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Current Affairs_2025_26_Group Discussion Topics and Discussion Points

  • Sept 01, 2025
  • Group Discussion

Why do Recruiters conduct Current Affairs GDs for MBA Programs?

Recruiters conduct current affairs group discussions to assess a candidate’s ability to think critically and stay informed about the world beyond classroom teaching and textbooks. 

In today’s dynamic business environment, managers are expected to understand how political, economic, and social developments—such as government policies, geopolitical tensions, or technological shifts—impact industries and organizations. 

Current affairs GDs help recruiters evaluate whether a candidate possesses the awareness and analytical mindset needed to connect these events to broader business implications. Recruiters expect future managers to understand how current events (like Budget, WTO, AI, etc.) affect industries, markets, and society. Industry-specific current affairs (e.g., EV policies, FDI changes, ESG norms) test how prepared candidates are for their domain.

Additionally, such discussions test communication skills, the ability to build and defend logical arguments, and the maturity to consider multiple perspectives. Opinions on sensitive or controversial topics can reflect a candidate’s ethics, maturity, and organizational fit. 

Since managerial roles often involve decision-making in uncertain or evolving contexts, a candidate’s performance in a current affairs GD also reflects their readiness to handle ambiguity and contribute meaningfully in real-world business scenarios. This makes it a valuable tool for identifying well-rounded, industry-aware professionals.

How should you prepare for Abstract GDs

Students can prepare for Abstract GDs in a very short time by following below Tips & Techniques

Preparation Area
How to Prepare

1. Daily News Awareness

Read newspapers like The Hindu, Business Standard, or Economic Times daily. Use apps like Inshorts or newsletters like Finshots for summaries.
Spend time on analysis, while discussing with batchmates to understand different perspectives. 

2. Monthly Current Affairs

Revise monthly compilations from sources like Vision IAS, Drishti, or AffairsCloud to get macro perspectives.

3. Government Policies & Budget

Understand key schemes, Union Budget, Economic Survey, RBI updates, and industry-wise impact (e.g., on MSMEs, EVs, Startups).

4. Sectoral Updates

Stay updated on sectors relevant to your interest (Tech, Finance, FMCG, etc.) via https://www.ibef.org/ and other Govt. websites

5. Business & Economy

Follow GDP trends, inflation, global trade issues, startup funding, and key business events like IPOs, M&As, etc.

6. Global Affairs

Track geopolitical issues (China-US, BRICS, UN reforms), wars, treaties, and their economic/business implications on India.

7. Analytical Frameworks

Practice using PESTLE, SWOT, 5Ws & 1H (What, Why, When, Where, Who, How) to structure your thoughts during discussion.

You can use the Pros & Cons framework to provide a balanced view.

8. Mock GD Practice

Practice – esp. On topics which you do not know much on. Practice applying your learnings and then read up the content. 

Current Affairs GD topics and Possible Discussion Points

We have shared 10 Current Affairs GD topics below, with an Opening Statement providing structure to the GD. We have also shared 10 possible discussion points. You should always add your relevant examples – personal, professional or well known examples.

Topic 1. Trump Tariffs – Impact on India's Economy and India's Response

GD Opening Statement
Today’s topic — Trump Tariffs: Impact on India’s Economy and India’s Response — needs an exploration across geopolitics, global trade, sectoral disruptions, and economic strategy. I’d like to structure our discussion in three broad areas: First, we can assess the macro-economic and sector-specific impact of these tariffs on India, especially in trade-sensitive sectors. Second, we can analyze India’s diplomatic and economic responses, both immediate and strategic. And third, we may explore long-term opportunities and risks for India in the changing global trade architecture

Discussion Points:

