Source: Mint Why in news? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a review and revamp of its ‘fit and proper’ framework for market intermediaries, citing concerns that some existing provisions may be overly rigid and punitive at a preliminary stage of legal proceedings. What is the ‘Fit and Proper’ Framework? Why is SEBI Reviewing It Now?
RBI Imposes Compounding Fee on One 97 Communications for FEMA Violations
Source: BS Why in news? In February 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One 97 Communications Limited (OCL) for violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, relating to foreign investment transactions in its subsidiary. What is the case about? Transaction involved Nature of violation Compounding Order Explained Disclosure & Compliance
Centre Defines Eligibility Criteria for ‘Deep Tech’ Start-ups
Source: The Hindu Why in News? The Union Government has officially defined what constitutes a “deep tech” start-up through a gazette notification issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), bringing regulatory clarity to a term widely used but previously undefined. What is a Deep Tech Start-up? According to the notification, a deep tech start-up is an enterprise that: Key Eligibility Criteria Relaxed Start-up Norms for Deep Tech Firms Parameter Normal Start-up Deep Tech Start-up Maximum age 10 years 20 years Turnover limit ₹200 crore ₹300 crore
NBA Launches Digital Portal for Certificate of Origin of Cultivated Medicinal Plants
Source: PIB Why in News? On 5 February 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launched a digital portal for the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) for cultivated medicinal plants, to support Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) exemption applications. Key Features of the Digital CoO Portal About Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) About National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%
Source: TH Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its February monetary policy, decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and retained a neutral policy stance, signalling a likely pause in rate action. Key Decisions What Does “Neutral Stance” Indicate? What is Repo Rate? The repo rate is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities. What is Reverse Repo Rate? The reverse repo rate is the interest rate at which RBI borrows money from commercial banks. Repo vs Reverse Repo Aspect Repo Rate Reverse Repo Rate RBI’s role Lender Borrower Banks’ role Borrowers Lenders Objective Inject liquidity Absorb liquidity Effect on money supply Increases Decreases
RBI Raises Loan Limits for Small Businesses; Allows Bank Lending to REITs
Source: BS Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced measures to enhance credit flow to small businesses and support the real estate sector, as part of its monetary policy initiatives to strengthen formal and last-mile lending. Key Announcements 1. Enhanced Collateral-Free Loans for Small Businesses 2. Bank Lending to REITs Permitted What are REITs? Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are regulated investment vehicles that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate such as office parks, malls, warehouses, and hotels. They allow investors to earn returns from real estate without directly owning property.
RBI Plans ₹25,000 Compensation for Cyber Fraud Victims
Source: TOI Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a new compensation framework to provide relief to victims of small-value online frauds, with compensation up to ₹25,000. Key Features of the Proposed Framework
NBFCs with Assets Below ₹1,000 Crore Exempted from Mandatory RBI Registration
Source: ET Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced regulatory relaxations for certain non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to reduce compliance burden while maintaining systemic stability. Key Announcements 1. Exemption from Mandatory Registration NBFCs will be exempted from registration with RBI if they meet all of the following conditions: 2. Branch Expansion Norms Relaxed Objective of the Measures RBI’s Broader Regulatory Approach
Mission SAKSHAM
Source: TH Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the launch of Mission SAKSHAM (Sahakari Bank Kshamta Nirman), a sector-wide capacity-building and certification framework aimed at strengthening Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs). What is Mission SAKSHAM? Key Features
Urban Consumer Confidence Survey: RBI
Source: IE Context: The latest Urban Consumer Confidence Survey by the Reserve Bank of India reveals a softening of sentiment, signalling caution among urban households—but not alarm. The data fits neatly with the broader macro narrative: strong fundamentals, cautious households. What the Dip Really Means The decline in both the Current Situation Index (CSI) and the Future Expectations Index (FEI) does not point to economic distress. Instead, it reflects a cooling of optimism after a prolonged post-pandemic rebound. The Urban Caution Paradox Urban households are reacting to micro-level pressures even as macro indicators look robust: 1. Inflation Perception vs Inflation Reality Result: Households feel poorer even when inflation is technically benign. 2. Income Insecurity, Not Job Loss This creates income anxiety without unemployment, which dampens confidence. 3. Urban Exposure to Global Uncertainty Urban consumers are more sensitive to: Rural households, buffered by transfers and agriculture-linked income, feel these shocks less immediately—explaining the urban–rural confidence divergence.
