RBI Proposes ₹25,000 Compensation Framework for 65% of Small-Value Online Fraud Cases

Govt Proposes Gold Monetisation via Jewellers: 20,000 Tonne Idle Gold, Demat Deposits, Interest Income

The government is planning a new gold monetisation scheme where jewellers, not banks, will collect physical gold deposits from households, issue demat receipts, and pay interest. This aims to unlock over 20,000 tonnes of idle gold, improve India's trade balance, and reduce import dependence — a key reform for economic stability and current account management.

RBI Issues Comprehensive Loan Recovery Rules: Phone Lock Allowed After 60 Days, Compensation ₹250/hr for Delayed Restoration

RBI has issued a consolidated framework for loan recovery by commercial banks, effective January 1, 2027. For the first time, it regulates technology-based restrictions on financed devices (smartphones/laptops) — allowing phone locking after 60 days of default, but with strict safeguards including ₹250/hour compensation for delayed restoration. This is a high-impact regulatory reform for Banking exams and UPSC GS3.

MoSPI Considers Diary-Based HCES for High-Income Households to Tackle 9.8% Urban Non-Response Rate

To counter rising non-response from affluent households in gated societies, MoSPI is piloting a 'diary-based' self-reporting method for the next Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) in 2027-28. This shift is critical because the HCES data directly impacts CPI basket weights, inflation targeting by RBI, and policy making, but raises concerns about data comparability due to differential recall errors between survey methods.

CBI Registers ₹1,816.22 Cr EPFO Investment Fraud Case Against Reliance Capital, Anil Ambani

The CBI has registered a major fraud case involving EPFO funds invested in Reliance Capital NCDs. This highlights issues of corporate governance, public sector investment safety, and regulatory oversight. For exams, focus on EPFO's investment norms, CBI's jurisdiction, and criminal provisions invoked.

IRDAI Proposes Public Insurance Registry to Transform Insurance Sector

IRDAI has released a consultation paper proposing a Public Insurance Registry (PIR), a digital public infrastructure for insurance. This aims to create a unified, interoperable platform for policy data, enhancing accessibility, transparency, and efficiency across the insurance sector. This is a significant reform with implications for financial inclusion and digital governance.

ICAI Reviews CA Curriculum to Integrate AI, ESG, Forensic Auditing; Launches AURA 2.0 and International Programme

ICAI is overhauling the CA curriculum to include AI, data analytics, ESG, and forensic auditing to keep pace with global technological shifts. It is also developing an international CA programme for countries like Mauritius, Nepal, and African nations, and launching advanced AI training for members and students.

FAST-DS 2026: Income Tax Dept Nudges Taxpayers to Disclose Foreign Assets by Dec 31

The Income Tax Department has begun emailing taxpayers who may hold undisclosed foreign assets, urging them to use the FAST-DS 2026 disclosure window (open till Dec 31, 2026). This one-time compliance scheme is crucial for small taxpayers like students, NRIs, and tech employees holding ESOPs or overseas accounts, with penalties up to ₹1 lakh or 30% tax plus additional tax.

BRICS Summit 2026: India Hosts Leaders; Proposes UPI-Linked Payment Interoperability & NDB Reform

India's hosting of the 2026 BRICS summit offers a strategic opportunity to redefine the bloc as a platform for choice rather than alignment. Key proposals include a UPI-based interoperability protocol for payment systems, NDB governance reform, and a principles-based statement on Ukraine and Gaza. This positions India as a vanguard of a multipolar, non-hegemonic Asia.