Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Annual Report for FY2023-24 reveals a major shift in the Indian lending landscape, with a growing proportion of loans now linked to external benchmarks. This transition enhances transparency and strengthens monetary policy transmission. Key Data (as of December 2024) Institution-wise Distribution of Floating Rate Loans What is EBLR? The External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR) is a type of floating lending rate linked to an external, publicly available benchmark like the RBI Repo Rate, 3-month/6-month Treasury Bill Yield, or any other benchmark published by FBIL (Financial Benchmarks India Ltd). Key Components of EBLR: Comparative Insights: Parameter Public Sector Banks (PSBs) Private Sector Banks Share of EBLR-linked loans 44.6% 85.9% Share of MCLR/legacy rate loans Higher Significantly lower Implications for Indian Banking: BS
Niveshak Shivir by IEPFA and SEBI
Context: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in collaboration with SEBI, has launched Niveshak Shivir, a pilot investor facilitation camp. The first camp will be held in Pune on June 1, 2025, aimed at providing a one-stop solution for resolving issues related to unclaimed dividends, shares, and other investor services. Key Objectives Services Offered Significance and Impact About IEPFA The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority is a statutory body dedicated to investor awareness, protection, and education in India. It works through nationwide campaigns, digital tools, and strategic partnerships to build a
RBI Directive on Default Loss Guarantee (DLG)
What is Default Loss Guarantee (DLG)? Key Highlights of RBI’s Directive Additional Recent Update (May 2025) Implications BS
Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025 Launched by Jal Shakti Ministry
Context: Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C R Patil, officially launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025, a nationwide rural sanitation survey under the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti. The launch event took place in New Delhi in the presence of Minister of State Shri V. Somanna, senior officials from DDWS, and state-level sanitation mission directors. Key Objectives Strategic Features of SSG 2025
Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities Strengthened
Context: On 29 May 2025, the keel laying ceremony for the 8th and final Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), designated BY 530, was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. Ceremony attended by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan (CWP&A) and senior officials from the Indian Navy and CSL. Project Highlights Strategic and Indigenous Importance
India Launches DHRUVA Policy for Digital Addressing System
Key Highlights What is DIGIPIN? What is DHRUVA? Policy Objectives
India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
Context: On 8 May 2025, India and Chile signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The first round of negotiations began on 26 May 2025 in New Delhi. Commitment reaffirmed during the State Visit of Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font to India in April 2025. Objectives and Vision Key Highlights of the First Round
Union Minister Launches Ayush Suraksha Portal
Context: In a historic move to boost consumer safety and regulatory governance in India’s traditional medicine sector, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, launched the Ayush Suraksha Portal at Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi. The launch aligns with the Supreme Court’s directive to establish a centralized mechanism for monitoring misleading advertisements and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Ayush systems. Key Objectives of the Ayush Suraksha Portal Supreme Court Directive Key Functional Features Significance
PadhAI Conclave on AI in Education
Context: Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, delivered the valedictory address at the concluding session of ‘PadhAI: Conclave on AI in Education’, organised by the Center of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG), in New Delhi. Key Highlights from Shri Dharmendra Pradhan’s Address: About the PadhAI Conclave
Launch of Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025
Context: Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C R Patil launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025, a nationwide rural sanitation survey by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti today in Delhi in the presence of Minister of State of Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna. Ministry Key Features Survey Criteria and Components SSG 2025 evaluates rural sanitation through four main components:
