Context: SEBI has extended the implementation timeline for the optional T+0 (same-day settlement) cycle for qualified stock brokers (QSBs) to November 1, 2025, from the initial deadline of May 1, 2025. Reason for extension: The extension was granted based on feedback from QSBs, along with consultations with stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories, to ensure smoother implementation. T+0 Settlement Cycle A T+0 settlement cycle means that a stock trade is settled on the same day it’s executed. This means that the buyer receives the shares and the seller receives payment on the same trading day. Previously, India used a T+1 system where settlement occurred the next business day. Implementation Challenges Background on T+0 Settlement Cycle Impact on QSBs and Investor Participation Industry Implications Mint
Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) Partners with Kotak Mahindra Bank to Boost Investor Awareness
Context: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) to enhance investor awareness across India. Initiative Details
India’s Industrial Growth Slows to 4% in FY25
Context: India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) averaged 4% in FY25, the lowest in the past four years, signaling a broad-based industrial slowdown amid weak consumption, muted exports, and lagging private investment. Key Drivers of the Slowdown Sector-Wise IIP Performance Comparison Sector FY24 Growth FY25 Growth Mining 7.5% 2.9% Manufacturing 5.5% 4.0% Electricity 7.0% 5.1% Monthly IIP Trend Snapshot Inflation and Monetary Policy Effects Trade and MSME Impact Policy Priorities Ahead TIE
Sensitization Programme on National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) on Spices
Context: The one-day sensitization programme was held at Kochi on the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) focused on spices. Objectives Key Highlights The event aimed to deepen the understanding of stakeholders on sustainable practices, improve awareness of the NPOP standards, and explore the global market for organic spices. BL
Maharashtra Scraps Re 1 Crop Insurance Scheme Amid Irregularities
Context: Maharashtra’s government has decided to discontinue its Re 1 crop insurance scheme after uncovering major irregularities. Re 1 Crop Insurance Scheme The Re 1 crop insurance scheme was launched in 2023 by the Mahayuti government, under which farmers were to pay only Re 1 as premium on their part while the rest was borne by the government. This led to a massive increase in the number of applicants compared to previous years and over 5.82 lakh bogus claims in 2024-25. Scheme Revisions and Return to Centre’s Crop Insurance Model Impact of the Decision TOI
Airtel Payments Bank has introduced the RuPay ON-THE-GO Card
Context: Airtel Payments Bank has introduced the RuPay ON-THE-GO card, enabled with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) feature, aiming to simplify digital payments for travel, shopping, and daily expenses. The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is a feature that enables contactless payments across various modes of transportation and retail outlets using a single, interoperable card. It leverages RuPay technology and allows for stored value, enabling offline transactions for low-value payments. The NCMC supports payments for metro, bus, suburban railways, toll, parking, and retail purchases. Key Features How to Obtain the Card Usage and Charges TET
Airtel Payments Bank has introduced the RuPay ON-THE-GO Card
Context: Airtel Payments Bank has introduced the RuPay ON-THE-GO card, enabled with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) feature, aiming to simplify digital payments for travel, shopping, and daily expenses. The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is a feature that enables contactless payments across various modes of transportation and retail outlets using a single, interoperable card. It leverages RuPay technology and allows for stored value, enabling offline transactions for low-value payments. The NCMC supports payments for metro, bus, suburban railways, toll, parking, and retail purchases. Key Features How to Obtain the Card Usage and Charges TET
RBI Mandates Use of PRAVAAH Portal for Regulatory Applications
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a directive requiring all regulated financial entities to use the PRAVAAH portal for submitting applications related to licenses, authorisations, and approvals starting from May 1, 2025. This initiative aims to centralize regulatory communications and introduce uniformity across the financial system. What is the PRAVAAH Portal? PRAVAAH (Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation, and Authorisation) is a secure, web-based digital platform introduced by the RBI. It is designed to streamline the application process, enabling individuals and entities to file, track, and manage various regulatory requests through a single unified system. Scope and Applicability From May 1, 2025, all Regulated Entities (REs) will be required to submit their applications via PRAVAAH. The entities include: Reason Behind the Directive PRAVAAH has been operational for nearly a year and has processed around 4,000 applications. However, many entities continued using legacy submission channels. The RBI’s decision to make the use of PRAVAAH mandatory aims to: Process Guidance for Regulated Entities This directive reinforces the RBI’s commitment to a digital, transparent, and efficient regulatory environment. The mandatory adoption of PRAVAAH is expected to simplify the interface between the RBI and financial entities, strengthening regulatory governance and improving the overall regulatory framework.
Amazon Launches First 27 Satellites for Kuiper Internet Constellation
Context: Amazon successfully launched its first 27 satellites for the Kuiper broadband internet constellation on April 24, 2025, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. This marks the beginning of a major push to build a global internet network. Project Kuiper Overview Delays and Timeline Future Plans and Expectations Implications for Global Internet Connectivity TOI
Monsoon Variability and Marine Productivity in the Bay of Bengal
Context: A recent study published in Nature Geoscience explores how fluctuations in the Indian Summer Monsoon over the past 22,000 years have influenced marine productivity in the Bay of Bengal. The study, led by Kaustubh Thirumalai from the University of Austin, provides critical insights into how strong and weak monsoons impact the marine ecosystem, particularly plankton growth, which forms the foundation of the marine food chain. Influence of Monsoon on Marine Productivity Importance of the Bay of Bengal Despite covering less than 1% of the world’s ocean area, the Bay of Bengal is responsible for nearly 8% of global fishery production. The nutrient-rich waters support densely populated coastal communities that rely heavily on fisheries for food and income. Food Security Risks for Coastal Communities Comparison with Modern Data and Climate Projections By comparing ancient patterns with modern ocean data and climate model projections, the study identified worrying similarities, suggesting that future monsoon variability could further challenge marine productivity and exacerbate the impacts of climate change. TH
