India has unveiled the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre in Nathatop, Jammu & Kashmir, marking a significant advancement in global climate science. Located at an altitude of 2,250 meters, the centre supports accurate atmospheric and climate measurements due to the region's clean air and low pollution. The centre will also facilitate research on cloud formation, aerosol interactions, and weather patterns. The inauguration also marked the launch of the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Project, ICE-CRUNCH, focusing on understanding the elements crucial to climate modelling and precipitation patterns in the region, furthering India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070.

 

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The Lok Sabha Speaker, accompanied by the Indian Parliamentary Delegation, attended the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Established in 1889, the IPU is a global organisation with 182 Member Parliaments and 15 Associate Members, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy. Its primary goals include promoting democratic governance, facilitating dialogue, and enhancing the capacities of parliaments to meet the public's expectations. At the 150th IPU assembly, India stressed on inclusive democracy via the Nari Shakti Vandan Act and proposed regular parliamentary dialogues with Uzbekistan, Israel, and Kazakhstan.



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The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the country's first vertical lift railway sea bridge, the new Pamban Bridge, improving connectivity between Rameswaram and mainland India. Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited under the Ministry of Railways, the bridge spans 2.07 km and has been designed to withstand turbulent waters, cyclones, and seismic activity for over 100 years. Featuring a 72.5m vertical lift span for ship passage and double tracks, it facilitates faster trains and stronger rail-maritime coordination. The new structure replaces the 1914 Pamban Bridge and matches global bridges like the Golden Gate, Tower, and Oresund bridges.

 

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Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died. The Pope is regarded as the visible head of the church and resides in the Vatican City, the smallest sovereign state worldwide. Any baptized Catholic man can get elected to Papacy by the College of Cardinals. Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums, governs independently under the Pope's supreme authority, with revenues from global donations, investments and publication sales.

 

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The Supreme Court of India is set to review Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which mandates the reporting of known or probable sexual offences. Critics argue the compulsory reporting clause could deter adolescents from seeking medical help, while also compromising healthcare professionals' autonomy. The POCSO Act, enacted following India's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, seeks to prevent child exploitation and offers gender-neutral protection, immediate relief, and legal support for victims.

 

-------------------------------------

India has unveiled the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre in Nathatop, Jammu & Kashmir, marking a significant advancement in global climate science. Located at an altitude of 2,250 meters, the centre supports accurate atmospheric and climate measurements due to the region's clean air and low pollution. The centre will also facilitate research on cloud formation, aerosol interactions, and weather patterns. The inauguration also marked the launch of the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Project, ICE-CRUNCH, focusing on understanding the elements crucial to climate modelling and precipitation patterns in the region, furthering India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Lok Sabha Speaker, accompanied by the Indian Parliamentary Delegation, attended the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Established in 1889, the IPU is a global organisation with 182 Member Parliaments and 15 Associate Members, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy. Its primary goals include promoting democratic governance, facilitating dialogue, and enhancing the capacities of parliaments to meet the public's expectations. At the 150th IPU assembly, India stressed on inclusive democracy via the Nari Shakti Vandan Act and proposed regular parliamentary dialogues with Uzbekistan, Israel, and Kazakhstan.



-------------------------------------

 

The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the country's first vertical lift railway sea bridge, the new Pamban Bridge, improving connectivity between Rameswaram and mainland India. Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited under the Ministry of Railways, the bridge spans 2.07 km and has been designed to withstand turbulent waters, cyclones, and seismic activity for over 100 years. Featuring a 72.5m vertical lift span for ship passage and double tracks, it facilitates faster trains and stronger rail-maritime coordination. The new structure replaces the 1914 Pamban Bridge and matches global bridges like the Golden Gate, Tower, and Oresund bridges.

 

-------------------------------------

 

Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died. The Pope is regarded as the visible head of the church and resides in the Vatican City, the smallest sovereign state worldwide. Any baptized Catholic man can get elected to Papacy by the College of Cardinals. Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums, governs independently under the Pope's supreme authority, with revenues from global donations, investments and publication sales.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Supreme Court of India is set to review Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which mandates the reporting of known or probable sexual offences. Critics argue the compulsory reporting clause could deter adolescents from seeking medical help, while also compromising healthcare professionals' autonomy. The POCSO Act, enacted following India's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, seeks to prevent child exploitation and offers gender-neutral protection, immediate relief, and legal support for victims.

 

-------------------------------------

 

Axis Bank, in collaboration with J.P. Morgan and its blockchain unit Kinexys, has unveiled India's first round-the-clock US dollar payment facility for commercial clients from GIFT City. The real-time dollar clearing system boosts liquidity management, reduces expenses, and guarantees full payment transfers without deductions. The service, which offers same-day settlements, also facilitates trade with Middle Eastern countries where Sunday is a business day.

 

-------------------------------------

 

In April 2025, within the Indian banking sector, Bandhan Bank unveiled the Elite Plus Savings Account, designed for High Net-worth Individuals (HNIs). This account features perks such as unlimited cash deposits and bolstered insurance coverage. Simultaneously, Bank of Baroda launched the 'bob Square Drive Deposit Scheme', providing alluring interest rates (up to 7.80% p.a.) for both senior citizens and general customers.

 

-------------------------------------

 

SBI Card has teamed up with Tata Digital to introduce the Tata Neu SBI Card, available in two variants named Tata Neu Plus and Tata Neu Infinity. These cards offer rewards named NeuCoins, allowing up to 10% off on purchases from Tata Neu and associate brands, usable for groceries, fashion, and travel. Perks of these cards include access to lounges, reversal of the annual fee based on spending, and cashback on bill payments.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The State Bank of India (SBI) has relaunched its 'Amrit Vrishti' Fixed Deposit Scheme from 15th April 2025, specifically designed for senior and super-senior citizens with respective interest rates of 7.55% and 7.65%. The general public will yield 7.05% on a unique 444-day tenure. Initially introduced in July 2024 and closed in March 2025, the scheme has been reintroduced with no fixed deadline, aiming to provide secure, high-return investment options for the elderly.

 

-------------------------------------

 

On its 131st Foundation Day in April 2025, the Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched 34 new products to bolster digital banking, financial inclusion, and cybersecurity. The offerings encompass 12 deposit schemes for varied sectors including women, farmers, NRIs and pensioners and 10 digital tools such as the AI-powered assistant "Pihu". Meanwhile, the State Bank of India (SBI) has deployed 'Grahak Mitras' at specific branches to assist customers with digital banking and promote alternate channels, part of a new customer engagement endeavour.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) marks nine decades of financial governance and monetary policy regulation in 2025, commemorating its 90th anniversary. The RBI was established on 1 April 1935, under the RBI Act, 1934, and later nationalised in 1949. Notable milestones include economic liberalisation in 1991, as well as advancements in digital payments and financial inclusion. The bank's first Governor was Sir Osborne Smith, and the first Indian Governor was Sir C.D. Deshmukh.

 

-------------------------------------

 