  • The Trump administration has imposed 50% tariffs on many Indian exports, affecting two-thirds of merchandise exports—valued between $60 billion and $87 billion—to the U.S.
  • As a result of these tariffs, Indian exports to the U.S. could shrink from around $86.5 billion in 2024 to nearly $50 billion by 2026, putting a massive squeeze on trade volumes.
  • Sectors like textiles, gems & jewelry, shrimp, leather goods, apparel, food, and automobiles are particularly exposed, with export declines of up to 70% projected in some labor-intensive industries. 
  • The rupee plunged to an all‑time low of around ₹88.29 per USD on August 29, 2025, before slightly recovering—Asia’s worst performing currency at that time—with the tariff shock cited as a key trigger.
  • Economists estimate that India’s GDP growth may be knocked down by 0.6 to 1.0 percentage point due to the tariff burden. 
  • The surge in tariffs has triggered capital outflows, with foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) falling by $9.7 billion—a sign of eroding investor sentiment.
  • Despite the tariff blow, India’s economy still posted a robust GDP growth of 7.8% year-on-year in Q1 (April–June), up from 7.4% in the prior quarter, though concerns persist about future slowdown. 
  • Morgan Stanley projects that the 50% U.S. tariffs could shave as much as 80 basis points (0.8%) off India’s GDP growth in the next 12 months.
  • Over 500,000 jobs may be at risk in West Bengal’s garment hubs around Kolkata—spanning 15,000 manufacturing units in Metiabruz and 250 units in Barasat—where an estimated 20% of garment exports head to the U.S. 
  • In Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, mentha oil exporters face a 50% drop in orders, raising concerns over job losses and prompting appeals for government relief. 
  • Indian consumers continue to spend smartly—household consumption, which drives more than half of GDP, remains steady thanks to low inflation and manageable debt levels—offering a partial buffer. 
  • In response, the Indian government is rolling out intervention packages: relaxing SEZ norms, exploring GST rate cuts, and offering loan relief and PLI incentives to affected exporters. 
  • Trade Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that India “will not bow down,” and is actively seeking to secure free trade agreements while diversifying markets toward regions like the EU, ASEAN, Latin America, and Africa.
  • The tariffs have disrupted India’s strategy of becoming a global manufacturing hub, stalling potential investments as firms rethink shifting supply chains to India amid escalating trade risks.

Topic 2. India’s Bid to Host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad

GD Opening Statement:
India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad marks a significant moment for the country’s global sporting ambitions. To frame our discussion, we can divide it into three structured parts:

First, we can assess the strategic motivations behind this bid, such as showcasing India’s infrastructure, promoting tourism, and leveraging the Games as a stepping stone for a future Olympic bid.

Second, we can evaluate the readiness of Ahmedabad, including investments made in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, infrastructure upgrades, and government support.

Third, we can discuss the risks and opportunities, such as economic impact, geopolitical relevance, budget management, and long-term legacy benefits for Indian sports and urban development.

Discussion Points:

  • Sports in India has evolved beyond cricket, with successes in badminton, wrestling, boxing, and athletics in global events like the Olympics and Asian Games.
  • Initiatives like Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have boosted grassroots development and athlete support.
  • Hosting international events can inspire youth participation and create a national sports culture.
  • Hosting can boost tourism, hospitality, and local employment :Ahmedabad could see a surge in international visibility and infrastructure development.
  • Major events often leave behind world-class stadiums and training facilities that can be used for decades.
  • The Games can accelerate urban upgrades—public transport, roads, airports, and sanitation.
  • It allows India to showcase its soft power, culture, and organizing capabilities on the global stage.
  • Hosting could strengthen India’s case for the 2036 Olympic Games, a strategic long-term goal.
  • Ahmedabad is pitched as the ideal host city, praised for its existing world-class stadiums, infrastructure, and vibrant sporting culture 
  • Central to the bid is the 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium, currently the world’s largest cricket stadium, located within the under-construction 236-acre Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave.
  • Ahmedabad acts as a strategic hub for India’s 2036 Olympics aspirations, with Commonwealth Games seen as a preparatory milestone.
  • The bid comes amid recent difficulties for the Commonwealth Games in securing hosts: previous cities like Victoria (Australia) and Durban (South Africa) withdrew due to financial constraints, making India’s proposal timely.
  • More than 72 Commonwealth nations are expected to participate, as indicated in official bid planning documents.
  • The 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games faced serious criticism over corruption, poor planning, and delays—an estimated ₹70,000 crore was spent.
  • There’s always a risk that infrastructure created for the Games may not be used effectively post-event (white elephant problem).
  • Large-scale construction can lead to displacement, environmental degradation, and cost overruns.
  • Prioritizing spending on sports infrastructure must be balanced against needs like healthcare, education, and rural development.

Topic 3 : AI Reshaping Businesses

GD Opening Statement:
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it is actively reshaping how businesses operate today. To make our discussion productive, let’s structure it into three parts: First, we can explore how AI is transforming business functions like marketing, finance, operations, and HR. Second, we can look at the strategic advantages and challenges businesses face in implementing AI. Third, we should evaluate the future implications—on workforce, ethics, and the global competitive landscape.

