Easing Regulations for REITs and InvITs Relaxations for Merchant Bankers (MBs)
FM Urges Fintechs to Tackle Cyberfraud, Expand Global Footprint
Context: At the Digital Payments Awards 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged fintech startups to develop robust solutions to counter cyber frauds, including digital arrests, deepfakes, and scams by fly-by-night operators. Key Highlights
Gold Price Surge Driving Core Inflation: Crisil
Context: Crisil has reported that rising gold prices, driven by global economic uncertainty, are significantly contributing to India’s core inflation—despite headline CPI inflation dropping to a 75-month low of 2.8% in May 2025. Core inflation rose to 4.2%, up 111 basis points year-on-year. Key Highlights Global Comparison BS
SEBI Promotes Use of CeFCoM Platform for Safe Payments to Advisers and Analysts
Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is actively urging investors to use the Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism (CeFCoM) to make payments to SEBI-registered investment advisers and research analysts, enhancing security and transparency in financial transactions. Key Highlights: Upcoming Measures: TET
First Abu Dhabi Bank Adopts eMACH.ai for Digital Lending Transformation
Context: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, has partnered with Intellect Design Arena to implement the eMACH.ai Lending platform, marking a major milestone in its digital transformation strategy. Key Highlights:
India Lags in SWIFT ISO 20022 Migration Ahead of November 2025 Deadline
Context: India’s top private banks are behind schedule in migrating to the SWIFT ISO 20022 cross-border payments messaging standard, with only State Bank of India (SBI) having fully transitioned. Current Status Risks of Non-Compliance Benefits of ISO 20022 Challenges in India
Technology Adoption in Agriculture: Drones and Digital Tools Drive Productivity
Context: India’s agricultural sector is witnessing a significant push towards technology adoption through agri-drones and digital platforms. These innovations aim to improve productivity, reduce input costs, and create rural employment. Agri-Drones: Scaling Up Rapidly Digital Agriculture Mission & Agri Stack Challenges Way Forward BS
Government Plans Amendments to Seed Act to Curb Spurious Seeds
Context: The Government of India is preparing to amend the Seed Act to tackle the rising issue of spurious and low-quality seeds, which has significantly impacted crop yields and farmer incomes across the country. Key Highlights Expected Features of the Amended Seed Act Mint
Operation Sindhu
Context: Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals. The first batch of evacuees—110 students—will reach New Delhi on Thursday. Evacuation Details TH
India Hits Record High in QS World University Rankings 2026
Context: India achieved its strongest-ever presence in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with 54 institutions featured — up from 46 in 2025 and 45 in 2024, marking a 390% rise since 2014. Key Highlights New Entrants and Trends Challenges Remain Global Context TOI
