Clarity 4 Sure · Revision Sheet

June 2025 — exam-ready facts

500 items from 25 days · NABARD Grade A · RBI Grade B · SEBI Grade A

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The month in numbers

June 2025 at a glance

25 daily compilations, 500 items across 7 topics — Banking and Finance weighed the most. Read the charts first: they tell you where this month's questions will come from.

daily compilations

500

items covered

topics

data tables

Items by topic

Items per day

Darker = a heavier day. Two-day posts are split across their days.

Where the items sat

Other exams 500 (100%)

Most mentioned this month

How many items each name appeared in. Know these cold.

RBI 103Reserve Bank 80Key Highlights 52SEBI 44Exchange Board 33UPI 21Key Features 21Prime Minister Narendra Modi 18GDP 17TET 15New Delhi 14PIB 13SBI 13KYC 12World Bank 11NSE 11

By the numbers

48% IBC = 48% of all bank recoveries (FY24) – RBI Trends & Progress Report 2024. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) · 6 June 2025	₹2.1 crore Objective: Recover dues worth ₹2.1 crore linked to insider trading violations in Gitanjali Gems shares. SEBI Attaches Mehul Choksi’s Bank, Demat, and MF Holdings to Recover ₹2.1 Crore in Insider Trading Case · 7 June 2025
7.75% Interest: 7.75%, taxable under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Government Bonds in India · 13 June 2025	6.3% World Bank (June 2025): Maintained India’s FY26 growth forecast at 6.3% amid rising trade barriers. S&P Global Upgrades India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5% · 25 June 2025
22% Poverty has nearly halved from 22% in 2012 (NSSO) to 12% in 2023 (World Bank). Global Sustainable Development Rankings · 28 June 2025	₹2.63 trillion Between December 2023 and October 2024, ₹2.63 trillion was traded offshore, with uncollected TDS exceeding ₹60 billion. India’s Crypto Landscape and Regulatory Challenges · 1 & 2 June 2025
₹5,000 Users must open a fixed deposit (FD) starting at ₹5,000 with SBM Bank. FD-Backed Credit Card Launched by ZET in Partnership with SBM Bank · 1 & 2 June 2025	₹5.23 trillion RBI infused ₹5.23 trillion into the system via government bond purchases (OMOs) between December 2024 and May 2025. RBI's Pro-Growth Policy Stance · 3 June 2025
₹100 trillion As per PM Narendra Modi, the scheme has the potential to unlock over ₹100 trillion in economic activity. Grameen Credit Score (GCS) · 3 June 2025	₹56 crore Budget Allocation (2024–25): ₹56 crore Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag · 7 June 2025
₹9.5 trillion ₹9.5 trillion liquidity infused since the start of 2025 RBI Frontloads Monetary Support Amid Uncertainty – Is This the Terminal Rate? · 8 & 9 June 2025	₹2.5 trillion The CRR cut is expected to inject ₹2.5 trillion of primary liquidity by end-November 2025. RBI Discontinues Daily VRR Auctions Amid Liquidity Surplus · 10 June 2025

How to use this sheet

1 Cover the right column Read only the topic name and try to recall the facts before you look.

2 Mark what you missed Anything you could not recall is what the exam will find first.

3 Write one answer Pick one topic and write 150 words on it. That is what converts marks.

Important Schemes for Women Empowerment and Child Development in India: Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Poshan 2.0, PMMVY, BBBP and Facts

Scheme to knowImportant Schemes for Women Empowerment and Child Development in India: Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Poshan 2.0, PMMVY, BBBP and FactsSchemes for women and children in India are run mainly by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), which…

Countries and Their Leaders 2026: Heads of State and Government (Updated 30 September 2026)

Free sheet · Static GKCountries & Their Leaders 2026Who leads which country in 2026, with all 17 changes marked. Get the article and the PDF free on WhatsApp.Get it free on WhatsApp →

International Affairs · 13

Indus Waters Treaty at UN Glacier Conference

Changed circumstances since the signing of the treaty in 1960 justify a reassessment: Technological advancements. Demographic pressures. Climate change. Persistent cross-border terrorism.
Signed in 1960 by India, Pakistan, and the World Bank.
Aimed at highlighting the role of glaciers in water security and ecological balance.
India suspended the IWT on April 22, 2025, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people.

Nicaragua Becomes 101st Country to Ratify WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

Q1. The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the (2015)
On June 2, 2025, Nicaragua formally accepted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the 101st WTO member to do so.
Adopted at: 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), Geneva – June 2022.
The move places the landmark sustainability agreement just 10 ratifications away from the required 111 for its entry into force.

Iran-Israel Conflict Triggers Oil Price

India imports over 80% of its crude oil requirements.
Global oil prices surged 8% in a day following the Israeli attack on Iran.
20% of global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, any blockade or tension here could impact oil shipments from key Indian suppliers like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Israel-Iran Conflict

Previous Precedents: Israel has conducted similar operations in the past, including airstrikes on nuclear sites in Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007).
Upcoming Review: The IAEA is expected to release a comprehensive follow-up report in August 2025 to assess continued compliance.
Historic Differences: Relations between the two nations have remained strained since Iran’s 1979 political transformation, which led to changes in its foreign policy stance.
Political Considerations: Observers note that the operation also comes at a time of heightened political debate within Israel.

Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025

Inception: First held in 1995, following the adoption of the UNFCCC in 1992.
The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 marks a critical mid-year milestone for global climate governance, convening negotiators, scientists, policymakers, and civil society actors. The conference sets the technical agenda for COP29, scheduled later this year, and evaluates the implementation of prior climate commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
Host: Bonn, Germany — headquarters of the UNFCCC Secretariat.
COP Preparation: Establishes the foundational technical work for the upcoming COP29 negotiations.

G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada

Origins: Began in 1973 as an informal meeting of finance ministers; evolved into a platform for global coordination on key issues.
Annual Summit: Attended by heads of government and EU representatives; 2025 presidency is held by Canada.
U.S. President Trump proposed expanding G-7 to include Russia and China, angering other leaders and Ukraine.
Russia’s Status: Was a member (G8) from 1997–2014 but was expelled after Crimea’s annexation.

The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025

BBNJ Treaty (High Seas Treaty): 56 of 60 required countries have ratified; triggers legal enforcement after 60 ratifications and a 120-day countdown.
Objective: Protect biodiversity in international waters by creating marine protected areas (MPAs), regulating genetic resource access, conducting impact assessments, and supporting developing nations.
The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025, held in Nice, France, from June 9-13, focused on accelerating action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the conference brought together heads of state, ministers, scientists, and other stakeholders to address Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

Cost & Time Savings: FFFAI estimates the route is 30% cheaper and 40% shorter than existing traditional options.
Oman (2011), Iran (2011), Turkmenistan (2011), Uzbekistan (2011), Kazakhstan (2015), India (2018)
Originally signed on 16 May 2002 by India, Iran, and Russia, the project has since expanded to include several Eurasian economies.
Enhances India’s Act East and Connect Central Asia policies.

U.S. Launches Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

Function: Enriches uranium up to 60% purity.
In a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, the United States launched direct strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, dropping 30,000-pound bombs on key uranium enrichment sites. The unprecedented attack marks a significant shift in U.S. engagement, prompting fears of a full-blown regional war. This Mission was named as "Operation Midnight Hammer".
Capabilities: Includes uranium conversion facilities and nuclear research reactors.
International Oversight: Monitored by the IAEA, which confirmed enriched uranium production.

Strait of Hormuz

Oil Transport: About 20% of all seaborne crude oil passes through the Strait.
Width: Approximately 33 km wide at its narrowest point.
Shipping Channel: Only 3 km wide in each direction for navigation.
OPEC Dependence: Major oil exporters like Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq rely on this route.

Iran Strikes U.S. Base in Qatar in Retaliation for Nuclear Site Attacks

Targeted Base: The al-Udeid Air Base, which hosts approximately 10,000 U.S. troops, was the focus of Iran's missile offensive.
Qatar, located just 190 km south of Iran, continues to host major U.S. military operations in the region, making it a strategic but vulnerable location.
The incident raises fears of a broader regional conflict involving Iran, the U.S., and Gulf states.

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Launched

First government-sponsored spaceflights in over 40 years for India, Poland, and Hungary.
Marks the first time astronauts from these nations visit the ISS; previous flights docked at Salyut 6 or 7.
Launch Date: 25 June 2025, after earlier delays due to a liquid oxygen leak and unrelated issues aboard ISS.
First Indian astronaut (Shubhanshu Shukla) on a mission to the ISS.

Position	Astronaut	Affiliation	Nationality	Flight Number
Commander	Peggy Whitson	Axiom Space (former NASA astronaut)	United States	Fifth flight
Pilot	Shubhanshu Shukla	Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)	India	First flight
Mission Specialist 1	Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski	ESA / POLSA	Poland	First flight
Mission Specialist 2	Tibor Kapu	Hungarian Space Office (HSO)	Hungary	First flight

World Bank Moves Pakistan, Afghanistan Out of South Asia Region

West Bank and Gaza

Test yourself · International Affairs

Fill the blank from memory, then check. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

1. Signed in ________ by India, Pakistan, and the World Bank.

1960 Indus Waters Treaty at UN Glacier Confe… · 1 & 2 June 2025

2. India imports ________ requirements.

over 80% of its crude oil Iran-Israel Conflict Triggers Oil Price · 14 June 2025

3. ________: Israel has conducted similar operations in the past, including airstrikes on nuclear sites in Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007).

Previous Precedents Israel-Iran Conflict · 15 & 16 June 2025

4. ________: First held in 1995, following the adoption of the UNFCCC in 1992.

Inception Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 · 18 June 2025

5. ________: Began in 1973 as an informal meeting of finance ministers; evolved into a platform for global coordination on key issues.

Origins G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada · 19 June 2025

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National Affairs · 110

Osaka World Expo 2025

A global exhibition held every five years to promote cross-cultural exchange and innovation.
Described as an “immersive civilisational experience”, focusing on India’s ancient philosophies and global identity rooted in compassion and wisdom.

Union Education Ministry Urges Jharkhand and Bihar to Address Unrecognised Schools

Section 19 of RTE Act (2009) requires schools established before 2009 to comply with RTE norms within 3 years of the Act’s commencement.
The RTE Act was effective from April 1, 2010.
The Abidjan Principles on the Right to Education were adopted in 2019 by a committee of international human rights law experts.
Jharkhand: 5,879 unrecognised schools 8,37,897 students enrolled 46,421 teachers

"NITI Aayog to Release National Brain Health Blueprint to Combat Rising Cognitive Disorders"

Improve early diagnosis of cognitive disorders through dedicated brain health clinics.
Integration of services for lifestyle modification, affordability, and interventions (both digital and in-person).

NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) Programme

Objective: Equip 304 nominated ULB-level and district officers from 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with practical skills in geospatial technologies for urban land surveys.
Type: Central Sector Scheme (100% centrally funded)
95% of Records of Rights (RoR) digitized
68% of cadastral maps digitized

India Emerges as Major Hub for Illegal Online Gambling, Says CUTS Report

High direct traffic share (66% of 5.4 billion visits) shows strong brand recall and engagement, largely bypassing search engines or regulated app ecosystems.
In March 2025, Parimatch’s traffic surpassed major Indian domains like: amazon.in wikipedia.org google.co.in flipkart.com linkedin.com
Over 5.4 billion visits were recorded in FY25 to the top 15 unauthorised gambling platforms, including 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet, according to a report by CUTS International.
Estimated annual deposits on these illegal platforms: $100 billion.

Union Government Invites Proposals for DDACs in 291 Gap Districts

Must submit proposals by June 30, 2025.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has invited proposals to establish District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in 291 “gap” districts across 30 States and Union Territories. This is part of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
Capacity: Can house 15 or 30 patients, based on specific government norms.
Chhattisgarh: 31 of 33 districts

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24

India's literacy rate has reached 80.9% for individuals aged seven years and above, as reported in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24. Despite this progress, significant disparities persist across gender and urban-rural lines.
Overall literacy rate (7+ years): 80.9%
Overall literacy rate (5+ years): 79.7%
Male literacy (7+ years): 87.2%

Rank	State/UT	Literacy Rate (%)
1	Mizoram	98.2
2	Lakshadweep	97.3
3	Kerala	95.3
4	Tripura	93.7
5	Goa	93.6

Launch of Bharat Gen: India’s First Indigenously Developed Multimodal AI LLM

Launch of Generative AI Hackathon 2025 to engage students in solving real-world problems using AI
Aligns with NEP 2020 promoting interdisciplinary and multilingual education
Languages supported: 22 Indian languages
Executed through 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs); 4 of them upgraded to Technology Translational Research Parks (TTRPs)

Axiom Mission-4

Docking Timeline: Expected to dock with the ISS at approximately 12:30 p.m. ET on June 11 after ~28 hours in orbit.
Expected to dock with the ISS at approximately 12:30 p.m. ET on June 11 after ~28 hours in orbit.
Launch of Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station postponed from June 8 to June 10, 2025, due to weather and final checks.
Launch Schedule: New Date: June 10, 2025 Time: 8:22 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) Location: Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA

FGD Units Not Mandatory for Most Coal Power Plants in India

Only 8% of the 600 coal TPPs in India have installed them to date.
FGDs not required for ~80% of TPPs.
Mandated since 2015 to curb air pollution.
Only 66 “Category A” TPPs, located: Within 10 km of NCR or Cities with 1 million+ population,must install FGDs.

Election Commission Launches Real-Time Voter Turnout Monitoring via ECINET App

Faster Updates: Real-time or near-real-time updates will replace the previous 4–5 hour delays caused by manual aggregation. Final turnout figures will now be entered before officers leave the polling station after close of polling.
To be implemented starting with the Bihar Assembly election later in 2025.
ECINET App Integration: Presiding officers at each polling station will directly enter turnout data into the ECINET app every two hours. Data will be automatically aggregated at the constituency level.
Presiding officers at each polling station will directly enter turnout data into the ECINET app every two hours.

National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)

Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Polio Surveillance Network comprises over 200 field units across India.
Played a crucial role in India being declared polio-free in 2014.
Neighbouring countries still report active polio cases.

Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)

Commitment to achieve Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) by 2030 for all Indian space actors (government and private).
Chaired the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) for 2023-24.
Spacecraft Launched: 136 spacecraft launched in 2024.
Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAM): 10 CAMs executed by ISRO in 2024.

C CARES Version 2.0 Launched to Digitally Empower Coal Workers

Autonomous body under the Ministry of Coal (established in 1948)
Serves 3.3 lakh PF subscribers and 6.3 lakh pensioners
Launched by: Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines
Administers Provident Fund and Pension schemes for coal sector workers

BharatGen: India’s First Indigenous Multimodal AI Large Language Model (LLM) for Indian Languages

Flagship government schemes like PM MUDRA Yojana, PM SVANidhi, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana contribute to empowering street vendors, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs.
Supports seamless AI applications in 22 Indian languages.
Empower critical sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance with region-specific AI solutions.
Facilitate better service delivery through AI that understands local languages and contexts.

UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024–25

The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024–25 has revealed a significant disconnect between high enrolment levels and poor learning outcomes in India, while also highlighting global gender and leadership disparities in education.
High Enrolment, Low Learning: India has achieved >95% enrolment in primary education, but foundational learning gaps persist. ASER 2023: Only 43% of Class 3 students can read a Class 2-level text. NAS 2021: Only 25% of Class 8 students showed math proficiency.
ASER 2023: Only 43% of Class 3 students can read a Class 2-level text.
NAS 2021: Only 25% of Class 8 students showed math proficiency.

India’s Draft National Policy on Senior Citizens

Senior citizens constituted 8.23% of India’s population in the 2011 Census.
The share is expected to rise to 12.16% by 2026 and 20% by 2047, according to official projections.
Over 5 lakh senior citizens have received free assisted living devices under RVY.
The next Census reference period is scheduled for March 2027, which will provide updated data for policy recalibration.

India’s 2027 Digital Census

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that India will conduct its next population Census by March 1, 2027. This will be conducted after a 16-year gap, making it the first Census since 2011.
The 2027 Census data will update sampling frames, improving the representativeness of surveys tracking key economic indicators such as consumption, health, and labour markets.
As per the Constitution, the first Census after 2026 will be used to: Redraw Lok Sabha constituencies Replace the current delimitation based on 1971 Census data
Mandatory Exercise: Under Census Act, 1948

World Environment Day 2025

Established: By UN General Assembly in 1972
First Observed: 1973, led by UNEP
India-Specific Data: Annual plastic waste: ~9.3 million tonnes Single-use plastics (2023): 4.07 million tonnes (43%) Plastic burnt yearly: ~5.8 million tonnes Rivers (Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra): Among top 10 global plastic waste carriers
Single-use plastics (2023): 4.07 million tonnes (43%)

IRCTC Deactivates 2.5 Crore Fake User IDs to Curb Bot Booking

Mass Deactivation: 2.5 crore suspicious/fake user IDs deactivated. Aimed at eliminating accounts used by touts and scalpers.
2.5 crore suspicious/fake user IDs deactivated.
Aimed at eliminating accounts used by touts and scalpers.
Verification Push: 20 lakh user IDs sent for mobile/email revalidation. Aadhaar-linked authentication introduced: Aadhaar-verified users: Immediate Tatkal booking access. Non-Aadhaar users: 3-day wait period for Tatkal bookings.

India Adds Menar & Khichan as Ramsar Sites; Total Rises to 91

First Sites (1981): Chilika Lake (Odisha) & Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan)
Biodiversity: Over 200 bird species – Eurasian coot, herons, spot-billed ducks, etc.
Total Area Covered: ~13.59 lakh hectares
Community Role: Hunting/fishing is locally banned; declared Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2016.

Investment Friendliness Index – NITI Aayog

Opportunity (65% weightage) State policies & incentives Infrastructure quality Business environment & innovation ecosystem Resource availability (land, talent, logistics)
Risk (35% weightage) Natural risk (e.g., disaster vulnerability) Regulatory risk (policy stability, compliance) Financial risk (fiscal health of states) Institutional effectiveness (governance, dispute redressal)
Southern States (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala): Account for ~30% of India’s GDP (FY24) Lead in automobile, electronics, and mobile manufacturing
Account for ~30% of India’s GDP (FY24)

Ayush Nivesh Saarthi Portal

Sectoral Growth: Ayush sector recorded 17% CAGR (2014–2020) Leverages India’s biodiversity: over 8,000 medicinal plant species
Ayush sector recorded 17% CAGR (2014–2020)
Economic Growth: Supports 100% FDI in Ayush via automatic route Catalyzes job creation, MSME participation, and startup incubation
Supports 100% FDI in Ayush via automatic route

Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0

Align with 7 key themes of Mission LiFE (e.g., energy, waste, water, biodiversity)
Mandate to establish Eco Clubs in all schools by 29th July 2025 (NEP 2020 anniversary)
On World Environment Day 2025, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0, along with: Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE Web Portal Microsite for Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 Special Environmental Education Modules for schoolchildren
Target: Coverage in 14.7 lakh schools

Waste Picker Enumeration App Launched under NAMASTE Scheme (MoSJE)

Expanded in June 2024 to include Waste Pickers
On World Environment Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the NAMASTE Scheme in New Delhi.
Digital profiling of 2.5 lakh waste pickers across India
Full Form: National Action for Mechanised Sanitation EcosystemLaunch Year: July 2023Type: Central Sector Scheme

India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)

A 26% reciprocal tariff by India is scheduled to come into effect on July 9, 2025, which would further escalate trade costs.
Tariff Reversal Commitment: India seeks a binding US commitment to revert to pre-April 2 tariff levels on key labour-intensive products.
These goods were subjected to an additional 10% tariff under former US President Donald Trump's administration, raising effective duties from low single digits to double digits.
Restoring pre-2018 tariff regimes would reinforce bilateral trust and address India’s trade imbalance with the US.

EnviStats India 2025

Thermal Power: Increased from 7.92 lakh GWh (2013–14) to 13.26 lakh GWh (2023–24)
Marine Fish Output: Reached 44.95 lakh tonnes by 2023–24
Renewable Energy: Rose from 65,520 GWh to 2.25 lakh GWh in the same period
Inland Fish Output: Increased from 61.36 lakh tonnes to 139.07 lakh tonnes

800-Year-Old Shiva Temple from Pandya Era Unearthed in Tamil Nadu

The findings align with 1974–75 reports by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology about ancient temples in the region
Period: 1217–1218 CE during the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya
Transaction: A waterbody named Nagankudi and surrounding land sold for 64 kasu (coins) by chieftain Alagaperumal to a man named Nambi Perambala Kuthan alias Kangeyan

UMEED Portal

Launched by: Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju
Objective: To ensure real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties
GIS Integration: Mapping of properties using GIS for improved oversight and spatial planning

Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag

Budget Allocation (2024–25): ₹56 crore
Launched by: Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Objective: To promote use of Indian languages in government communication and decision-making

India Hosts 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue

Initiated: 2019 (Samarkand)
Low Trade Volume: Under $2 billion trade (2022–23).
Event: 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue
Chair: Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India

National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)

Project Cost: ₹673.94 crore (centrally sponsored scheme)
Date: June 9, 2025
Developed by: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA)
Approval Date: January 15, 2020 (by Public Investment Board)

12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum to Be Held in 2026

Founded: Term ‘BRIC’ coined in 2001 First Summit: 2009, Ekaterinburg (Russia)
Established: First held in 2015 to complement BRICS summits with inter-parliamentary engagement
First Summit: 2009, Ekaterinburg (Russia)
New Members (2024 expansion): Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE

INS Arnala

Event: Commissioning of INS Arnala, the first of 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC)
Indigenization: Approximately 80% indigenous systems from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Mahindra Defence, MEIL, and L&T
Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders
Operational Area: Coastal waters and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

Civil Registration System’s (CRS) Vital Statistics 2022 Report

Total Registered Births: 254.4 lakh (↑ from 242 lakh in 2021)
2022: 1.15 lakh
2021: 1.24 lakh (↓ Decline in stillbirths)
Total: 86.5 lakh (↓ from 102.2 lakh in 2021; back to near pre-pandemic levels)

The World Bank Revised Global Poverty Line

Extreme Poverty Rate fell from 27.1% in 2011–12 to 5.3% in 2022–23, based on the revised $3/day threshold.
Earlier estimate (using $2.15/day benchmark) had pegged poverty at 2.3% in 2022–23.
This represents a 15% higher threshold compared to the previous $2.15/day line (2021 PPP).
At the $3/day threshold: Poverty Rate: 5.44% of the population Absolute Numbers: 54.7 million people lived on less than $3/day in 2024.

Year	Metric	Poverty Rate (%)	Benchmark Line
2011–12	Extreme Poverty	27.1	$2.15/day
2011–12	Lower-Middle Income Poverty	~39.7 (est.)	$3.65/day
2022–23	Extreme Poverty	2.3	$2.15/day
2022–23	Extreme Poverty	5.3	$3/day (revised)
2024	Population under $3/day	5.44	$3/day (PPP-adjusted)

MGNREGS Job Demand Rises in May–June 2025

Wages should be paid as prescribed under the Minimum Wages Act,1948 as specified for the agricultural labourers in state.
Now this act is mandating the Gram Sabha for recommending the works which are to be undertaken and a minimum of 50% work should be performed by them.
MGNREGA was launched in the year 2005 as one of the largest work guaranteed program by the Ministry of Rural Government .
The most crucial and important part of MGNREGA is that work should be provided to any rural or adult person within 15 days when demanded and if he/she did not get the work on proper time “unemployment allowance” must be paid to them.