We can explore it from a People, Process and Technology perspective. AI is changing the nature of work and talent needs. AI is transforming business processes like marketing, finance, and logistics. Third, we can consider the technology backbone—like cloud, data, and machine learning tools—that make AI integration possible. This framework helps evaluate both benefits and risks in a structured, practical manner.

Discussion Points:

  • AI is improving customer experiences through personalized recommendations—e.g., Amazon and Netflix use AI to drive over 30% of their sales/viewership via recommendation engines.
  • In finance, AI tools automate tasks like fraud detection, loan underwriting, and robo-advisory—Robo-advisors in India like Zerodha’s Nudge or Paytm Money use AI for wealth management.
  • In HR, AI is streamlining recruitment via resume parsing, chatbot interviews, and skill-matching—tools like HireVue and LinkedIn Talent Insights are widely adopted.
  • AI-driven automation in operations is optimizing supply chains, inventory, and demand forecasting—Zara uses AI to adjust its supply chain in real time.
  • Generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL·E) are transforming marketing content creation, customer engagement, and even coding.
  • As per McKinsey’s Global Survey, over 70% of companies globally are exploring or implementing AI in at least one business function.
  • AI adoption can reduce operational costs by up to 20–30% and improve productivity—Tata Steel saved millions using AI for blast furnace optimization.
  • AI is enabling hyper-personalization in e-commerce, fintech, and edtech—for instance, Byju’s and Khan Academy use AI to adapt content to student learning styles.
  • However, AI implementation is often expensive—custom AI solutions can cost ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore, making it inaccessible to many MSMEs.
  • AI raises concerns about job displacement—reports suggest that 300 million jobs globally could be impacted, especially in roles involving routine tasks.
  • Ethical concerns include bias in AI algorithms, data privacy, and lack of explainability—e.g., facial recognition biases in hiring or surveillance.
  • AI tools may generate inaccurate or hallucinated content, especially in sectors like law, healthcare, or education—prompting demand for human oversight.
  • India’s AI policy and initiatives like IndiaAI Mission (₹10,000 crore budget) are boosting domestic AI innovation and responsible usage.
  • Startups are major drivers of AI innovation—over 4,000 AI startups exist in India, with sectors like AgriTech, HealthTech, and FinTech leading the way.
  • Future competitiveness will depend on AI readiness, continuous upskilling, and ethical governance—countries and companies that embrace it responsibly will lead the next industrial revolution.

Topic 4. India’s Space Economy : USD 450 million investments in startups

GD Opening Statement:
India’s space economy is gaining strong momentum, with nearly $450 million invested in startups over recent years. While ISRO has historically led our space missions, we are now seeing a private space revolution, with startups driving innovation and commercialization.

To structure our discussion, we can use the PESTLE framework—looking at how Political reforms, Economic investments, Social aspirations, Technological breakthroughs, Legal enablers, and Environmental impacts are shaping India’s space journey. Political: Government push through IN-SPACe and PM’s vocal support; policies enabling FDI and private participation.
Economic: Startup investments crossing $400M; vision to reach a $40B space economy by 2033; job creation in high-tech sectors. Social: Rise in public pride post Chandrayaan-3; growing interest among youth and engineers in aerospace careers.Technological: Private players building rockets, satellites, and Earth observation tech; India as a hub for low-cost innovation.Legal: New space policy, regulatory clarity from IN-SPACe; collaboration between startups and ISRO now legally allowed. Environmental: Satellites aiding in crop monitoring, disaster response, and climate analysis—space tech solving real-world problems.

Discussion Points:

