Source: FE Context: The sharp rise in gold prices over 35% in this financial year has seen the government’s outstanding debt on sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) spiralling to a record Rs 1.5 lakh crore. What are SGBs? Redemption Trends: Economic Impact:
RBI Issues Letter of Caution to Axis Bank for KYC Non-Compliance
Source: BS Context: Axis Bank said it has received a “Letter of Caution” from the Reserve Bank of India’s High-Level Committee for lapses related to KYC compliance in an account opened in 2009. Key Highlights: What are KYC norms?
RBI Allows Banks to Lend in Rupees to Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka
Source: TOI Context: On October 1, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed Indian banks and their overseas branches to lend in Indian Rupees (INR) to residents of Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. These amendments are part of RBI’s efforts to ease external trade and payments, under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Purpose: To facilitate cross-border trade transactions and promote the international use of the Indian Rupee. Other measures by RBI:
Emirates NBD Bank in Talks to Acquire RBL Bank
Source: BS Context: Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank PJSC is in talks to acquire a controlling stake (around 51%) in RBL Bank, India, for over $1 billion. The bank plans to buy 26% first from institutional investors and then make an open offer for another 25%. JP Morgan is advising Emirates NBD on the deal. Regulatory Aspect: Why it matters: About RBL Bank: About Emirates NBD in India:
Fraudbusters Digi Life: RBI’s AI Tool to Detect Fraud in Real Time
Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is developing a next-generation Digital Payments Intelligence Platform (DPIP) to detect and prevent digital payment frauds in real time using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The initiative is being led through the RBI Innovation Hub, in collaboration with banks, telecom operators, and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). Key Highlights:
SEBI Chief Urges Mutual Fund Trustees to Ensure Fair Fees and Stronger Oversight
Source: ET Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has emphasized the critical role of mutual fund trustees in ensuring fairness, transparency, and investor protection within the mutual fund industry. Key Highlights: Governance and Oversight Measures SEBI’s Broader Objective
GalaxEye to Launch India’s Largest Private EO Satellite – Mission Drishti
Source: TH Context: GalaxEye, an Indian space-tech startup, announced the launch of ‘Mission Drishti’, the world’s first multi-sensor Earth observation (EO) satellite, in Q1 2026. The satellite weighs 160 kg and is India’s largest privately built satellite. It is also the highest-resolution EO satellite developed in the country. Significance:
PM Gati-Shakti Portal
Context: The Government of India has opened the PM GatiShakti portal to the private sector, allowing industries, researchers, and developers to access non-sensitive infrastructure data for optimising last-mile delivery, planning logistics, and developing infrastructure-based digital applications. The initiative aims to promote data-driven, integrated planning and public-private collaboration in infrastructure development. Key Highlights:
IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 Launched
Context: The IUCN World Heritage Outlook is a global assessment evaluating the conservation status of all UNESCO natural and mixed World Heritage Sites every 3–5 years. Published by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) through its World Heritage Programme and World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). Previous editions: 2014, 2017, 2020. Aim: Global Findings: Trends in India:
India’s Retail Inflation Falls to 8-Year Low of 1.54% in September 2025
Source: IE Context: India’s retail inflation fell sharply to an eight-year low of 1.54% in September, falling below the lower tolerance limit of the Reserve Bank of India’s 2-6% target band. The fall is primarily driven by lower food prices. Key Highlights: Drivers of Decline: Retail Inflation Retail inflation measures the increase in prices of goods and services purchased by households over a period of time. It is commonly calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It reflects how the cost of living changes for consumers. A rise in retail inflation means that everyday items like food, clothing, and fuel are becoming more expe