DRUM App

Health Impact: Can reduce exposure to pollution by up to 50%, especially in high-density areas like Central Delhi
Full Form: Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility
Developer: Researchers from IIT-Kharagpur
To minimize commuters’ exposure to air pollution through real-time, environment-sensitive route suggestions.

India Reaffirms Global Leadership in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure at ICDRI 2025

Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Membership: 46 countries 8 partner organizations (UN agencies, multilateral banks, private sector)
Conference: International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025
Launch: Initiated by India in 2019

India’s First E-Waste Eco Park to be Set Up in Delhi

Regulatory Compliance: Will handle all 106 waste categories as per E-Waste Management Rules, 2022
Objective: To establish a world-class e-waste processing ecosystem and promote green technology adoption
Annual E-Waste Capacity: 51,000 tonnes
Training & Inclusion: Skilling centres for informal sector workers Formalization of unregulated e-waste handlers Focus on health, safety, and improved livelihoods

PM Modi’s Visits to Cyprus and Croatia

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): Announced at G20 Summit, New Delhi (2023). Cyprus and Croatia seen as potential investors and participants in corridor projects.
Defence and Tech Cooperation: MoU on defence cooperation signed during Raisina Dialogue 2023. Visit strengthens India’s ties with smaller yet strategic European partners.
Announced at G20 Summit, New Delhi (2023).
Message to Turkiye: Cyprus visit signals displeasure towards Turkiye's support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor (May 2025). Reinforces India’s solidarity with Cyprus amid its territorial dispute with Turkiye over Northern Cyprus.

SEZ Rule Amendments to Boost Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing (June 2025)

Rule 5 (Minimum Land Area Requirement) Previous requirement: 50 hectares Revised requirement: 10 hectares (for SEZs in semiconductors and electronic component manufacturing)
Revised requirement: 10 hectares (for SEZs in semiconductors and electronic component manufacturing)
Rule 18 (Domestic Supply Allowed) Change: SEZ units in semiconductors and electronics can now supply products within India (i.e., Domestic Tariff Area) after paying applicable duties Earlier: Only export-oriented operations were permitted
Key Amendments to SEZ Rules, 2006

India’s Poverty Levels See Sharp Decline

Decline in Extreme Poverty (Based on World Bank Thresholds): Under $3/day (new low-income line): Down from 27.1% in 2011–12 to 5.3% in 2023–24 Under $4.20/day (for lower middle-income countries): Down from 57.7% to 23.9% over the same period
World Bank Poverty Line Revisions: The World Bank has updated its thresholds in 2022: From $2.15 to $3.00 for low-income nations From $3.65 to $4.20 for lower middle-income countries like India This offers a new basis to evaluate India’s poverty trajectory
Under $3/day (new low-income line): Down from 27.1% in 2011–12 to 5.3% in 2023–24
Down from 27.1% in 2011–12 to 5.3% in 2023–24

Bhashini & Indian Railways to Revolutionize Multilingual Passenger Services

Objective: Enable railway services in 22 Indian languages using AI-powered language tools.
Chatbots, voice assistants, call centers, kiosks, and mobile apps

State of the World Population 2025 Report

Global Population Trends: World population reached 8.2 billion in 2025. While population growth is slowing, significant disparities persist between high-income and low-income countries.
Estimated population: 146.39 crore (April 2025)
TFR in 2021 (SRS data): 2.0 – replacement level “attained” nationally
Aged 65+: 7% of total population in 2025

NABARD’s Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey (RECSS)

53.5% expect better job opportunities in July–September 2025.
73.6% of rural households expect their incomes to rise in the next 12 months — the highest ever recorded in RECSS.
The proportion of respondents expecting income to fall dropped to 6.7% (lowest on record).
37.4% reported income growth (vs. 34.8% in March).

Survey Round	Income Increase	Income Decline	No Change
Sep 2024	70.2%	7.3%	22.5%
Nov 2024	71.3%	7.8%	20.9%
Jan 2025	71.2%	7.4%	21.4%
Mar 2025	72.2%	7.5%	20.3%
May 2025	73.6%	6.7%	19.7%

Portal SAHAV Launched in Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)

Deep Ocean Mission and Samudrayaan: Progress on ‘Samudrayaan’, India’s first manned deep-sea submersible, targeting ocean exploration up to 6,000 meters by 2026. Represents a leap in India's marine scientific capabilities.
Progress on ‘Samudrayaan’, India’s first manned deep-sea submersible, targeting ocean exploration up to 6,000 meters by 2026.
Marine Conservation & Biodiversity: Expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to 6.6% of India’s EEZ. Restoration of 10,000+ hectares of mangroves and launch of shoreline management plans using nature-based solutions.
Expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to 6.6% of India’s EEZ.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Leading SaaS providers implement high-end encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and compliance certifications (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, etc.) to ensure data security.
Application Hosting – SaaS providers host applications on remote cloud servers.
SaaS providers host applications on remote cloud servers.
Internet Access – Users access the application via a web browser or dedicated app.

Jan Man Survey Launched on NaMo App

Launched via: NaMo App (June 2025)
To commemorate 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the NaMo App launched a large-scale citizen engagement survey titled ‘Jan Man Survey’, aimed at gathering public opinion on governance, security, and development.
Objective: To collect real-time feedback from citizens on the performance of the government and future priorities.
About the Jan Man Survey: Launched via: NaMo App (June 2025) Objective: To collect real-time feedback from citizens on the performance of the government and future priorities. Survey Focus Areas: Governance and administration National security Cultural pride and heritage Youth empowerment and development

SpaceX Postpones Axiom Space Ax-4 Mission

The mission was scheduled to launch on June 11, 2025, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
This mission marks the first time an Indian astronaut will fly to the ISS under the Axiom Space mission program, in collaboration with ISRO, NASA, and SpaceX.
The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has been postponed by SpaceX due to a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak detected during post-static fire inspections of the Falcon 9 booster.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, referred to as the first Indian “Gaganyatri” to the ISS, is set to pave the way for future Indian human spaceflight missions.

Microfinance Sector in India

Timeline: 1974: First MFI – SEWA Bank, Ahmedabad 1976: Grameen Bank model (Bangladesh) 2010: Malegam Committee introduced norms for NBFC-MFIs
1974: First MFI – SEWA Bank, Ahmedabad
1976: Grameen Bank model (Bangladesh)
2010: Malegam Committee introduced norms for NBFC-MFIs

India and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement

Samudrayaan: A manned submersible mission aiming to explore depths up to 6,000 metres with a trial dive in 2026.
India emphasized: Samudrayaan: A manned submersible mission aiming to explore depths up to 6,000 metres with a trial dive in 2026. A nationwide ban on single-use plastics. $80+ billion in investments under the Blue Economy initiative. Advocacy for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty. Launch of SAHAV, a new digital ocean data portal, highlighting India's commitment to marine data sharing and governance.
India is unlikely to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June 2025), despite having signed the agreement in September 2024.
Aim: To govern the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the high seas, which lie beyond national EEZs.

India Pushes for Dysprosium and Terbium Imports

High-Temperature Stability: These elements prevent demagnetization at elevated temperatures, critical for high-performance machinery like EV motors and wind turbines.
These elements prevent demagnetization at elevated temperatures, critical for high-performance machinery like EV motors and wind turbines.
Optimized Composition: Extracted together with other rare earths, Dy and Tb are added in specific ratios to tailor magnet performance for diverse applications.
Extracted together with other rare earths, Dy and Tb are added in specific ratios to tailor magnet performance for diverse applications.

Social Security Coverage in India Rises to 64.3% in 2025: ILO Report

This marks a more than threefold increase in coverage over 10 years.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reported a significant rise in India’s social protection coverage, stating that nearly 64.3% of the population—around 950 million people—are now covered under at least one social security scheme in 2025, up from 19% in 2015.
This initiative allowed the ILO to incorporate fresh and verified data in its 2025 assessment
2015: 19.0%

India Needs a Balanced Framework for Gig Workers

Surveys since 2020 show: 1 in 7 gig workers earn below minimum wage. Precarious working conditions are common.
1 in 7 gig workers earn below minimum wage.
Objective: To build a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) to ensure delivery of social security schemes
Target Group: 38 crore unorganised workers including migrant labourers, gig workers, street vendors, construction workers

World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025

Global gender gap closed to 68.8% in 2025 — the strongest improvement since the pandemic.
Economic Participation & Opportunity Labour force participation (female): 45.9% (no change from 2024) Persistent gaps in wage equality and leadership roles
Labour force participation (female): 45.9% (no change from 2024)
At current progress rates, full gender parity is 123 years away.

Finance Ministry Guidelines Central and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)

Applies to fully funded Central schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) ending on March 31, 2026. 54 Central Schemes 260 CSS under review Evaluation responsibility: Line Ministries + NITI Aayog
54 Central Schemes
260 CSS under review

RUDRASTRA Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Drone

Endurance: ~1.5 hours (including loiter time)
Indigenous combat drone named Rudrastra tested on June 12, 2025.
Maximum range: 170 km
Warhead type: Airburst munition capable of wide-area destruction from altitude.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Launches ‘Swadeshi Suraksha evam Swavlamban Abhiyan’

Aim: To raise mass awareness about the dangers of e-commerce monopolies Promote Indian-made (swadeshi) products Encourage economic self-reliance (Atmanirbharta)
The Swadeshi Movement was launched in 1905 in protest against the Partition of Bengal by the British.
Target Audience: Industrialists, traders, and farmers across India
To raise mass awareness about the dangers of e-commerce monopolies

World Bank’s State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025

The World Bank’s State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025 report comes at a pivotal moment when carbon pricing mechanisms cover nearly 28% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, generating over $100 billion in public revenues.
Expanded Emission CoverageAbout 28% of global GHG emissions are now covered by pricing tools.
Economic: Generates revenue (over $100 billion in 2024)
Rapid Instrument GrowthCarbon pricing instruments increased from 5 in 2005 to 80 in 2025, including 43 carbon taxes and 37 ETSs.

India’s Gaza Ceasefire Abstention at UNGA

Formation:1945
India abstained from a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) vote on June 13, 2025, that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution passed overwhelmingly, but India chose not to support it — marking its fourth abstention on Gaza-related votes in three years. This move contrasts with India's vote in favour of a ceasefire resolution just six months earlier, in December 2024.
Comprises all 193 UN member states, each with one equal vote, ensuring equitable representation.
Most matters are decided by a simple majority.

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) Units

In December 2024, the Ministry of Environment extended deadlines by another 3 years, citing no official reason
Studies show 15% of India’s PM2.5 is linked to coal burning, with SO₂ accounting for 80% of that share
The 2015 mandate required all 537 coal-based TPPs to install FGD units
Only 39 plants had complied as of April 2025

New Species of Jumping Spider Discovered in Southern India

The research, published in the European Journal of Taxonomy on June 11, highlights the first recorded presence of Spartaeus and Sonoita spiders in India.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Founding Members (2001): China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Expanded Members: India and Pakistan joined in June 2017 Iran became a full member in July 2023 Belarus joined in July 2024
June 2001: Uzbekistan joined the Shanghai Five members to establish the SCO in Shanghai.
India and Pakistan joined in June 2017

Second Batch of Phase 2 Capacity-Building under NAKSHA Programme

The Department of Land Resources (DoLR), under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, has announced the launch of the second batch of Phase 2 of its capacity-building programme under the NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) initiative. The programme commences on June 16, 2025, with training to be conducted across four Centres of Excellence (CoEs) nationwide.

India’s Next Census to Be Conducted in 2027

The Census Act, 1948 governs the conduct of the census in India.
The 2027 Census will introduce digital data collection for the first time:
The Union Home Ministry has formally announced that India’s next Census will be conducted in 2027, marking a significant administrative and technological transition for the country’s decennial population survey. This will be India’s first digital Census, with self-enumeration options for citizens.
As per the Gazette notification issued under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948, the freezing of administrative boundaries has come into immediate effect. This means:

New Endemic Flowering Plant Discovered in Aravalis: Portulaca bharat

Portulaca bharat was first observed by Nishant Chauhan, a researcher and conservationist with the Satpura Biodiversity Conservation Society, during a field visit near the historic Galtaji temple on Jaipur’s outskirts.
Taxonomic Context The genus Portulaca includes 153 species worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical zones. In India, 11 species are recognized, of which four are endemic.
The genus Portulaca includes 153 species worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical zones.
In India, 11 species are recognized, of which four are endemic.

Three Tech Platforms to Boost Disaster Management Precision and Response

Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER) Enables real-time response to disasters across India. Integrates satellite data streaming to rescue and relief agencies. Aims to coordinate efforts across agencies for faster, data-driven responses.
Enables real-time response to disasters across India.
Aims to coordinate efforts across agencies for faster, data-driven responses.
National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) Lite 2.0 An upgraded mobile-compatible version of India’s national emergency database. Designed to give agile, decentralised access to disaster response forces, even in remote locations. Helps responders operate as a unified force, with common access to critical real-time data.

Microgravity Experiments During AX-4 Mission

Aimed at understanding viability of microalgae as space food and bioresource.
India is poised to take a significant leap in space science and human spaceflight with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the country’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled to launch on June 19, 2025, the mission is part of Axiom-4 (AX-4), coordinated by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and ISRO.
ISRO has shortlisted seven pioneering microgravity research experiments to be conducted by Shukla during his 14-day stay aboard the ISS. These were proposed by Indian principal investigators (PIs) from national R&D labs and academic institutions:
Impact of microgravity radiation on edible microalgae Aimed at understanding viability of microalgae as space food and bioresource.

Digital News Report 2025

AI and News Consumption 44% of Indian respondents report being comfortable with AI in news contexts. Nearly 20% use AI chatbots weekly to stay informed, signaling early adoption of generative tools for information gathering.
44% of Indian respondents report being comfortable with AI in news contexts.
India ranks fourth globally in news avoidance, with 50% of English-speaking internet users saying they sometimes or always avoid the news.
Social Media and YouTube as Primary Sources Among 18–34-year-olds, 41% identify social media and YouTube as their main sources of news. There is a growing disconnect from publishers’ official websites among younger audiences.

India’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.6% in May: PLFS Survey

Key Labour Market Indicators (May 2025)
Unemployment Rate (15+ age group) Overall: 5.6% (up from 5.1% in April) Males: 5.6% (up from 5.2%) Females: 5.8% (up from 5.0%)
Overall: 5.6% (up from 5.1% in April)
Males: 5.6% (up from 5.2%)

Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan

Achieve last-mile delivery of services under convergence models involving multiple ministries and grassroots actors
Scholarships and insurance coverage
Community-led model emphasizing tribal leadership, participation, and awareness building
Door-to-door outreach coordinated by district administrations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and tribal leaders

SIPRI 2025 Report

Current Arsenal: India is estimated to possess 180 nuclear warheads, placing it ahead of Pakistan’s inventory.
Dominant Powers: The United States and Russia continue to dominate global stockpiles, jointly holding over 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons (Russia: 5,459; USA: 5,177).
Warhead Count: China now holds approximately 600 nuclear warheads, growing by about 100 per year since 2023.
Arms Control Setbacks: With the New START treaty set to expire in 2026 and no new agreements in place, the world is at risk of entering an era of unchecked nuclear expansion.

Operation Sindhu

Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals. The first batch of evacuees—110 students—will reach New Delhi on Thursday.
110 Indian students, mostly from Jammu & Kashmir, evacuated from northern Iran via Yerevan, Armenia.
Students were earlier moved from Tehran to Qom for safety following Israeli airstrikes.

India–Croatia Ties Deepen

India to boost investments in Croatian sectors such as pharmaceuticals, IT, agriculture, clean tech, semiconductors, and digital technology.

India Hits Record High in QS World University Rankings 2026

India achieved its strongest-ever presence in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with 54 institutions featured — up from 46 in 2025 and 45 in 2024, marking a 390% rise since 2014.
IIT Madras made a major leap, moving up 47 places to 180th, entering the global top 200 for the first time.
Other top institutions: IIT Kharagpur: 215 IISc Bangalore: 219 IIT Kanpur: 222 Delhi University: 328 Anna University: 465
Delhi University: 328

Rare Earth Minerals and Magnets

India is finalizing a ₹3,500–5,000 crore incentive scheme to boost the domestic production of rare earth minerals and magnets, critical for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and defense applications. The scheme is expected to be approved within the next fortnight, according to a senior government official.
Incentive Mode: Benefits will be offered through a reverse auction mechanism, encouraging efficient cost discovery and competition.
Objective: Reduce dependence on Chinese imports, enhance supply chain resilience, and ensure critical mineral security.
REEs are a group of 17 metallic elements, including the lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium.

Privacy is a Fundamental Right but is Subject to Reasonable Curbs: HC

Section 14, Family Courts Act: Empowers courts to accept any material relevant to dispute resolution.
Section 122, Indian Evidence Act: Marital communication is protected, but not in proceedings between spouses (e.g., divorce).
Article 21: Balancing privacy rights and fair trial guarantees.
In India, the right to privacy was recognized as a fundamental right in the case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) and Anr. v. Union of India and Ors. (2017). This landmark judgment by the Supreme Court affirmed that the right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 Report

Launched: 2017 (PGI 2.0 introduced to align with NEP 2020).
Coverage: 6 domains, 73 indicators. Learning Outcomes Access Infrastructure & Facilities Equity Governance Processes Teacher Education & Training
The Ministry of Education has released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 report for 2022–23 and 2023–24, evaluating the performance of States and Union Territories (UTs) on school education quality. The report offers an evidence-based analysis of educational outcomes and infrastructure in alignment with NEP 2020 and UN SDGs.
24 States/UTs improved scores in 2023–24 over the previous year.

FASTag-Based Annual Pass

Launched: Pilot in 2014 on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai corridor.
Mandatory Since: February 15, 2021, for all four-wheelers in India.
Prepaid Value: ₹3,000.
In a bid to enhance seamless highway travel, the Union Minister for Road Transport has announced the rollout of a FASTag-based annual pass starting August 15, 2025. This initiative targets private non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, and aims to streamline toll payments and cut congestion across India’s national highway network.

BSNL Soft Launches India’s First Indigenous SIM-less 5G FWA Service

SIM-less Authentication: Powered by BSNL’s proprietary Direct-to-Device (D2D) platform, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. Customer premises equipment (CPE) self-authenticates automatically.
Fully Indigenous Stack: Developed entirely by Indian vendors under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative—comprising core, RAN (radio access network), and CPE.

Direct-to-Device (D2D) Satellite Connectivity in India

D2D allows regular smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices to connect directly to satellites, using built-in antennas or minor software enhancements. This eliminates the need for satellite-specific hardware like bulky terminals or external receivers.
Sends signals directly between satellite transponders and mobile devices.
Operates in licensed spectrum bands, ensuring compatibility with existing telecom standards (e.g., 4G/5G).
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has unveiled Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in a soft launch held at its Ameerpet Exchange in Hyderabad.

e-Raktkosh Portal

Launched on: 7th April 2016
Objective: To ensure compliance with Drugs & Cosmetics Act and National Blood Policy standards
By: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)

Delhi’s First Artificial Rain Project to Tackle Pollution

Definition: A weather modification technique to induce rainfall by dispersing chemicals into clouds.
Pollution Spike: Delhi frequently records PM2.5 and PM10 levels in the ‘severe’ category.
Air Pollution Control: Helps settle airborne pollutants (like PM2.5 and PM10) by promoting rainfall, especially during high AQI periods
Water Resource Management: Increases water availability in reservoirs, agriculture, and drought-prone areas

Ruins of Fort Emmanuel in Fort Kochi

Marine geologists from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) confirmed the ruins likely belong to Fort Emmanuel, built by the Portuguese in 1503.
Fort Kochi shifted colonial hands multiple times — from Portuguese to Dutch to British (1503–1947).
In a striking turn of events, monsoon sea erosion at Fort Kochi’s South Beach has unveiled what experts believe are long-buried remnants of Fort Emmanuel — the first European fort built in Asia, dating back to 1503.
Researchers are examining whether the structure is the original Portuguese construction or a rebuild by the Dutch, who took over Fort Kochi later.

World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Report

23 of 24 glaciers in the Central Himalayas are shrinking.
Kerala’s Wayanad landslide: Over 350 deaths after receiving 500 mm of rainfall in 48 hours.
Over 450 heat-related deaths reported in 2024 across multiple Indian states.
2024 was Asia’s second warmest year on record, with extreme heatwaves widespread across the continent.

NAVYA Initiative

Target Group: Girls aged 16–18 years with minimum Class 10 qualification.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
In a significant step towards gender-inclusive economic development, the Government of India has announced the launch of NAVYA—a pilot initiative aimed at skilling adolescent girls aged 16–18 years. The programme will be implemented in Uttar Pradesh as part of the broader Viksit Bharat@2047 Vision, with a focus on creating a self-reliant and inclusive India.
Promote Gender Parity: Introduce girls to non-traditional job roles in emerging sectors.

MToT Programme to Boost Panchayats’ Revenue Generation

A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) launched in 2018, revamped for 2022–2026.
Supports decentralisation under the PESA Act (1996).
Initially trains Master Trainers from 16 States and Union Territories, with future expansions planned.
Train Master Trainers to build a robust cadre of local resource leaders.

Tripura Declared Fully Literate Under ULLAS Scheme

A centrally sponsored scheme (2022–2027) focused on adult literacy and lifelong learning, aligned with NEP 2020.
Youth and adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling opportunities.
Nationwide implementation in mission mode

Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025

Only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be met by 2030.
India has achieved a significant milestone by entering the top 100 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index for the first time. In the 2025 edition of the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, India has been ranked 99th out of 167 nations, with an overall SDG score of 67.
This marks a sharp rise from 109th position in 2024, reflecting sustained progress across key social, economic, and environmental indicators. The SDG Index assesses a country’s performance across the 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, with a score of 100 representing full achievement.
2025: 99th (score: 67)

Country	Rank	SDG Score
Finland	1st	—
Sweden	2nd	—
Denmark	3rd	—
United States	44th	75.2
China	49th	74.4
Maldives	53rd	—
Bhutan	74th	70.5
Nepal	85th	68.6
Sri Lanka	93rd	—
India	99th	67.0
Bangladesh	114th	63.9
Pakistan	140th	57.0

NITI Aayog India’s Data Imperative Report

Report Title: India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality (Released: 25 June 2025)
Key Finding: Fiscal leakage and faulty/duplicate beneficiary records inflate welfare outlays by 4–7% annually.
UPI Transactions: ₹23.9 trillion/month
DBT Transfers: ₹5.47 lakh crore across 330+ schemes

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI)

Minister’s Statement: Union Minister Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy highlighted the scheme as a step toward Net Zero by 2070, strengthening Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Minimum Investment Required: ₹4,150 crore.
Import Concession: 15% customs duty on EV CBUs (min CIF USD 35,000) for 5 years.
Scheme Name: SPMEPCI – Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India.

Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA): India’s Largest Tribal Empowerment Drive

Objective: Empower over 5.5 crore tribal citizens through active people’s participation (Janbhagidari).
Launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, it aims to saturate government welfare schemes among Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Coverage: Over 1 lakh tribal villages and PVTG habitations in 31 States/UTs.
The Government of India has launched Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) — an unprecedented tribal empowerment drive across 1 lakh+ tribal villages in 31 States/UTs.

Space Docking

Proximity Operations: Spacecraft use GPS, radar, laser sensors, and visual cameras. They slow down and approach gradually, often stopping at predefined waypoints (e.g., 400m, 200m, 20m from the target).
Spacecraft use GPS, radar, laser sensors, and visual cameras.
They slow down and approach gradually, often stopping at predefined waypoints (e.g., 400m, 200m, 20m from the target).
Crew and Cargo Transfers: Enables safe movement of astronauts and resupply missions between modules or vehicles.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes

Located near Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar is a freshwater lake considered holy, with its waters believed to purify the soul.
Mount Kailash (18,000 ft) and Mansarovar Lake are among the holiest sites in Hinduism, also revered in Jainism, Buddhism, and Bon traditions.
This is the first major bilateral cultural exchange initiative to be revived post the Galwan Valley clashes and LAC standoff.
Lake Mansarovar: Located near Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar is a freshwater lake considered holy, with its waters believed to purify the soul.

Emergency in India

June 25, 2025, marked the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975 — a controversial 21-month period during which civil liberties were curtailed, opposition leaders jailed, and press freedom suspended. On this day, the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed what it termed "Samvidhan Hatya Divas" (Constitution Murder Day).
Articles Involved: Articles 352 to 360 under Part XVIII.
Declared by: The President under Article 352.
Approval: Must be ratified by both Houses of Parliament within 1 month.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Founding Members (2001): China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Expanded Members: India and Pakistan joined in June 2017 Iran became a full member in July 2023 Belarus joined in July 2024
June 2001: Uzbekistan joined the Shanghai Five members to establish the SCO in Shanghai.
India and Pakistan joined in June 2017

Keeladi Excavation

Carbon dating confirmed the findings were at least 2,160 years old.
Cultural Parallels: Some graffiti symbols resemble those from the Indus Valley Civilization, though a 1,000-year gap separates the two. Scholars propose deeper study to trace possible continuities.
Some graffiti symbols resemble those from the Indus Valley Civilization, though a 1,000-year gap separates the two. Scholars propose deeper study to trace possible continuities.
The Keeladi archaeological site in Tamil Nadu has become a focal point of both archaeological significance and political contention. The excavations, first launched by archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna in 2014, unearthed evidence of a sophisticated urban civilisation along the Vaigai River, possibly dating back to the Sangam period (2nd century BCE).

India to Launch Nationwide Household Income Survey

Previous pilots (1955–1970s) failed due to: Underreported incomes compared to reported consumption + savings Reluctance to disclose income due to privacy/tax fears
Institutions like the World Inequality Lab estimate that: The top 10% earners in India receive ~60% of national income The bottom 50% account for just 15%
The top 10% earners in India receive ~60% of national income
The bottom 50% account for just 15%

India Launches First Maritime Sector NBFC – Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL)

Headquarters: New Delhi
Contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global maritime leader by 2047
The Union Minister of Shipping inaugurated India’s first dedicated maritime sector NBFC, Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), aimed at bridging financing gaps in maritime infrastructure and boosting sectoral growth in line with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Offer short-, medium-, and long-term credit to: Port authorities Maritime logistics companies Entrepreneurs and maritime startups

India–U.S. Mini Trade Deal

Tariff Threat: If no agreement is signed by July 8, Indian exports to the U.S. will face a 26% tariff starting July 9.
Indian negotiators are in the U.S. to finalize a mini trade deal ahead of the July 8 deadline. The urgency stems from the expiration of a 90-day pause on U.S. tariffs—dubbed "Liberation Day" tariffs—set to resume on July 9 if no deal is reached.

Global Sustainable Development Rankings

Poverty Reduction (SDG 1): Poverty has nearly halved from 22% in 2012 (NSSO) to 12% in 2023 (World Bank). However, poverty data reliability is questioned due to outdated poverty lines and lack of post-2018 public consumption data.
Poverty has nearly halved from 22% in 2012 (NSSO) to 12% in 2023 (World Bank).
Strong Areas: Poverty Reduction (SDG 1): Poverty has nearly halved from 22% in 2012 (NSSO) to 12% in 2023 (World Bank). However, poverty data reliability is questioned due to outdated poverty lines and lack of post-2018 public consumption data. Energy Access (SDG 7): India has achieved near-universal electrification. Ranked 4th globally in renewable energy capacity, led by solar and wind power. Infrastructure & Digital Access (SDG 9): Growth in mobile connectivity and UPI-based digital payments has boosted financial inclusion.
Energy Access (SDG 7): India has achieved near-universal electrification. Ranked 4th globally in renewable energy capacity, led by solar and wind power.

Uniform Renewable Energy Tariffs (URETs)

The central government is preparing to consult stakeholders on implementing Uniform Renewable Energy Tariffs (URETs) to streamline power procurement and tackle delays in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The URET mechanism, proposed in October 2023, is yet to be implemented due to state-level resistance, as electricity is a concurrent subject under the Constitution.
Uniform tariffs provide pricing clarity to all stakeholders—generators, discoms, and investors—helping reduce risks in long-term planning.
A stable and transparent pricing environment encourages greater participation from developers.

Sugamya Bharat App

Users can report accessibility barriers through geo-tagged photos and descriptions.
AI-powered chatbot to provide real-time assistance to users.
Access to government circulars, notifications, and latest initiatives related to accessibility.

Adi Karmyogi Programme

It targets the empowerment of 20 lakh stakeholders through: 180+ State Master Trainers 3,000 District Trainers 15,000 Block Trainers
180+ State Master Trainers
3,000 District Trainers
15,000 Block Trainers

Bihar Launches e-Voting Facilities using Mobile Applications

Security Features: Blockchain technology Facial recognition and scanning Voter ID number verification Limit of two voters per mobile number
Limit of two voters per mobile number

Mission Bonnet Macaque

The sterilisation initiative is part of a larger 10-point strategy to address human-animal conflict, named "Mission Bonnet Macaque."
The programme includes: Population control via sterilisation Eco-tourism waste management, especially where monkeys feed on human food leftovers.
Eco-tourism waste management, especially where monkeys feed on human food leftovers.
The macaque is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, requiring central permission for any such intervention.

NSO Launches GoIStats Mobile App

Social Protection Coverage:Increased from 22% (2016) to 64.3% (2025)
Agriculture GVA per worker:Rose from ₹61,247 (2015-16) to ₹94,110 (2024-25)
Rural Safe Drinking Water Access:Improved from 94.57% (2015-16) to 99.62% (2024-25)
SDG National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report 2025

National Turmeric Board Inaugurated in Nizamabad, Telangana

The Union Home Minister inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board (NTB) in Nizamabad, Telangana, fulfilling a 40-year-old demand of turmeric farmers from the region.
Headquarters:Nizamabad, Telangana – known as the “Turmeric Capital of India”
Temperature: 20–30°C
Ministry of Commerce and Industry (nodal ministry)

Early Harappan Burial Discovery in Lakhapar, Gujarat

Lakhapar village, Kutch district, Gujarat
Excavation led by University of Kerala’s Department of Archaeology
3300–2600 BCE (Early Harappan Phase)
Unique Human Burial: No architectural markers Burial directly in a pit Earliest known burial in Gujarat featuring Pre-Prabhas pottery

Test yourself · National Affairs

Fill the blank from memory, then check. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

1. Established: First held in ________ to complement BRICS summits with inter-parliamentary engagement

2015 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum to Be He… · 7 June 2025

2. ________ requires schools established before 2009 to comply with RTE norms within 3 years of the Act’s commencement.

Section 19 of RTE Act (2009) Union Education Ministry Urges Jharkhan… · 1 & 2 June 2025

3. Commitment to achieve ________ for all Indian space actors (government and private).

Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) by 2030 Indian Space Situational Assessment Rep… · 4 June 2025

4. Wages should be paid as prescribed under the ________ as specified for the agricultural labourers in state.

Minimum Wages Act,1948 MGNREGS Job Demand Rises in May–June 20… · 8 & 9 June 2025

5. In ________, the Ministry of Environment extended deadlines by another 3 years, citing no official reason

December 2024 Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) Units · 15 & 16 June 2025

Banking/Finance · 186

RBI's Draft Directions on Gold Loans (April 2025)

Alarm over irregular practices and rapid portfolio expansion: Gold loan portfolio of banks and NBFCs grew over 50% in FY24. Bank gold loan books alone surged 104%, raising regulatory concerns.
Bank gold loan books alone surged 104%, raising regulatory concerns.
Objective: Harmonise gold loan regulations across banks and NBFCs, ensure transparency, and curb irregularities observed in FY24.
Gold loan portfolio of banks and NBFCs grew over 50% in FY24.

India’s Crypto Landscape and Regulatory Challenges

India ranks first globally for grassroots crypto adoption for the second year, according to Chainalysis (2024).
Indian retail investors infused $6.6 billion into crypto assets, with the sector poised to create over 800,000 jobs by 2030 (NASSCOM).
The Supreme Court in May 2025 criticized the lack of clear crypto policy, stating “Banning may be shutting your eyes to ground reality,” underscoring the disconnect between market realities and policy.
The government introduced stringent tax policies in 2022: 1% TDS on VDA transactions above ₹10,000 (Section 194S). 30% capital gains tax without loss offsetting (Section 115BBH).

FD-Backed Credit Card Launched by ZET in Partnership with SBM Bank

FD-Linked Credit Limit: Users must open a fixed deposit (FD) starting at ₹5,000 with SBM Bank. The credit limit is up to 90% of the FD amount. FD earns up to 7% annual interest.
Users must open a fixed deposit (FD) starting at ₹5,000 with SBM Bank.
FD is insured up to ₹5 lakh under RBI’s DICGC scheme.
The credit limit is up to 90% of the FD amount.

UPI's Share in India's Digital Transactions

Authorisations Granted by RBI in FY25: 26 Online Payment Aggregators (PAs) 5 Cross-Border Payment Aggregators (PA-CB) 11 Non-bank PPI issuers 1 TReDS platform 84 On-site inspections of payment system operators conducted.
11 Non-bank PPI issuers
26 Online Payment Aggregators (PAs)
5 Cross-Border Payment Aggregators (PA-CB)

RBI to Strengthen Liquidity Stress Tests and Assess Climate Risk for Financial Stability

Aims to assess: Banks' ability to meet short-term obligations Adequacy of liquidity buffers Depositor protection and systemic risk containment
Objective: Simulate extreme but plausible scenarios to test liquidity resilience.
Adequacy of liquidity buffers
Climate Risk Stress Testing: RBI will assess the impact of climate transition risk on: Carbon-intensive sectors Banks’ balance sheets with exposure to high-emission industries

Razorpay Relocates Parent Entity to India

Reverse Flip Trend in Fintech Sector: PhonePe: Shifted from Singapore to India in 2022 Groww: Relocated from Delaware to Bengaluru in FY24 Zepto: Recently completed a reverse flip from Singapore to India
Tax Liability on Domicile Shift: Tax liability estimated at $150 million (₹1,275 crore). Will be paid from internal cash reserves. Earlier speculation pegged the tax burden at $200 million.
Tax liability estimated at $150 million (₹1,275 crore).
IPO Timeline: Razorpay targets an IPO before December 2026 (end of CY2026).

SBI Research Projects Net Financial Savings to Hit ₹22 Lakh Crore in FY25

According to the SBI Research Report, India’s household sector net financial savings are projected to reach ₹22 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, reflecting growing economic resilience and macroeconomic stability.
Household Net Financial Savings: Expected to be ₹22 lakh crore in FY25. Equivalent to 6.5% of Gross National Disposable Income (GNDI). Up from: 5.1% of GNDI in FY24 4.9% of GNDI in FY23
Expected to be ₹22 lakh crore in FY25.
Equivalent to 6.5% of Gross National Disposable Income (GNDI).

Fintechs Seek Easier Provisioning Norms for DLG-Backed Loan Pools

In April, RBI wrote to four major non-bank lenders with high delinquencies in DLG-backed pools.
Both the fintechs (LSPs) and regulated lenders (banks/NBFCs) are required to provision for the same loan pool.
This redundancy impacts capital efficiency and may crowd out lending due to excess buffers being locked.
Concerns include: Elevated delinquencies and high DLG payouts Deterioration in asset quality of NBFCs Misuse of FLDG (First Loss Default Guarantee) arrangements as securitisation substitutes

Digital Rupee (e₹)

The digital rupee (e₹), launched as a pilot in late 2022 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has witnessed significant scale-up in just two years. Retail transaction value rose from ₹5.7 crore in March 2023 to ₹1,016.5 crore in March 2025 — a 178x increase. This marks the transition of e₹ from an experimental phase to meaningful retail adoption.
Use of e₹ is supporting India’s core digital goals: Modernizing payment infrastructure Reducing reliance on physical cash Offering a regulated digital alternative to private cryptocurrencies
Rising usage of e₹ reflects growing consumer and merchant trust.
The success of the digital rupee aligns with: India’s financial inclusion roadmap Global CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) developments Need for regulated, traceable digital money in contrast to volatile cryptocurrencies

NSE’s IPO Plans Face Regulatory Hurdles

Originates from a 2015 whistleblower complaint alleging preferential access to select brokers via secondary servers.
SEBI’s orders (2019) against NSE and others are under Supreme Court appeal; the CBI investigation is still ongoing.
NSE shares are actively traded in the unlisted market, with over 1 lakh shareholders.
Co-location Case: Originates from a 2015 whistleblower complaint alleging preferential access to select brokers via secondary servers. SEBI concluded this enabled some brokers to execute trades faster, creating unfair advantage. SEBI’s orders (2019) against NSE and others are under Supreme Court appeal; the CBI investigation is still ongoing.

Fintech Concern Under RBI’s New DLG Guidelines

DLG = A contractual guarantee by the LSP to compensate lenders for defaults up to 5% of a loan portfolio.
Key RBI stipulations: DLG cover on an outstanding portfolio must not exceed 5% of total disbursed amount. Even if DLG exists, provisioning remains solely the RE’s responsibility under existing norms.
DLG cover on an outstanding portfolio must not exceed 5% of total disbursed amount.
Deadline for compliance: September 30, 2025.

RBI's Pro-Growth Policy Stance

RBI infused ₹5.23 trillion into the system via government bond purchases (OMOs) between December 2024 and May 2025.
Headline CPI inflation has stayed below 4% since February 2025.
Food inflation has eased substantially: Only 14% of CPI food items are showing >6% inflation, down from 57% a year ago.
Only 14% of CPI food items are showing >6% inflation, down from 57% a year ago.

Tri-Party Repo Dealing System (TREPS)

Full form: Tri-Party Repo Dealing System (TREPS)
Liquidity Management: Ideal for deploying idle cash in the short term Offers quick liquidity with minimal risk
Offers quick liquidity with minimal risk
Portfolio Diversification: Provides a low-risk fixed-income component Helps balance the fund’s risk-return profile

Grameen Credit Score (GCS)

As per PM Narendra Modi, the scheme has the potential to unlock over ₹100 trillion in economic activity.
Over 6 lakh villages are covered under SVAMITVA; nearly half have already been surveyed.
The Grameen Credit Score (GCS) is a new initiative announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It aims to strengthen rural financial inclusion, with a special focus on self-help group (SHG) members. The Union government expects to roll out GCS within the next three months, pending final approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The GCS will act as a supplementary credit assessment tool, specifically tailored to rural borrowers.

NITI Aayog Highlights Missing Middle in MSME Policy

Average foreign exchange income per medium enterprise: ₹39 crore.
Average annual R&D expenditure: ₹2.07 crore.
Launch a credit card facility with ₹5 crore pre-approved limit.
Address the persistent lack of awareness that hampers scheme utilization among medium enterprises.

Indian Rupee Asia's Worst Performer

On June 2, the rupee was trading at ₹85.40/USD, up 0.2% following a strong Q4 GDP growth of 7.4%.
RBI’s net short forward dollar position (future dollar sales): $73 billion as of April 2025 Down from $88.8 billion in February (record high)
$73 billion as of April 2025
As of May 23, 2025, FX reserves stood at $693 billion, slightly below the all-time high of $705 billion (Sept 2024).

RBI Launches Climate Risk Information System (RBI-CRIS)

Objective: To address climate-related financial risks. To support regulated entities in integrating climate risk into decision-making and risk management frameworks.
Restricted Data Portal: Available only to regulated entities. Offers processed, standardized datasets to support climate risk modelling and mitigation.
Offers processed, standardized datasets to support climate risk modelling and mitigation.
Aligns with global central banking efforts to assess financial stability risks linked to environmental factors.

RBI Imposes ₹54.78 Crore in Penalties on 353 Regulated Entities

Total Penalties: ₹54.78 crore imposed through 353 enforcement actions.
₹54.78 crore imposed through 353 enforcement actions.
Breakup by Entity Type: 264 Cooperative Banks: ₹15.63 crore 37 NBFCs/ARCs: ₹7.29 crore 13 Housing Finance Companies (HFCs): ₹0.83 crore 8 Public Sector Banks: ₹11.11 crore 15 Private Sector Banks: ₹14.8 crore 6 Foreign Banks: Penalized (amount not specified)
264 Cooperative Banks: ₹15.63 crore

RBI to Launch Indigenous 'IFS Cloud'

Timeline: FY 2025–26
Purpose: Promote data localisation Reduce reliance on foreign cloud service providers Provide cost-effective cloud solutions for small banks and NBFCs
Reduce reliance on foreign cloud service providers
Ownership: Initially RBI-owned; to be transferred to a financial sector consortium in the future

RBI Considers Easing Foreign Ownership Rules to Attract Global Capital in Indian Banks

The move follows recent developments, including: RBI’s special permission to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp to acquire a 20% stake in Yes Bank Ongoing bids by two foreign institutions for a stake in IDBI Bank
RBI’s special permission to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp to acquire a 20% stake in Yes Bank
Mandatory dilution of holdings to 26% within 15 years if foreign investors act as “promoters” with managerial influence
Foreign ownership ceiling for strategic investors is capped at 15%

Curbing Online Payment Frauds in India

Fraud Response System: Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting & Management System (2021) Helped prevent fraud of approx. ₹4,386 crore Based on 1.34 million complaints
Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting & Management System (2021) Helped prevent fraud of approx. ₹4,386 crore Based on 1.34 million complaints
Reported Cases (2014–2024): 63,315 cases of digital payment fraud (₹1 lakh or more) Total losses: ~₹733 crore
Helped prevent fraud of approx. ₹4,386 crore

HDB Financial Services Gets SEBI Approval

Despite dilution, HDB Financial Services will remain a subsidiary of HDFC Bank, which currently holds a 94.36% stake
HDB Financial Services, a subsidiary of India's largest private lender HDFC Bank, has received the approval from Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for its ₹12,500 crore initial public offering (IPO).
IPO filing: Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) submitted in October 2024
Incorporated: 2007

Banks Turn Major Investors in Mutual Funds Amid Surplus Liquidity (FY25 Trend)

Suboptimal credit growth: Bank credit growth slowed to 12.1% in FY25, down from 16.3% in FY24.
Surplus liquidity: System liquidity stood at ₹1.5 lakh crore surplus as per RBI data.
Banks, traditionally focused on lending, are now investing heavily in mutual fund schemes, a space that partly competes with them for retail investments. Bank investments in MFs surged 91% YoY to ₹1.19 lakh crore (as of March 21, 2025) vs ₹62,499 crore a year earlier (RBI Bulletin).
Households moving away from traditional bank deposits to capital market instruments (e.g. mutual funds, equities).

RBI Signals Rule Review to Ease Foreign Ownership in Indian Banks

Yes Bank Deal as Precedent: In a notable move, RBI relaxed norms for Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp to acquire a 20% stake in Yes Bank. This was above the usual 15% cap for strategic foreign investors and is seen as a case-by-case relaxation.
In a notable move, RBI relaxed norms for Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp to acquire a 20% stake in Yes Bank.
Canada’s Fairfax Holdings and Emirates NBD are competing to acquire a 60% stake in IDBI Bank.
This was above the usual 15% cap for strategic foreign investors and is seen as a case-by-case relaxation.

Moody’s Outlook on India’s Banking Sector – June 2025

Asset Quality Outlook: Systemwide nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio expected to remain stable at 2-3% over the next 12 months (2.5% as of Dec 2024). Asset quality divergence will persist across loan types and banking segments.
Systemwide nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio expected to remain stable at 2-3% over the next 12 months (2.5% as of Dec 2024).
Government initiatives such as capital expenditure, middle-class tax cuts, and monetary easing are positive growth drivers.
Asset quality divergence will persist across loan types and banking segments.

RBI Launches 2024–25 Survey on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) of Mutual Funds and AMCs

May 2025: RBI is seeking Union Government approval to allow domestic banks and their foreign branches to lend in Rupees to overseas borrowers — a first-of-its-kind proposal to internationalize the Indian Rupee.
Data reference date: End-March 2025.
Aims to strengthen India’s external sector statistics and assess financial stability and foreign exposure of the fund management sector.

SEBI Eases IPO Rules for Firms with Large Public Shareholder Base

ESOP allotments, even when resulting in 200+ shareholders, are exempt from the private placement threshold under Companies Act, 2013.
Companies with thousands of shareholders from employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), private placements, or share transfers were caught in this grey area.
Most cases involve ESOP conversions Unlisted market trades
ESOP conversions

Rethinking India's Monetary Policy in 2025

CPI-based inflation fell to 3.16% in April 2025, and could dip below 3% in May.
Despite this sharp fall, RBI has maintained a high repo rate of 6.0%, following only two 25 bps cuts in February and April 2025.
Between 2015 and 2019, the RBI kept real rates excessively high (avg. +2.2%), damaging growth.
Real repo rate now stands at +2.84%—one of the highest levels in recent history.

Indian Bank Launches New NRE Account Variants and Premium Debit Cards for NRIs

Personal accident insurance coverage
Indian Bank has introduced new NRE Savings Account variants and premium debit cards tailored for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

Key Highlights

Founded: 1906
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
First in PSU Category: Canara Bank becomes the first major PSU bank to implement a blanket waiver on AMB penalties for all savings account types.
Previous Rule: Customers were required to maintain an Average Monthly Balance (AMB) or pay penalties.

RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.5%

Inflation Outlook: CPI inflation eased to 3.2% in April 2025, the lowest in nearly six years, driven by falling food prices, moderate fuel costs, and stable core inflation.
Growth Prospects: India’s GDP growth is steady at a projected 6.5% for 2025–26, but RBI sees scope to stimulate consumer demand and private investment.
In a bid to boost economic growth and ease borrowing costs, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a 50 basis points (bps) cut in the repo rate, lowering it from 6.00% to 5.50%. This is the third rate cut in 2025 and the largest single cut in over two years. The decision was made following a three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
Home loans, car loans, and personal loans linked to repo rate or external benchmarks are expected to become cheaper.

Rate Type	New Rate	Previous Rate
Repo Rate	5.50%	6.00%
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)	5.25%	-
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Bank Rate	5.75%	-

Loan and Investment

For FD Investors: Lock in higher FD rates now for longer tenures (3-5 years) before rates drop. Consider 2-3 year corporate bonds, which may offer better spreads than FDs.
Lock in higher FD rates now for longer tenures (3-5 years) before rates drop.
The next MPC meeting is scheduled for August 4–6, 2025.
For Borrowers: Floating rate loans are favorable in the current environment. Borrowers with repo-linked home loans will benefit immediately. Existing borrowers with older loans tied to MCLR or base rates should evaluate refinancing to secure lower rates.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)

IBC = 48% of all bank recoveries (FY24) – RBI Trends & Progress Report 2024.
As of 2024, creditors have realised ₹3.89 lakh crore under IBC with a recovery rate of 32.8% (IBBI data).
Enacted in 2016 as India’s first comprehensive bankruptcy law.
Improved Credit Allocation: IIM Bangalore study indicates: Decline in Gross NPAs from 11.2% (Mar 2018) → 2.8% (Mar 2024). Cost of debt for distressed firms down by 3% post-IBC.

Area	Details
Judicial delays	NCLT backlog delays resolution despite CoC approval.
Post-resolution uncertainty	Implementation risks discourage investor bids.
Bhushan Steel verdict	SC review of a closed transaction threatens commercial certainty.
Infrastructure gaps	Insufficient benches, lack of trained professionals.
Future-readiness	Unclear treatment of IPRs, employee dues, and tech continuity.

Flipkart Gets NBFC Licence from RBI

This move aligns Flipkart more closely with fintech operations, helping Walmart (Flipkart’s majority owner with 80%+ stake) deepen its footprint in India’s digital financial ecosystem.
Flipkart has received a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This marks the first instance of a large e-commerce player in India being permitted to lend directly. The licence was officially granted on March 13, 2025, as per RBI documents reviewed by Reuters.
Flipkart Finance Pvt Ltd applied for this licence in 2022.
Flipkart can now offer loans directly to: Consumers shopping on its platform Sellers operating in its marketplace

IndusInd Bank Accounting Irregularities

On March 10, 2025, IndusInd Bank disclosed accounting discrepancies in its derivatives portfolio, with an estimated adverse impact of 2.35% on its net worth as of December 2024.
SEBI asked five senior IndusInd officials, including: Former CEO Sumant Kathpalia Former Deputy CEO Arun Khuranato disgorge ₹20 crore for alleged insider trading.
Former Deputy CEO Arun Khuranato disgorge ₹20 crore for alleged insider trading.
NFRA's focus is on determining the role of the auditors of IndusInd Bank, as it falls within NFRA's mandate for all listed entities.

RBI Data: Bank Credit and Deposit Trends in FY2024–25

Private Sector Banks: Witnessed the steepest slowdown, with March 2025 credit growth dipping to 9.5%, after maintaining over 15% growth for three consecutive years.
Retail Credit Share: Increased to 31% of total bank credit in FY25 (up from 24.1% in FY20).
Individual Borrowers: Contributed 47.8% of total credit as of March 2025, up from 41.5% in March 2020.
Savings Deposits: Share declined to 29.1% in March 2025 (from 30.8% in 2024 and 33.0% in 2023). Cause: Banks lowered savings deposit rates to protect net interest margins.

Motilal Oswal BSE 1000 Index Fund Launched

Objective: Generate returns that mirror the BSE 1000 Total Return Index, subject to tracking error.
Benchmark: BSE 1000 TRI, representing ~94% of India’s listed market cap across 22 sectors.
Top 10 Weight Cap: 33% to mitigate concentration risk
Exposure to 1,000 companies across 22 sectors

SEBI Notifies Framework for ESG Debt Securities Including Social, Sustainability, and Linked Bonds

Third-Party Validation:Mandatory engagement of independent reviewers/certifiers
Issuers must clearly classify debt as green, social, sustainability, or sustainability-linked
Requirement to appoint external reviewers/certifiers for: Validating project eligibility Ensuring ESG claims are credible and measurable
Issuers must monitor, measure, and disclose the ongoing impact of funded projects

RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.5% and CRR

Other Rates: Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5.25% Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Bank Rate: 5.75%
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Bank Rate: 5.75%
Potential for home loan rates <8%, last seen in 2022
Repo Rate: Reduced by 50 basis points to 5.50%

RBI’s Monetary Policy Shift Prioritizes Growth Amid Low Inflation

Growth remains moderate, with GDP projected at 6.5% for FY 2025-26, similar to last year’s provisional estimate.
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decisively chose growth over inflation concerns in its latest policy stance. The MPC cut the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5%, marking the third rate cut since February 2025. This move follows retail inflation hitting a 69-month low, allowing the RBI to deprioritize price stability in favor of stimulating economic activity.
Inflation is currently subdued and unlikely to rise soon if prevailing conditions persist.

RBI Revises Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios for Loans Against Gold Collateral

The Reserve Bank is all set to raise the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for lending against gold to 85% for loans under ₹2.5 lakh from the present 75%, Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced.
Increased LTV for Small Loans: For loans up to ₹2.5 lakh, the LTV ratio has been raised from 75% to 85%, allowing borrowers to get a higher loan amount against the same gold collateral.
For loans up to ₹2.5 lakh, the LTV ratio has been raised from 75% to 85%, allowing borrowers to get a higher loan amount against the same gold collateral.
LTV Ratios for Larger Loans: Loans between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh have an LTV ratio fixed at 80%. Loans above ₹5 lakh have an LTV ratio capped at 75%.

RBI Lowers Qualifying Asset Threshold for NBFC-MFIs to 60%

Previously, NBFC-MFIs were required to maintain qualifying assets at 75% of their total assets (net of intangible assets).
RBI has reduced the qualifying asset threshold from 75% to 60%.
The 60% threshold must be maintained on an ongoing basis.
NBFC-MFIs failing to meet the 60% qualifying asset requirement for four consecutive quarters must submit a remediation plan to the RBI for review and approval.

RBI to Review Bank Licensing Norms, Ownership Structure Amid Economic Expansion

Example: Fairfax was permitted to acquire 51% in Catholic Syrian Bank.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) plans to buy 20% in Yes Bank from SBI and seven private banks for ₹13,482 crore.
IDBI Bank Disinvestment: Government to sell 30.48% stake. LIC to sell 30.24% stake.
Existing caps: Foreign ownership allowed up to 74% (including portfolio investors). 15% cap on strategic foreign investor ownership. 5% or more stake requires prior RBI approval. 26% voting rights cap for large shareholders.

RBI Imposes Monetary Penalties on Three Financial Institutions for Regulatory Violations

In May 2025, RBI fined: State Bank of India (SBI): ₹1.72 crore Jana Small Finance Bank: ₹1 crorefor similar regulatory violations.
State Bank of India (SBI): ₹1.72 crore
Jana Small Finance Bank: ₹1 crorefor similar regulatory violations.
PayMe India Financial Services Pvt Ltd Fine: ₹2 lakh Violations: Unauthorized acceptance of public deposits, prohibited under its Certificate of Registration (CoR) conditions per Section 45IA(5) of the RBI Act, 1934. Failure to obtain prior RBI approval for a change in shareholding exceeding 26% of its paid-up equity capital.

SEBI Attaches Mehul Choksi’s Bank, Demat, and MF Holdings to Recover ₹2.1 Crore in Insider Trading Case

Objective: Recover dues worth ₹2.1 crore linked to insider trading violations in Gitanjali Gems shares.
Mehul Choksi, former CMD and promoter of Gitanjali Gems, was fined ₹1.5 crore by SEBI in January 2022.
Penalty included interest of ₹60 lakh, taking total dues to ₹2.1 crore.
A demand notice was issued on May 15, 2025, giving Choksi 15 days to pay, failing which SEBI would proceed with asset attachment.

RBI’s 2025 Gold and Silver Lending Guidelines

Maximum LTV Ratio: Up to 85% for loans ≤ ₹2.5 lakh, benefiting small-ticket borrowers. Aims to enhance credit access for individuals and micro-enterprises.
Up to 85% for loans ≤ ₹2.5 lakh, benefiting small-ticket borrowers.
Objective: Promote transparency, ethical lending practices, and prudential discipline. Encourage responsible lending while expanding formal credit to underserved segments.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified the Lending Against Gold and Silver Collateral Directions, 2025, introducing comprehensive reforms to regulate and standardize gold and silver-backed lending across financial institutions.

RBI Frontloads Monetary Support Amid Uncertainty – Is This the Terminal Rate?

₹9.5 trillion liquidity infused since the start of 2025
Inflation Projections: April 2025 CPI inflation eased to 3.2% FY26 revised inflation forecast: 3.7% (from 4%) H2FY26 inflation expected to average slightly above 4%
April 2025 CPI inflation eased to 3.2%
Repo Rate Cut: 50 basis points (bps) cut to 5.5% (market expected 25 bps)

Banks’ Proposal for Tax Relief on NPA Interest Under Review

Enhanced Provisioning Deduction: Lenders have proposed raising tax-deductible provisioning for NPAs from 8.5% to 15% of gross income. Relevant under Section 36(1)(viia) of the Income Tax Act. Applicable to banks, NBFCs, and housing finance companies.
Inter-ministerial Consultations: Suggestions submitted to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) in May 2025. DFS has flagged the issue to the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
Lenders have proposed raising tax-deductible provisioning for NPAs from 8.5% to 15% of gross income.
Gross NPAs (GNPAs) of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) stood at ₹4.16 lakh crore as of Q4 FY25.

RBI Launches Scheme to Promote Original Hindi Books on Economics, Banking, and Finance

Evaluation Committee Composition: 2 Professors in Economics/Banking/Finance 1 Professor in Hindi Literature or Linguistics RBI officials
Prize Amount: ₹1,25,000 each for three best entries
Assessment Criteria: 60% weightage for content quality 40% for language and style
60% weightage for content quality

Marginal Cost of Funds-Based Lending Rate (MCLR)

HDFC Bank’s first rate cut in 2025, following RBI’s softer monetary stance.
RBI’s pause on repo rate hikes (currently at 6.50%).
HDFC Bank, India’s largest private lender, has reduced its Marginal Cost of Funds-Based Lending Rate (MCLR) by 10 basis points (bps) across select tenures, effective June 7, 2025.
Tenure-Based Rates: MCLR varies for different loan tenures (overnight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, etc.).

RBI Flags Misselling and Microfinance Concerns

The microfinance sector suffers from a cycle of over indebtedness, coercive recovery, and financial distress.
Disruptions and borrower distress have become more frequent in recent years.
Lenders must:
Rao urged institutions to reflect on whether their incentive structures or operational models are creating perverse outcomes.

RBI Discontinues Daily VRR Auctions Amid Liquidity Surplus

Daily VRRs, introduced on January 16, 2025, to manage short-term liquidity tightness, will now be discontinued.
The CRR cut is expected to inject ₹2.5 trillion of primary liquidity by end-November 2025.
This step reflects muted demand for funds: banks bid only ₹3,711 crore on June 9 against a notified ₹25,000 crore.
The banking system is now in a liquidity surplus of ₹2.45 trillion (as of June 8).

National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)

Established: 2015 (Announced in Union Budget 2015-16)
Private Investors (51%): Includes Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Temasek (Singapore), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), and others.
Headquarters: Mumbai
Government Stake: 49%

RBI Defends Role in Subvention Scheme Scandal as Supreme Court Probes Builder-Bank Nexus

RBI cited: 2015 Guidelines directing loan disbursals to be linked to construction stages — no upfront disbursal for incomplete projects. August 2022 circular on recovery practices, mandating ethical and non-coercive recovery methods by banks and agents.
2015 Guidelines directing loan disbursals to be linked to construction stages — no upfront disbursal for incomplete projects.
RBI's Response to the SC: Filed an affidavit stating it has fulfilled its regulatory duties under the Banking Regulation Act. RBI cited: 2015 Guidelines directing loan disbursals to be linked to construction stages — no upfront disbursal for incomplete projects. August 2022 circular on recovery practices, mandating ethical and non-coercive recovery methods by banks and agents. However, it acknowledged banks violated these norms by releasing funds before verifying construction progress.
In this scheme, banks directly disburse home loan amounts to builders.

The Digital Rupee (e₹)

Circulation: Grew from ₹234 crore (2024) to ₹1,016.5 crore (March 2025).
Users: 6 million across 17 banks.
vs. UPI: UPI transfers money between bank accounts, while e₹ is a direct digital cash substitute.
Pilot Banks: SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Yes Bank, and others.

RBI Flags High Interest Rates and Coercive Recovery in Microfinance Sector

RBI Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao, speaking at a Mumbai event on 5 June 2025, raised serious concerns over the deteriorating conditions in India’s microfinance sector. His speech was uploaded to the RBI website on 10 June 2025.
The microfinance sector is caught in a vicious cycle of: High interest rates Over-indebtedness of borrowers Coercive loan recovery practices
Over-indebtedness of borrowers
These systemic problems are creating stress across microfinance portfolios, particularly affecting rural borrowers and low-income households.

Jana Small Finance Bank Applies to RBI for Universal Bank License

The Reserve Bank of India introduced the ‘On Tap’ Licensing Policy in August 2016 for private sector universal banks. This policy allows eligible applicants to seek a banking licence at any time, enhancing dynamism and competition in the Indian banking sector.
Small Finance Banks (Conversion Eligibility): Net worth ≥ ₹1,000 crore Scheduled bank status 5-year satisfactory operational record Gross NPA ≤ 3% and Net NPA ≤ 1% for past two years Mandatory listing on stock exchanges
Individuals/Professionals: Must be Indian residents Minimum 10 years of senior-level experience in banking and finance
Minimum 10 years of senior-level experience in banking and finance

Finance Ministry Pushes PSBs for Faster Loan Disbursal

Ministry of Textiles has partnered with 23 e-commerce platforms and launched the ‘Indian Handmade’ portal to facilitate online sales by artisans and weavers.
Margin Money Support: 20% of the loan amount, up to: ₹25,000 for individual weavers/entrepreneurs ₹20 lakh for handloom organisations (₹2 lakh per 100 weavers)
20% of the loan amount, up to: ₹25,000 for individual weavers/entrepreneurs ₹20 lakh for handloom organisations (₹2 lakh per 100 weavers)
₹25,000 for individual weavers/entrepreneurs

SBI Offloads ₹1,556 Crore Stressed Loan of Regen Powertech to Clean Up Books

Outstanding Principal: ₹580 crore (as of March 2025).
State Bank of India (SBI) is selling its ₹1,556 crore stressed loan exposure to Regen Powertech Private Ltd (RPPL), a South India-based wind turbine manufacturer, as part of efforts to clean up its balance sheet.
Bad Debt Cleanup: SBI has been actively reducing NPAs (Gross NPA improved to 1.82% in FY25 from 2.24% YoY).
Recovery Efforts: In FY25, SBI recovered ₹17,213 crore through upgrades, cash recoveries, and write-offs.

Finance Minister on Unclaimed Assets

FM urged regulators to reduce unclaimed financial assets, including: Bank deposits Unclaimed dividends and shares Post office savings Insurance and pension funds
Directed district-level special camps to facilitate refunds in coordination with: RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, banks, and other financial institutions.
RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, banks, and other financial institutions.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 29th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in Mumbai on June 11, 2025, where she emphasized reducing unclaimed assets and ensuring seamless refund to rightful owners. The meeting also reviewed macro-financial stability, regulatory reforms, and investment strategies.

SEBI Probes Jane Street for Algorithmic Manipulation

Specific trades flagged by NSE in January 2025 involved rapid buy-sell reversals at extreme prices, possibly impacting price discovery.
A global quantitative trading firm founded in 2000 in New York.
The probe is part of SEBI's larger effort to protect retail investors, who have suffered heavy losses in F&O markets.
SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015: Focuses on preventing misuse of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI). Enacted for traditional manual trading; lacks specificity for algorithmic contexts. Insufficient to track automated insider trading without AI-enabled enforcement tools.

Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

Investor Cap: Max 1,000 investors per scheme (49 for Angel Funds).
Angel Funds: Early-stage funding with ₹25 lakh minimum per investor.
Hedge Funds: Invest in domestic/global markets using derivatives and leverage; high fee structure (typically 2% management + 20% performance fee).
Minimum Investment: ₹1 crore (₹25 lakh for fund managers, employees, directors).

SEBI Issues Recovery Notice to OPG Securities in NSE Co-Location Case

Background: The penalty was originally imposed in April 2024 It relates to unfair access to NSE’s secondary market servers via the co-location facility OPG Securities allegedly gained preferential access, violating fair market norms
In 2024, SEBI dropped charges against NSE and its ex-officials citing lack of evidence, but maintained penalties on brokers.
The penalty was originally imposed in April 2024
It relates to unfair access to NSE’s secondary market servers via the co-location facility

SEBI's Social Bonds, Sustainability Bonds, and Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLBs) Framework

Effective Date: Framework applicable from June 5, 2025, for all fresh issuances of these instruments
Framework applicable from June 5, 2025, for all fresh issuances of these instruments
Third-Party Review Mandatory: Issuers must appoint an external reviewer or certifier Certifications must align with international frameworks like: ICMA Principles EU Green Bond Standards ASEAN Social/Sustainability Bond Standards Climate Bonds Initiative
Issuers must appoint an external reviewer or certifier

AU Small Finance Bank Partners with IFC to Integrate Climate Risk into Core Banking Operations (June 2025)

Financed Emissions Calculation: Measures Scope 3, Category 15 emissions (financed emissions) across: Corporate loans SME finance Real estate Sovereign bonds Uses PCAF (Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials) methodology Covers FY 2024–25 and FY 2025–26.
Covers FY 2024–25 and FY 2025–26.
Founded: 1996
Physical Risk Assessment: Evaluates the vulnerability of AU SFB’s loan portfolio to climate-induced natural disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather). Uses IPCC scenarios through the year 2100.

RBI Annual Report Flags India’s FDI Paradox

Gross vs Net Disparity: Gross inflows: Up 13.7% in FY25 Net FDI: Down to $0.4 billion (from $44 billion in FY21) due to sharp rise in disinvestments
Gross inflows: Up 13.7% in FY25
FDI Composition Concerns: High disinvestment rate: Now 63.5% of gross FDI Major sources: Singapore (15%), Mauritius (~10%) – reflecting round-tripping and tax haven usage Fall in manufacturing FDI share: Down to 12% from previous peaks
High disinvestment rate: Now 63.5% of gross FDI

Zero-Coupon Bonds

Investor buys a ZCB at a low price (e.g., ₹6,855)
At maturity, the investor receives full face value (e.g., ₹20,000)
The implied yield (e.g., 5.5%) is compounded semiannually
n = Years to Maturity

Feature	Zero-Coupon Bond	Regular (Coupon) Bond
Interest Payment	None (imputed, not paid)	Paid periodically (semiannual/annual)
Purchase Price	Deep discount to face value	Close to face value
Return	At maturity (par – purchase price)	Coupons + principal at maturity
Price Volatility	Higher	Lower
Tax on Interest	On imputed interest annually	On actual coupons received

SEBI Introduces Mandatory @valid UPI Handles to Curb Financial Fraud

Aims to reduce fraud, phishing, and impersonation risks in financial transactions.
The ₹5 lakh daily UPI limit for capital market transactions remains unchanged.
Implementation deadline: October 1, 2025.
All SEBI-registered intermediaries (e.g. stockbrokers, mutual funds, research analysts, investment advisors) must use the @valid UPI ID (e.g., abc.bkr@validhdfc, xyz.mf@validhdfc).

NSE Gets SEBI Nod to Launch Monthly Electricity Futures Contracts

Likely to benefit DISCOMs, power generators, industrial consumers, and energy traders

MTNL Loan Default

Full 100% provisioning has already been done by the banks.
State-run Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) has defaulted on over ₹8,300 crore worth of bank loans. A meeting has been called by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan to find a resolution, amid mounting pressure from public sector banks (PSBs) seeking repayment assurances.
No Haircut, But Open to Restructuring Bankers have categorically ruled out any haircut on MTNL’s defaulted loans.
Bankers have categorically ruled out any haircut on MTNL’s defaulted loans.

RBI Hikes LTV on Gold Loans to 85%

Small-ticket loans (below ₹2.5 lakh) are set to rise significantly in share of total gold loan AUM.
Experts estimate 30–40% of AUM currently comprises larger loans, suggesting a reshuffle towards smaller loans in the coming quarters.
RBI has relaxed qualifying asset norms for NBFC-MFIs: Minimum qualifying assets (microfinance loans) lowered from 75% to 60%. Allows up to 40% of AUM in non-MFI assets, up from 25%.
Minimum qualifying assets (microfinance loans) lowered from 75% to 60%.

RBI Plans to Tighten LRS Rules to Curb Foreign Currency Deposits by Resident Indians

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to tighten overseas remittance rules under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to prevent misuse through foreign fixed deposits and passive capital export, according to a Reuters report.
RBI plans to amend LRS guidelines to prohibit funds from being used for: Foreign currency fixed deposits Other interest-earning accounts abroad
Aimed at stopping passive wealth shifting outside India, which is inconsistent with India’s current capital control regime.
Described by officials as misuse of LRS for capital export under the guise of investment.

Financial Regulators to Implement Universal KYC and Strengthen Cyber Resilience

Aim: Protect consumer interest and ensure rightful owners receive dues promptly.
In the 2025 meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Mumbai, key decisions were taken to enhance financial sector efficiency and consumer protection through a universal KYC framework, improved cybersecurity, and faster refund of unclaimed financial assets.
All major financial regulators — RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, MCA — will coordinate with the Central KYC Registry (CKYCR).
FSDC aims to: Prescribe common KYC norms across regulators Promote full digitisation of onboarding and verification Improve user experience and compliance transparency

RBI Increases Scrutiny of Newly Licensed Payment Aggregators Amid Fraud Concerns

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is tightening regulatory oversight on newly licensed payment aggregators (PAs) to ensure systemic integrity and prevent misuse of the digital payments ecosystem. This move follows the RBI’s broader effort to secure the digital financial space post-licensing of over 50 PAs.
RBI has initiated regular audits and field inspections of newly licensed payment aggregators.
This affects businesses handling cashbacks, returns, or B2B payouts.
RBI has directed fintechs to: Adopt board-approved internal controls Strengthen management compliance systems Appoint independent directors to ensure regulatory hygiene

RBI Plans Frequent Use of CRR to Manage Liquidity and Strengthen Policy Transmission

CRR cut from 4% to 3% in phased manner to release ₹2.5 trillion ($29.25 billion) into the banking system.
Shift aims to improve policy rate transmission and align the weighted average overnight call rate closer to the repo rate (currently 5.5%).
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to use the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) more proactively as a regular liquidity management tool rather than reserving it for emergency interventions. The move follows a surprise 100-bps reduction in CRR, announced in four equal tranches, bringing it down to 3%, which will infuse ₹2.5 trillion into the banking system.
Between December and May, RBI injected $100 billion via OMOs and FX swaps — the largest such infusion in a similar timeframe.

Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill

Legislative Changes Proposed: Amendments to the Insurance Act, 1938, LIC Act, 1956, and IRDA Act, 1999. Will provide greater operational autonomy to IRDAI and LIC for appointments, staffing, and infrastructure.
Amendments to the Insurance Act, 1938, LIC Act, 1956, and IRDA Act, 1999.
Income Tax Bill, 2025: Final report from Parliament select committee (led by Baijayant Panda) expected on Day 1 of Monsoon Session. Introduction likely in Winter Session (Nov-Dec 2025).
100% FDI in Insurance: Currently capped at 74%, the bill proposes allowing full foreign ownership, potentially unlocking global capital inflows.

Stock Brokers Can Now Offer Insurance, Credit – MoF Amends Securities Rules

Amendment to Rule 8 of SCRR, 1957: Previously, brokers could only act as agents, not principals, and were restricted from engaging in other businesses. The amendment removes ambiguity and lifts the ban on brokers investing in sectors like NBFCs and real estate, so long as they maintain ring-fencing of client assets.
Example of Platform Strategy: Angel One, India’s 3rd largest retail broker, plans to leverage the rule to evolve into a comprehensive digital finance provider. The amendment enables brokers to scale beyond distribution into manufacturing financial solutions.
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has amended provisions of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules (SCRR), 1957, enabling stock brokers to invest surplus capital in non-capital market businesses such as insurance, credit, real estate, and NBFCs, provided such activities don’t involve client funds or create liabilities.
Previously, brokers could only act as agents, not principals, and were restricted from engaging in other businesses.

Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP)

Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) is a mechanism through which listed companies in India can raise capital by issuing equity shares, fully and partly convertible debentures, or any other security convertible into equity shares (other than warrants) to Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs). Introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in 2006, QIP provides companies with an alternative to global depository receipts (GDRs) and American depository receipts (ADRs) for capital raising.

Advantages	Details
Faster Process	QIP is quicker than an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or Follow-on Public Offering (FPO), as it involves only institutional investors.
Less Regulatory Compliance	Compared to public offerings, QIPs require fewer regulatory approvals, making the process more streamlined.
Cost-Effective	The cost of raising capital via QIP is lower than an IPO due to reduced underwriting and marketing expenses.
Avoids Dilution of Promoter Holding	Unlike rights issues, where retail investors participate, QIP allows companies to strategically allocate shares to institutional investors.

CreditAccess Grameen Secures $100 Million Multi-Currency Social Loan

Founded: 1999
Institutional Support: Second syndicated social loan led by Standard Chartered Bank Earlier, a $200 million ECB was raised in 2023 with the same lead arranger
Foreign Debt Target: Raise share of foreign borrowings to 25–30% by FY28
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Paytm Launches Custom UPI ID Feature

Founded: 2010
Auto top-up for UPI Lite (up to ₹5,000)
Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Custom UPI IDs: Users can now create personalised UPI handles Eliminates the need to link UPI IDs with mobile numbers Currently available for Yes Bank and Axis Bank users; more banks to be added soon

DFCC Bank Becomes First Foreign Corporate to List Green Bond at GIFT IFSC

Environmental Focus: Contributes to Sri Lanka’s target of 70% renewable energy by 2030
Green Bond Listing Date: June 10, 2025
Inauguration Ceremony: Attended by IFSCA Chairperson K. Rajaraman and DFCC Bank officials
Bond Size: LKR 2.5 billion (~USD 8 million)

RBI Allows Separate Trading of Principal and Interest in State Bonds

Instruments must have: Residual maturity of up to 14 years Minimum outstanding amount of ₹1,000 crore
Residual maturity of up to 14 years
Minimum outstanding amount of ₹1,000 crore

RBI Issues Fresh Guidelines on KYC Updation for Low-Risk Customers

Launched on 28th August 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) by the Ministry of Finance is one of the globe’s most ambitious financial inclusion schemes.

SEBI-NPCI Launch @valid UPI

Daily UPI payment limit for capital market transactions: ₹5 lakh.
Helps investors verify authenticity before making payments.
Stockbrokers (suffix: brk)
Investment Advisors (ia)

Government Bonds in India

Interest: 7.75%, taxable under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Example: “7% GOI 2021” means 7% annual coupon till 2021.
Replaced the 8% Savings Bond in 2018.
Typically long-term instruments with tenures from 5 to 40 years.

RBI Plans Curbs on Foreign Currency Deposits Under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

Will apply under LRS, which currently allows remittance of up to $250,000 per financial year for education, travel, investments, healthcare, etc.
The Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) was introduced by the RBI in 2004 to simplify foreign remittances for Indian residents. Under this scheme, individuals can send up to USD 250,000 per financial year (April–March) outside India for permissible transactions without requiring prior approval from the RBI.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to amend the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to prevent resident Indians from parking funds in overseas time deposits or other interest-bearing foreign currency accounts, two government sources revealed.
Aim is to safeguard forex reserves and reduce currency volatility.

Groww Nifty India Internet ETF

Minimum Investment: ₹500, and in multiples of ₹1 thereafter.
6x increase in MeITY budget over 7 years
Index Tracked: Nifty India Internet Index (TRI), which comprises 21 companies engaged in online businesses like e-commerce, fintech, travel, food delivery, and digital content.
NFO Period: Open from 13 June 2025 to 27 June 2025.

Urban Cooperative Bank in India

Regulation Initially regulated by State Registrars (RCS) and Central Registrar (CRCS) Since 2020, all UCBs and multi-state cooperatives are under RBI supervision
They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966.
Tier 1: All unit UCBs, salary earners’ UCBs, and UCBs with deposits up to ₹100 crore
Tier 2: UCBs with deposits between ₹100 crore and ₹1,000 crore

Cryptocurrency or Virtual Digital Asset (VDA)

Growing Scrutiny of Crypto The move follows increased monitoring of crypto exchanges and wallet transactions. VDA income is taxable under Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act, effective from April 2022. It attracts a flat 30% tax rate without deductions (except cost of acquisition) and 1% TDS under Section 194S.
VDA income is taxable under Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act, effective from April 2022.
It attracts a flat 30% tax rate without deductions (except cost of acquisition) and 1% TDS under Section 194S.
According to the Finance Act 2022 (India), a Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) is defined as:

External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR)

The country's largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), reduced its External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR) and home loan rate by 50 basis points, keeping with Reserve Bank of Indias half per cent cut in policy repo rate. The revised EBLR would be 8.15 per cent as against the old rate of 8.65 per cent.
Despite RBI’s policy rate cuts, banks often failed to pass on the benefits to borrowers, citing factors like internal spreads, operational costs, and non-performing assets. This inefficiency led RBI to constitute an Internal Study Group (ISG), whose recommendations culminated in the adoption of EBLR from October 1, 2019.
3-month or 6-month Treasury Bill yield
The interest rate must be reset at least once every 3 months.

RBI Issues New Guidelines to Ease Reactivation of Dormant Bank Accounts and Access to Unclaimed Deposits

According to RBI norms: A savings or current account becomes inoperative if there has been no customer-initiated transaction for 10 years. Term deposits, too, become unclaimed if not withdrawn within 10 years of maturity.
A savings or current account becomes inoperative if there has been no customer-initiated transaction for 10 years.
Term deposits, too, become unclaimed if not withdrawn within 10 years of maturity.
Flexible KYC Update Options Customers can now update KYC at any branch of their bank, not just the home branch.

Scapia Partners with Federal Bank to Launch Dual-Network RuPay Credit Card

Founded: 2022
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Integrated Spend Management: Users can track both credit card and UPI expenses (via RuPay) in one consolidated platform.
Users can track both credit card and UPI expenses (via RuPay) in one consolidated platform.

RBI Permits STRIPS Trading in State Government Bonds to Deepen Market Liquidity

Eligible Securities Criteria: Fixed-coupon state government bonds only Residual maturity up to 14 years Outstanding issuance size of at least ₹10 billion (~$116.93 million) Must be SLR-eligible securities (Statutory Liquidity Ratio)
Residual maturity up to 14 years
Outstanding issuance size of at least ₹10 billion (~$116.93 million)
Purpose & Benefits: Facilitates independent trading of interest and principal components Enhances market liquidity and pricing efficiency Offers banks and investors more options for portfolio and risk management

Govt Likely to Amend Refund Clause in New IT Bill, 2025

In a major relief for taxpayers, the government is likely to amend the controversial refund provision in the draft Income Tax (IT) Bill, 2025, which currently denies refunds for returns filed after the due date. A senior official from the Finance Ministry has confirmed that the provision will be rectified and brought in line with the current law.
The draft Bill, introduced in Parliament on February 13, 2025, contains contradictory sections:
Section 433 allows a refund claim regardless of whether the return is belated.
In contrast, Section 263(1)(a)(ix) stipulates that a refund can be claimed only if the return is filed on or before the due date.

SEBI Likely to Announce Regulatory Relaxations

Waiver of minimum public shareholding (25%) compliance.
The board is also expected to consider reforms for voluntary delisting of public sector undertakings (PSUs) where the government holds more than 90% equity. The changes may include:
Currently, eight listed PSUs have over 90% government ownership, including Haryana Financial Corporation and KIOCL, making public stake dilution and fair price discovery challenging.
Exit conditions for co-investors.

The Journey of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

The journey of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), which began with the establishment of five banks on October 2, 1975, has been both remarkable and transformational. These banks are jointly owned by the Central Government (50%), state governments (15%), and sponsor banks (35%), which include public sector, private, and cooperative banks. Sponsor banks also provide managerial support by deputing key personnel, including chairmen and general managers.
Bankers to State Governments: RRBs are well-positioned to serve as official bankers for state governments.
Transition to Universal Banks: With stronger financials, many RRBs could evolve into universal banks.
Managerial Constraints: Key leadership remains on deputation, limiting continuity and ownership.

Sebi Tightens ESG Bond Rules

Combat Misrepresentation: Targets purpose-washing, where issuers misstate the environmental or social impact of bond proceeds.
Mandatory Third-Party Verification: Issuers must appoint independent reviewers to verify alignment of ESG claims.
Early Redemption Clause: Allows redemption of bonds in cases where issuers deviate from stated ESG objectives.
Quantification of Negative Externalities: Issuers must disclose potential negative outcomes from funded projects.

Jupiter and Scapia Launch RuPay-UPI Enabled Credit Cards

Cashback rewards worth over ₹50,000 annually.
Jupiter, a digital-first money management platform, has unveiled the Edge+ CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card, a no-joining-fee, no-annual-fee product focused on rewards and UPI-enabled convenience.

NPCI–IDRBT Sign MoU to Boost Cybersecurity and Resilience in India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

Established by the Reserve Bank of India in 1996 for R&D in banking technology.
In a strategic move to enhance cybersecurity and digital resilience within India’s fast-expanding digital payments infrastructure, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 12, 2025.
Launch specialized training programs on cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital risk.
Provide access to IDRBT’s upgraded threat intelligence platform, सचेत (IBCART 3.0).

CreditAccess Grameen Raises $100 Million Multi-Currency Syndicated Social Loan to Strengthen Rural Microfinance

Diversified Borrowing Profile: The company aims to achieve 25–30% foreign borrowings by FY28, enhancing geographic diversification, asset-liability management (ALM), and liability robustness.
Use of Proceeds: Funds will be deployed for eligible social projects under CA Grameen’s Social Loan Framework, aligned with Social Loan Principles 2023 by the Loan Market Association.
Scale and Reach: Operating in 423 districts across 16 states, CA Grameen focuses on women-centric microloans in rural India.
Headquartered in Bengaluru, CreditAccess Grameen is India’s largest NBFC-MFI, with a mission to empower rural women through access to credit. The firm continues to expand its presence in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Goa, among others.

RBI Eases Reactivation Process for Dormant Bank Accounts and Unclaimed Deposits

KYC Update Flexibility: Customers can now update their Know Your Customer (KYC) information at any branch of their bank, not just the home branch.

ATM Growth Stagnates Amid Digital Shift, But Bank Branches Still Vital in Rural India

Over 60% of India’s population resides
In contrast, bank branches rose significantly, from 130,000 in FY21 to 140,000 in FY25
ATMs increased marginally from 211,000 in FY21 to 212,000 in FY25

TRAI Teams Up with RBI to Digitise Legacy User Consent in Banks

Protect consumers from unsolicited communication

RBI Releases Draft Norms for Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives

The 2019 IRD framework was a major milestone in streamlining derivative transactions linked to rupee interest rates. However, since then, the market has witnessed:
Non-Resident Participation: Define clearer rules and access mechanisms for foreign investors and institutions.
Transparency & Oversight: Ensure all derivative transactions are properly recorded, reported, and supervised.
On June 17, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued draft regulations for the Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives (IRD) market. The move aims to update and align the existing regulatory framework—last revised in June 2019—with evolving financial market dynamics, product innovation, and increased foreign participation.

FPIs Seek Relaxation in Disclosure Norms and Renewal Tenure

Current SEBI rules mandate FPIs with either: Over 50% of Indian AUM in a single corporate group, or Over ₹50,000 crore AUM in Indian equities,to disclose the identities of the last natural persons behind each investor.
Over 50% of Indian AUM in a single corporate group, or
Over ₹50,000 crore AUM in Indian equities,to disclose the identities of the last natural persons behind each investor.
SEBI had released a consultation paper on CAS in 2023, but no final implementation has followed yet.

Sebi’s Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism (CeFCoM)

Annual subscription fee is around ₹7,499, offering advisers a consolidated dashboard to track investor payments.
CeFCoM was launched on 1 October 2024 and is managed by BSE Ltd. and MF Utilities India Pvt. Ltd. (MFU).
The platform aims to create a closed, transparent ecosystem for fee collection from clients of registered investment advisers (RIAs) and research analysts (RAs), thus minimizing the role of unregistered entities.
Cost Concerns: Some advisers prefer alternative platforms like ValidPay, which offer cheaper, faster UPI-based fee collections.

Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank Launches India’s First Cybersecurity Operations Centre for Cooperative Banks

Location and Investment: The C-SOC is located in Vashi, Navi Mumbai and was established at a cost of ₹50 crore.
The C-SOC is located in Vashi, Navi Mumbai and was established at a cost of ₹50 crore.
Staff and Operations: Operated by a team of 35 cybersecurity professionals, the centre currently supports 31 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) in Maharashtra free of charge.
Operated by a team of 35 cybersecurity professionals, the centre currently supports 31 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) in Maharashtra free of charge.

Indian Overseas Bank Launches ‘Locate IOB’ to Enhance Branch Accessibility

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has introduced a new digital tool, ‘Locate IOB’, aimed at improving customer access to its branches and ATMs by leveraging location-based technology.
Purpose:To help customers easily locate IOB branches, ATMs, and access essential banking information digitally.
User Convenience: Designed to offer a seamless and integrated experience without requiring users to switch between banking apps and third-party maps.
Designed to offer a seamless and integrated experience without requiring users to switch between banking apps and third-party maps.

Poonawalla Fincorp Launches ‘Business Loan 24/7’

Target Segment: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employed borrowers.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employed borrowers.
Loan Features: Instant loan approvals through a digital interface Flexible repayment options suited to business cash flows Backed by a risk-first credit evaluation model
Backed by a risk-first credit evaluation model

Fintech Sector Proposes UPI MDR Framework for Large Merchants

Small merchants and users protected: The proposal seeks to exempt over 90% of India’s 60 million UPI-accepting merchants, particularly those with annual turnovers of ₹20 lakh or less.
End users unaffected: Customers will continue to pay zero fees on UPI transactions, regardless of the proposed changes.
The Ministry of Finance recently reaffirmed via a post on social media that it has no current plans to levy MDR on UPI payments.
Supporting the Ecosystem: An incentive scheme has been implemented to support payment system participants in delivering services for low-value UPI transactions.

RBI to Soon Decide on Small Finance Banks’ Bid for Universal Bank Status

The Reserve Bank of India introduced the ‘On Tap’ Licensing Policy in August 2016 for private sector universal banks. This policy allows eligible applicants to seek a banking licence at any time, enhancing dynamism and competition in the Indian banking sector.
AU Small Finance Bank – Applied in September 2023
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank – Applied in February 2024
Jana Small Finance Bank – Applied in June 2025

SEBI Restructures Derivatives Expiry Days

New Contracts: No new weekly index futures can be launched after July 1, 2025, per SEBI’s directive.
Shares of BSE have already dropped over 10% from recent highs amid concerns of trading volume erosion.
Effective Date: The new schedule comes into effect September 1, 2025.
NSE: Weekly equity derivatives contracts will expire on Tuesdays (from current Thursday).

RBI Tightens KYC Notification Norms to Boost Consumer Protection and Service Delivery

Advance Notification Requirement Banks must send at least three advance notifications to customers before the KYC update becomes due. These must include one physical letter and other alerts via SMS, email, or app notifications.
Banks must send at least three advance notifications to customers before the KYC update becomes due.
Post-Due Date Reminders If the customer fails to update KYC by the due date, banks must send three additional reminders. One of these must also be in the form of a physical letter.
If the customer fails to update KYC by the due date, banks must send three additional reminders.

Supervisory Data Quality Index (sDQI) for Scheduled Commercial Banks

Small Finance Banks (SFBs):Highest sDQI among SCBs at 90.6, though slightly down from 91.0 in March 2024.
Foreign Banks:Recorded a significant rise to 89.1, from 87.6 in March 2024.
The index covers 87 Scheduled Commercial Banks and evaluates the quality of key returns submitted to RBI, including: Return on Asset Liability and Off-Balance Sheet Exposures Return on Asset Quality Return on Operating Results Risk-Based Supervision Return Liquidity Return Return on Capital Adequacy CRILC (Central Repository of Information on Large Credits) – Main
Above 90: Good

RBI Proposes Eased Reporting Norms for Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives

Managing interest rate exposure using instruments like: Interest rate futures Forward rate agreements (FRAs) Interest rate swaps Collar and reverse collar structures
Collar and reverse collar structures
Non-resident transactions not settled in INR: Must be reported to the Trade Repository of Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL) within 30 minutes.
Foreign currency transactions: Reporting deadline extended to 12:00 PM on the next business day.

SEBI Approves Compliance Easing, IPO Reforms to Aid Startups, PSUs, and FPIs

ESOP Retention for Startups Founders/promoters can retain ESOPs granted at least 1 year before filing DRHP. Fresh ESOP grants during IPO filing phase remain disallowed.
Founders/promoters can retain ESOPs granted at least 1 year before filing DRHP.
Reverse Flipping & CCS Norms Relaxed Investors in fully paid CCS can now convert and sell shares without 1-year lock-in. Helps enable smoother Offer for Sale (OFS) during IPO.
Investors in fully paid CCS can now convert and sell shares without 1-year lock-in.

SEBI Approves Major Regulatory Reforms

Aims to align founders' incentives with long-term shareholder value.
SEBI approved voluntary delisting of public sector undertakings (PSUs) where government shareholding exceeds 90%.
Settlement includes: ₹1 lakh penalty for delay up to 1 year. ₹50,000 for each additional year. ₹1–6 lakh depending on the cost of unliquidated investments.
₹1 lakh penalty for delay up to 1 year.

SEBI Approves Key Regulatory Reforms for REITs, InvITs, and Merchant Bankers

Primary Market Reforms: Minimum allotment size in the primary market for privately placed InvITs has been reduced from ₹1–25 crore to a uniform ₹25 lakh, aligning with the secondary market.
SEBI revoked its earlier decision (Dec 2024) requiring MBs to hive off non-SEBI-regulated activities into separate entities.
Related Parties Clarification: Units held by related parties of sponsors, investment/project managers will not count as “public” unless they are Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs); even then, they remain excluded from the public category.
Engage in activities regulated by other Financial Sector Regulators (FSRs), provided they comply with relevant norms.

FM Urges Fintechs to Tackle Cyberfraud, Expand Global Footprint

At the Digital Payments Awards 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged fintech startups to develop robust solutions to counter cyber frauds, including digital arrests, deepfakes, and scams by fly-by-night operators.
Market Outlook India’s fintech market is projected to grow to $400 billion by FY29, with an expected 30% annual growth. FM called on the sector to "Innovate, Include, and Inspire", positioning India as a global fintech leader.
India’s fintech market is projected to grow to $400 billion by FY29, with an expected 30% annual growth.
Call to Action Fintechs should work on preventing emerging threats like digital impersonation and deepfakes, which are causing growing harm to citizens. She emphasized the need for real-time, secure solutions from the startup ecosystem.

Gold Price Surge Driving Core Inflation: Crisil

Gold contributed 17% of the core inflation increase over May 2024–May 2025.
Despite a 2.3% weight in the core CPI basket, gold inflation averaged 24.7% in FY25, up from 15.1% in FY24.
Advanced economies like the U.S., U.K., Japan, and EU include gold in core inflation with less than 1% weight, minimizing its inflationary impact.
Gold’s Disproportionate Impact Gold contributed 17% of the core inflation increase over May 2024–May 2025. Despite a 2.3% weight in the core CPI basket, gold inflation averaged 24.7% in FY25, up from 15.1% in FY24. Crisil found gold price volatility (standard deviation: 12) exceeds that of fuel (4.5) and food (3.6).

SEBI Promotes Use of CeFCoM Platform for Safe Payments to Advisers and Analysts

Usage So Far: Over ₹5 crore in payments processed through CeFCoM as of June 10, 2025.
Over ₹5 crore in payments processed through CeFCoM as of June 10, 2025.
Operational Since: October 1, 2024Managed by BSE Ltd. in partnership with MF Utilities India Pvt. Ltd.
‘SEBI Check’ Tool (from October 1, 2025): A digital verification service to confirm the authenticity of UPI handles and bank account details before payment. Will use structured UPI handles with suffixes like @valid, and category-specific codes (e.g., brk, mf). Verified UPI handles will display a green triangle with a thumbs-up icon.

First Abu Dhabi Bank Adopts eMACH.ai for Digital Lending Transformation

Platform Capabilities: Automates end-to-end credit processes. Integrates with 10+ internal subsystems at FAB. Offers real-time portfolio visibility and seamless credit management.
Future-Ready Architecture: Powered by Intellect’s “First Principles” technology. Includes 329 microservices, 1,757 APIs, and 535 events, enabling a composable, cloud-native solution.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, has partnered with Intellect Design Arena to implement the eMACH.ai Lending platform, marking a major milestone in its digital transformation strategy.
Integrates with 10+ internal subsystems at FAB.

India Lags in SWIFT ISO 20022 Migration Ahead of November 2025 Deadline

Global adoption of ISO 20022 stands at 43%, but India trails significantly.
The November 2025 deadline is considered final, with no further extensions likely.
India’s top private banks are behind schedule in migrating to the SWIFT ISO 20022 cross-border payments messaging standard, with only State Bank of India (SBI) having fully transitioned.

RBI Eases Project Finance Norms

Lower General Provisioning During Construction Phase All projects (excluding CRE): 1% of funded outstanding Commercial Real Estate (CRE): 1.25% CRE – Residential Housing (CRERH): 1.0% (This is significantly lower than the 5% proposed in the earlier draft.)
All projects (excluding CRE): 1% of funded outstanding
Commercial Real Estate (CRE): 1.25%
CRE – Residential Housing (CRERH): 1.0%

UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025

Global Trends: FDI fell globally by 11% to $1.5 trillion in 2024. The headline increase was due to volatile financial flows rather than sustained real investment.
FDI fell globally by 11% to $1.5 trillion in 2024.
Digital Services Leadership: India led the Global South in greenfield digital services investment (2020–24) with $54 billion, ahead of Singapore ($12B), Brazil, Malaysia, and China.
Digital Economy: Cited as a critical driver of global growth, the digital sector is growing 10–12% annually, outpacing global GDP and becoming central to FDI and value creation.

SEBI to Boost Transparency in Trading Costs Through Unbundling of Fees

No structural overhaul: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey clarified that there are no immediate plans to alter the ownership structure of CCs, currently fully owned by stock exchanges.
SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey clarified that there are no immediate plans to alter the ownership structure of CCs, currently fully owned by stock exchanges.
Unbundling rationale: Ensures clear disclosure of charges to investors. Promotes accountability and competition among clearing service providers. Does not intend to increase investor costs.
Ensures clear disclosure of charges to investors.

Sale of listed private non-financial firms rose 7.1% in Q4FY25: RBI Data

Sales of listed private non-financial companies registered 7.1% growth (y-o-y) during Q4-2024-25 compared with 8% growth in the previous quarter and 6.9% in Q4 2023-24, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Listed private non-financial companies recorded a 7.1% year-on-year (y-o-y) sales growth in Q4FY25, down from 8% in Q3FY25 and 6.9% in Q4FY24.
Sales growth slowed to 6.6% in Q4FY25, compared to 7.7% in Q3FY25.
Information Technology (IT) Sector: Sales growth rose to 8.6% in Q4FY25, improving from 6.8% in Q3 and 3.1% a year ago.

Bank of Maharashtra Partners with SBI Card to Launch Co-Branded Credit Cards

In a significant move to deepen financial inclusion and enhance customer engagement, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has partnered with SBI Card, one of India’s leading credit card issuers, to launch co-branded credit cards offering a host of consumer benefits.
Nationwide Launch: The co-branded cards will be available to eligible customers across India through both online platforms and BoM branches.
Application Convenience: Customers can apply via digital channels or through branch walk-ins, ensuring accessibility and a hassle-free onboarding experience.
Strategic Collaboration: Combines Bank of Maharashtra’s extensive banking network and customer trust with SBI Card’s digital capabilities and credit card expertise.

