India’s annual retail inflation rate eased to 3.34% in March 2025, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline and falls below the 3.61% recorded in February, offering significant relief to policymakers and consumers alike. The main factor contributing to this moderation is the continued softening of food prices, which make up a large portion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Food inflation dr

In a significant policy shift, the United States government has implemented a rule mandating that all foreign nationals residing in the country for more than 30 days must register with federal authorities. This measure, rooted in historical legislation, has been revived and is now being enforced with renewed vigor. The rule stipulates that non-citizens aged 14 and above must submit their personal information, including fingerprints and residential addresses, to the U.S. Citizenshi

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new initiative to connect more directly with the public by launching an official WhatsApp channel. This development is part of the central bank’s broader commitment to enhancing public awareness and making important financial and banking information accessible to every citizen, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas who might not have regular access to official websites or traditional media. The initiative falls under the RBI&rs

In a significant policy development, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that the Reserve Bank of India will soon release comprehensive regulations governing prudential norms and conduct-related aspects of gold loans. This move follows growing concerns over irregular practices among certain regulated entities (REs) and the recent surge in gold-backed lending across the country. The upcoming regulations aim to harmonize gold loan guidelines across various categories of lenders, including ba

India’s banking sector is projected to witness a year-on-year credit expansion of ₹19 lakh crore to ₹20.5 lakh crore in FY2025-26, amounting to a growth of approximately 10.8%, according to a report by ICRA, a leading credit rating agency. This expansion is expected to be driven by recent monetary easing measures implemented by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), though structural challenges in deposit mobilisation and rising credit-deposit ratios may temper growth momentum. According to

Timely pension payments are not merely a procedural matter—they are a lifeline for countless retired central and state government employees. These pensions, disbursed through authorised banks, are governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s "Master Circular - Disbursement of Government Pension by Agency Banks". The RBI recently updated the circular, issuing a series of clarifications that aim to make the pension system more transparent, accountable, and senior citizen-fr

Poonam Gupta, a prominent economist with global expertise, has been appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Her appointment marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first woman in over a decade to assume this high-ranking position at India’s central bank. She succeeds Michael Patra, who retired in January 2024. Gupta brings with her nearly two decades of international experience, having worked with the World Bank, International Monet

As the new financial year begins on April 1, 2025, taxpayers, investors, and banking customers in India must prepare for several important changes in financial regulations. These reforms, previously announced by the government and regulatory bodies, are aimed at improving compliance, digital security, and financial transparency. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key changes that come into effect starting April 1.   1. Higher Income Tax Exemption Limit

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to introduce long-term government bonds, including 100-year bonds, to support their investment strategies for whole life insurance policies. This request was confirmed by Siddhartha Mohanty, Managing Director and Chief Executive of LIC, during an event in Mumbai. Speaking on the sidelines of the GCA25 conference, Mohanty explained that LIC’s investment portfolio heavily depends on long-term bonds to

The Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) has issued fresh guidelines to streamline the pension disbursement process for retirees under the National Pension System (NPS). The new instructions aim to ensure that pensioners receive their dues on time without unnecessary delays. In a memo dated March 12, 2025, the CPAO emphasized the need to follow the same procedural framework as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to avoid errors. The CPAO’s latest reminder follows an earlier directive issue

Fixed deposits have long been considered a safe and reliable investment option in India, particularly among conservative investors. However, declining interest rates and rising inflation have made it increasingly difficult for FDs to offer returns that outpace the rising cost of living. With the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reducing the repo rate, banks have responded by lowering FD rates, prompting investors to explore other options that provide higher returns while maintaining financial secu

The Indian government is reportedly working on a Universal Pension Scheme, a voluntary initiative designed to provide retirement benefits to individuals across all sectors, including those in unorganised employment, traders, and self-employed individuals aged 18 and above. Unlike traditional job-based pension plans, this scheme will not be tied to any specific employment, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals.The Labour Ministry has already initiated discussions on the framewor

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest bulletin released on February 19, stated that the tax cuts in the Union Budget 2025, along with moderating inflation, are expected to provide financial relief to the middle class and boost overall household spending. This announcement comes after the February Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where the newly appointed RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, emphasized the positive economic impact of the tax relief measur

The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a government-backed retirement savings initiative designed to provide individuals with long-term financial security. With its tax benefits and flexible investment options, NPS is an attractive choice for those looking to systematically build a pension corpus. One of the most convenient ways to contribute to NPS is through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), which allows individuals to invest small amounts regularly, ensuring a d

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched the Smart Pension Plan, designed to provide financial security for retirees through structured annuity payouts. The plan offers a range of annuity options, ensuring flexibility and stability for policyholders looking for a steady income after retirement. With multiple features tailored to meet the needs of individuals at different life stages, the Smart Pension Plan provides long-term financial support.The

Indian stock markets experienced a significant fall in early trade on Monday, even though the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a rate cut and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in the Delhi Assembly elections. The benchmark indices opened lower and continued to decline amid growing selling pressure. The BSE Sensex lost over 600 points, while the NSE Nifty dropped nearly 200 points.   The Sensex hit a low of 77,189.04, down from the previous session&

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a 25 basis points cut in the benchmark interest rate, marking its first reduction in five years. The decision, led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, aims to boost economic activity but was met with mixed reactions from investors. Despite expectations of a rate cut, the market remained cautious as the RBI maintained a neutral stance without introducing additional liquidity measures. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) continued outflows amid concerns ove

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has recently issued 21,885 pension payment orders as part of its ongoing efforts to implement higher pensions under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995. As per Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje's written response in Lok Sabha, a total of 17.48 lakh applications were submitted by pensioners and members seeking to increase their pension by making higher contributions.   The EPF

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is inviting applications for the position of Medical Consultant (MC) on a contract basis. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified medical professionals to work with RBI. The last date to apply is February 14, 2025, at 4:40 pm.   Vacancy Details: The recruitment is for medical professionals with an MBBS degree, with a preference for those having postgraduate qualifications in General Medicine and at least two years o

Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, who served as the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Deputy Governor, has retired after nearly four decades with the central bank. Known for his strategic role in steering the RBI’s monetary policy, Patra became the face of the RBI during critical press conferences, answering the key questions on interest rates, inflation, and growth. Patra, who headed the monetary policy department for most of his tenure, was a key player in the decisions made by