  • India is no longer just sending rockets to space — private startups are building satellites, launch vehicles, and even planning space-based communication networks.
  • One of the best examples of India’s frugal innovation is the Chandrayaan program — Chandrayaan-3 cost just around $75 million, which is less than what Hollywood spent on movies like The Martian or Gravity. This shows how India combines scientific excellence with cost efficiency, giving us an edge in the global space economy.
  • Over the last few years, startups like Skyroot, Agnikul, and Pixxel have raised hundreds of crores in funding — showing that investors now believe in India’s space potential.
  • The government has opened up the sector by creating a regulatory body called IN-SPACe, which helps startups collaborate with ISRO facilities and experts.
  • India has already shown success in space: missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Mangalyaan have inspired confidence in our scientific capability.
  • The private sector can help build satellites for weather, agriculture, telecom, and disaster monitoring — making space tech useful on the ground.
  • India aims to become a global low-cost launch hub — just like we became the back-office for global IT services.
  • Space tech can support sectors like logistics, rural banking (via satellite internet), precision farming, and national security.
  • Startups offer agility — they can develop new ideas faster than government bodies, and attract young talent from IITs and other institutes.
  • India’s vision is to grow its space economy to 5x its current size in the next 10 years — making it a $40+ billion industry.
  • States like Tamil Nadu and Telangana are now developing space-tech parks and startup clusters to attract entrepreneurs.
  • Challenges include high costs, access to skilled talent, and limited testing facilities — which is why public-private partnerships are important.
  • Funding still remains concentrated in a few companies — we need broader investor confidence and international tie-ups.
  • India also has to navigate global competition — countries like the U.S., China, and even UAE are investing heavily in space tech.
  • There’s also a need to build awareness and skills in universities and colleges to support this growing sector.
  • With the right support, India’s space startups can create jobs, boost exports, and position the country as a global leader in affordable space solutions.
  • The space industry contributes significantly to GDP—with $60 billion added between 2014 and 2024—and generates 96,000 direct and 4.7 million indirect jobs

Topic 5. World’s 4th largest economy : Rains bring it to a halt

GD Opening Statement:
India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, is caught in the grip of a monsoon downturn—where months of heavy rain are exposing the weaknesses in our infrastructure. From overflowing rivers and flooded agricultural belts to crippled cities and buried roads, the economic and human toll is mounting. Let’s structure our discussion using the PESTLE approach to unpack how Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors interact in this crisis.

Discussion Points:

  • In Uttarakhand, flash floods and landslides since April have caused nearly ₹3,000 crore in losses, claiming at least 75 lives and damaging over 1,800 houses and 193 hectares of crops.
  • Punjab is facing its worst floods in nearly 40 years—over 1,000 villages submerged, 61,000 hectares of farmland inundated, and 1.46 million residents affected.
  • In Telangana, floods have caused at least six deaths, severely damaged roads, and forced emergency alerts across districts like Medak and Nizamabad.
  • In Himachal Pradesh, extreme rainfall—396% above average in Chamba and 334% in Kullu—has blocked 582 roads, knocked out 728 electricity transformers, and disrupted 456 water-supply schemes, amounting to ₹2,623 crore in estimated damages.
  • Guwahati is grappling with civic emergency-level flooding. Citizens blame inadequate drainage, clogged systems, and faulty planning for regular inundation — demanding urgent infrastructure upgrades.
  • In Mumbai, torrential rains have once again submerged tracks, including key commuter rails, shutting down transport across India’s financial hub.
  • Chandigarh’s drainage network—built over 40 years ago—is proving archaic. It’s incapable of managing current rainfall levels, leading to frequent urban flooding.
  • The IMD reports record-breaking rainfall spikes—Punjab saw a 1,272% surge, Haryana a 702% rise, and Himachal a 554% increase—triggering flood-like conditions in multiple regions.
  • The recurring disasters are exposing systemic challenges—aging civic systems, poor urban planning, and climate-inaction, eroding investor confidence and local productivity.
    Disruptions to roads, power, farms, and homes highlight how local economic activity and essential services grind to a halt during monsoons, hitting both rural and urban livelihoods.
  • Farmers in inundated regions face crop loss and long-term financial threats, while small businesses in flooded towns suffer with scant support or insurance nets.
  • Emergency responses are reactive—Paced by NDRF and state teams—but without proactive infrastructure planning, such relief is a temporary fix.
  • Climate change is amplifying frequency and intensity of monsoon deluges, demanding preemptive, climate-resilient infrastructure, not just short-term relief.
  • India has committed nearly $300 million across two years to enhance urban flood defenses—like improving drains, restoring water bodies in cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru—but the scale may still fall short of the rising crisis.
  • It’s critical to balance immediate disaster relief with long-term investments in urban redesign, drainage expansion, river rejuvenation, and climate adaptation, to prevent future stoppages in economic activity.

Topic 6. India may emerge as second-largest economy by 2038 with $34.2 trillion GDP (PPP) - Impact on Income inequality

GD Opening Statement:
India is projected to become the second-largest economy in the world by 2038, with a purchasing power parity GDP of $34.2 trillion, according to recent economic forecasts. While this signals extraordinary growth potential, a critical question arises — will this economic surge lead to inclusive development, or will it deepen the divide between the rich and the poor?