India Plans 100% FDI in Insurance with Eased Norms for Foreign Board Representation

The Union government is preparing to introduce amendments to the Insurance Act in the upcoming Monsoon Session, enabling 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector—up from the current 74%. The reforms will also allow foreign insurers to appoint a majority of nonresident board members and key managerial personnel (KMPs).
Foreign insurers may soon be permitted to have a majority of nonresident board members, including foreign nationals in top leadership roles (e.g., CEO, MD).

Year	FDI Cap	Key Safeguards Introduced
2021	Raised from 49% to 74%	- 50% board must be resident Indian citizens - At least one resident Indian KMP (CEO/MD) required - Restrictions on dividend payouts and repatriation - Enhanced regulatory disclosures
2025 (proposed)	100%	Eased residency rules for board and KMPs; safeguards under review

RBI Lowers Priority Sector Lending Norms for Small Finance Banks

New Target: 60% of ANBC or credit equivalent of off-balance sheet exposure, whichever is higher
60% of ANBC or credit equivalent of off-balance sheet exposure, whichever is higher
Earlier Target: 75% under existing norms
75% under existing norms

Parametric Insurance Gains Momentum in India Amid Rising Climate Risks

Policy Benefits: Daily payout: ₹500–₹2,000 depending on severity and policy Hospitalization allowance: Up to ₹5,000 for weather-related injuries or illness Payouts triggered automatically using IMD (India Meteorological Department) data
Daily payout: ₹500–₹2,000 depending on severity and policy
Hospitalization allowance: Up to ₹5,000 for weather-related injuries or illness
Trigger Parameters: Heat Index (temperature threshold) Rainfall (in mm/day or cumulative over days) Wind speed, water depth, or Richter scale magnitude

RBI Imposes ₹29.6 Lakh Penalty on Fino Payments Bank for Licensing Norm Breach

Regulatory Action: Penalty imposed under the RBI’s powers to ensure adherence to licensing conditions Arising from findings during the Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2024), based on the bank's financials as on March 31, 2024
Arising from findings during the Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2024), based on the bank's financials as on March 31, 2024
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied a monetary penalty of ₹29.6 lakh on Fino Payments Bank Ltd for non-compliance with its licensing guidelines applicable to payments banks.
Maximum balance limit of ₹2 lakh per customer (subject to periodic revision)

Yield Spread Between 3-Year and 10-Year G-Secs Widens Sharply Amid RBI's Liquidity Easing

Latest Bond Yields: 3-year G-sec: 5.83% 10-year G-sec (benchmark): 6.31% Yield spread: 48 bps (up 12x in CY25)
3-year G-sec: 5.83%
10-year G-sec (benchmark): 6.31%
Short-term G-Secs: <5 years maturity

SEBI Proposes Framework for Responsible Use of AI/ML in Securities Market

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Strengthen data protection norms in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Impose cybersecurity standards to secure sensitive financial and personal information used by AI/ML systems.
Strengthen data protection norms in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.
Model Governance Establish clear accountability for AI/ML model development, validation, and deployment. Mandate independent oversight and documentation to track model decisions and updates.
Mandate independent oversight and documentation to track model decisions and updates.

Bajaj Allianz Launches India’s First State-wise Health Insurance Policy Tailored to Local Healthcare Needs

Factors considered include: local hospital infrastructure, prevalent health concerns, treatment costs, and affordability levels.

CCI’s 2025 Cost Norms

Weak Enforcement Record (only one predatory pricing case upheld pre-2025)
Proof of Intent: Predatory motive is difficult to establish under Section 4 of the Competition Act.
Intent to eliminate competitors

RBI Issues Master Circular to Enhance Credit Access for SC/ST Communities

Launched: April 1, 2013 (replacing Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana).
Launched: May 6, 2015 by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Additional housing loan of ₹20,000 available under the scheme.
Mandate: At least 50% of beneficiaries should belong to SC/ST communities.

RBI Issues Master Direction on Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs)

Have a minimum net worth of ₹5 crore
Maintain detailed transaction records for a minimum of 10 years.
Standalone Primary Dealers—where the bank/dealer is the sole quote/price provider and a party to all trades.
Strong cybersecurity

SEBI Eases Startup Regulations and Introduces Major Reforms for AIFs, REITs, and PSUs

Reduced Minimum Investment: For privately placed InvITs, the minimum allotment size has been reduced from ₹1 crore to ₹25 lakh.
Eased Exit for Majority-Govt PSUs: New delisting norms apply to PSUs where the government holds at least a 90% stake. Around five listed PSUs could benefit.
ESOP Clarity for Founders: Startups can now issue and allow the exercise of ESOPs to founders/promoters if granted at least one year before the filing of the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP).
Reverse Flipping Incentivised: Reforms will support Indian listings of startups initially launched abroad.

SEBI Proposes Guardrails for AI and ML in Indian Securities Markets

Investor Protection and Oversight: Emphasis on human-in-the-loop supervision, especially as markets inch closer to agentic AI—AI systems that can act autonomously in investing.
Third-Party and Non-Traditional Players: Regulatory purview to expand to cover third-party algo vendors, fintech startups, and non-registered intermediaries using AI for financial services.
Regulatory purview to expand to cover third-party algo vendors, fintech startups, and non-registered intermediaries using AI for financial services.
Investors may benefit from more transparent and explainable AI tools, subject to new disclosures and testing standards.

Credit Rating Agencies Seek Government Intervention

In 2023, SEBI required CRAs to obtain an NOC from RBI for rating unlisted papers.
Market Size: Unlisted instruments like PTCs help lenders (NBFCs, banks) unlock liquidity from retail loan pools.
Investor Confidence: Ratings influence pricing, risk evaluation, and compliance standards for institutional investors.

Bank of Maharashtra Partners with SBI Card to Launch Co-Branded Credit Cards

In a strategic move to strengthen its retail offerings, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has announced a co-branding partnership with SBI Card to launch co-branded credit cards aimed at fulfilling the financial and lifestyle needs of its customer base.
Tailored Credit Cards: The co-branded cards will feature: Reward points on purchases Cashback offers on selected transactions EMI facilities Exclusive merchant discounts across major categories like dining, travel, and e-commerce
Cashback offers on selected transactions
Distribution Channels: Available through both digital platforms and branch-based channels Seamless and easy onboarding process for eligible customers nationwide

Outward Direct Investment (ODI)

Control & Influence: ODI involves significant control or influence, generally defined as ownership of at least 10% in the foreign entity.
India is witnessing a significant surge in outward direct investment (ODI) by domestic corporations, raising questions about whether this reflects increasing global competitiveness or underlying concerns about the business environment at home. Indian outward investment has jumped from $4 billion in 2014–15 to $29 billion in 2024–25, a 625% increase over a decade.
Purpose: Business expansion Market diversification Access to strategic resources Risk distribution across geographies
Market diversification

Digital Payment Intelligence Platform (DPIP)

Surge in Fraud Cases: FY25 fraud value surged to ₹36,014 crore, nearly 3x higher than FY24’s ₹12,230 crore.
FY25 fraud value surged to ₹36,014 crore, nearly 3x higher than FY24’s ₹12,230 crore.

RBI Rate Cut Could Revive Loan Growth, But Deposit Mobilisation Key: Fitch

Fitch Ratings has projected that the Reserve Bank of India’s recent 50 basis point rate cut could help revive loan growth to 12–13% in FY26. However, this growth is contingent on stronger deposit mobilisation by the banking sector.
Sectoral Loan Growth: Dropped to a 4-year low of 10% in FY25. Decline driven by slower lending to Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). Public Sector Banks (PSBs) outperformed private banks, growing at 12.4%.
Dropped to a 4-year low of 10% in FY25.
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) outperformed private banks, growing at 12.4%.

RBI Eases PSL Norms for SFBs, Unlocks ₹40,000 Cr for Diversification

Old PSL Norms: SFBs were required to lend 75% of ANBC to PSL sectors. 40% was earmarked for specific PSL subsectors. Remaining 35% could be directed to any PSL subsector of their choice.
SFBs were required to lend 75% of ANBC to PSL sectors.
40% was earmarked for specific PSL subsectors.
Remaining 35% could be directed to any PSL subsector of their choice.

Concerns Over Health Insurance Premiums and Governance Issues

Sharp Rise in Premiums: Health insurance premiums rose by up to 15% in 2024, forcing many policyholders to drop out, especially senior citizens.
Allows 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance.
Barred insurers from raising premiums for senior citizens (60+) by more than 10% per annum without prior approval.
Permits foreigners as Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) in Indian firms.

Issue	Government Action
Premium Hikes	Directed IRDAI to review product pricing; prevent excessive hikes, especially for senior citizens.
Governance	IRDAI asked to scrutinize board decisions and ensure compliance with all regulations.
PE Influence	Concerns raised over PE-backed firms driving aggressive pricing strategies to boost valuations.
Leadership Void	IRDAI has been without a Chairperson since March 2025; government may appoint a senior bureaucrat.

Housing Finance Company (HFC)

Focus on Housing Finance: At least 60% of an HFC's assets must be dedicated to housing finance, and at least 50% of those assets must be for loans to individuals for housing purposes.
Regulation: HFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), with some regulatory powers also held by the National Housing Bank (NHB).
Role in the Housing Market: HFCs play a vital role in facilitating homeownership by providing access to credit, especially for those who may not qualify for loans from traditional banks.
HDFC Ltd. (now merged with HDFC Bank)

Angel Funds in India

Structure and Fundraising: Angel funds raise capital exclusively from angel investors by issuing units and must have a minimum corpus of ₹10 crore (₹100 million).
Angel funds raise capital exclusively from angel investors by issuing units and must have a minimum corpus of ₹10 crore (₹100 million).
Investor Limit: Angel funds can now accept investments from up to 200 investors, a significant increase from the previous cap of 49.
Angel funds can now accept investments from up to 200 investors, a significant increase from the previous cap of 49.

EPFO Raises Auto-Settlement Limit for Advance Claims to ₹5 Lakh

64.3% of India’s population (over 94 crore people) are now covered by at least one social protection scheme.
In 2015, this coverage was just 19%.
The auto-settlement system was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure timely financial relief for EPFO members.

Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will conduct a seven-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction worth ₹1 trillion on Friday, June 27, aiming to absorb excess liquidity from the banking system. The move follows a sharp build-up in surplus liquidity that has pushed the Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR) below the policy repo rate of 5.50%.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses multiple tools to manage systemic liquidity. Among these are the Variable Rate Repo (VRR) to inject liquidity and the Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) to absorb surplus liquidity from the banking system.
Typically, the VRRR rate is equal to or slightly higher than the standard reverse repo rate.

Tool	Objective	Liquidity Effect
VRR	Inject funds into the banking system	Adds liquidity
VRRR	Mop up surplus funds from banks	Absorbs liquidity

S&P Global Upgrades India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5%

World Bank (June 2025): Maintained India’s FY26 growth forecast at 6.3% amid rising trade barriers.
IMF (April 2025): Lowered India’s FY26 forecast by 30 bps to 6.2%, citing trade tensions and global uncertainty.
S&P Global Ratings on Tuesday revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5%, up by 0.2 percentage points from its previous estimate. The upgrade was published in its latest Economic Outlook for Asia-Pacific (Q3 2025).
In May 2025, S&P had lowered India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.3%, citing uncertainty stemming from U.S. tariff policy and its spillover effects on global trade. That report, titled Global Macro Update: Seismic Shift in US Trade Policy Will Slow World Growth, warned of rising protectionism and its negative impact on global supply chains.

SEBI Proposes Major Governance Overhaul for Market Infrastructure Institutions

EDs report administratively to the MD, but performance evaluation involves independent committee oversight: SCOT (Technology) for ED of Vertical 1 ROC and RMC (Compliance and Risk) for ED of Vertical 2
MIIs include stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories, regulated primarily under: Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 SEBI Act, 1992 Depositories Act, 1996 Relevant regulations like SECC Regulations, 2018, and D&P Regulations, 2018
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
SEBI Act, 1992

Venture Capital (VC)

VC firms invest in exchange for ownership equity in the startup.
It is especially useful when a startup cannot raise funds through capital markets, bank loans, or traditional debt instruments.

Stage	Description
Pre-Seed Stage	Earliest phase, focused on turning an idea into a business plan; often supported by incubators/accelerators.
Seed Funding	Helps startups launch their first product; usually no revenue yet, relies heavily on VC.
Early-Stage Funding	Required to scale production, expand marketing, and sales; divided into Series A, B, C rounds, etc.

L&T Lists India’s First ESG Bonds on NSE Under New SEBI Framework

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched India’s first ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) bonds on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), setting a precedent under SEBI’s new sustainability-linked bond framework notified in June 2025.
SEBI Framework: Issued under SEBI’s ESG and sustainability-linked bond framework (effective June 5, 2025)
ESG Goals: Water neutral by 2035 Carbon neutral by 2040
Water neutral by 2035

RazorpayX Launches India’s First Founder-Friendly Corporate Credit Card for Startups

Launched In Partnership With: Mastercard RBL Bank YES Bank
Key Features: Credit limits up to ₹2 crore No collateral required No personal liability (founders’ personal credit scores/assets not at risk) Low forex markup of 2.5%
Credit limits up to ₹2 crore
Low forex markup of 2.5%

NACH (National Automated Clearing House) 3.0 Platform

Founded: 2008
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is set to roll out NACH 3.0 in the first week of July 2025, aiming to accelerate and secure recurring bank transactions such as salaries, pensions, EMIs, SIPs, and government subsidies under the National Automated Clearing House (NACH) platform.
Major Initiatives: UPI (Unified Payments Interface) IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) RuPay (Domestic card scheme) BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System) AePS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System)
RuPay (Domestic card scheme)

RBI Issues Final Framework on IRACP Norms for Project Finance Loans to Banks & NBFCs

1% standard asset provisioning
1.25% provisioning for Commercial Real Estate (CRE) projects under construction
Standard CRE exposures: 1%
CRE-RH (Residential housing under CRE): 0.75%

India Post Payments Bank Wins Digital Payments Award 2024–25 for Financial Inclusion Excellence

Award: Digital Payments Award 2024–25 by DFS, Ministry of Finance
Ranked 1st among all Payments Banks in India in the Performance Index for FY 2024–25
Received a Special Mention award for FY 2023–24
Ownership: 100% equity held by Government of India

GST Council Likely to Discuss 12% Slab

Internal recommendations suggest subsuming the 12% slab into either the 5% or 18% category.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is expected to convene in July 2025 after a gap of over six months, with major reforms on its agenda, according to official sources. The Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprising state finance ministers, plays a key role in shaping India’s indirect tax policy.
12% GST Slab Under Review: The Council will deliberate on reducing or eliminating the 12% tax slab to simplify the existing four-tier GST structure (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%). Internal recommendations suggest subsuming the 12% slab into either the 5% or 18% category. The move aligns with long-standing goals of rate rationalisation and simplification.
The Council will deliberate on reducing or eliminating the 12% tax slab to simplify the existing four-tier GST structure (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%). Internal recommendations suggest subsuming the 12% slab into either the 5% or 18% category. The move aligns with long-standing goals of rate rationalisation and simplification.

India’s Economy Shows Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty: RBI’s June 2025 Bulletin

Policy repo rate has been cut by 100 bps between February and June 2025, currently standing at 5.5%.
A 100 bps phased reduction in Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) starting 6 September 2025 is expected to release ₹2.5 trillion in primary liquidity.
Scheduled commercial banks’ credit growth slowed to 9.9% (as of May 30, 2025), down from 16.2% a year earlier.
These factors will shape India’s medium-term growth outlook, especially post-July 2025 when the temporary tariff truce ends.

NSE Offers ₹13,880 Crore Settlement to SEBI

The legal dispute dates back to 2019, when SEBI imposed a fine of ₹1,100 crore (₹11 billion) on NSE.
NSE has offered ₹1,388 crore as a settlement amount under SEBI’s consent mechanism — a route that allows entities to settle regulatory disputes without admitting or denying guilt.
If approved, this would remove a major obstacle for NSE to launch its much-awaited IPO, which has been pending for over six years.
It underscores the importance of regulatory clarity and dispute resolution in India’s capital markets ecosystem.

NSE to Launch 'Electricity Futures' to Manage Power Price Volatility

Electricity Futures are financial contracts that allow buyers and sellers to lock in electricity prices for a future date without actual physical delivery of power.
Power generators
Traders and retailers
Large industries and commercial users

IRDAI Imposes ₹1 Crore Penalty on Edelweiss Life Insurance for Corporate Governance Violations

Edelweiss Life did not collect bank account details at the proposal stage for policyholders paying premiums above ₹10,000.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on Edelweiss Life Insurance Company for violations related to outsourcing norms and customer onboarding practices, flagging serious lapses in corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
Insurers are mandated to:
Conduct due diligence of service providers.

Govt Plans Partial Stake Dilution in General Insurers to Meet SEBI's Norms

As per SEBI’s Rule 19A of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957, and Regulation 38 of the SEBI Listing Regulations: All listed companies must maintain at least 25% public shareholding.
All listed companies must maintain at least 25% public shareholding.
Government selling a 10% stake in Coal India through public offer
The Union Finance Ministry is set to initiate phased stake sales in public sector general insurers — New India Assurance Company and General Insurance Corporation (GIC Re) — to comply with SEBI’s Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) requirement of 25% for all listed companies, including public sector units.

Jan Dhan 2.0

Over 20% of Jan Dhan accounts (≈110 million) were classified as inoperative by December 2024, despite verification drives.
The existing ₹10,000 overdraft limit may be increased, subject to eligibility.
Jan Dhan account holders may soon receive chequebooks, expanding their transactional capabilities and financial credibility.
Aims to improve access to emergency funds and support consumption in rural/low-income households.

Public Sector Banks Dominate Certificate of Deposit Market

Rising Overall Market Volume: Outstanding CD issuances hit a record ₹11.75 trillion in FY25, reflecting continued demand. Issuance volumes climbed steadily since April 2022, peaking in March 2025 at ₹1.17 trillion, amid fiscal year-end liquidity pressures.
Issuance volumes climbed steadily since April 2022, peaking in March 2025 at ₹1.17 trillion, amid fiscal year-end liquidity pressures.
Liquidity deficit and year-end funding pressures led to a record ₹3.70 trillion in CD issuances in Q4FY25.
Outstanding CD issuances hit a record ₹11.75 trillion in FY25, reflecting continued demand.

Call Money Market

Effective from July 1, 2025: Call Money Market trading hours will be extended until 7:00 PM (previously closed at 5:00 PM).
Effective July 1, 2025, trading hours for the call money market have been extended till 7 PM.
Call Money Market trading hours will be extended until 7:00 PM (previously closed at 5:00 PM).
In finance, call money refers to short-term funds lent by banks or financial institutions that are repayable on demand, with a maturity ranging from overnight to 14 days. It is a core component of the Indian inter-bank money market.

RazorpayX Launches Corporate Cards for Startups Amid IPO Readiness

Credit Limit: Up to ₹2 crore without requiring collateral.
FX Charges: Competitive foreign exchange mark-up fee of just 2.5%.
No Personal Liability: Business expenses no longer impact founders’ personal credit scores.

Bank of Baroda Launches “bob Flexi SDP” with Variable Contributions

Start Small, Save Big: Core monthly instalment can start at ₹500, with flexibility to increase in ₹100 increments up to ₹1 lakh/month, or 10× the core instalment—whichever is lower.
Core monthly instalment can start at ₹500, with flexibility to increase in ₹100 increments up to ₹1 lakh/month, or 10× the core instalment—whichever is lower.
Liquidity Built-In: Overdraft facility up to 95% of the outstanding balance Nomination benefits included
Overdraft facility up to 95% of the outstanding balance

SBI Partners with FPSB India to Integrate CFP Certification into Employee Training

Established: 1 July 1955
Target Group: All 2.36 lakh SBI employees will be covered under the program.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Objective: Enhance the bank’s advisory capabilities for NRI, HNI, and UHNI clients.

Equitas SFB and Edelweiss Life Insurance Forge Strategic Bancassurance Partnership

Strategic Importance: Helps Equitas SFB diversify revenue by earning commissions through insurance distribution (non-interest income). Enhances Edelweiss Life’s market reach through Equitas’s retail base, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Bancassurance Bancassurance refers to the distribution of insurance products through banks. It's a partnership between a bank and an insurance company where the bank sells the insurer's products to its existing customer base.
Bancassurance refers to the distribution of insurance products through banks. It's a partnership between a bank and an insurance company where the bank sells the insurer's products to its existing customer base.
Partnership Objective:To enable Equitas SFB customers to access Edelweiss Life’s insurance offerings such as: Term insurance (protection) Endowment/savings plans Unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs)

IRDAI Flags Concerns During Inspections of Eight Health Insurers

Prompts insurers to rectify procedural inefficiencies swiftly.

Cyberattack on Aditya Birla Capital’s ABCD App

The ABCD app was launched in April 2024 with an investment of ₹100 crore.
As of August 2024, the platform had 1.2 million users, with a target to onboard 30 million users in 3 years.
Incident Details: Nearly ₹2 crore worth of digital gold was illicitly sold by an unidentified hacker. The stolen holdings were restored to customers after the breach.
Nearly ₹2 crore worth of digital gold was illicitly sold by an unidentified hacker.

SEBI Regulatory Changes

Earlier Regime: Companies paid a 20% buyback tax on the repurchase amount.
Phasing Out of Open Market Route: SEBI has eliminated the open market buyback route starting FY 2025. Companies are now allowed to conduct buybacks only through the tender offer route, which is costlier and more restrictive.
SEBI has eliminated the open market buyback route starting FY 2025.
Indian listed companies have significantly reduced share buybacks in 2025 due to a combination of taxation reforms and SEBI regulatory changes. As of June 26, 2025, only four buyback offers worth ₹186 crore have been recorded, compared to 38 buybacks totalling over ₹8,000 crore in the previous calendar year.

DBS Bank India Waives Prepayment and Foreclosure Charges for UDYAM-Registered MSMEs

In a move aimed at easing credit access and enhancing cash flow flexibility for small businesses, DBS Bank India Ltd. (DBIL) has announced a complete waiver of prepayment and foreclosure charges for all MSME borrowers registered under UDYAM.
Applicability: The waiver applies to both new and existing MSME borrowers. It is effective prospectively, meaning it will apply to loans prepaid or foreclosed after the announcement.
The waiver applies to both new and existing MSME borrowers.
Objective: To remove financial disincentives that prevent MSMEs from repaying early or refinancing. To support better cash flow management, especially during challenging economic cycles or rising interest rate regimes.

Pump and Dump Schemes

SEBI in India has launched search operations against pump-and-dump rackets (e.g., in June 2025).
A pump and dump scheme involves artificially boosting (pumping) the price of a stock through misleading recommendations or information, then selling (dumping) the overvalued shares to retail investors, who suffer losses when prices collapse.
Imminent acquisitions or partnerships
Selling by Promoters: Once the stock price rises due to the hype, manipulators sell off (dump) their large holdings at inflated prices.

