Context: Kerala Bank, in collaboration with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), has launched a FinTech Innovation Zone to promote digital innovation in cooperative banking. The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during an IT Conclave organized by Kerala Bank. Key Highlights: Aspect Details FinTech Innovation Hub A 1,000 sq. ft. hub to be set up at Kerala Bank’s IT Department, Kakkanad (Kochi). Startup Support Cohort-based FinTech Accelerator programmes to identify and nurture promising startups. Co-Creation Development of digital banking solutions tailored for Kerala Bank and cooperative banking sector. Role of KSUM Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) will handle: – Setting up the hub – Designing accelerator programmes – Incubation and technical advisory – Investor relations – Access to funding schemes (innovation grants, seed loans)

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) refrained from purchasing US dollars in July 2025, marking the first zero-dollar purchase month since February 2014. Instead, the central bank sold dollars to stabilise the rupee. Key Highlights: Reason for Refraining from Dollar Purchases Reason Details Stabilise the Rupee Rupee depreciated 2.23% in July 2025; RBI sold $2.54 billion to curb volatility. Policy Priority Shift RBI prioritized currency stability over reserve accumulation to prevent inflation, investor panic, and rising import costs. External Pressures US tariffs, foreign capital outflows, and geopolitical tensions contributed to rupee depreciation, RBI’s dollar sales eased market panic. Impact Impact Details Rupee Stability Reduces short-term volatility and restores market confidence. Forex Reserves Dip Reserves fell by $10.87B, continued interventions could weaken buffers. Imported Inflation Helps limit costlier imports, especially crude oil. Trade Competitiveness Moderate depreciation supports exporters while avoiding extreme volatility. Market Sentiment Signals RBI’s proactive stance, reassuring investors and curbing panic outflows.

Source: RBI Annual Survey (2025) Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its annual Survey on International Trade in Banking Services (ITBS) for 2024–25, highlighting the performance of Indian banks’ overseas operations and foreign banks in India. Key Highlights: Category Indian Banks Abroad Foreign Banks in India Branch / Employee Growth – Overseas branches ↑ 1.9%– Employee strength ↑ 6.1% — Consolidated Balance Sheet Growth – Branches ↑ 9.1%– Subsidiaries ↑ 4.2% ↑ 17.5% Credit Growth Lending ↑ 5.6% ↑ 8.4% Deposit Growth Deposit mobilisation ↑ 9.4% ↓ 6.8% (vs. 16.4% last year) Income & Profitability – Overseas branches: • Interest income ↑ 8% (vs. 72% last year) • Interest expenses ↑ 9% (vs. 87.5% last year) • Income-to-assets ratio ↓ 5.9%– Subsidiaries: Ratio ↑ 7.4% Income-to-assets ratio ↓ 7.1% Fee Income Trends ↑ 4.3% ↑ 9.4% Main Fee Income Drivers Credit-related services, trading, payments, trade finance Same (credit-related, trading, payments, trade finance) Top Locations for Indian Banks’ Fee Income (2024–25): Significance

Source: Economic Times Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported a steady improvement in the Supervisory Data Quality Index (sDQI), which evaluates the quality of data submitted by Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs). Key Highlights: Significance About sDQI

Source: BL Context: Paris-based Societe Generale has launched a new IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat, to enhance its financial services for Indian clients. About the Societe Generale IBU: About GIFT City:

Source: ET Context: In September 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) increased the minimum net worth requirement for custodians from ₹50 crore to ₹75 crore to strengthen risk management systems. Key Highlights: Custodian Responsibilities:

Source: BS Context: In September 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reaffirmed its commitment to global best practices in the foreign exchange (FX) market by renewing its Statement of Commitment (SoC) to the FX Global Code. Key Highlights: About FX Global Code:

Source: BS Context: In September 2025, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI, in partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB), launched QR-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services for Indian travelers in Qatar. Key Highlights: