To combat black money, corruption, counterfeit currency and terror financing, government took decision on November 8, 2016 to ban Rs 500 & 1000 notes followed by putting a cap on withdrawals from banks and ATMs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi floated the idea of a cashless society. A cultural-economic revolution in the making. But this surprise demonetization also pushed millions of new users onto the country's digital economic grid by virtual fiat. Cash might be more expensive for the government, because of tax evasion, corruption and the need to keep recirculation old, spoilt, currency, and enabling transfers, but digital is very expensive for citizens. Most Indians lack the means to use cashless alternatives, irrespective of their desire to do so. India hopes to create a cleaner, more transparent economy via digitalization that will lead to an improved climate for foreign investment, boost economic growth. India is on the verge of massive digital revolution. Towards Digital Economy government initiated launch of 'two new schemes to promote BHIM app, including cash back scheme for merchants; Aadhaar Pay to be launched for people who don't have mobile phones. This will not only help millions of Indians overcome the hassles of dealing in cash to emerge as a truly cashless economy. Demonetization initiative and subsequent drive towards developing a cashless economy and subsequent likely impact as well as in depth analysis, insights and key highlights from experts are all presented in the compiled book entitled 'Cashless Economy in India-Present Scenario, Potential, Prospect and Challenges Ahead' For convenience of readers the book is divided into the following chapters. Chapter-1: Basics of Cashless Economy; Chapter 2: Mobile Wallets and Apps in India; Chapter 3: Government Initiative in Digital Movement; Chapter 4: Cashless Economy-Challenges and Prospects Chapter 5: Pros and Cons of Cashless Economy and Chapter 6: Next Generation Digital Payments Models in India: Present Scenario.

The primary objective of this book is to highlight the problems and prospects of cashless India. It explores the factors that may impede India's transformation to a cashless economy and analyzes the country's potential for that transformation. In addition to that, the book captures the actual scenario of cashless payment in contemporary India. It will also provide the readers with a clear conception of cashless society and its payment methods. The book is meant for the common readers and hence technical jargons are avoided.

Following the companion paper on the new policy challenges related to the adoption of digital forms of money, this paper presents an operational strategy for the IMF to continue delivering on its mandate of ensuring domestic and international financial and economic stability. The paper begins by summarizing the forces driving the adoption of digital forms of money, and the new policy questions that emerge. It then focusses on how the IMF’s core activities and output will need to evolve, including surveillance, capacity development, and analytical foundations. It ends by discusses how the IMF intends to partner with other organization, and to grow and structure internal resources to fulfill this vision.

The paper finds that while there are important regional and national differences, countries are broadly embracing the opportunities of fintech to boost economic growth and inclusion, while balancing risks to stability and integrity.

Technology is changing the landscape of the financial sector, increasing access to financial services in profound ways. These changes have been in motion for several years, affecting nearly all countries in the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has created new opportunities for digital financial services to accelerate and enhance financial inclusion, amid social distancing and containment measures. At the same time, the risks emerging prior to COVID-19, as digital financial services developed, are becoming even more relevant.

Although the global economy is emerging from the collapse triggered by COVID-19, the recovery is likely to be subdued, and global GDP is projected to remain well below its pre-pandemic trend for a prolonged period. Several risks cloud the outlook, including those related to the pandemic and to rapidly rising debt. The pandemic has further diminished already-weak growth prospects for the next decade. Decisive policy actions will be critical in raising the likelihood of better growth outcomes while warding off worse ones. Immediate priorities include supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring a prompt and widespread vaccination process to bring the pandemic under control. Although macroeconomic policy support will continue to be important, limited fiscal policy space amid high debt highlights the need for an ambitious reform agenda that bolsters growth prospects. To address many of these challenges, global cooperation will be key. Global Economic Prospects is a World Bank Group Flagship Report that examines global economic developments and prospects, with a special focus on emerging market and developing economies, on a semiannual basis (in January and June). The January edition includes in-depth analyses of topical policy challenges faced by these economies, while the June edition contains shorter analytical pieces.