RBI Proactively Assists UCBs: On-tap Licensing, Gold Loan Limits Raised, Deposits ₹6 Lakh Crore

RBI to Launch Polymer Banknotes of ₹10 and ₹20 from FY28, Trial of 100 Crore Pieces Each

The RBI will introduce polymer (plastic) banknotes of ₹10 and ₹20 denominations from the start of FY28 to enhance durability and expand currency capacity. A trial of 100 crore pieces of each denomination (total ₹3,000 crore) will be conducted, with field tests for Indian climate conditions before full-scale circulation.

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 Resumes UCB Licensing on 'On Tap' Basis After 20+ Years, Reviews RCB Norms

RBI is resuming licensing of Urban Cooperative Banks after a 20+ year pause, issuing draft guidelines on 'on tap' basis. Alongside, it will review concentration risk management for Rural Cooperative Banks (RCBs) and rationalise the interest rate framework for all regulated entities. This signals a major regulatory shift for the cooperative banking sector, crucial for financial inclusion and banking regulation.

RBI Relaxes FCNR(B) and NRE Deposit Rates, Doubles PROI Equity Limits to Attract $60-70 Billion Inflows

RBI has announced a set of measures to strengthen the rupee by attracting foreign capital, including temporarily relaxing interest rate restrictions on FCNR(B) and NRE deposits, doubling investment limits for PROIs, and exempting FIIs from income tax on G-Secs. These reforms could attract $60-70 billion in foreign inflows, boosting rupee stability and deepening India's bond market.

RBI Resumes UCB Licensing After 2 Decades: ₹300 Cr Capital, 12% CAR Mandated

RBI has ended its two-decade-long moratorium on issuing new licenses to Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) with a stringent on-tap framework. The new policy mandates a minimum capital of ₹300 crore, a capital adequacy ratio of 12%, and a net NPA of less than 3% to ensure only strong, well-governed entities enter the sector, aiming to deepen financial inclusion for MSMEs.

RBI to Launch Polymer Banknotes of Rs 10 and Rs 20 from FY28: 100 Crore Pieces Each

The RBI plans to introduce polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations from FY28 to enhance durability and expand capacity. This move has significant environmental benefits and security advantages, but raises concerns about import dependency. Students should note the global adoption, cost-benefit analysis, and legal tender definitions.

RBI's Forex Swap Window Mobilises $72.85 Bn Inflows via FCNR(B) Deposits; Closed Aug 31

The RBI's special forex swap facility, aimed at boosting forex reserves and supporting the rupee amid pressure from the West Asia conflict and high crude oil prices, attracted $72.85 billion in fresh inflows by August 21. The overwhelming response led to its premature closure on August 31, with FCNR(B) deposits accounting for the bulk. This is a critical forex management tool for exams.

UPI Completes 10 Years: Transaction Volume Up 13,000-Fold to 24,162 Crore

UPI completes 10 years with explosive growth: transaction volume up 13,000-fold from 1.78 crore (FY17) to 24,162 crore (FY26). Value rose 4,000-fold to ₹314 lakh crore. UPI now accounts for 49% of global real-time payments. This milestone reinforces India's digital public infrastructure and is crucial for exams on digital economy, financial inclusion, and NPCI.