Context: A two-day national workshop on “Soil Testing and Management for Sustainable Cultivation of High-Quality Medicinal Herbs”, held on 27–28 October, organised by Patanjali Organic Research Institute (RCSCNRI-1) in collaboration with Patanjali Research Foundation and Patanjali University, with support from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Key Focus: Significance:
NABARD and CEEW Partner to Boost Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Source: NABARD Context: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), one of Asia’s leading policy think tanks. Objective: The collaboration aims to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, scale up green rural financing, and promote sustainable livelihoods across India’s rural economy. Key Highlights:
Purple Finance Targets Small Finance Bank License
Source: FE Context: Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) Purple Finance, founded in 2021, has announced its ambition to secure a Small Finance Bank (SFB) license by 2028. The company has rapidly expanded across multiple states, focusing on financial inclusion and small-town credit access. Company Overview: RBI Criteria for Setting Up a Small Finance Bank (SFB) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – as per the Guidelines for Licensing of Small Finance Banks in the Private Sector (2019), under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Objective of SFBs Small Finance Banks are established to: Eligible Promoters Minimum Capital Requirement Promoter Contribution & Lock-in Scope of Activities SFBs can: Prudential Norms Financial Inclusion Mandate Governance and Listing Transition from NBFC to SFB For existing NBFCs (like Purple Finance) applying for an SFB license:
SBI Executes First Gold Trade as Special Category Client on IIBX
Context: State Bank of India (SBI) has marked a new chapter in India’s bullion trade by executing its first gold transaction as a Special Category Client (SCC) on the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), signalling a transformative shift towards greater efficiency and transparency in the precious metals market. Key Highlights: Landmark Transaction Role of SBI as SCC India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) Purpose: Key Features:
Scapia & Federal Bank Launch Family Add-On Cards
Context: Bengaluru-based fintech Scapia, in partnership with Federal Bank, has introduced a first-of-its-kind Add-On Credit Card aimed at transparency, independence, and family-focused travel rewards. Add-On Credit Card Feature Scapia Store – Travel-Focused Shopping Platform
IBBI Circular Enables Restitution of Assets Attached by ED
Context: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) issued a circular on 4 November 2025 allowing insolvency professionals to file applications for the restoration of assets attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The move aims to maximize recovery for creditors, reduce friction between PMLA and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) provisions, and support the resolution of stressed companies. Key Highlights:
RBI Flags Concern Over Elevated Bond Yields
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expressed concerns over persistently high 10-year government bond yields, even after policy rate cuts, and is engaging with market participants on possible interventions. The spread between India’s 10-year bond and the US 10-year Treasury has widened to roughly 244 basis points (bps), up from 219 bps at the start of 2025. Key Highlights:
Global Inequality Report (G20 Commissioned, 2025)
Source: TH Context: India’s richest 1% expanded its wealth by 62% between 2000 to 2023, according to a report commissioned by the South African Presidency of the G20. Key Findings Extreme Wealth Concentration: Country-Specific Trends: Intercountry Inequality: Social and Economic Impacts: Policy Recommendations Reversing Extreme Inequality: Proposed International Panel on Inequality (IPI): Approach: India Context:
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada 2025
Source: PIB Context: Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada (Tribal Pride Year Fortnight), 1–15 November 2025, commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Focus on tribal culture, education, welfare, and environmental stewardship. Objectives of the Pakhwada Key Activities Across States and UTs State/UT Key Activities Objective / Focus Andaman & Nicobar Islands Career guidance programs for tribal college students Promote educational and vocational opportunities for tribal youth Andhra Pradesh Plantation drives; Heritage rallies and awareness meetings at ITDA PVP Encourage environmental stewardship and awareness of tribal welfare initiatives Jammu & Kashmir Surveys and IEC campaigns for PVTG benefits; Health camps & workshops with traditional healers; Formation of youth clubs for mentorship & sports; Digitisation of tribal languages, scripts, and beneficiary data; Documentation of tribal success stories through monographs & photo handbooks; Art competitions for students Enhance tribal welfare, healthcare, education, cultural preservation, youth engagement, and documentation of tribal heritage Karnataka Dance, drama, and storytelling competitions at Ashrama School, Kolipalya Promote tribal culture through student performances Nagaland Poem recitation competitions at Eklavya Model Residential School, Tuensang Foster pride in tribal identity through art and language Odisha Exhibition of photographs showcasing tribal life, traditions, and culture Preserve and highlight tribal heritage and traditions Rajasthan Benefit Saturation Camps across districts via e-Mitra centres Ensure doorstep delivery of welfare schemes to tribal beneficiaries Uttar Pradesh School-level essay, speech, painting, story-writing, poetry, and rangoli competitions Promote awareness, creativity, and understanding of tribal culture and freedom struggles
Vijayanagara-era Gold Coins Unearthed
Source: TH Context: During restoration work at a Later Chola-period Shiva temple, 103 punch-marked gold coins were discovered in an earthen pot near the sanctum sanctorum. Discovery: Details of the Coins: Numismatics of the Vijayanagara Empire Origin & Historical Context Key Features of Vijayanagara Coinage