To approach this discussion meaningfully, we can examine the topic through Pros and Cons. On the one hand, such rapid economic expansion can create millions of jobs, uplift infrastructure, expand the middle class, and empower marginalized regions. On the other hand, if not managed well, this growth may benefit only the top layers of society, widen the urban–rural divide, and leave behind those in informal sectors and vulnerable communities.

By weighing both opportunities and challenges, we can explore how India can not only grow bigger, but grow more equitably

Discussion Points:

  • India’s top 1% already controls about 40% of total national wealth, while the bottom 50% holds just 3% 
  • About 22.6% of national income accrues to the top 1%, underscoring a concentration of economic gains at the top.
  • Post-liberalisation (1991–2014), the income share of the top 10% rose from 35% to 57%, while the bottom 50% saw their share drop from 20.1% to 13.1%
  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this trend: the bottom 20% lost 53% of their annual income, whereas the top 20% saw a 39% increase. 
  • India’s Gini coefficient stands around 33–34, lower than countries like Brazil, China, or the U.S., but this doesn’t reflect stark intra-country disparities.
  • Urbanisation can help reduce inequality: studies show low-income groups in cities have seen real income and development gains over time.
  • Yet, rapid economic growth may bypass rural segments and informal sectors, where most economically disadvantaged groups reside.
  • Without redistributive mechanisms, growth in sectors like services and technology may disproportionately benefit the already affluent.
  • Education, health, and skilling programs must scale to ensure opportunities reach the lower-income segments.
  • Rising middle class (projected ~580 million by 2030) could act as a buffer—but access and quality remain uneven.
  • Comprehensive social security nets (e.g., PDS, MGNREGA) will be vital to prevent the benefits of growth from bypassing the poor.
  • Tax justice reforms—like wealth taxes or higher capital gains taxes—could ensure the top contributes more to social equity.
  • Investment in tier-2/3 cities and rural infrastructure can help bridge regional disparities that exacerbate income inequality.
  • Overall, if India’s rise to a $34.2 trillion economy is accompanied by equitable policies, it could lift many out of poverty. Otherwise, unchecked inequality may undermine social cohesion and long-term development.

Topic 7 : Stock Market Valuations in India - Are we in a bubble?

GD Opening Statement:
India’s stock markets have been on a remarkable run over the past few years, with the benchmark indices touching all-time highs, sectoral IPOs booming, and retail participation surging. However, this rapid rise has triggered a growing debate—are current stock valuations fundamentally justified, or are we heading into bubble territory?

To explore this question, we can break the discussion into three parts:
 First, let’s understand what a ‘valuation bubble’ really means in financial terms—how price-to-earnings ratios, market cap-to-GDP ratios, and investor behaviour help identify it.
Second, we can evaluate the arguments in favour of current valuations—such as India’s strong economic fundamentals, digital growth, and long-term earnings potential.
Third, we should assess the warning signs—including stretched valuation metrics, excessive liquidity, and rising speculation—that may indicate a disconnection from reality.

This framework will help us critically assess whether India’s market rally is a story of sustainable growth or if it’s being driven by irrational exuberance.

Discussion Points:

  • India’s Nifty and Sensex have touched lifetime highs, with the Nifty recently crossing the 23,000 mark—raising questions about overvaluation.
  • India’s overall P/E ratio stands around 24.3, above the long-term average of ~21, indicating a historically expensive market.
  • The market capitalization-to-GDP ratio (Buffett Indicator) in India has crossed 130%, which is considered significantly overvalued by global benchmarks.
  • India now has the highest forward P/E ratio among major emerging markets—around 23.3×—making it more expensive than China, Brazil, and South Korea.
  • Despite high valuations, India’s GDP growth projections remain strong, with 6.5–7.5% estimates, potentially supporting continued earnings growth.
  • The influx of retail investors—over 14 crore demat accounts now—is adding liquidity, but also increasing speculative trading in smallcaps and midcaps.
  • The IPO market has been active, with record oversubscriptions and valuations even for loss-making startups—signs that investor sentiment may be overheated.
  • The financial sector (banks, insurance) still shows healthy fundamentals and asset quality, offering support to market resilience.
  • Some sectors like capital goods, defence, and railways are backed by government spending and long-term visibility, possibly justifying premium valuations.
  • However, corporate earnings have not grown in proportion to stock price rises in some sectors, leading to stretched valuation multiples.
  • The Nifty is trading at 18× one-year forward earnings, which is fair but offers limited upside unless earnings growth surprises.
  • FII (Foreign Institutional Investor) flows have shown signs of volatility due to global uncertainty and rising US bond yields, indicating that liquidity is fragile.
  • Historically, bubbles are characterized by disconnection between price and earnings—India may not be in a full bubble yet, but pockets like smallcaps look frothy.
  • Veteran investors and institutions have warned about overvaluation in speculative segments, while continuing to stay bullish on core sectors.
  • In conclusion, while India’s long-term structural story is strong, caution is necessary as valuations are pricing in perfection—any negative surprise may trigger a sharp correction.

