Context: The number of cancelled Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) surged to 162.3 lakh in April 2025, more than three times higher than the previous month. This increase was driven by the implementation of SEBI‘s new cancellation norms, not investor panic. What is a SIP? Cancellation Norms Of SEBI Significance of SEBI’s Move Related SEBI Update (March 2025) About SEBI
Indian Bank Launches New Fixed Deposit Schemes IND SECURE and IND GREEN
New Fixed Deposit Schemes (Effective May 8, 2025): Discontinued Fixed Deposit Schemes (From May 8, 2025): Mint
‘Niveshak Shivir’ for Reclaiming Unclaimed Dividends & Shares
Context: On May 9, 2025, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in collaboration with SEBI, held a preparatory meeting in Mumbai. “Niveshak Shivir” Initiative About IEPFA Significance PIB
Co-Lending Model
What is Co-Lending? Key Features of the Co-Lending Model How Co-Lending Works? Advantages of Co-Lending To Banks: To NBFCs: To Consumers: Benefits of the Co-Lending Model Applications of Co-Lending
Draft RBI Guidelines on Co-lending
Context: Technological and Operational Implications Concerns Around Colending Model 2 (CLM 2) Expected Outcomes BS
Government Plans to List Five Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) by FY27
Context: Under the “One State, One RRB” policy, the central government is pushing RRB consolidation to improve efficiency and minimize inter-bank competition. Post the latest merger effective May 1, India now has 28 RRBs across 26 states and 2 UTs, operating over 22,000 branches in 700 districts. The government’s new goal is to list at least five RRBs by FY27 to enhance their credibility, public accountability, and access to capital markets. Purpose of RRB Listings IPO Eligibility Criteria (As per 2022 Draft Guidelines by Finance Ministry) To qualify for a public listing, an RRB must meet the following conditions: Impact RRBs BS
AI and MCP Revolutionize Backend Systems in B2B Fintech
Context: Indian B2B fintech players like Cashfree Payments and Razorpay are leveraging AI-powered agents and a new tool called Model Context Protocol (MCP) to simplify backend operations for businesses. MCP acts as a universal connector, akin to a USB-C port, enabling seamless communication between different fintech APIs and AI systems. What is Model Context Protocol (MCP)? AI-Driven Use Cases Scaling & Future Outlook BS
Economic Capital Framework (ECF)
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Central Board convened on May 15, 2025 to review the Economic Capital Framework (ECF). Definition of Economic Capital Framework (ECF) The Economic Capital Framework (ECF) is the risk management policy of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that determines: Key Components of the ECF RBI Surplus Transfers to the Government (Under ECF) Financial Year Surplus Transferred FY24 ₹2.11 lakh crore (highest-ever) FY23 ₹87,416 crore FY22 ₹30,307 crore FY21 ₹99,122 crore Significance of ECF Potential Impacts of ECF on Fiscal Management Scenario Implication Higher CRB More financial stability, lower surplus to government Lower CRB Larger transfers to government, higher fiscal flexibility, but increased financial risk Impact on Budget Surplus transfers fund infrastructure, subsidies, and welfare programs Balancing Act
Supreme Court’s Advisory Jurisdiction – Article 143
Context: The President of India has invoked Article 143(1) to seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on whether time limits can be imposed on the President and Governors for deciding on State Legislature Bills. This seeks to address delays in gubernatorial assent, especially in politically sensitive states. What is Advisory Jurisdiction? Constitutional Provisions Key Features Historical Usage of Article 143 Invoked 14 times since 1950 for diverse constitutional and legal clarifications: Case Issue Referred Delhi Laws Act Case (1951) Legislative powers and delegation Berubari Union Case (1960) Territorial transfer to Pakistan Kesavananda Follow-up (1973) Basic Structure doctrine Cauvery Tribunal (1992) Jurisdiction in federal water disputes Ayodhya Reference (1993) SC declined, citing political nature Judges Appointment Case (1998) Collegium system clarified Significance of Current Reference (2025): Could clarify constitutional silence on gubernatorial timelines.
United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) Report 2025
Report: India Retains Position as World’s Fastest-Growing Major Economy: UN WESP Report 2025 Key Highlights: Significance: About the Report:
