Author: karthik

NDB Appoints Dr Rajiv Ranjan as Vice President Syllabus:Polity Context The New Development Bank (NDB), established by the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), has appointed Dr Rajiv Ranjan as its Vice President and Chief Risk Officer. This development reflects India’s growing footprint in multilateral financial institutions and highlights its role in shaping global development finance. Dr Rajiv Ranjan’s Profile and Contribution Joined Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 1989, with over 30 years of central banking experience. Served as Executive Director at RBI and member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) since May 2022. Expertise in monetary policy, liquidity management, financial markets, and risk assessment. Represented India in key international forums: G20, IMF, World Bank, Bank for International Settlements (BIS), Financial Stability Board (FSB), OECD, and SAARC. His appointment is expected to strengthen the NDB’s risk management and align it with global best practices. India’s Role in the NDB India holds the second-largest project portfolio worth $7.5 billion, next only to China’s $8.1 billion. NDB-financed projects in India include: Metro rail projects Water management systems Renewable & clean energy initiatives Environmental protection schemes Digital infrastructure development NDB’s focus: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), green growth, and improved public services.   India’s Push for Multilateral Finance Reforms Advocates reforms in multilateral development banks for inclusive and equitable financing. Calls for unlocking private capital to support Global South development. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for adapted lending practices to suit emerging economies. Reflects India’s ambition to lead in global financial governance. India’s Trade Challenges and Strategies US tariffs on Indian goods raised to 50% pose external pressure. Government views impact as limited due to export diversification. Active trade negotiations with US, UK, EU, New Zealand, and others to diversify markets. These agreements aim to reduce trade vulnerabilities and sustain India’s resilient export performance. Economic Outlook India recently received a sovereign rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s. Expected outcomes: Lower borrowing costs Higher foreign capital inflows Stronger investor confidence Tax reforms, regulatory simplifications, and infrastructure investment continue to support growth. Despite trade pressures, India remains optimistic about long-term economic prospects. With reference to India’s engagement with multilateral financial institutions and its economic outlook, as per the provided text, consider the following statements: India holds the largest project portfolio in the New Development Bank (NDB), surpassing that of China. Rajiv Ranjan, a former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as the NDB’s Chief Risk Officer. The recent sovereign rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s is expected to lead to lower borrowing costs and an increase in foreign capital inflows for India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer and Explanation The correct answer is B) 3 only. Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The text explicitly states that India has the second-largest project portfolio in the NDB, following China, which has the largest. Statement 2 is incorrect. The text identifies Dr. Rajiv Ranjan as a former Executive Director at the RBI and a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), not a former Governor. Statement 3 is correct. The provided text directly mentions that a sovereign rating upgrade is expected to result in “lower borrowing costs” and “higher foreign capital inflows,” which would strengthen investor confidence. Registrar General of India (RGI) & Universal Registration of Births & Deaths Syllabus:Governance   Context: The RGI directed States to ensure universal registration of births and deaths (UBD), following a Supreme Court directive. About RGI Established in 1961 under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Functions: Census of India – planning, coordination, supervision. Civil Registration System (CRS) – oversees registration of births & deaths. Vital Statistics – compiles mortality, fertility, morbidity, and population dynamics data. Sample Registration System (SRS) – provides reliable estimates of birth rate, death rate, IMR using dual record system. Legal Framework Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969 Amended in 2023 → online registration compulsory on RGI portal. Hospitals declared registrars under Section 8(1)(B). Mandatory reporting within 21 days. Importance of UBD: Foundation for welfare schemes (PDS, education, health, Aadhaar linkages). Reliable mortality and fertility data → evidence-based policymaking. International commitments – SDGs (Goal 16.9: legal identity for all). Governance Issues Poor coverage in rural & tribal areas. Lack of digital infrastructure in backward States. Data privacy and interlinkages with Aadhaar, NPR, etc. With reference to the Civil Registration System (CRS) in India, consider the following statements: It is mandated under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. CRS data is the primary source for calculating India’s Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). The Registrar General of India functions under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation. Which of the above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only. Here is a breakdown of why each statement is correct or incorrect: Statement 1: Correct. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 is the central legislation that mandates and governs the Civil Registration System (CRS) in India. It makes the registration of births and deaths compulsory. Statement 2: Correct. The CRS, which records every birth and death in the country, is the most comprehensive data source for calculating vital statistics. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is calculated based on the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births, and this data is primarily derived from the CRS. Statement 3: Incorrect. The Registrar General of India and the Census Commissioner of India function under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation. This is a common point of confusion as both ministries deal with data, but the Registrar General’s office is responsible for the census and civil registration, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Supreme Court’s Modified Order on Stray Dogs Syllabus:Polity Context: SC modified its earlier