Source: BS Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has notified a set of amendments to simplify regulations for Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and portfolio managers, aiming to improve ease of doing business and align primary and secondary market norms. Key Highlights:
Mutual Fund–Voluntary Retirement Account (MF-VRA) Scheme
Source: ET Context: The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) has proposed the Mutual Fund–Voluntary Retirement Account (MF-VRA), a retirement savings scheme inspired by the U.S. 401(k) plan, to boost long-term retirement planning in India. Key Highlights: Comparison with U.S. 401(k): Significance for India:
Decentralised Finance (DeFi)
Context: The DeFi boom has raised national security concerns, with experts warning about potential misuse for terror financing and money laundering. About Decentralised Finance (DeFi) How it Works? Key Features:
RBI Approves Yes Bank Board Changes for SMBC Nominee Directors
Source: BL Context: Yes Bank announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved proposed changes in the Articles of Association (AoA) to facilitate the appointment of nominee directors on its board. This follows the planned stake acquisition by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and involvement of SBI. Key Highlights: What is Articles of Association (AoA)?
EPFO 3.0 Initiative
Context: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is expected to deliberate on the EPFO 3.0 initiative at its Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting scheduled for October 10–11, 2025. The meeting will be chaired by Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Key Highlights: What is EPFO 3.0: EPFO 3.0 is a proposed upgrade to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s digital ecosystem aimed at enabling seamless, bank-like services for subscribers. Key Features: Objective:
SEBI Eases Rules for Foreign Investors in Government Bonds
Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced that its revised regulations for foreign investors investing exclusively in Indian government securities will come into effect from 8 February 2026. The rules were initially approved at SEBI’s board meeting in June 2025. Key Highlights: About Fully Accessible Route (FAR) Role of FPIs:
PhonePe Partners with MSME Ministry & SIDBI to Boost Udyam Registrations
Source: TH Context: Digital payments platform PhonePe has announced a partnership with the Ministry of MSMEs and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to help onboard more small merchants onto the Udyam registration facility. This move aims to increase formalisation of MSMEs, enabling them to access credit and government schemes. Key Highlights: Udyam Registration (MSME Registration in India)
RBI Launches New Microsite for Banknote Information
Source: RBI Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a dedicated microsite for banknotes: indiancurrency.rbi.org.in. The platform is designed to provide the public with comprehensive information on Indian banknotes, replacing the earlier microsite paisaboltahai.rbi.org.in. Key Highlights: Significance:
NASA Rover Finds Potential Sign of Ancient Life in Martian Rocks
Context: On 10 September 2025, scientists reported that a rock sample collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover from Mars’ Jezero Crater shows potential signs of ancient microbial life, though non-biological processes cannot be ruled out. The findings were published in Nature journal. Key Highlights: About Perseverance Rover
India’s First Overseas Atal Innovation Centre Inaugurated
Source: PIB Context: The Union Education Minister of India inaugurated India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus during his UAE visit in September 2025. About the Atal Innovation Centre (Overseas) About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