On 2 April 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publicised that 98.21% of Rs 2000 notes had been returned to the banking system, leaving only Rs 6,366 crore in public possession. This follows the RBI's decision, declared on 19 May 2023, to remove Rs 2000 notes from circulation, leading to a significant drop in their circulation since their initial introduction post-demonetisation in November 2016.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to transition 500 financially weak Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) from the Supervisory Action Framework (SAF) to the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework. This change, due to start on April 1, 2025, is a bid to enhance regulatory oversight, secure early intervention, and restore financial stability.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released new regulations for Government of India-backed Security Receipts (SRs) by Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to improve the resolution of bad loans and financial stability. Notable features comprise reversal of surplus provisions to P&L accounts, more rigorous capital treatment through the deduction of non-cash SRs from CET1 capital, and a reformed valuation method necessitating periodic valuation based on Net Asset Value (NAV) and recovery ratings.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the ATM withdrawal charges from Rs 21 to Rs 23 per transaction for withdrawals exceeding the monthly free limit, effective from 1 May 2025. Customers are still entitled to five free transactions at their own bank’s ATMs, three at other banks’ ATMs in metros, and five in non-metros. The revised charges will also apply to cash recycler machines, barring cash deposits, to offset the upsurge in ATM maintenance costs.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared that it will maintain the current Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) investment limits for the fiscal year 2025-26. The existing caps include 6% for Central Government Securities (G-Secs), 2% for State Development Loans (SDLs), and 15% for corporate bonds to ensure a steady and predictable investment climate for foreign investors in India's debt markets. The investment limits for April to September 2025 have been fixed at ₹2.79 trillion for G-Secs and ₹8.22 trillion for corporate bonds.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has authorised the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to revise UPI Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transaction limits, allowing more flexibility to meet evolving user needs. However, the P2P limit remains unchanged at ₹1 lakh. RBI has allowed banks to set internal limits within NPCI's range, except for P2M transactions in sectors like education, healthcare, and credit card bill payments, which can now reach up to ₹2–5 lakh. This move encourages fintech innovation and digital payment adoption with appropriate risk safety measures.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated an official and verified WhatsApp channel as part of the 'RBI Kehta Hai' campaign, aimed at promoting financial literacy, digital safety, and fraud prevention. This initiative provides real-time financial updates, reinforces digital trust, and ensures inclusive outreach. Particularly beneficial to rural and remote areas, it takes advantage of WhatsApp's extensive user base.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revoked the license of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, Aurangabad, on 22 April 2025, citing insufficient capital, poor earnings, and a failure to safeguard depositor's interests. The Registrar of Cooperative Societies has been instructed to start liquidation procedures. Depositor protection is guaranteed under the DICGC scheme, which covers up to ₹5 lakh per depositor, benefitting 91.55% of the bank's depositors.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed all banks to transfer to the new '.bank.in' domain by 31st October 2025, aiming to bolster cybersecurity and curtail digital banking fraud. This change is designed to mitigate threats such as phishing attacks and reinforce trust in online banking services. The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) will be the sole registrar for the new domain, with backing from the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended its guidelines allowing minors aged 10 and above to independently open and operate savings and term deposit accounts, aiming to encourage early financial literacy. Despite this, guardian-operated accounts remain an option for all minors. Banks have the discretion to allow independent operation based on their risk management policies, provided no overdraft occurs and a credit balance is maintained at all times.

 

-------------------------------------

Axis Bank, in collaboration with J.P. Morgan and its blockchain unit Kinexys, has unveiled India's first round-the-clock US dollar payment facility for commercial clients from GIFT City. The real-time dollar clearing system boosts liquidity management, reduces expenses, and guarantees full payment transfers without deductions. The service, which offers same-day settlements, also facilitates trade with Middle Eastern countries where Sunday is a business day.

 

-------------------------------------

 

In April 2025, within the Indian banking sector, Bandhan Bank unveiled the Elite Plus Savings Account, designed for High Net-worth Individuals (HNIs). This account features perks such as unlimited cash deposits and bolstered insurance coverage. Simultaneously, Bank of Baroda launched the 'bob Square Drive Deposit Scheme', providing alluring interest rates (up to 7.80% p.a.) for both senior citizens and general customers.

 

-------------------------------------

 

SBI Card has teamed up with Tata Digital to introduce the Tata Neu SBI Card, available in two variants named Tata Neu Plus and Tata Neu Infinity. These cards offer rewards named NeuCoins, allowing up to 10% off on purchases from Tata Neu and associate brands, usable for groceries, fashion, and travel. Perks of these cards include access to lounges, reversal of the annual fee based on spending, and cashback on bill payments.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The State Bank of India (SBI) has relaunched its 'Amrit Vrishti' Fixed Deposit Scheme from 15th April 2025, specifically designed for senior and super-senior citizens with respective interest rates of 7.55% and 7.65%. The general public will yield 7.05% on a unique 444-day tenure. Initially introduced in July 2024 and closed in March 2025, the scheme has been reintroduced with no fixed deadline, aiming to provide secure, high-return investment options for the elderly.