RBI Issues Final Guidelines for KYC and Due Diligence of AePS Operators

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on June 28, 2025, released final guidelines for due diligence and onboarding of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) Touchpoint Operators (ATOs). The move is aimed at strengthening fraud risk management, improving accountability, and ensuring compliance with KYC norms. The guidelines will come into force from January 1, 2026.
If an ATO is inactive for 3 consecutive months (i.e., no financial or non-financial AePS transactions), the bank must re-verify KYC before reactivating them.
Banks must conduct KYC and due diligence on all AePS Touchpoint Operators before onboarding them.
Creates a standardized compliance framework across banks and payment operators.

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

Universal Access: Available to all Indian citizens aged 18–50 with a bank account.
Affordable Premium: ₹436 per annum per member.
₹436 per annum per member.
Substantial Coverage: ₹2 lakh life insurance cover.

SEBI Revises Related Party Transactions (RPTs) Disclosure Norms

Audit Committee Oversight: The committee may seek additional documents (e.g., valuation reports). It must record rationale and comments for approval or rejection of RPTs in meeting minutes.
Certification Requirement Expanded: Now, Managing Directors (MDs), Whole-Time Directors, or Managers may also certify that an RPT is in the best interest of the listed company, in addition to the CEO or CFO.
Now, Managing Directors (MDs), Whole-Time Directors, or Managers may also certify that an RPT is in the best interest of the listed company, in addition to the CEO or CFO.
Previous transactions, relationship nature, and ownership structure of the related party

Business Correspondents

What does a BC do? Open a person’s bank account, Process a loan application, Deposit money and withdraw money, and many other financial services.
Open a person’s bank account, Process a loan application, Deposit money and withdraw money, and many other financial services.
A Business Correspondent (BC) is a representative of the bank, who offers banking services to people in the unorganized sectors. BCs are an important constituent of financial inclusion, which means making banking accessible to everyone.
Need better training of the field staff and development of a larger pool of skilled trainers.

Finance Minister Urges PSBs to Boost Lending

RBI’s repo rate was reduced by 50 basis points to 5.5% on June 6, 2025, led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
Sitharaman urged PSBs to ensure increased lending to productive sectors, especially MSMEs, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Target: Maintain or exceed FY25 credit growth levels in FY26.
Banks were directed to onboard more customers into flagship government schemes:

Bank Credit Growth Remains Tepid Despite RBI Rate Cuts

A State Bank of India (SBI) report estimates that CRR cuts could unlock resources supporting 1.4–1.5% additional credit growth.
Despite a 100 basis points (bps) cut in the policy repo rate by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) between February and June 2025, banks have maintained their credit growth guidance at 11–13% and deposit growth at 9–10% for FY26. This mirrors the trend observed in FY25 and indicates continued subdued demand and liquidity pressures.
Banks are not revising loan or deposit growth guidance due to: Weak Q1 credit demand Challenges in retail deposit mobilisation Market uncertainties
Weak Q1 credit demand

SBI to Launch 'Only Yono'

A marketing technology platform integrated across SMS, WhatsApp, and email to go live by October 2025.
Development of a real-time analytics platform (Data Lakehouse) by September 2026. Will centralize decision-making data across business verticals.
Revamp of trade finance operations with new digital modules. Export and import modules for trade finance went live in April 2025.
Export and import modules for trade finance went live in April 2025.

SEBI Imposes ₹25 Lakh Penalty on BSE for Regulatory Lapses

Penalty Amount: ₹25 lakh
Established: 1875
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Inspection Period: February 2021 to September 2022

Goa’s Instifi Receives RBI Authorization as Payment Aggregator

Under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, non-bank PAs must obtain formal RBI authorization.
Instifi, a fintech startup based in Goa, has received final authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a licensed payment aggregator (PA) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. This makes Instifi the first and only RBI-authorized payment aggregator headquartered in Goa.
Founded by: Mohit Aggarwal

Economy · 9

India’s Economic Performance in 2025

Agricultural Dependency (Chart 2A-C): India (2023): ~45% of workforce in agriculture. Japan & Poland: <10%, with majority in industry/services.
India (2023): ~45% of workforce in agriculture.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (Chart 4): India (2022): 32.7% in college-level education. Poland: ~75%, Japan: ~65% — India lags in higher education access.
India (2022): 32.7% in college-level education.

India's FDI Trends in FY25

Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) now constitute over 75.9% of FDI (2020-21).
Gross FDI-to-GDP ratio: Dropped from 3.1% (FY21) to 2.1% (FY25).
Net FDI-to-GDP: Declined from 1.6% to 0% over the same period.
Blanchard & Acalin (2016): India ranks 6th among 25 EMEs in correlated inward-outward FDI.

India’s Apparel Export Growth Challenge

Apparel-Focused: RoSCTL: Refund of embedded taxes on exports. SAMARTH Scheme: Skill development for workers in the apparel value chain. PLI Scheme (Textiles): Incentivizes investment in MMF and technical textiles; PLI 2.0 aims to include large garment units.
Stagnant Global Share: India’s apparel export share remains at 3%, despite being the second-largest employment sector after agriculture.
MSME Dominance: Over 80% of apparel units are small-scale, leading to fragmentation, low scalability, and poor global integration.
Women-Led Workforce: Nearly 70% of apparel workers are women, promoting gender-inclusive growth (e.g. Shahi Exports employs 70,000+ women).

India-EFTA Trade Deal to Take Effect by September 2025

Bilateral Trade Outlook: Goyal emphasized the trade pact will bring policy predictability, stability, and continuity for investors. A 100-company Swiss delegation visited India in February 2025, showing growing bilateral interest.
India’s Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)—comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—will come into force by September 2025, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Historic Investment Commitment: The deal includes a $100 billion investment commitment over 15 years from EFTA nations. This is the first time India has incorporated investment commitments into a free trade agreement.
The deal includes a $100 billion investment commitment over 15 years from EFTA nations.

World Bank Retains India’s FY26 GDP Growth

The World Bank, in its Global Economic Prospects Report (June 2025), retained India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast at 6.3%, while projecting a gradual decline in the public debt-to-GDP ratio due to higher tax revenues and lower current expenditures.
Global growth in 2025 is projected at 2.3%, the weakest in 17 years excluding recessions.
FY26 GDP growth forecast: Retained at 6.3%.
Growth moderation in FY25 attributed to slower industrial output, but rebound expected from FY27 onwards, averaging 6.6% annually.

India’s Retail Inflation Falls to 75-Month Low of 2.8% in May 2025

Retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), dropped to 2.8% in May 2025. This is the lowest inflation rate in 75 months, last seen in February 2019. The decline was primarily led by easing food prices.
Current Base Year: 2012
CPI (IW) – For Industrial Workers; used in wage negotiations and DA calculations.
CPI (AL) – For Agricultural Labourers.

India’s May Inflation at 75-Month Low

In its June 11 monetary policy review, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised its annual inflation forecast to 3.7%, down from 4% in April.
Crude and Natural Gas Prices Contracted: Wholesale inflation was pushed down by a 12.4% contraction in oil and gas prices, caused by global oversupply and weakening demand.
Global Oil Trends Helped India: With India importing nearly 80% of its crude oil, lower global oil prices significantly impacted domestic wholesale inflation.
Israel-Iran Tensions On June 13, oil prices surged by 8% in a single day following Israel’s strike on Iran. Any escalation or blockage of the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt India’s oil supplies from major exporters like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

MSME Credit Crosses ₹40 Trillion Mark in FY25

Credit to India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector crossed ₹40 trillion as of March 2025, recording a robust 20% year-on-year (YoY) growth, according to a report by CRIF High Mark, a leading credit information bureau.
Small exposure MSMEs (typically micro units or low-ticket loans) accounted for 40% of the total credit outstanding.
Increased digitalisation, which enabled wider credit access and faster loan disbursals.
This suggests continued financial deepening at the grassroots level, despite risk factors and economic uncertainties.

Poverty Line

7.5 crore people living below the $3/day (or ₹62/day PPP-adjusted) poverty line in 2022–23
Down from 34.4 crore in 2011–12
The Rangarajan Committee proposed raising the poverty line to ₹47/day (urban) and ₹33/day (rural), but this was never implemented.
Optimistic View: Only 5.75% live in “abject poverty” — a major success in poverty alleviation.

Test yourself · Economy

Fill the blank from memory, then check. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

1. India (2023): ________ of workforce in agriculture.

~45% India’s Economic Performance in 2025 · 1 & 2 June 2025

2. Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) now constitute ________.

over 75.9% of FDI (2020-21) India's FDI Trends in FY25 · 3 June 2025

3. In its ________, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised its annual inflation forecast to 3.7%, down from 4% in April.

June 11 monetary policy review India’s May Inflation at 75-Month Low · 18 June 2025

4. ________ living below the $3/day (or ₹62/day PPP-adjusted) poverty line in 2022–23

7.5 crore people Poverty Line · 27 June 2025

5. Provide ________ and 5–7 years tax holiday for large units with 1,000+ machines.

25–30% capex subsidy India’s Apparel Export Growth Challenge · 8 & 9 June 2025

Agriculture · 49

Agricultural Households in India Increasingly Rely on Non-Farm Income: PRICE Report

Average annual income (2024–25): ₹7.31 lakh Poor farmers: ₹2.03 lakh Rich farmers: ₹26 lakh
Nagaland: 98%
Tripura: 94%
Meghalaya: 85%

Crystal Crop Launches RICEACT Herbicide and JIVORA Insecticide for Rice and Cotton Farmers

Market Outlook: India’s crop protection market expected to grow from $2.59 billion (2025) to $3.21 billion (2030) CAGR: 4.35%
Composition: Triafamone (20%) + Ethoxysulfuron (10%)
Coverage: Expected usage on approx. 3 lakh hectares of paddy
Coverage: Estimated adoption by 4.5–5 lakh cotton farmers

IRRI Scientists Discover Rice Varieties with Antioxidant and Anti-Cancer Properties

Sample Size: Screened 1.32 lakh rice accessions worldwide. Focused on 800 pigmented (coloured) rice varieties for detailed analysis.
Screened 1.32 lakh rice accessions worldwide.
Retention of Properties: Cooking the rice retains about 70% of antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits.
Cooking the rice retains about 70% of antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits.

Krishi Nivesh Portal

Launched in September 2024 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Currently includes schemes from 7 ministries: Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Food Processing Industries Rural Development New and Renewable Energy Jal Shakti Chemicals & Fertilisers Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Application Tracking: Stakeholders can track scheme application status and seek guidance digitally.
Aims to bring schemes from various ministries and states under one window.

ESG-Driven Architecture in Agri-Food

Water Scarcity: Agriculture consumes nearly 70% of global freshwater.
Data & Analytics Layers: Real-time monitoring of emissions (Scope 1, 2, 3), labor practices, and biodiversity.
Labor Rights: Especially among seasonal and migrant workers.
Supply Chain Emissions: Difficult to track and verify across actors.

ICRISAT Launches Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture

Aimed at democratising agricultural research and knowledge for practical policy-making
Provides access to over 100 technologies across: Crop improvement Natural resource management Digital agriculture Horticulture Farm mechanisation
ICRISAT also signed an MoU with DAKSHIN, a government initiative to promote development partnerships and technical collaboration in the Global South.

NITI Aayog’s Dual-Track Strategy for India-US Agricultural Trade

Import duty on crude edible oils (including soybean oil) was cut from 27.5% to 16.5%.
Use duty waivers or tariff rate quotas (TRQs) to expand exports, currently at ~$5.75 billion annually.
Protect price stability for producers and consumers.
Address market volatility through non-tariff barriers on vulnerable sectors like poultry.

India’s First International Agri Hackathon Concludes in Pune

Objective: Ensure availability of disease-free and productive plants to farmers.
Budget: ₹300 crore
Nursery Support: ₹3 crore for large nurseries ₹1.5 crore for medium nurseries Target: Production of 8 crore disease-free seedlings annually
₹3 crore for large nurseries

National Agriculture-Renewable Energy Conference 2025 Highlights

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: Ongoing 15-day campaign (since May 29, 2025) Minister has visited Odisha, Jammu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Patna, Maharashtra Aim: Direct engagement with farmers across the country
Agricultural Growth: 40% rise in overall agricultural production since 2014-15 Major gains in wheat, rice, maize, groundnut Need to further improve pulses and oilseeds production
40% rise in overall agricultural production since 2014-15
Aim: Direct engagement with farmers across the country

FAIFA Report Urges Action on Climate-Resilient Agriculture

The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) released a report titled “Nourishing the Future: A Report on Climate-Resilient Agriculture” during a seminar in New Delhi on June 5, 2025. The study underscores the growing threats climate change poses to Indian agriculture and outlines key interventions needed to build resilience.
Low Awareness among farmers about climate-smart practices
Strengthen collaboration among government bodies, research institutions, and private sector players
Small and marginal farmers are the most affected due to low adaptive capacity

Community-Led Seed Ball Plantation for Forest Regeneration in India

Seed Balls Sown: 2023: 1.3 million 2024: 1.6 million (23% YoY increase)
2024: 1.6 million (23% YoY increase)
2023: 1.3 million
A 43-year-old grassroots organization, PRADAN is the Centre of Excellence – Forest.

Bayer Launches BICOTA to Protect Rice Crops from Stem Borer Pests

Bayer has announced the launch of BICOTA, a new product designed to help rice farmers manage stem borer pests effectively. BICOTA, which combines Bayer’s exclusive innovation to provide strong protection against these damaging pests, will be available across key rice-growing states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Western UP, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, starting in June 2025.
Extended Protection: Single application offers longer-lasting control than conventional options.
Targets one of the most damaging rice pests—stem borers

India’s Ethanol Blending Policy Faces Delays

Goals: Blending 10% ethanol with petrol by 2021-22 Blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025
Blending 10% ethanol with petrol by 2021-22
Blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025
Harmful emissions are reduced, air quality is improved, and ₹1.1 trillion has been saved in foreign exchange because of ethanol blending.

Farm Pond Irrigation Model in Rajasthan’s Kukas Village

Seasonal Water Harvesting Potential: 10 crore litres of monsoon run-off
Farm Pond Design: Plastic-lined Built on 5% of each farmer’s land Secured with fencing
Built on 5% of each farmer’s land
Jaipur district’s farming relies 99.4% on groundwater

UN Declares 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer

Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: 50–80% subsidy for equipment.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM): 30% budget allocation for women in several States/UTs.
Women produce 60–80% of food in developing countries.
They represent 39% of agricultural labour in South Asia.

India-US Trade Deal: Agricultural Negotiation

Commodities: Apples, others tied to regional farmer interests

India Launches ₹300 Cr Clean Plant Projects to Boost Horticulture

Objective: To produce 8 crore healthy seedlings annually through modern nurseries
Lab to Land Mission: 16,000 agricultural scientists to engage directly with farmers Focus: Transfer of seed technologies, disease solutions, yield optimization
Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025: Ongoing outreach campaign for farmer welfare and innovation diffusion Focus areas: Combat fake fertilizers, promote modern techniques, and improve market linkages
Maharashtra: 3 major centres at a cost of ₹300 crore Pune: Clean planting material for grapes Nagpur: Focus on oranges Solapur: Focus on pomegranates

India to Use Satellite Technology for Kharif Acreage

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is spearheading this shift across all districts.
For the first time, India’s first advance estimates of kharif crop acreage, scheduled for September 2025, will be based entirely on satellite data, replacing the traditional manual girdawari system. The move marks a major leap in the digitization of agricultural statistics.
Current methods cover only 25–26 major kharif crops (e.g., rice, maize, jowar).
Reduces dependency on manual processes prone to errors and delays.

CROPIC (Collection of Real-Time Observations and Photos of Crops) scheme

Funding: Backed by the Fasal Bima Yojana's Innovation and Technology Fund (FIAT) with a corpus of ₹825 crore.
Photo Collection: Farmers take and upload 4–5 photos of their crops per season using the CROPIC mobile app.
Pilot Phase: Implemented in 50 districts starting Kharif 2025, covering three notified crops per district.
Full Launch: Pan-India rollout planned post Rabi 2025–26 for all major PMFBY crops.

Govt Plans Region-Wise Fertilizer Allocation, Capping Subsidies Based on Crop Needs

Point-of-sale (PoS) units in villages/panchayats will allocate fertilizers accordingly.

Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Meet 2025

Total Outlay: ₹52 crore under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
Event Name: Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Meet 2025
PMMSY Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Projects Launched/Funded: Inauguration and foundation laying of fisheries projects in 7 inland states and UTs Total Outlay: ₹52 crore under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Launch of Reservoir Fisheries Cluster at Halali Dam, MP
Inauguration and foundation laying of fisheries projects in 7 inland states and UTs

State of World Marine Fishery Resources Report 2025

Regional Differences: Northeast and Southwest Pacific show higher sustainability, while the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions report only 35.1% sustainable stock levels.
Northeast and Southwest Pacific show higher sustainability, while the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions report only 35.1% sustainable stock levels.
Global Stock Status: 64.5% of marine fishery stocks are biologically sustainable, while 35.5% remain overfished.
64.5% of marine fishery stocks are biologically sustainable, while 35.5% remain overfished.

Agri-Drone in India

Aerial spraying: Apply pesticides, fertilizers, and micronutrients with precision
Field mapping: Create detailed 2D or 3D maps for planning irrigation or seeding
Thermal sensors: Identify heat signatures for irrigation or disease insights

Kerala Agricultural University Joins NASA’s Axiom Mission 4 with Space-Bound Seeds

Among Six Indian Projects: KAU’s project is one of six Indian-led experiments on the Axiom Mission 4, standing out in the field of space agriculture.
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) joins the prestigious Axiom Mission 4, led by NASA, with support from the European Space Agency, ISRO, and IIST. Six high-yielding crop varieties developed by KAU will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for agricultural experiments in microgravity. The research is led by the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, under KAU.
Horse gram: Kanakamani
Post-Mission Analysis: Seeds will be returned to Earth, planted in controlled conditions, and evaluated for changes in resilience, productivity, and growth behavior.

NABARD Gets Government Nod to Raise ₹19,500 Crore via Deep-Discount Bonds

Investor buys a ZCB at a low price (e.g., ₹6,855)
At maturity, the investor receives full face value (e.g., ₹20,000)
The implied yield (e.g., 5.5%) is compounded semiannually
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has received central government approval to raise ₹19,500 crore (approximately $2.3 billion) through deep-discount zero-coupon bonds, the largest such approval among state-run entities this fiscal year. The bond issuance will remain open for subscription until March 31, 2027.

National Conference on Agri Stack

Launch of Special Central Assistance (SCA) Guidelines: Total allocation: ₹6,000 crore For Farmer Registry (including legal heir integration) For Digital Crop Survey (DCS) Disbursement on first-come-first-served basis.
Total allocation: ₹6,000 crore
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) organized the National Conference on Agri Stack: Turning Data into Delivery on June 14, 2025, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The event marked a significant milestone in advancing India’s Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), bringing together senior officials from the Centre and States, experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on progress, challenges, and the digital future of Indian agriculture.
Uttar Pradesh: Use of Agri Stack in MSP e-procurement (2024) Field feedback on DCS challenges

Ancient Indian Wisdom for a Sustainable Agricultural Future

Varsha (Monsoon): Rain is welcomed with songs to Indra, as Kharif crops like paddy are planted. Water conservation structures like bunds are maintained.

NABARD Inaugurates District Development Manager Office in Kiphire to Accelerate Rural Growth

In a significant move to catalyse grassroots development in one of India’s Aspirational Districts, the District Development Manager (DDM) Office of NABARD was formally inaugurated in Kiphire, Nagaland on June 16, 2025. The event was graced by P. Bulte, General Manager, NABARD Nagaland Regional Office, alongside key district officials, heads of Agri & Allied Departments, SHGs, NGOs, and local stakeholders.
Strengthening Financial and Rural Development The DDM office aims to serve as a crucial link between financial institutions and rural stakeholders, streamlining the implementation of credit-linked schemes and infrastructure projects.
The DDM office aims to serve as a crucial link between financial institutions and rural stakeholders, streamlining the implementation of credit-linked schemes and infrastructure projects.

Tropical Agro Launches #SawalKalKaHai Campaign to Promote Sustainable Agriculture

Inspire collective action by farmers and consumers to build a sustainable and resilient food ecosystem.
Sustainability Messaging: The campaign underscores that “sustainability begins in the soil and ends on our plates,” reinforcing the need for environmentally sound farming and responsible consumption.
Build long-term awareness and behavioral change among both agricultural communities and urban consumers.
Position sustainability at the center of India’s food and farming discourse.

Technology Adoption in Agriculture: Drones and Digital Tools Drive Productivity

Subsidies under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: Up to 100% for demos, 75% for FPOs.
Drone Didi scheme: 15,000 drones to women-led SHGs by 2026.
Drones offer: 10x coverage over manual spraying, Reduced pesticide/water use, Lower chemical exposure risks for farmers.
Up to 100% for demos, 75% for FPOs.

Government Plans Amendments to Seed Act to Curb Spurious Seeds

Objective: The amendment is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, ensure seed quality, and protect farmers from economic losses due to counterfeit seeds.
Announcement by Minister: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed the move on Wednesday.
Background: Spurious seeds have been a persistent challenge in Indian agriculture, especially in high-stake crops like cotton, pulses, and vegetables. Despite existing regulations, enforcement gaps have allowed counterfeit seed circulation to grow.
Better grievance redressal framework for farmers affected by spurious seeds.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)

Coverage: All beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which includes around 80 crore people.
Inflationary Pressures: Program impacts food inflation, especially in rice and wheat, which constitute about 10% of retail inflation. In 2022, India restricted wheat and rice exports due to erratic monsoons and falling yields.
National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
Benefit: An additional 5 kg of free wheat or rice per person per month over and above the subsidized NFSA quota.

Assam’s Solar Pump Initiative

Installed: 2 units of 2HP and 3 units of 1HP submersible solar pumps for 48 acres 3 portable solar pumps with custom trolleys, co-designed with women farmers
2 units of 2HP and 3 units of 1HP submersible solar pumps for 48 acres
3 portable solar pumps with custom trolleys, co-designed with women farmers
Over 70% of Assam’s population depends on agriculture, with 85% of farmers holding small or marginal land. Only 21.54% of net sown area is irrigated (2022), compared to the national average of 49.92%. Erratic monsoons, droughts, and expensive diesel pumps create high uncertainty for rain-fed farming. Farmers lack access to affordable irrigation and awareness of income diversification options like horticulture.

Nabcons Deploys AI to Monitor Water Bodies, Carbon Credits and Boosts Digital Agriculture

Aim: To digitise dairy receivables and operations of milk farmer unions and collection units.
Features: Integrates services for farmers, agri departments, vendors, and surveyors. Supports data-driven decision-making across the agricultural value chain.
Integrates services for farmers, agri departments, vendors, and surveyors.
A pilot initiative in partnership with Rabobank, targeting small and marginal agroforestry farmers.

National Seminar on ‘Prosperity through Cooperatives’

Agriculture Sector: Backbone of the Economy Agriculture contributes 18% to India’s GDP and supports 46% of the population. Under PM Modi’s leadership, foodgrain production has risen by 44% in the last 11 years.
Agriculture contributes 18% to India’s GDP and supports 46% of the population.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, foodgrain production has risen by 44% in the last 11 years.
2,170 KVK scientist teams engaged with farmers to understand local issues.

NABARD Launches ₹10,000 Crore Green Lending Facility for FY25

Minimum loan size: ₹100 crore.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced plans to disburse around ₹10,000 crore in FY25 under its newly introduced Green Lending Facility, aimed at supporting projects aligned with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Eligibility & Scope: Borrowers: Central and State governments, government agencies, and private sector entities. Minimum loan size: ₹100 crore. Eligible sectors: Green infrastructure projects including ethanol production plants, electric vehicles (EVs), an other climate-aligned initiatives.
Borrowers: Central and State governments, government agencies, and private sector entities.

