifying through its Australian arm.
    2. IREL (India) Ltd. extracting REEs like neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium.
    3. KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd.), formed in 2019, tasked with overseas acquisitions of mineral assets.

    Moving Towards a Circular Economy

    1. E-waste as opportunity: India produces 4 million metric tonnes of e-waste annually, yet only 10% is formally recycled.
    2. Recycling policies: The Battery Waste Management Rules (2022) and E-Waste Management Rules (2022) aim to improve recovery of critical minerals.
    3. Challenges: Weak enforcement, poor infrastructure, and lack of awareness hinder progress.
    4. Way forward: Public-private recycling hubs can boost technology access, cut costs, and reduce environmental footprint, paving the way for a circular economy.

    Conclusion

    Critical minerals are the backbone of India’s clean energy transformation. Securing them is not just about green growth, but about economic independence and strategic security. India’s policy thrust through the National Critical Mineral Mission, domestic auctions, and recycling reforms signal intent, but execution remains key. A coherent strategy involving private investment, state backing, and global partnerships can ensure India does not just consume green technology, it creates it. The success of this mission will determine whether India emerges as a leader in the global clean energy race or remains dependent on others for its green dreams.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2022] Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective?

    Linkage: India’s ability to meet 50% of its energy needs from renewables by 2030 hinges on securing critical minerals like lithium and REEs that power solar, wind, and EV technologies. A shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables will accelerate domestic mining, recycling, and innovation—building the self-reliant green infrastructure essential for achieving this target.