 

-------------------------------------

 

On its 131st Foundation Day in April 2025, the Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched 34 new products to bolster digital banking, financial inclusion, and cybersecurity. The offerings encompass 12 deposit schemes for varied sectors including women, farmers, NRIs and pensioners and 10 digital tools such as the AI-powered assistant "Pihu". Meanwhile, the State Bank of India (SBI) has deployed 'Grahak Mitras' at specific branches to assist customers with digital banking and promote alternate channels, part of a new customer engagement endeavour.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) marks nine decades of financial governance and monetary policy regulation in 2025, commemorating its 90th anniversary. The RBI was established on 1 April 1935, under the RBI Act, 1934, and later nationalised in 1949. Notable milestones include economic liberalisation in 1991, as well as advancements in digital payments and financial inclusion. The bank's first Governor was Sir Osborne Smith, and the first Indian Governor was Sir C.D. Deshmukh.

 

-------------------------------------

 

On 2 April 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publicised that 98.21% of Rs 2000 notes had been returned to the banking system, leaving only Rs 6,366 crore in public possession. This follows the RBI's decision, declared on 19 May 2023, to remove Rs 2000 notes from circulation, leading to a significant drop in their circulation since their initial introduction post-demonetisation in November 2016.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to transition 500 financially weak Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) from the Supervisory Action Framework (SAF) to the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework. This change, due to start on April 1, 2025, is a bid to enhance regulatory oversight, secure early intervention, and restore financial stability.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released new regulations for Government of India-backed Security Receipts (SRs) by Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to improve the resolution of bad loans and financial stability. Notable features comprise reversal of surplus provisions to P&L accounts, more rigorous capital treatment through the deduction of non-cash SRs from CET1 capital, and a reformed valuation method necessitating periodic valuation based on Net Asset Value (NAV) and recovery ratings.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the ATM withdrawal charges from Rs 21 to Rs 23 per transaction for withdrawals exceeding the monthly free limit, effective from 1 May 2025. Customers are still entitled to five free transactions at their own bank’s ATMs, three at other banks’ ATMs in metros, and five in non-metros. The revised charges will also apply to cash recycler machines, barring cash deposits, to offset the upsurge in ATM maintenance costs.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared that it will maintain the current Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) investment limits for the fiscal year 2025-26. The existing caps include 6% for Central Government Securities (G-Secs), 2% for State Development Loans (SDLs), and 15% for corporate bonds to ensure a steady and predictable investment climate for foreign investors in India's debt markets. The investment limits for April to September 2025 have been fixed at ₹2.79 trillion for G-Secs and ₹8.22 trillion for corporate bonds.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has authorised the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to revise UPI Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transaction limits, allowing more flexibility to meet evolving user needs. However, the P2P limit remains unchanged at ₹1 lakh. RBI has allowed banks to set internal limits within NPCI's range, except for P2M transactions in sectors like education, healthcare, and credit card bill payments, which can now reach up to ₹2–5 lakh. This move encourages fintech innovation and digital payment adoption with appropriate risk safety measures.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated an official and verified WhatsApp channel as part of the 'RBI Kehta Hai' campaign, aimed at promoting financial literacy, digital safety, and fraud prevention. This initiative provides real-time financial updates, reinforces digital trust, and ensures inclusive outreach. Particularly beneficial to rural and remote areas, it takes advantage of WhatsApp's extensive user base.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revoked the license of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, Aurangabad, on 22 April 2025, citing insufficient capital, poor earnings, and a failure to safeguard depositor's interests. The Registrar of Cooperative Societies has been instructed to start liquidation procedures. Depositor protection is guaranteed under the DICGC scheme, which covers up to ₹5 lakh per depositor, benefitting 91.55% of the bank's depositors.

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed all banks to transfer to the new '.bank.in' domain by 31st October 2025, aiming to bolster cybersecurity and curtail digital banking fraud. This change is designed to mitigate threats such as phishing attacks and reinforce trust in online banking services. The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) will be the sole registrar for the new domain, with backing from the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

 

-------------------------------------

 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended its guidelines allowing minors aged 10 and above to independently open and operate savings and term deposit accounts, aiming to encourage early financial literacy. Despite this, guardian-operated accounts remain an option for all minors. Banks have the discretion to allow independent operation based on their risk management policies, provided no overdraft occurs and a credit balance is maintained at all times.