Context: In a significant regulatory action to curb market manipulation, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced on June 27, 2025, that it had conducted search and seizure operations across multiple locations earlier in the month related to pump and dump schemes in select scrips. About Pump and Dump Schemes A “pump and dump” scheme is a market manipulation tactic where fraudsters artificially inflate the price of a stock through misleading or false statements and then sell off their holdings at the inflated prices. This practice is illegal under SEBI’s Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices (PFUTP) Regulations in India and similar laws globally. A pump and dump scheme involves artificially boosting (pumping) the price of a stock through misleading recommendations or information, then selling (dumping) the overvalued shares to retail investors, who suffer losses when prices collapse. How a Pump and Dump Scheme Works Pump Phase (Artificial Hype) Dump Phase (Sudden Sell-Off) Regulatory Perspective and Action (SEBI/Global)

Context: SEBI has updated its minimum disclosure requirements for the approval of related party transactions by audit committees and shareholders. The revised norms are a result of consultations with industry bodies including Assocham, FICCI, and CII. Related party transactions (RPTs) Related party transactions (RPTs) are business deals between a company and its related parties, such as directors, key managers, or their family members. These transactions can involve sales, purchases, loans, or service agreements and are subject to specific regulations due to the potential for conflicts of interest. Transparency and proper disclosure are crucial to avoid issues related to fairness and potential financial implications.  Key Revisions: Objective To enhance transparency, prevent abuse by promoters, and improve investor protection, especially in firms where promoters or executive directors may have conflicts of interest.

Context: On June 28, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with the heads of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to review their financial performance and direct them to capitalize on the RBI’s recent 50 basis points rate cut to drive credit growth and enhance financial inclusion. Key Highlights Push to Boost Credit Growth Post Rate Cut Focus on Financial Inclusion & Government Schemes Strengthening Deposit Base Asset Quality and NPA Management Mint

Context: Business Correspondents (BCs), critical to financial inclusion in rural India, have approached the Ministry of Finance (MoF) seeking resolution over stagnant remuneration structures, especially as banks intensify deposit mobilization efforts amid falling credit-deposit (CD) ratios. Business Correspondent (BC) A Business Correspondent (BC) is a representative of the bank, who offers banking services to people in the unorganized sectors. BCs are an important constituent of financial inclusion, which means making banking accessible to everyone. Issues in Business Correspondent (BC) Capacity-Building and Governance

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on June 28, 2025, released final guidelines for due diligence and onboarding of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) Touchpoint Operators (ATOs). The move is aimed at strengthening fraud risk management, improving accountability, and ensuring compliance with KYC norms. The guidelines will come into force from January 1, 2026. Key Provisions of the RBI Guidelines: Mandatory Due Diligence by Acquiring Banks Inactivity Rule Existing KYC Validity Ongoing KYC Compliance Significance of the Move: What is AePS? BS