India Emerges as World’s Top Rice Producer

Rice consumes 45–50% of irrigation water, threatening water tables, especially in Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
Sustainable Alternatives: Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) methods can: Save 30–60% water. Reduce emissions and input usage. Maintain crop yield.
Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) methods can: Save 30–60% water. Reduce emissions and input usage. Maintain crop yield.
Save 30–60% water.

Tractor-Operated Plastic Mulch Layer-Cum-Planter

Labour savings: 26 man-days/ha (89%)
Cost savings: ₹6,600/ha (43%)
Mechanism: Hydraulic system powers an eccentric slider crank mechanism. Vacuum seed metering via aspirator blower connected to tractor PTO.
Hydraulic system powers an eccentric slider crank mechanism.

Beej Utsav

Mass Tribal Participation: Over 9,400 tribal community members, including women and children, actively participated across more than 60 panchayats.
Over 9,400 tribal community members, including women and children, actively participated across more than 60 panchayats.
Call for Seed Sovereignty: With nearly 70% of small farmers depending on market-driven hybrid seeds, Mr. Joshi advocated for a return to traditional, community-led seed systems to counter rising input costs, chemical dependency, and food insecurity.
With nearly 70% of small farmers depending on market-driven hybrid seeds, Mr. Joshi advocated for a return to traditional, community-led seed systems to counter rising input costs, chemical dependency, and food insecurity.

Centre to Launch Crop- and State-Specific Planning Amid Strong Kharif Outlook

Crops have been planted across 13.74 million hectares, with paddy sowing alone covering 1.32 million hectares, nearly 60% higher than the same period in 2024.
Kharif crop sowing has surpassed last year’s levels by 10% as of June 20, driven by a favourable southwest monsoon.
India recorded 105 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 22, just 1% below normal, bolstering expectations of a strong agricultural season.
In a move to support farmers affected by falling prices, the Ministry of Agriculture has approved procurement of moong and urad dal under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Scientists Raise Concerns Over India’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

The scientists warned that IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) issues around CRISPR-Cas9 could undermine the benefits to Indian farmers, potentially making them dependent on foreign seed technologies.
While acknowledging the precision of CRISPR-Cas9, they cautioned that off-target effects could lead to undesirable consequences.
‘Kamala–DRR Dhan-100’
‘Pusa DST Rice 1’

Farmers Demand DBT for Schemes and AI-Based Price Forecasting Tools

Farmers called for universal DBT coverage for all Central and State-sponsored schemes.
Emphasis was placed on reducing middlemen, ensuring timely disbursals, and improving transparency.
Farmers sought AI-powered tools to forecast prices of horticulture crops and basmati rice.

India to Host International Potato Centre’s South Asia Regional Centre in Agra

Objective: Boost food and nutrition security Enhance farmers’ income Promote job creation across the potato and sweetpotato value chain
Enhance farmers’ income

Centre Approves Procurement of Moong and Urad under Price Support Scheme

Objective: To ensure MSP-based procurement benefits reach farmers directly by eliminating middlemen.
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a meeting in New Delhi and approved the procurement of Moong and Urad in Madhya Pradesh, and Urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).
To ensure MSP-based procurement benefits reach farmers directly by eliminating middlemen.
Procurement Agencies Involved: NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India) State agriculture departments

Centre Announces MSP for Mangoes under Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)

Procurement Target: 2.5 lakh metric tonnes to be procured by the Karnataka government with Centre’s approval under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).
2.5 lakh metric tonnes to be procured by the Karnataka government with Centre’s approval under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).
Minimum Support Price (MSP): ₹1,616 per quintal for mangoes.
₹1,616 per quintal for mangoes.

Centre Identifies Key Agricultural Interventions for Odisha, West Bengal & Andaman-Nicobar Islands

As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), the Ministry of Agriculture conducted a 15-day outreach campaign to gather feedback from 18.5 lakh farmers across Odisha, West Bengal, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Integration of agro-tourism for diversified rural income
District Agri-Innovation Hubs with incubators for startups/youth
Bio-village clusters focused on carbon-neutral technologies

ICAR-IISR Develops Eco-Friendly Bio-Pesticide to Combat Cardamom Thrips

Cardamom thrips cause damage to 30–90% of capsules, leading to yield losses of up to 45–48%.
Estimated economic loss: ₹2–4 lakh per acre.
Regulatory Approval & Commercialization: Certified by Central Insecticide Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC). IISR is inviting industrial partners for licensing and commercial production.
Threat Overview: Cardamom thrips cause damage to 30–90% of capsules, leading to yield losses of up to 45–48%. Estimated economic loss: ₹2–4 lakh per acre. Heavy reliance on chemical insecticides raises health risks and affects global export compliance due to pesticide residue.

Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011-12 to 2023-24)

Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices grew by 225%, from ₹1,502 thousand crore in 2011–12 to ₹4,878 thousand crore in 2023–24.
Crop sector remains the largest contributor to agricultural GVO with ₹1,595 thousand crore in 2023–24, forming 54.1% of total GVO.
Uttar Pradesh retained the top spot despite its share declining from 18.6% (2011–12) to 17.2% (2023–24).
Banana (₹47,000 Cr) overtook mango (₹46,100 Cr) in fruit GVO in 2023–24.

Ease of Doing Business in Agroforestry

State-level committees, under Wood-Based Industries Guidelines (2016), will guide: Agroforestry promotion Timber harvesting regulation Timber transit policies
Encourage tree-based farming to: Reduce timber imports Double farmers’ income Support domestic wood-based industries Enhance agroforestry exports Promote sustainable land use models
Double farmers’ income
Farmers must: Register plantations with details: land ownership, species, location, and planting year Upload geotagged photos and update data regularly

Test yourself · Agriculture

Fill the blank from memory, then check. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

1. Launched in ________ by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

September 2024 Krishi Nivesh Portal · 1 & 2 June 2025

2. Objective: To produce ________ through modern nurseries

8 crore healthy seedlings annually India Launches ₹300 Cr Clean Plant Proj… · 11 June 2025

3. 40% rise in overall agricultural production since ________

2014-15 National Agriculture-Renewable Energy C… · 5 June 2025

4. ________: All beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which includes around 80 crore people.

Coverage Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana… · 20 June 2025

5. Crops have been planted across ________, with paddy sowing alone covering 1.32 million hectares, nearly 60% higher than the same period in 2024.

13.74 million hectares Centre to Launch Crop- and State-Specif… · 25 June 2025

Science & Tech · 4

Polluted Rivers Can Turn Into Airborne Hazards, New Study Warns

Methods: Daily seawater sampling and 24-hour air filtration using quartz-fibre filters at five locations along 35 km of coast. Special focus during rain events, which intensify pollution flow.
Daily seawater sampling and 24-hour air filtration using quartz-fibre filters at five locations along 35 km of coast.
Timeframe: January to March 2020
Historically, human settlements grew around rivers for agriculture, water, and sanitation.

SHUKR Gene and Flowering Plant Evolution

About 130 million years ago, flowering plants diversified rapidly, a phenomenon Charles Darwin called an "abominable mystery."
SHUKR is specific to eudicots, a group that includes 75% of flowering plants.
Emerged about 125 million years ago, aligning with the rapid rise of flowering plant diversity.
Recent research by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad uncovers a genetic mechanism that may explain this.

Ammonium Sulphate Identified as Major Contributor to PM2.5 Pollution in India: CREA Report

PM2.5 contribution: Accounts for 34% of PM2.5 mass on average across India.
Coal-fired thermal power plants contribute over 60% of SO₂ emissions, the main driver of ammonium sulphate.
Despite a mandate, only 8% of thermal plants have installed flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units.
Average national concentration: 11.9 µg/m³.

Green Chemistry

Indian Oil Corporation uses non-edible Jatropha seeds (30% oil content) for biodiesel production.
Catalyst Used: Traditional: Sodium hydroxide – generates wastewater Greener alternative: Calcium oxide (solid) – 95% recoverable, less waste
Greener alternative: Calcium oxide (solid) – 95% recoverable, less waste
Achieved 100% atom economy, making it: Cost-effective Scalable Non-polluting

Test yourself · Science & Tech

Fill the blank from memory, then check. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

1. About ________, flowering plants diversified rapidly, a phenomenon Charles Darwin called an "abominable mystery."

130 million years ago SHUKR Gene and Flowering Plant Evolution · 3 June 2025

2. ________: Accounts for 34% of PM2.5 mass on average across India.

PM2.5 contribution Ammonium Sulphate Identified as Major C… · 29 & 30 June 2025

3. Biodiesel production has ________, with glycerol as a by-product.

90% atom economy Green Chemistry · 29 & 30 June 2025

4. ________ were more concentrated in river-influenced seawater.

10 out of 12 compounds Polluted Rivers Can Turn Into Airborne … · 1 & 2 June 2025

Facts To Remember · 59

Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand is Miss World 2025

Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri was crowned Miss World 2025 at the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad.

RBI Penalties in FY25: ₹54.78 Crore Fines Imposed on 353 Regulated Entities

Total penalties imposed: ₹54.78 crore
Time period: Financial Year ending March 31, 2025
Number of enforcement actions: 353

₹ 2,000 notes worth ₹ 6,181 crore still in circulation: RBI

The highvalue ₹ 2,000 notes worth ₹ 6,181 crore are still in circulation after two years of the Reserve Bank of India withdrawing the currency, according to data released. On May 19, 2023, the RBI had announced the withdrawal of the ₹ 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation.

India reaffirms commitment to inclusive digital growth at BRICS meet

India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready digital development during the 11th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasília, Brazil.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru lift maiden IPL title in 18 years

Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final, ending an 18-year wait for the coveted trophy.

PM to flag off Vande Bharat train between Katra and Srinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat train service to Kashmir on June 6, railway officials said.

Govt to conduct Population Census- 2027 in two phases with caste enumeration

The Government has decided to conduct the Population Census – 2027 in two phases, along with the enumeration of castes.

President Murmu promulgates amendment reserving one-third seats for women in Ladakh Hill Councils

President Droupadi Murmu has promulgated the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Amendment ) Regulation Rules, 2025 for further amendment in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997 to reserve one-third of the total seats for women.

PNB, Indian Bank, BoI, UCO Bank, KVB tweak interest rates

Punjab National Bank (PNB), Indian Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of India (BoI) and Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) announced reduction in certain key rates in the backdrop of RBI slashing the repo rate by 50 basis points (bps).

India, Mongolia hold joint military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant' in in Ulaanbaatar

Under institutionalized military collaboration to strengthen India–Mongolia relations, the 17th edition of the joint exercise “Nomadic Elephant 2025” is underway at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launches ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that Delhi government has set a target of planting 70 lakh trees this season to improve the city’s environment.

Historic Axiom-4 mission to launch with Subhanshu Shukla among 4 astronauts headed to ISS

Indian astronaut and group captain of the Indian Air Force, Shubhanshu Shukla, is all set for his first journey to space aboard SpaceX’s Axiom-4 mission tomorrow evening for a two-week stay on the International Space Station.

Voice across India: Indian State Broadcasting Service becomes AIR on 8th June 1936

89 years ago, the Indian State Broadcasting Service was renamed All India Radio (AIR) on 8th June 1936. This red-letter day marks a special moment in the cultural, information and broadcasting history of the country, where a voice was born that would echo through generations.

Dhoni among seven players inducted into ICC’s Hall of Fame

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was inducted into the ICC’s Hall of Fame for 2025 along with six other cricketers, including two female players. Dhoni is the 11th Indian to make the elite club. Dhoni was joined by Australia’s Matthew Hayden, South African duo of Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla as well as former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori as the five male cricketers in the list.

Fintech Startup Cred Raises $72 Million at $3.5 Billion Valuation, Eyes Public Listing by 2027

Indian fintech major Cred has raised ₹617 crore (approx. $72 million) in a new funding round, at a valuation of $3.5 billion, marking a significant drop from its $6.4 billion valuation in 2022.

Army to get new air def boost with ₹30,000cr QR-SAM deal

The defence ministry will soon take up the case for a preliminary nod to a Rs 30,000 crore proposal to procure three regiments of the new indigenous quick reaction surface to air missile (QR-SAM) systems for the Army.

Pooran retires from international cricket

West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran, aged 29, has retired from international cricket as of June 11, 2025.

RBI Discontinues Daily VRR Auctions Amid Rs 3 Lakh Crore Liquidity Surplus

The Reserve Bank of India has discontinued daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions starting today, in view of a liquidity surplus in the banking system, currently estimated at around 2.75 to 3 lakh crore rupees.

India’s social security coverage jumps to 64.3%, ranks 2nd globally: ILO

India’s social security coverage has increased from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.3 per cent in 2025. According to the latest data from the International Labour Organisation’s ILOSTAT, the coverage reflects a 45 percentage point surge over the past decade.

A decade of transformation: Seva, Sushasan, & Garib Kalyan driving ease of living

India has undergone a decade of remarkable transformation, driven by the principles of Seva, Sushasan, and Garib Kalyan. Akashvani News brings you a special feature on the Government’s efforts over the last 11 years across key sectors.

Government sets target of 3 lakh crore rupees defence production by 2029

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government has set a target of 3 lakh crore rupees for defence production by 2029. Addressing an event on the topic ‘National Security & Terrorism’, organised in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Mr Rajnath Singh added that the country’s exports in the sector will reach 50,000 crore by that time.

SBI hires 13,455 clerical staff to boost customer experience

State Bank of India (SBI) said it has hired 13,455 juaior associates (clerical staff) to enhance customer experience at it’s branches across the country.

Brazil and Ecuador book World Cup berths, Uruguay on the verge

Brazil booked its place at the 2026 World Cup in North America on Tuesday with a lacklustre 1-0 home victory over Paraguay, the first win of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign.

Netherlands thrashes Malta, Poland stumbles at Finland and Australia bests Saudi Arabia, punches ticket to big event

Netherlands maintained its winning start to European 2026 World Cup qualifying by dismissing Malta and Australia qualified for next year’s World Cup in North America.

Union Bank , Canara Bank, IOB cut retail loan rates by 50 bps

Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank have cut the external benchmarkk lending rate by 50 basis points after the Reserve Bank of India announceda 50 bps cut in the policy rate.

AI flight with 242 on board crashes in Ahmedabad

An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after take-off.

Trump unveils website for $5 mn ‘Gold Card’ U.S. residency visa

U.S. President Donald Trump launched a website, TrumpCard.gov, for his $5 million “Gold Card” visa, offering wealthy foreigners permanent U.S. residency and a path to citizenship.

Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of Baroda reduce rates after RBI rate cut

Stateowned Bank of Maharashtra has reduced interest rates by up to 50 basis points (bps) on retail loans, that includes loans on home, car, education and other loans linked to repo rate, the bank said ina statement.

Ministry of Ayush to Host Global Yoga Summit ‘Yoga Connect’ Ahead of International Day of Yoga 2025

The Ministry of Ayush is set to host ‘Yoga Connect’, a hybrid global summit, on 14th June 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as a flagship event in the lead-up to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY).

Arya-Arjun pair brings home mixed air rifle gold

Arya Borse and Arjun Babuta clinched the mixed air rifle gold by beating the Chinese pair of Wang Zifei and Sheng Lihao 17-7 in the shooting World Cup that concluded in Munich, Germany.

Investments in AIFs up 32% at ₹5.4 lakh cr

India’s affluent investors are increasingly turning to Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), with investments in the space reaching to just under Rs 5.4 lakh crore by the end of the March 2025 quarter, a surge of 32% from the year earlier.

PM Modi’s Visit to Cyprus Sends Strategic Message, Reinforces Bilateral Ties and Global Alignment

On his first foreign visit after Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia on Monday, marking a significant reinforcement of India-Cyprus ties and sending an indirect yet clear diplomatic signal to Turkiye, a staunch ally of Pakistan.

Modi to attend G7 Outreach Summit, hold bilateral meets

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reach Calgary, Canada on Monday to attend the G7 Outreach Summit.

SBI reduces interest rates by up to 50 bps after RBI rate cut

State Bank of India (SBI) has reduced its lending rate by 50 basis points (bps) following RBI’s rate cut, making loans cheaper for both existing and new borrowers.

TRAI Caps Tariffs for Public Wi-Fi Operators to Boost PM-WANI Rollout

In a significant intervention aimed at accelerating public Wi-Fi expansion, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a tariff cap directive under the Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order, 2025. The regulation mandates that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) cannot charge more than twice the prevailing residential broadband tariffs for providing bandwidth to Public Data Offices (PDOs)—the designated hotspot operators under the PM-WANI scheme.

India’s Trade Deficit Narrows by 30% in May 2025

India’s trade deficit contracted to $6.6 billion in May 2025—a nearly 30% year-on-year improvement—supported by strong services exports and reduced oil-related imports. The official data, released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, reflects India’s evolving trade dynamics amid global economic uncertainties.

Will highlight Global South at G7 meet: PM

India will highlight the priorities of the Global South at the G7 summit in Canada, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Calgary on Tuesday to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit.

Sebi Bars IIFL Securities’ Ex-Director Bhasin, 11 Others for ‘Manipulation’

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Tuesday barred Sanjiv Bhasin, a former director at IIFL Securities, and 11 others for their alleged involvement in stock manipulation.

MGNREGS to Resume in West Bengal from August 1: Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the Union government to resume MGNREGS implementation in West Bengal from August 1, 2025, ending a suspension that began in March 2022.

India–Canada Ties Reset: High Commissioners to Return, Trade Talks Resume

After a two-year diplomatic freeze, India and Canada have agreed to restore High Commissioners in New Delhi and Ottawa and resume engagement across multiple sectors. The decision was reached during a meeting between PM Modi and Canada’s new PM Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.

HDB Financial Services IPO: HDFC Bank Accepts Lower Valuation Amid RBI Overhang

HDFC Bank, India’s largest private-sector lender, is set to launch a ₹12,500 crore initial public offering (IPO) for its non-banking financial arm, HDB Financial Services, on June 25–27, 2025. The IPO is expected to be the largest ever by an NBFC in the Indian market.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission to the ISS put off again

NASA has put off launch of the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three others to the International Space Station, saying it required additional time to evaluate operations on the orbital lab after the recent repairs in its Russian section.

Hockey players to get ₹25,000 per month pocket allowance

The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) sanctioned a pocket allowance of ₹25,000 to 80 hockey players in the national camp, following a request by the National Federation.

SEBI Clears Tata Capital’s ₹17,200 Crore IPO; Includes Offer for Sale by Tata Sons

Tata Capital, a subsidiary of Tata Sons, has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for its ₹17,200 crore initial public offering (IPO), filed under the confidential draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) route. The IPO is expected to be launched by September 2025, as per RBI norms.

11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025)

India is set to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21st June 2025, with a record-breaking national event in Visakhapatnam, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” this year’s IDY will underscore the interdependence of human and planetary well-being.

No 90m this time but Neeraj bests Weber for the title

Olympic medal-winning Neeraj Chopra clinched his first Diamond League title in two years, upstaging German rival Julian Weber without having to hit the 90m mark in a strong field here.

Pakistan to Recommend Donald Trump for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Over India-Pakistan Mediation

The Government of Pakistan announced on Saturday that it will formally recommend former U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.

INS Tamal to be Commissioned in Russia on July 1: India’s Last Foreign-Built Frigate

The Indian Navy will commission its latest and final foreign-built stealth frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1, 2025, at Kaliningrad, Russia. Built at the Yantar Shipyard, INS Tamal marks the completion of India’s long-standing Krivak-class warship programme with Russia. Future warships will now be built domestically under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Tripura becomes third state in the country, after Mizoram and Goa, to achieve Full Functional Literacy

Tripura was declared fully literate today under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme), a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022 to 2027.

10 Indian Startups Named in WEF's Tech Pioneers 2025 List

Ten Indian startups developing cutting-edge technologies in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to space tech have earned global recognition by featuring in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) prestigious Tech Pioneers 2025 list.
The 10 Indian startups included in the 2025 cohort are:

Tussle in Chhattisgarh Over Community Forest Resource Management Plans Highlights Institutional Conflict

A dispute has emerged in Chhattisgarh between the State’s Forest Department and Tribal Welfare authorities over the preparation and implementation of Community Forest Resource (CFR) management plans, a crucial mechanism under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The issue centers around control over forest governance and the role of NGOs in assisting tribal communities.

Indian wrestlers win four gold at Asian under-17 wrestling

Indian wrestlers won four gold medals at the Asian under-17 wrestling championships in Vung Tau, Vietnam, on Wednesday. Rachana (43kg), Moni (57kg), Ashvini Vishnoi (65kg) in women’s section and Gourav Punia (65kg) in men’s freestyle claimed the top honours.

Union Bank of India plans to raise ₹ 6,000 cr through equity, debt

Union Bank of India on Wednesday said the bank was planning to garner ₹ 6,000 crore through a mix of equity and debt to fund its business growth. The decision in this regard was taken in the board meeting held on Wednesday,, Union Bank of India said in a regulatoryy filing.

Sebi fines BSE ₹25L over early access to info

Markets regulator Sebi has fined BSE Rs 25 lakh for several erroneous business practices including sharing company announcements with its paid clients ahead of the same being published on its website.

Shubhanshu Shukla 634th astronaut to reach space

India’s Shubhanshu Shukla became the 634th astronaut to travel to space as he entered the International Space Station on Thursday after a 28-hour journey.

CBI Uncovers Massive Cybercrime Network in Operation Chakra-V: Over 8.5 Lakh Mule Bank Accounts Found

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a major cybercrime racket involving 850,000 mule accounts across 700 bank branches during Operation Chakra-V, an anti-cybercrime initiative targeting financial fraud networks.

225% increase in GVA in agriculture in 12 years: Centre

Country’s agriculture and allied sectors have witnessed a remarkable 225 percent rise in Gross Value Added at current prices, growing from 1,502 thousand crore rupees in 2011-12 to 4,878 thousand crore rupees in 2023-24, according to the National Statistics Office.

India rejects supplemental award given by illegally constituted Court of Arbitration under Indus Waters Treaty

India has rejected a ruling issued by the so-called Court of Arbitration on the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects situated in Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the supplemental award given by the illegal Court of Arbitration purportedly constituted under the Indus Waters Treaty 1960.

RBI conducts 7-day VRRR auction, accepts ₹84,975 crore to absorb excess liquidity

As part of its liquidity management operations, the Reserve Bank of India, RBI, conducted a 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo, VRRR, auction to absorb excess liquidity from the banking system.

Test yourself · Facts To Remember

Fill the blank from memory, then check. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

1. Indian fintech major ________ has raised ₹617 crore (approx. $72 million) in a new funding round, at a valuation of $3.5 billion, marking a significant drop from its $6.4 billion valuation in 2022.

Cred Fintech Startup Cred Raises $72 Million… · 10 June 2025

2. ________: Financial Year ending March 31, 2025

Time period RBI Penalties in FY25: ₹54.78 Crore Fin… · 1 & 2 June 2025

3. The ________ is set to host ‘Yoga Connect’, a hybrid global summit, on 14th June 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as a flagship event in the lead-up to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY).

Ministry of Ayush Ministry of Ayush to Host Global Yoga S… · 14 June 2025

4. The Calcutta High Court has ordered the Union government to resume MGNREGS implementation in West Bengal from ________, ending a suspension that began in March 2022.

August 1, 2025 MGNREGS to Resume in West Bengal from A… · 19 June 2025

5. West Indies cricketer ________, aged 29, has retired from international cricket as of June 11, 2025.

Nicholas Pooran Pooran retires from international crick… · 11 June 2025

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