DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th August 2026

Environment & Ecology + World Geography – Marine Ecosystems

Why in News?

The Hallaniyat Islands, off Oman’s southern coast, are in the news after the tanker Caroline Bezengi ran aground near the protected marine zone and an extensive oil spill threatened the surrounding ecosystem. 

Key Facts

• Location: Off the Dhofar Governorate, southern Oman, in the Arabian Sea. 
• The archipelago consists of four main islands and forms an important marine and terrestrial biodiversity area. 
• The islands experience strong upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters, particularly during the Southwest Monsoon (May–September). 
• The region supports diverse marine life, including sea turtles, seabirds and cetaceans. 
• It is recognised as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), with 100% of the assessed KBA area under protected-area coverage. 
• Al Qibliyah Island lies within the Hallaniyat marine protected zone. 

Oil-Spill Linkage

The tanker grounding and subsequent crude-oil leakage pose risks to coral reefs, marine organisms, coastal habitats and fisheries. Satellite monitoring has been used to track the expanding slick. 

UPSC Angle

Map-based linkage: Oman → Arabian Sea → Dhofar → Hallaniyat Islands. Also connect upwelling → nutrient enrichment → high marine productivity → biodiversity.

Source:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/10/oman-trying-to-contain-extensive-oil-spill-from-stricken-tanker?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Defence & Security – Indigenous Defence Technology

Why in News?

The Indian Navy launched Yard 3037 (Shruti), a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on 11 August 2026. 

Key Facts

• Type: Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV). 
• Shipyard: GRSE, Kolkata; NGOPVs are being constructed concurrently at GRSE and Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL), Goa. 
• Indigenous: Designed and built in India, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. 
• Major roles: 
  • Maritime surveillance 
  • Search & rescue 
  • Protection of offshore assets 
  • HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) 
  • Anti-piracy operations 
• Name: Shruti refers to the four Vedas, linking the vessel to India’s cultural heritage. 
• Crest: Features Ursa Major constellation and a red-and-white lighthouse. 

Strategic Significance

NGOPVs strengthen India’s ability to conduct persistent maritime surveillance and multi-domain operations, particularly for protecting offshore infrastructure and maintaining maritime security.

UPSC Angle

Remember the chain: Shruti → NGOPV → Indian Navy → GRSE Kolkata → maritime surveillance/HADR/anti-piracy. A factual MCQ may ask about its shipyard, operational roles or meaning of its name.

Source: 

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297905&lang=1&reg=48&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Economy + Infrastructure – Manufacturing & Logistics

Why in News?

The government has proposed the ₹10,000-crore Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) for five years to build a competitive domestic container-manufacturing ecosystem and reduce dependence on imported containers. 

Key Features

• Target: Raise annual domestic capacity to about 7.5 lakh TEUs, nearly 10 times the existing capacity. 
• Supports: 
  • Greenfield manufacturing facilities 
  • Expansion of existing Brownfield units 
  • Operational/competitiveness support 
  • Testing infrastructure 
  • Skill development and capacity building 
• Aims to strengthen the entire container manufacturing value chain, not merely production. 

Why Containers Matter?

Shipping containers are essential for EXIM trade and multimodal logistics. Import dependence can create vulnerabilities during global supply-chain disruptions and container shortages.

CMAS complements PM Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy, Sagarmala Programme, Make in India and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. 

UPSC Angle

Import dependence → container shortage → higher logistics costs → trade vulnerability → domestic manufacturing → resilient supply chains.

Source:

https://ddindia.co.in/2026/08/india-steps-up-container-manufacturing-push-with-%E2%82%B910000-crore-assistance-scheme/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity

Why in News?

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recorded the rare solitary bee Colletes bhutanicus in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, for the first time in India. Earlier, it was known from Bhutan and China. 

Key Facts

• Type: Solitary Himalayan bee; unlike honeybees, it does not live in large colonies. 
• Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh; recorded at 1,500–3,800 m altitude. 
• Distribution: Previously reported from Bhutan and China, including Xizang (Tibet). 
• Pollination: Observed visiting around 25 flowering plant species, including mustard, buckwheat, coriander, beans, chilli and eggplant. 
• Significance: Extends the known geographical range of the species and adds to India’s documented Himalayan pollinator diversity. 
• Institution: Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). 

Ecological Significance

Solitary bees are important pollinators, supporting both wild plant reproduction and agricultural productivity. Their presence highlights the ecological importance of high-altitude Himalayan habitats.

UPSC Angle

Link Himalayan biodiversity → pollinators → ecosystem services → mountain agriculture. A likely MCQ may test its first Indian location, altitude, previous distribution or solitary nature.

Source: 

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/rare-himalayan-bee-recorded-in-india-for-the-first-time-in-arunachal-pradesh/article71334962.ece

Social Issues & Health – Government Schemes

Why in News?

The Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) is now operational in all 36 States/UTs, covering 751 districts through 1,856 haemodialysis centres with 13,535 machines as of June 2026. 

Key Facts

• Launched: 2016 under the National Health Mission (NHM). 
• Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 
• Objective: Provide free haemodialysis services to eligible patients, particularly through district hospitals and other public health facilities. 
• Funding/Support: Centre provides technical and financial support to States/UTs under NHM. 
• Centres are established based on gap analysis and proposals submitted through State/UT Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs). 
• Monitoring: Common Review Mission (CRM) and visits by senior officials. 
• Responsibility for operationalising centres and deploying trained dialysis technicians rests with respective States/UTs and implementing partners. 

UPSC Angle

A key conceptual point: “Public Health” and “Hospitals” are State subjects, but the Union supports States through NHM. Thus, PMNDP illustrates cooperative federalism in healthcare.

Static–Dynamic Link:
Kidney disease → dialysis requirement → high treatment cost → public-health intervention → affordable healthcare access.

Source:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297506&reg=48&lang=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Government Schemes + Social Justice – Skill Development, Women Empowerment & Employment

Why in News?

The NAVYA programme has trained 1,060 adolescent girls across 15 States/UTs as of June 2026. The government has expanded it to 100 Aspirational Districts from 27 May 2026. 

Key Facts

• NAVYA: Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls. 
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). 
• Implemented under PMKVY 4.0. 
• Provides industry-relevant vocational courses with mandatory On-the-Job Training (OJT). 
• Focuses particularly on futuristic job roles. 
• Includes a Holistic Development Module covering: 
  • Digital literacy 
  • Financial literacy 
  • Career readiness 
  • Entrepreneurship orientation 
• Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) enables real-time monitoring of registration, attendance, training, certification and outcomes. 
• State Skill Development Missions are encouraged to facilitate placements and apprenticeships through industry linkages. 

UPSC Angle

NAVYA represents the shift from basic vocational training → industry-linked skills → employability → women’s economic participation. Link it with Skill India Mission, PMKVY and Aspirational Districts Programme.

Source:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297193&lang=1&reg=48

Art & Culture – Institutions & Awards

Why in News?

President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to confer the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for 2024–25 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 13 August 2026. The honours recognise contributions to music, dance, theatre, folk/tribal arts and puppetry. 

Sangeet Natak Akademi – Key Facts

• Established: 1953; India’s national academy for music, dance and drama. 
• Ministry: Ministry of Culture. 
• Nature: Autonomous organisation of the Government of India. 
• Works to preserve, promote and document India’s performing-arts traditions. 
• Headquarters: New Delhi. 
• Its activities include research, documentation, grants, festivals, training and promotion of performing arts. 

Awards

• Akademi Ratna: Fellowship, the highest honour of the Akademi. 
• Akademi Puraskar: Annual awards recognising excellence/contribution in performing arts. 
• Fields include Hindustani & Carnatic music, classical dance, theatre, traditional/folk/tribal arts and puppetry. 

UPSC Angle

Remember: Sangeet Natak Akademi → Music, Dance & Drama, whereas Sahitya Akademi → Literature and Lalit Kala Akademi → Visual Arts. The topic links cultural institutions → preservation of intangible heritage → cultural diplomacy/soft power.

Source:

https://ddindia.co.in/2026/08/president-murmu-to-confer-sangeet-natak-akademi-fellowships-and-awards-on-august-13/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

GS II – Polity and Governance
Tribunals, Judicial Independence, and Separation of Powers

Introduction

The Tribunal Reforms Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament, seeks to address the Supreme Court’s concerns by restoring five-year terms, uniform service conditions and a National Tribunals Data Grid. However, its failure to ensure adequate autonomy for the National Tribunals Commission (NTC) leaves tribunals vulnerable to executive influence.

Background: Tribunals and Constitutional Tension

Need for Tribunals

• Specialised Adjudication: Technical disputes require expert knowledge.
• Efficiency: Tribunals ensure faster resolution.
• Judicial Review: Decisions remain subject to High Court scrutiny (S.P. Sampath Kumar, 1987; L. Chandra Kumar, 1997).

Structural Flaw

• Administrative Control: Tribunals administered by Ministries whose decisions they review.
• Concern: Undermines independence and impartiality.

