Context: India achieved a financial milestone with the listing of its first mortgage-backed Pass-Through Certificates (PTCs) on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Structured by RMBS Development Company Ltd. and backed by LIC Housing Finance’s home loans, this ₹1,000 crore issue marks a pivotal step in deepening India’s housing finance and securitization market. What Are Pass-Through Certificates (PTCs)? Definition How They Work Features of Mortgage-Backed PTCs Significance of India’s First Mortgage-Backed PTC Listing Policy and Market Impact Broader Benefits
Strait of Hormuz
Why in News? Iran’s parliament, the Majlis, has reportedly approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to the attacks by the U.S. on Iranian nuclear facilities, the country’s state-owned media PressTV reported. What is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints in the world. Situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, it connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as a vital artery for global energy transport. Geographical Significance Global Energy Lifeline Alternate Routes & Strategic Moves Due to the Strait’s vulnerability to geopolitical tensions: Importance in Global Affairs Any disruption to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz can: UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q. Which one of the following straits is nearest to the International Date Line? (2008) (a) Malacca Strait (b) Bering Strait (c) Strait of Florida (d) Strait of Gibraltar Ans: (b)
NABARD Launches ₹10,000 Crore Green Lending Facility for FY25
Context: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced plans to disburse around ₹10,000 crore in FY25 under its newly introduced Green Lending Facility, aimed at supporting projects aligned with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Green Lending Facility A Green Lending Facility is a financial mechanism that provides loans specifically for projects with positive environmental impacts, promoting sustainable development and reducing carbon footprint. Key Highlights: TH
National Seminar on ‘Prosperity through Cooperatives’
Context: On the backdrop of the UN declaring 2025 as the ‘International Year of Cooperatives’, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a national-level seminar on the theme ‘Prosperity through Cooperatives’ in Mumbai. The seminar aimed to highlight the transformative role of cooperatives in India’s socio-economic framework, particularly in the agriculture sector. Cooperatives A cooperative (or co-op) is a business or organization owned and run jointly by its members, who share in its profits and benefits. It’s a form of self-governed group where individuals with common needs come together to meet their economic, social, and cultural needs through a collectively owned and democratically managed enterprise. Key Highlights Strategic Roadmap for Agricultural Prosperity Focus on: Major Government Initiatives and Announcements Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for TOP Crops Procurement Expansion PIB
Nabcons Deploys AI to Monitor Water Bodies, Carbon Credits and Boosts Digital Agriculture
Context: Nabcons, the consultancy arm of NABARD, is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), GIS, and open-source technologies to promote sustainable agriculture, monitor water bodies, and help smallholder farmers monetise carbon credits. The firm has also exceeded its annual business and revenue targets in FY25. Key Technological Interventions AI for Water Body Monitoring – Tamil Nadu Digital Dairy Receivables – Bihar Kathir Platform – Kerala Carbon Credit Programme – Karnataka (Kolar District) BL
RBI Issues Master Direction on Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs)
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a new Master Direction on Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs) on June 16, 2025, aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for digital financial market infrastructure. This direction replaces the 2018 guidelines and takes immediate effect. Definition of ETP An Electronic Trading Platform (ETP) is defined as: “Any electronic system (excluding recognised stock exchanges) where transactions in eligible financial instruments are contracted electronically.” Eligible Instruments include: Scope and Applicability Not applicable to: Key Regulatory Provisions Eligibility to Operate an ETP Entities must: Approval Process Operational and Compliance Requirements Data Retention: Reporting Obligations: Monitoring and Enforcement:
RBI Issues Master Circular to Enhance Credit Access for SC/ST Communities
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a Master Circular on Credit Facilities to Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Scheduled Tribes (STs) aimed at enhancing credit access, promoting financial inclusion, and ensuring effective implementation through structured monitoring and policy measures. Key Highlights of the Master Circular Streamlined Procedures and Special Reservations Centrally Sponsored Schemes Supporting SC/ST Credit Access DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission) Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) Scheme Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme for Scheduled Castes (CEGSSC)
CCI’s 2025 Cost Norms
Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has notified the Determination of Cost of Production Regulations, 2025, marking a major reform in how predatory pricing is assessed and regulated in India. These reforms aim to reinforce competition safeguards, especially in digital and capital-intensive markets, by introducing clear, consistent benchmarks based on Average Total Cost (ATC). What is Predatory Pricing? Definition:Predatory pricing involves a dominant firm deliberately setting prices below cost to eliminate competitors, eventually gaining monopoly power. Example:NSE vs. MCX case—NSE deployed zero-pricing strategies in currency derivatives, leading to allegations of market exclusion and regulatory scrutiny. Key Features of Predatory Pricing Types: Factors Encouraging Predatory Pricing Challenges in Regulation
Bajaj Allianz Launches India’s First State-wise Health Insurance Policy Tailored to Local Healthcare Needs
Context: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has introduced a first-of-its-kind ‘State-wise Health Insurance Policy’, offering region-specific health insurance solutions across 25 states and 5 Union Territories. This initiative marks a pioneering step in customising healthcare protection in alignment with the unique medical infrastructure, affordability, and disease profiles of each state in India. Key Features of the State-wise Health Insurance Policy Regionally Customised Coverage Lifetime Renewability About Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Bajaj Allianz is a joint venture between Bajaj Finserv Ltd and Allianz SE, offering a broad portfolio of insurance solutions including health, motor, home, cybersecurity, and even niche segments like pet and film insurance. The company holds an [ICRA]AAA rating, ensuring high trust and timely claims servicing across over 1,500 cities and towns in India. BS
SEBI Proposes Framework for Responsible Use of AI/ML in Securities Market
Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a consultation paper proposing a structured framework to govern the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies in the Indian securities market. The proposals aim to safeguard investor interests, promote fairness, and ensure cybersecurity compliance amid rising adoption of AI/ML tools in trading, advisory, and surveillance. Key Features of SEBI’s Five-Point Plan Background and Next Steps TOI
