Indresh

Kotak Mahindra Becomes First Indian Firm to Secure UAE SCA License for Investment Services

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In a significant development for India’s financial services sector, Kotak Mahindra International has become the first Indian company to receive a license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This license grants permission for Investment Fund Management and Portfolio Management, opening up new opportunities for cross-border financial operations and … Read more

Job Growth in Rural India Lowers Unemployment to 5.2%

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India’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.2% in July 2025, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). This decline signals encouraging signs of recovery in the labour market, particularly driven by rural employment gains. The survey paints a mixed but hopeful picture of India’s … Read more

SBI Launches Collateral‑Free ₹4 Lakh Loan for Agniveers

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On India’s 79th Independence Day (August 15, 2025), the State Bank of India (SBI) launched two significant financial initiatives aimed at empowering defence personnel and enhancing digital banking. These include a collateral-free personal loan scheme for Agniveers—the youth recruited under the Agnipath scheme—and a revised fee structure for Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) transactions. This move … Read more

RBI’s FREE-AI Framework: Guiding Ethical AI in India’s Financial Sector

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming financial services—from fraud detection to credit assessment—but without proper safeguards, it can also amplify risks. To balance innovation with safety, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) formed a committee in December 2024 to design the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI (FREE-AI). This framework aims to encourage innovation … Read more

SBI to Levy Nominal Charges on Online IMPS Transfers Above ₹25,000 from August 15, 2025

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In a significant update for digital banking customers, the State Bank of India (SBI) has revised its IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) charges. Starting August 15, 2025, SBI will begin imposing nominal fees on online IMPS transactions above ₹25,000. This move will directly impact millions of customers who rely on internet banking, mobile banking, or the … Read more

RBI Allows Investment of Surplus Rupee Balances in Special Vostro Accounts into G-Secs and T-Bills

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a significant policy change allowing foreign traders’ surplus rupee funds held in Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA) to be invested in Government Securities (G-Secs) and Treasury Bills (T-Bills). The decision aims to enhance the attractiveness of international trade settlement in Indian Rupees (INR) and provide partner countries … Read more

Cabinet Clears ₹18,500 Crore for Semiconductor, Metro Rail, and Hydro Power Projects

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In a significant push to boost infrastructure and industrial growth, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved investment proposals worth over ₹18,500 crore. These include major projects in semiconductor manufacturing, Metro rail expansion in Lucknow, and a hydroelectric plant in Arunachal Pradesh. Breakdown of Major Approvals 1. … Read more

India’s Headline Inflation to Average 3.5% in FY26: Crisil Report

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In a positive development for the Indian economy, ratings agency Crisil has projected that headline inflation—which measures the rise in prices of all goods and services in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—will average 3.5% in FY26, a sharp drop from 4.6% in FY25. This decline is expected to be fueled by robust agricultural output, moderating … Read more

RBI Unveils 3 Key Steps to Enhance Banking Convenience & Inclusion

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In a significant step towards financial inclusion and customer convenience, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced three major measures aimed at making banking services more accessible, transparent, and user-friendly. The announcement was made on Wednesday, following the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, with RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighting that the initiatives are designed … Read more

Net Direct Tax Collection Falls Nearly 4% to ₹6.64 Lakh Crore in FY26 on Higher Refunds

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India’s net direct tax collection for the financial year 2025–26 has dropped by 3.95%, reaching ₹6.64 lakh crore compared to ₹6.91 lakh crore collected during the same period in FY25. The decline, according to the government’s data released on August 12, 2025, is primarily due to a significant rise in refunds issued to taxpayers. Understanding … Read more