Supreme Court Interventions

• Rojer Mathew (2019): Recommended independent, statutory NTC for selection and administration.
• Finance Act 2017: Gave executive more control over appointments.
• Tribunals Reforms Ordinance 2021: Reinstated conditions rejected by Court.
• Madras Bar Association (2025): Struck down objectionable provisions; restored previous framework; gave 4 months to establish NTC.

Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026: Key Provisions

Positive Features

• Five-Year Terms: Restored (previously reduced).
• Uniform Service Conditions: Standardised across tribunals.
• National Tribunals Data Grid: For transparency and monitoring.
• Pending Appointments: Not marooned; continuity ensured.

Concerns: Lack of NTC Autonomy

Delegation to Executive Rules (Section 14)

• Issue: Qualifications, selection, salaries, allowances—left to future executive rules.
• Judicial Objection (Rojer Mathew): Defining who is qualified to exercise judicial power is an “essential legislative function” and cannot be delegated.
• Contradiction: Bill claims consonance with 2025 judgment but allows delegation the Court resisted.

Vague Language (Section 3)

• Experts Concern: Similarly vague language; potential for executive discretion.

Complaint Screening (Section 16)

• Process: Ministry screens complaint before it passes to NTC.
• Effect: Executive retains gatekeeping role.

Appointments and Finances

• Appointments: Centre appoints NTC members; only consults CJI for chairperson and judicial members.
• Finances: Government retains substantial influence over NTC’s finances and administration.

Continuing Failure

• Design Flaw: NTC designed to insulate tribunals from executive control; cannot be subject to executive terms.
• Fully Independent Required: Government must forswear power to appoint/remove NTC members at will.

Weaknesses

• NTC Not Independent: Executive control over appointments, finances, and complaint screening.
• Delegated Rulemaking: Qualification/selection criteria left to executive rules (contrary to Rojer Mathew).
• Vague Provisions: Potential for misuse/executive discretion.
• Parliamentary Scrutiny: Passed without discussion (Lok Sabha) and with minimal debate (Rajya Sabha).

Way Forward

• Full Autonomy: Government must make NTC fully independent.
• Statutory Safeguards: Qualification, selection, removal criteria in the Act itself, not rules.
• Independent Appointments: CJI-led selection with government consultation, not vice versa.
• Financial Independence: NTC’s budget to be charged on Consolidated Fund of India.
• Complaint Mechanism: Direct access to NTC without executive screening.

Conclusion

The Tribunal Reforms Bill, 2026 restores five-year terms and uniform conditions but retains significant executive control over appointments, finances and complaints, weakening tribunal independence. A truly autonomous NTC, with judicial oversight, financial independence and statutory safeguards, is essential to ensure independent and effective tribunals.

Practice Question

1. The Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026 responds to judicial directives but fails to provide the National Tribunals Commission with sufficient institutional autonomy, undermining the independence of tribunals. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/in-the-way-on-the-tribunal-reforms-bill-2026/article71332673.ece

GS II – Governance / GS II – Social Justice
Public Health, Universal Health Coverage, and Health Infrastructure

Introduction

India’s health system has expanded access and affordability through Ayushman Bharat, NHM and ABDM. Over 45.5 crore Ayushman Cards, 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and 96.43 crore ABHA IDs have been created. Improved health outcomes include lower MMR, TB and malaria cases, reflecting progress towards equitable healthcare for all.

Ayushman Bharat: Universal Health Coverage

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

• Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year for poorest 40% families; all senior citizens aged 70+
• Ayushman Cards: 45.5 crore issued
• Hospitalizations: 12.69 crore covered (₹1.92 lakh crore)
• Hospitals: 38,466 empanelled (public + private)
• Daily Claims: 40,000+ claims processed for 1,900+ treatment packages

Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana (Senior Citizens)

• Enrolment: 1.20 crore senior citizens
• Treatments: 13.84 lakh (₹3,000 crore) availed

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs)

• Functional: 1.86 lakh (as of 12 Aug 2026)
• Services: 12 free services; cumulative footfall over 540 crore

Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)

• Rural Health & Wellness Centres: 23,224 in 10 high-focus states
• Urban Health & Wellness Centres: 13,736 in all states
• Block Public Health Units: 3,389 in 11 high-focus states
• Integrated Public Health Labs: 744 in all districts
• Critical Care Hospital Blocks: 631 in districts with >5 lakh population

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

• ABHA Health IDs: 96.43 crore
• Health Records Linked: 110+ crore
• Health Facilities Registered: 5.47 lakh
• Healthcare Professionals: 10.50 lakh registered