Topic 8. The Impact of Digital Transformation on Financial Services: How technology is reshaping India's financial sector

GD Opening Statement:
Digital transformation is fundamentally reshaping India’s financial services sector—from how customers access services, to how companies manage risk, deliver products, and drive innovation. With a surge in fintech adoption, rapid UPI expansion, and increased AI integration, India’s financial ecosystem is evolving at a pace never seen before.

We can structure this discussion across three key areas:

First, the transformation of customer experience and access through digital platforms;

Second, how back-end operations, risk management, and regulatory tech are improving;

Third, the broader impact on inclusion, competition, and future disruptions in the financial ecosystem.

Discussion Points:

  • Digital penetration in India has enabled over 500 million bank accounts to be linked to mobile-based platforms through Aadhaar, UPI, and mobile banking.
  • UPI (Unified Payments Interface) crossed 14.2 billion transactions in July 2025, making India a global leader in real-time digital payments.
  • Neo-banks like Jupiter, Fi, and Niyo are offering branchless, mobile-first banking experiences targeting tech-savvy millennials.
  • AI and Machine Learning are now central to credit scoring, fraud detection, and customer service—improving both efficiency and decision-making.
  • Robo-advisors and automated wealth platforms like Zerodha’s Nudge or Paytm Money are changing how individuals invest.
  • Blockchain adoption in trade finance and digital lending is increasing transparency and reducing turnaround times for documentation-heavy processes.
  • Public digital infrastructure like India Stack, Aadhaar, and DigiLocker have enabled paperless, remote KYC and onboarding for millions of customers.

  • NBFCs and fintech lenders are leveraging AI to underwrite loans in under 10 minutes, tapping into underserved MSMEs and gig workers.
  • Embedded finance is on the rise—where banking services are directly integrated into platforms like e-commerce apps, travel sites, and wallets.
  • Cybersecurity has become a critical challenge, with increasing focus on real-time threat detection and regulatory audits from RBI.
  • RBI’s Digital Rupee (CBDC) is currently in pilot phase, showing the government’s ambition to digitize monetary systems for efficiency and transparency.
  • Insurtech platforms like PolicyBazaar and Acko are digitizing the entire insurance journey—from comparison to claims—making insurance more accessible.
  • Rural inclusion is improving with fintechs and payments banks reaching last-mile customers with mobile-based products and agent-assisted services.
  • Traditional banks are undergoing core banking transformation, partnering with fintechs and migrating to cloud-based core systems.
  • India is now seen as a global case study in digital finance innovation, with institutions like IMF and World Bank praising models like UPI and Jan Dhan.

Topic 9. ESG Investing: A Sustainable Future or a Passing Trend

GD Opening Statement:
Environmental, Social, and Governance—or ESG—investing has rapidly gained traction over the past decade, with trillions of dollars globally being allocated toward companies that claim to meet sustainability and ethical standards. In India too, ESG-focused funds have seen rising inflows, regulatory frameworks are evolving, and businesses are being nudged toward greener and more socially responsible practices. However, the central debate remains: Is ESG investing here to stay as a transformative force for long-term sustainable capitalism, or is it a passing trend shaped more by marketing and short-term hype than measurable impact?

To explore this, we can structure the discussion around three key dimensions:
First, the promise of ESG—why it has gained attention and where it has delivered value.
Second, the pitfalls and skepticism—such as greenwashing, poor metrics, and underperformance.
Third, we can explore what lies ahead—will ESG evolve and mature, or lose investor interest as markets reprioritize?

