Decline in Non-Food Credit Growth Retail Loan Slowdown Credit to Services Sector Industrial Credit Trends The sharp decline in retail loans and NBFC credit has dragged overall bank loan growth in February 2025. However, select industries and the computer software sector continue to see healthy credit expansion. TET
Finance Bill 2025
Key Objectives of the Finance Bill 2025 Withdrawal of Equalisation Levy Customs Duty Rationalisation Fiscal Deficit & Budgetary Strategy The Finance Bill 2025 reinforces tax stability, simplifies compliance, and fosters economic growth. With customs reforms and a balanced fiscal approach, the government is focused on long-term business competitiveness and economic expansion TET
RBI Likely to Cut Policy Rate by 25 Basis Points in April: Ind-Ra
Expected Rate Cut & Projections Key Factors Influencing RBI’s Decision Impact of US Reciprocal Tariffs Market & Economic Implications RBI’s April rate cut decision hinges on inflation, liquidity, and global economic factors. With Ind-Ra predicting up to three cuts, the central bank’s stance will be closely watched by markets and businesses TET
India’s ATM Network Faces Challenges Amid Rising Interchange Fees
Key Reason for the Interchange Fee Hike Factors Contributing to ATM Network Decline Potential Effects of Higher Fees The Larger Context: India’s Cash Dependency India’s Digital vs. Cash Balance While India continues its shift toward digital payments, ATMs remain indispensable, ensuring smooth financial inclusion. The challenge is to maintain a viable ATM network while advancing digital adoption. TET
Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) in Fintech Sector
Overview of the Fintech SRO Race What is a Fintech SRO? Why New SROs are Emerging? Challenges in Unifying the Sector The Road Ahead With fintech rapidly evolving, having multiple SROs may ensure balanced oversight while fostering innovation in India’s digital finance ecosystem. The Economic Times
Sebi Proposes Standardization of Equity Derivatives Expiry Days
Key Proposal by Sebi Current Expiry Days (Since January 2025) NSE’s Recent Proposal & Sebi’s Intervention Impact on Markets Sebi’s move seeks to streamline derivatives trading while balancing market efficiency and risk management. BS
RBI to Discuss Liquidity Management with Bankers
Key Highlights RBI’s Upcoming Meeting with Bankers Key Discussion Points Pre-MPC Consultation with Economists Banking System Liquidity Status Impact of RBI’s Liquidity Measures Outlook for FY26 Implications
RBI Plans to Double Foreign Investor Cap in Listed Firms
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to increase the cap on individual foreign investors in listed companies from 5% to 10%. The combined holding limit for all overseas individual investors in a listed company is proposed to rise from 10% to 24%. The move is aimed at boosting capital inflows amid $28 billion in FPI outflows since September. Policy Expansion to Include All Foreign Investors Concerns Raised by SEBI Regulatory Discussions & Next Steps Implications for Investors & Markets BS
NSE IPO Faces Delays
Context: The National Stock Exchange (NSE)‘s long-awaited initial public offering (IPO) has hit another hurdle as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) flagged compliance deficiencies. SEBI issued a detailed letter outlining areas NSE must rectify before receiving approval. NSE has been given 24 months to resolve these issues before reapplying for IPO clearance. Key SEBI Concerns Current NSE Ownership (as of December 2024) Shareholder Stake (%) Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) 10.72 Aranda Investments (Mauritius) 5.00 Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd. 4.44 SBI Capital Markets Ltd. 4.33 Mahagony Ltd. 3.93 State Bank of India (SBI) 3.23 What’s Next? BS
Mental Health Insurance in India
Low Mental Health Claims Despite Legal Mandate Key Findings from the Mental Health Report 2025 Real-World Challenges in Claim Approvals Violations of Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017 Implications and Way Forward Despite legal provisions, mental health coverage in India remains underutilized and poorly implemented, highlighting the need for policy corrections, increased awareness, and stricter regulatory enforcement. TOI