Context: Sebi has directed all intermediaries to register with social media platform providers (SMPPs) such as Google and Meta for publishing financial advertisements. Objective Who is affected Verification Process Reason for the Move Source: TET
Sebi’s Crackdown on Misinformation and Finfluencers
Misinformation Control Key Regulatory Focus New Initiatives Collaborative Approach Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) Market Development Source: Mint
Sebi Eases ‘Skin-in-the-Game’ Norms for AMC Employees
Key Changes Investment Slabs Employee Categories Lock-in Period Revisions Transparency & Disclosure
Bank Credit and Deposit Growth Gap Widens
IndusInd Bank Derivative Discrepancies
Context: On March 10, 2025, IndusInd Bank disclosed discrepancies in its derivative portfolio, which are expected to have over 2% impact on its net worth. The bank appointed PwC to conduct a review; the report is still awaited. Board Action and Independent Investigation Regulatory Response Key Financial Health Indicators Metric Value Definition Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) 16.46% The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is a financial metric that measures a bank’s ability to absorb losses and maintain stability by ensuring it has enough capital relative to its risk-weighted assets, also known as Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR). Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) 70.20% (as of Dec 31, 2024) The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) measures how well a bank is prepared to cover potential losses from bad loans or Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) by calculating the percentage of provisions made against the total value of gross NPAs. Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) 113% (vs. 100% requirement) The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) is a financial metric that requires banks to hold enough high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) to cover potential net cash outflows during a 30-day stress scenario, ensuring they can meet short-term obligations. Market Impact Promoter and Liquidity Measures Analytical Perspective Area Opportunities Concerns Independent Investigation Could restore investor confidence and enhance transparency Findings may reveal deeper lapses, impacting management reputation Regulatory Assurance RBI’s involvement and public assurance stabilise sentiment Persistent market speculation despite RBI’s statements Capital Strength Strong capital adequacy and liquidity buffers in place Heavy reliance on short-term borrowing (CD market) could raise cost pressure Market Reaction Opportunity for long-term investors if confidence is restored Short-term volatility and 24% share price erosion show fragile sentiment The Economic Times
SEBI Eases Norms on AMC Executives’ Mandatory Investments
Context: The June 2024 master circular required fund managers and CIOs of AMCs to invest at least 20% of their annual compensation in the schemes they manage, without exceptions. This was aimed at aligning their interests with investor outcomes and enhancing accountability. Key Changes Enforcement Mechanism Why the Change? Potential Implications Source: TH
Parliamentary Committee Recommends Expansion of PLI Scheme
PLI Scheme A) Current Framework B) Proposed Expansion C) Analytical Perspective Concerns Over National E-Commerce Policy Focus on Export Competitiveness A) Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) B) Analytical Takeaway Free Trade Agreements (FTA) Strategy A) Current Status B) Recommendations by the committee C) Analytical Viewpoint Strategic and Policy-Level Implications Area Opportunities Challenges/Concerns PLI Expansion Employment generation in labour-intensive sectors; strategic autonomy Need for careful fund management and measurable impact monitoring E-Commerce Policy Delay Untapped potential in rapidly growing digital markets Regulatory uncertainty may deter investments Export Promotion Lowering export credit costs to drive competitiveness Budgetary constraints and delayed scheme rollout FTAs and Trade Balance Greater market access and investment flows Risk of continued trade deficits unless addressed proactively The committee’s recommendations are forward-looking, aimed at strengthening India’s manufacturing base, enhancing export competitiveness, and strategically leveraging trade agreements.However, the government needs to:
Web Browser Ulaa
Context: The Indian government has awarded â‚ą1 crore to Tenkasi-based Zoho Corporation for developing an indigenous web browser named Ulaa. Key Purpose What is a Root Certifying Authority? Current Status
Glaciers Losing Ice
Context: Glaciers worldwide have lost 9,000 gigatonnes of ice since 1975, equivalent to an ice block the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 metres. 2024 alone saw glaciers losing 450 gigatonnes of mass one of the highest annual losses on record. Five of the last six years have registered record-high glacial mass losses. Consequences of Glacier Melting Global Concern and Action Call for Scientific Advancement Freshwater Reserves at Risk
India–New Zealand Relations
Key Geopolitical Shifts India–New Zealand Partnership Potential Agreements Signed Trade Challenges Connectivity Boost Diplomatic Concerns While diplomatic sensitivities exist, both nations stand to gain from strengthened cooperation in trade, defence, and regional stability as democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific.