Discussion Points:

  • ESG investing crossed $40 trillion globally by 2024, driven by institutional investors demanding accountability on climate, ethics, and governance.
  • In India, SBI, Axis, and ICICI have launched ESG mutual funds, which saw combined AUMs surpass ₹15,000 crore by mid-2025.
  • Companies with high ESG scores often show better risk-adjusted returns, lower regulatory fines, and more resilient long-term performance.
  • SEBI now mandates India’s top 1,000 listed companies to file Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reports (BRSR)—a major policy shift.
  • India’s ESG movement is being driven by climate commitments, such as the 2070 Net Zero goal, and rising scrutiny from global investors.
  • ESG is not just about carbon: corporate governance, data privacy, employee welfare, and board diversity are also gaining relevance.
  • However, many critics argue that ESG lacks standardization—there is no universally accepted way to compare ESG scores across companies.
  • The greenwashing problem—where companies exaggerate or fake their sustainability credentials—has led to investor mistrust.
  • ESG funds in some markets underperformed in 2022 and 2023, especially due to lower exposure to high-performing sectors like oil and defense.
  • Global firms like BlackRock and Vanguard have faced backlash for backtracking ESG promises under political and shareholder pressure.
  • In India, ESG investing is still largely limited to urban retail and HNI segments, with low awareness in broader retail participation.
  • Startups and MSMEs often lack resources for ESG compliance, creating a barrier to inclusive ESG growth in India’s broader business landscape.
  • Some argue that ESG investing is more about risk mitigation than moral investing—it filters companies that manage environmental/social risks better.
  • Regulators are moving toward green finance taxonomy, stricter disclosures, and third-party ESG audits to address transparency concerns.
  • In the long run, ESG is likely to evolve—not disappear. It may get rebranded, regulated, and restructured, but the core push for sustainable capitalism seems irreversible.

Topic 10. Healthcare in India: Health Tourism at One End, Lack of Primary Healthcare Facilities at the Other End

GD Opening Statement:

India’s healthcare sector today reflects a classic case of K-shaped growth—a situation where one segment advances rapidly while another stagnates or deteriorates. On the upper arm of this ‘K’, we have India emerging as a global leader in medical tourism, offering world-class treatment at affordable prices, attracting thousands of international patients each year. On the lower arm, however, vast swathes of rural and remote India still struggle with a lack of primary health centres, shortage of doctors, and basic health infrastructure.

To explore this duality, we can structure our discussion using three lenses:
First, how the private healthcare sector and medical tourism have thrived, often in urban clusters;
Second, the systemic neglect and infrastructure gaps in public and rural primary healthcare; and
Third, what policy, investment, and technology interventions are needed to bridge this healthcare divide and ensure inclusive, equitable access.

Discussion Points:

  • India’s medical tourism market is expected to reach $13 billion by 2026, driven by affordability, English-speaking doctors, and expertise in complex procedures.
  • Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad attract international patients for cardiac surgeries, transplants, and fertility treatments.
  • Treatment costs in India are 60–90% lower than in developed nations—for example, heart surgery in India costs ~$5,000 vs ~$100,000 in the U.S.
  • The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and NABH accreditation have improved transparency and standards in the private healthcare ecosystem.
  • However, around 70% of India’s population lives in rural areas, but only about 30% of doctors serve these regions.
  • India faces a shortage of primary health centres (PHCs), sub-centres, and trained medical professionals in rural belts—especially in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the North-East.
  • Out-of-pocket health expenses account for over 48% of total healthcare spending in India, pushing millions into poverty each year.
  • Doctor–population ratio remains a concern—currently around 1:834 (including AYUSH), still below the WHO norm of 1:1000 in many districts.
  • Primary care suffers from lack of infrastructure, diagnostic tools, supply chains, and absenteeism of medical staff in government centres.
  • Preventive and maternal care are severely underfunded in remote regions—contributing to high rates of anaemia, malnutrition, and infant mortality.
  • Government health spending is still around 2.1% of GDP, lower than countries like Brazil (3.9%) and China (3.5%).
  • Corporate hospitals often expand into Tier 1 cities, reinforcing inequality between urban elite care and rural basic access.
  • Telemedicine and mobile health vans have improved reach—but scale, quality, and digital literacy gaps persist.
  • The Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (AB-HIM) aims to strengthen PHCs and integrated health labs, but implementation remains uneven.
  • India’s health policy must now shift from ‘two Indias’—a thriving private urban model vs a neglected rural system—toward universal, equitable, and preventive healthcare for long-term national well-being.

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