National Health Mission: Targeted Interventions

Maternal and Child Health

• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: 7.91 crore free antenatal check-ups; 1.24 crore high-risk pregnancies identified
• Antenatal Registration (1st Trimester): Increased from 58.6% (NFHS-4) to 76.2% (NFHS-6)
• 4+ Antenatal Visits: Increased from 51.2% to 65.2%
• Institutional Deliveries: Increased from 78.9% to 90.6%
• Mortality Reduction:
  • Maternal Mortality Ratio: 130 (2014-16) → 87 (2022-24)
  • Neonatal Mortality Rate: 28 (2015) → 17 (2023)
  • Under-5 Mortality Rate: 48 (2015) → 28 (2023)

Immunisation

• Universal Immunisation Programme: 2.67 crore newborns, 2.9 crore pregnant women annually (12 diseases)
• Mission Indradhanush: 5.46 crore children, 1.32 crore pregnant women vaccinated
• Zero-Dose Children: Dropped from 0.11% (2023) to 0.06% (2024)
• U-WIN Platform (Oct 2024): 11.87 crore children, 3.96 crore pregnant women registered
• HPV Campaign (Feb 2026): 52 lakh girls vaccinated (target: 1.2 crore)

Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases

• Tuberculosis:
  • New cases: 21% decline (2015-2024)
  • Mortality: 28% drop (2015-2024)
  • Treatment success: 83% (2021) → 90% (2025)
  • Screening: 28.1 crore people; 20 lakh preventive treatment
• Malaria:
  • Cases: 80.5% decline (2015-2023)
  • Deaths: 78.38% decline
  • Exited WHO’s ‘High Burden to High Impact’ group (2024)

Non-Communicable Diseases

• Screening (NP-NCD):
  • Hypertension: 41.5 crore
  • Diabetes: 41.3 crore
  • Oral cancer: 35.3 crore
  • Breast cancer: 16.5 crore
• National Dialysis Programme: 32.44 lakh patients at 1,856 centres
• Tobacco Control: 17.3% relative reduction in tobacco use (2009-10 to 2016-17); Tobacco Free Youth Campaign; Bloomberg Philanthropies Award 2025

Affordable Medicines and Diagnostics

Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJP)

• Stores: 18,646 (Feb 2026) – up from a handful in 2014
• Products: 2,000+ medicines, 300 surgical devices
• Discounts: 50-80% below branded prices

AMRIT Pharmacies

• Discounts: 50-90% on life-saving medicines
• Beneficiaries: 6.85 crore patients
• Savings: ₹8,400 crore (cumulative)

Free Diagnostics (NHM)

• Tests at Public Facilities:
  • Sub Centres: 14 tests
  • PHCs: 63 tests
  • CHCs: 97 tests
  • Sub-District Hospitals: 111 tests
  • District Hospitals: 134 tests

Digital Health and Telemedicine

eSanjeevani (Telemedicine)

• Consultations: 49 crore (as of 11 Aug 2026)
• Providers: 2.4 lakh+ healthcare providers
• AI Support: 28.2 crore consultations with AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support (Apr 2023 – Nov 2025)

Tele-MANAS (Mental Health)

• Helpline: 14416 (toll-free, 20 languages)
• Calls Received: 43.64 lakh
• Infrastructure: 53 Tele-Manas Cells, 23 Mentoring Institutes

i-DRONE (Medicine Delivery)

• Deliveries: 22,000 medicines; 7,700 km; 65 healthcare centres

Health Workforce Expansion

Medical Education

• Allopathy Colleges: 387 → 818 (doubled)
• AIIMS: 12 new functional (23 total)
• MBBS Seats: 1,28,976
• PG Seats: 85,822

Nursing

• New Nursing Colleges: 157 (15,700 graduates annually)
• B.Sc. Nursing Seats: 53% increase to 1,27,290
• M.Sc. Nursing Seats: 39% increase to 14,986

Traditional Medicine (AYUSH)

• AYUSH Institutions: 942 (May 2025)
• Ayush Grid: Digital integration of AYUSH hospitals and laboratories nationwide

Conclusion

India’s health transformation has expanded access, affordability and digital healthcare. Ayushman Bharat, 1.86 lakh AAMs, 96.43 crore ABHA IDs and 49 crore eSanjeevani consultations have strengthened healthcare delivery. Falling MMR, TB and malaria cases, along with affordable medicines and increased medical capacity, reflect a more inclusive and resilient health system.

Practice Question

1. India’s health system has undergone a significant transformation over the past 12 years, making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and equitable. Critically examine the key initiatives and outcomes of India’s health sector reforms, and identify the challenges that remain. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2298390&reg=3&lang=1

Financial Inclusion in India: Banking Every Citizen, Empowering Every Household

GS II – Governance / GS III – Economy
Financial Inclusion, Digital Public Infrastructure, and Social Security

Introduction

India’s financial inclusion has shifted from account ownership to meaningful participation. The RBI’s Financial Inclusion Index rose from 43.4 (2017) to 70.0 (2026). JAM, PMJDY and UPI have expanded access, while DBT and social security schemes are strengthening financial resilience across the country.

