Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its July 2025 bulletin reported a 98.2% decline in net foreign direct investment (FDI) in May 2025 compared to the same month last year. Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Net FDI refers to the difference between total foreign direct investment inflows and outflows over a specific period. Components: Gross FDI Inflows: Gross FDI Outflows: Top FDI Source Countries Top Recipient Sectors Top Destinations for Outward FDI BS
IRDAI Proposes Internal Insurance Ombudsman Framework to Strengthen Grievance Redressal
Context: Insurance regulator IRDAI proposed a framework that mandates a internal insurance ombudsman scheme for insurance companies with an aim to address complaints against claims up to Rs 50 lakh. Key Objectives Applicability Key Provisions of the Draft Guidelines TET
PayPal Integrates UPI for Cross-Border Payments under ‘PayPal World’
Context: In a significant move to globalize India’s digital payments, PayPal has announced integration with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to facilitate cross-border transactions. Key Highlights: Launch of PayPal World Platform Significance BS
Swachh Survekshan 2024–25
Context: The ninth edition of Swachh Survekshan (2024–25), touted as the world’s largest cleanliness survey, has emerged not just as a city-ranking competition but as a comprehensive audit of India’s urban sanitation ecosystem. It offers valuable insights into progress, gaps, and best practices in waste management, segregation, infrastructure, and sanitation worker welfare. Key Features of Swachh Survekshan 2024–25: Regional Highlights Best Practices from Leading Cities City Notable Initiative Indore Six-bin segregation system at source Surat Revenue generation via sewage-treated water Pune Ragpicker cooperatives managing solid waste Visakhapatnam Eco-park on remediated landfill Lucknow Waste wonder park Agra (Kuberpur) 47-acre green space reclaimed via biomining Survey Theme – 2025: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) TH
National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill
Context: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha to align India’s anti-doping framework with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requirements. Key Highlights: TOI
Google Unveils AI Initiatives in India at Google I/O Connect 2025
Context: At its Google I/O Connect India 2025 developer conference held in Bengaluru, Google announced a range of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives targeting India’s growing tech ecosystem, with a special focus on localisation, developer support, and indigenous innovation. Key Highlights: TET
Amalgamation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
Context: The Government of India has completed the Phase-IV consolidation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) under the principle of One State–One RRB, reducing the number of RRBs from 43 to 28 across 26 States and 2 Union Territories. Key Highlights: PIB
CoinDCX Launches Bounty Programme to Recover Stolen Crypto Assets
Context: On July 19, 2025, CoinDCX, one of India’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, suffered a crypto asset theft worth $44 million from its treasury. The loss was absorbed from internal reserves; customer wallets remained unaffected. Bounty Programme Details Additional Measures About CoinDCX Indian Express
Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index): RBI
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on July 22, 2025, that the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) rose to 67 in the financial year ending March 2025 (FY25), up from 64.2 in FY24 and 60.1 in FY23. The index reflects a steady improvement in access, usage, and quality of formal financial services across India. What is the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index)? Year FI-Index Value FY23 60.1 FY24 64.2 FY25 67.0 Key Drivers of Growth BS
Equity Mutual Funds May Soon Be Allowed to Invest in Gold and Silver: SEBI Proposal
Context: In a potential shift in mutual fund regulations, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) may soon allow equity mutual fund schemes to invest in gold and silver, as part of its proposed new scheme categorisation framework. Key Highlights: Proposed Change in Investment Norms Optional Exposure Implications for Fund Houses and Investors Background BS
