Context: The banking experience in India is undergoing a rapid and intelligent transformation. From account upgrades to auto loan closures, what once took days is now being completed in minutes ā thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Key Areas of AI Adoption in Banking AI Infrastructure and Regulatory Oversight Key Benefits & Current Limitations Benefits Challenges BS
Slice Launches Indiaās First UPI-Based Credit Card and UPI-Focused Bank Branch
Context: Fintech startup Slice has launched a new UPI-powered credit card, called the Slice Super Card, along with Indiaās first physical UPI-centric bank branch and ATM in Bengaluru. The initiative aims to revolutionize how Indians access and use credit through digital platforms. Key Features of the Slice Super Card Indiaās First UPI-Focused Bank Branch & ATM This marks a significant shift in traditional banking infrastructure toward cashless and frictionless digital banking, focused on ease and inclusion. Objective: Financial Inclusion Through UPI Credit BS
AU Small Finance Bank Partners with LIC to Boost Life Insurance Access
Context: On July 2, 2025, AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) entered into a strategic partnership with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to expand life insurance distribution across rural and semi-urban India. Key Highlights About AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) BS
SEBI Proposes New IT Capacity Guidelines for Commodity Exchanges and Clearing Corporations
Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a draft proposal to revise the IT capacity planning norms for commodity exchanges and clearing corporations, aiming for a more efficient and realistic approach in managing technological infrastructure. Key Highlights of the Proposal IT System Capacity Norms Planning and Monitoring Mechanism Utilisation Threshold Scope of the Framework
Government to Develop āCo-operative Stackā Through PACS for Rural Scheme Delivery
Context: In a move akin to the Agri Stack initiative, the Government of India is developing a āCo-operative Stackā to streamline rural scheme delivery via Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). This is part of a broader effort to digitise and strengthen the rural cooperative ecosystem. What is the Co-operative Stack? Key Developments Use of Emerging Technologies Institutional Shift What is Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)? BL
RBIās Role in Bank Mergers and Amalgamations
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a central role in regulating and approving mergers, ensuring systemic stability, depositor protection, and adherence to financial norms under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, particularly Section 44A. Key Highlights:
RBIās New Project Finance Norms
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on June 19, 2025, released its final guidelines on project finance provisioning, increasing general provisions for loans extended during the construction phase. The new norms will take effect from October 1, 2025, and will apply only to new projects. What is RBIās New Project Finance Norms? RBI’s new project finance norms, effective October 1, 2025, aim to streamline lending to infrastructure and other projects by banks and NBFCs, promoting stability and growth. The revised framework introduces a principle-based approach for resolving stress in project finance, allows flexibility in extending the date of commencement of commercial operations (DCCO), and reduces provisioning requirements during the construction phase. Key Norms Concerns Raised TET
Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a major employment incentive scheme titled Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) with a total outlay of ā¹99,446 crore, aimed at boosting job creation, especially in the manufacturing sector. Key Features TH
Jhum/Shifting Cultivation
What It Is? Shifting cultivation is a traditional subsistence farming method where small patches of forest (called swiddens) are clearedāusually through slashing and burningāand cultivated for a few years. Once soil fertility declines, the farmer abandons the land, allowing it to regenerate naturally during a fallow period before returning after a decade or more How It Works: Key Features Where Itās Practiced Advantages Challenges & Issues
India’s Fertiliser Paradox: Need for a New National Fertiliser Policy
Context: India is the second-largest consumer of fertilisers globally. Despite increased domestic production, 30% of fertilisers are still imported, making India vulnerable to global supply shocks, especially during geopolitical conflicts or trade disruptions. Key Challenges Highlighted Overuse and Imbalance Low Fertiliser Use Efficiency This implies a significant share of nutrients is lost, contributing to soil degradation, groundwater contamination, and climate change through nitrous oxide emissions. Financial Burden Global Comparison Recommendations for a New Fertiliser Policy BL