Universal Banking and Account Access

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

• Launched: 2014; provides basic savings account with zero balance
• Accounts: 58.63 crore (as of 24 June 2026)
• Deposits: Over ₹3 lakh crore
• Women: 55.7% of accounts
• Rural/Semi-Urban: 77.8% of accounts
• RuPay Card: Accident insurance cover (₹2 lakh for accounts after 28 Aug 2018; ₹1 lakh before)
• Overdraft: Up to ₹10,000 for eligible accounts

Banking Infrastructure

• Bank Branches: 1.81 lakh (17 July 2026)
• Village Coverage: 99.92% villages have banking outlet within 5 km (6 March 2026)
• India Post Payments Bank: 1.65 lakh post offices; 11 crore customers; 5.57 lakh villages/towns
• Business Correspondents: 17.36 lakh (17 July 2026) – doorstep banking in unbanked areas

JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile)

• Direct Benefit Transfer: ₹52.89 lakh crore transferred (as of 10 Aug 2026)
• Schemes: 320 schemes across 56 Ministries
• Impact: Reduces leakages, eliminates fake beneficiaries, minimises intermediaries

Social Security for All

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

• Coverage: ₹2 lakh life cover (18-50 years); annual premium ₹436
• Enrolments: 27.78 crore (as of 30 June 2026)
• Claims Disbursed: 10,97,751

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

• Coverage: ₹2 lakh (accidental death/full disability); ₹1 lakh (partial disability); annual premium ₹20
• Enrolments: 58.66 crore
• Claims Disbursed: 1,89,057

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• Guaranteed Pension: ₹1,000-5,000/month after 60 years (unorganised sector)
• Total Subscribers: 9.29 crore (as of 30 June 2026)
• Gender Distribution: Men (4.72 crore; 50.8%), Women (4.56 crore; 49.16%), Transgender (26,599)

Inclusive Credit

PM Mudra Yojana

• Loans: Collateral-free up to ₹20 lakh; categories: Shishu, Kishor, Tarun, Tarun Plus
• Sanctioned: 57.79 crore loans; ₹40.07 lakh crore (as of 27 March 2026)

PM SVANidhi (Street Vendors)

• Collateral-free: Loans in tranches (₹15,000, ₹25,000, ₹50,000); interest subsidy
• Beneficiaries: 75.5 lakh+ (May 2026)
• Loans Disbursed: 1.12 crore; total value ₹17,800 crore

Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

• Applications (as of 10 Aug 2026):
  • Commercial Banks: 763.6 lakh
  • Rural Banks: 368.6 lakh
  • Cooperative Banks: 1,242.0 lakh
• Coverage: Crop cultivation, post-harvest, marketing, allied activities

Jan Samarth Portal

• Purpose: Unified digital platform for credit-linked government schemes
• Status (1 June 2026): 54.10 lakh applications; ₹3,00,951 crore

Digital Financial Inclusion

Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

• Global Recognition: IMF recognised as world’s largest real-time payment system
• Transaction Growth (FY17 to FY26): Volume increased ~12,000-fold; value ~4,000-fold
• July 2026: 2,365.8 crore transactions; ₹29,87,880.49 crore value; 741 banks live on UPI

Financial Literacy

• National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE): 31,082 workshops; 10.68 lakh beneficiaries (35% male, 65% female)
• Financial Education Programme for Adults (FEPA): 19,266 workshops; 6.48 lakh beneficiaries (Special Focused Districts)

Nationwide Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign (July-October 2025)

• Coverage: 2.70 lakh Gram Panchayats/ULBs; 2.67 lakh camps
• Outcomes: 5.19 crore KYC re-verifications; 1.20 crore nomination updates; 92,066 claims settled
• Enrolments: PMJDY (1.11 crore), PMJJBY (1.40 crore), PMSBY (2.86 crore), APY (44.43 lakh)

Conclusion

India’s financial inclusion has expanded from access to active participation, with the FI Index at 70.0, 58.63 crore PMJDY accounts and near-universal village banking coverage. JAM, UPI, DBT and inclusive credit schemes have strengthened participation, but digital literacy, credit quality and insurance penetration remain key challenges.

Practice Question

1. India’s financial inclusion journey has evolved from expanding account ownership to enabling meaningful financial participation, driven by digital public infrastructure and citizen-centric reforms. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2298306&reg=3&lang=1