RBI Approves Record ₹2.87 Lakh Crore Dividend After CRB Cut to 6.5% Amid Fiscal Strain

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.

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

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah endorsed RBI's proactive support for urban cooperative banks, including on-tap licensing and raised gold loan limits. This signals a new era of cooperation between UCBs and the central bank, crucial for the sector's growth and financial inclusion.

RBI's Forex Swap Facility Attracts $136.3 Billion, Reserves at Record $729 Billion, Liquidity Surplus Rises

The RBI's measures to boost capital flows have massively exceeded expectations, with $136.3 billion in inflows through the forex swap facility, pushing forex reserves to a record $729 billion. However, this has created a liquidity surplus of Rs 6.7 lakh crore, complicating inflation management and looming rate hike decisions. This is critical for understanding India's external stability and the RBI's monetary policy challenges.

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 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 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.

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.

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.