Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 3rd Meeting of Apex Monitoring Authority of NICDIT and reviews the pro...
DFS Hosts PSB Confluence 2026: Day 1 Deliberations focus on Four themes- Deposit Mobilisation, Banking for Youth, Supporting the Investment Cycle and ...
Boss scam prevention requires independent verification of payment requests and avoidance of malicious WhatsApp attachments that enable executive impersonation. Boss scam, or CEO impersonation fraud, uses malicious WhatsApp attachments and impersonation of regulatory officials or company executives to obtain control of WhatsApp sessions and issue fraudulent payment instructions. The alleged network supplied SIM cards, dummy SIMs, WhatsApp accounts and one-time passwords to cyber-fraud operators, illustrating a Cybercrime as a Service model. Preventive measures include avoiding suspicious ZIP, executable, library and APK files and independently verifying all financial-transfer requests.
Floating-rate personal loan prepayment protections prohibit charges and compulsory lock-ins for qualifying individual non-business borrowers from 2026. Prepayment charges are prohibited for part or full repayment of qualifying floating-rate loans availed by individual borrowers for non-business purposes and sanctioned or renewed on or after 1 January 2026. Compulsory lock-in periods cannot restrict prepayment of such loans. Fixed-rate personal loans may still attract prepayment or foreclosure charges under lender policy and contractual terms. Borrowers should check the loan's rate type, sanction letter, loan agreement and key fact statement, where applicable, and compare applicable charges with potential interest savings before early repayment.
Premium Basmati rice positioning drives Zeeba's packaging refresh and ambassador-led campaign focused on quality, authenticity and domestic expansion. Zeeba has refreshed its packaging and appointed Chef Vikas Khanna as global brand ambassador to support expansion in India. Its "Aisa Basmati Nahi Dekha" campaign positions the brand around export-quality Basmati rice, consistency, authenticity and a superior culinary experience. Promotional activity will extend across digital, retail and consumer touchpoints. The premium Basmati range is described as carefully sourced, naturally aged and processed according to global quality standards, with emphasis on grain quality, authentic taste, purity and consistency.
Silver-collateral lending creates a formal secured-credit channel for eligible borrowers, subject to regulatory requirements and lender policies. Loans against silver collateral have been introduced following the Reserve Bank of India's Lending Against Gold and Silver Collateral Directions, 2025, enabling eligible regulated lenders to accept silver as security. The offering provides a formal and transparent credit channel against eligible silver jewellery, ornaments and approved silver coins. It is intended for individuals, proprietors and MSMEs requiring liquidity for personal, business and other legitimate financial needs, subject to lending policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
Healthcare discount membership provides instant savings on out-of-pocket care at participating premium providers without insurance claims or paperwork. CarePass is a healthcare savings membership card providing instant point-of-billing discounts at participating premium healthcare providers across India. It covers out-of-pocket spending on hospital treatment, diagnostics, dental, vision, dermatology, hair and skin care, and IVF and maternity services, without claim processing, waiting periods or paperwork. Members present a digital CarePass at a participating provider to receive the applicable discount. Four membership tiers offer differing benefits, with higher tiers including tele-consultations and annual health checks. CarePass is a discount membership and not an insurance product.
EXIM operations at Vizhinjam commence with container movement, supported by investor facilitation, infrastructure backing and port-led logistics development. EXIM operations at Vizhinjam international seaport commenced with the flagging off of two containers after a successful trial export shipment. The state government proposes investor engagement, regulatory facilitation and infrastructure support to expand global export activities through the port. Mission Samudra is to operate as a port-led industrial and logistics development scheme. The deep-water port was developed under a public-private partnership model and had received commercial commissioning certification.
Money-laundering investigation under PMLA expands through searches into alleged consultancy payments linked to CMRL and Exalogic Solutions. Money-laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act involves fresh searches connected with Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd and Exalogic Solutions. The inquiry concerns alleged fraudulent payments made under the guise of IT consultancy services and a purported money trail involving persons allegedly connected with those transactions. The action follows earlier searches and questioning in relation to the same matter.
Recruitment examination irregularities trigger money-laundering investigation into alleged bribery, paper leaks, answer-sheet tampering, and preferential veterinary officer selections. Money-laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act concerns alleged irregularities in veterinary officers' final selection through a public recruitment examination. Searches covered premises linked to commission officials, alleged intermediaries, the digital evaluation entity, and selected candidates. Allegations include bribery demands, examination-paper leakage, OMR answer-sheet tampering, and facilitation of selection for relatives of commission officials.
Export-import operations advance through operational preparedness review and planned port-led industrial and logistics development initiatives. Operational preparedness for full land-based export-import operations at Vizhinjam Seaport was reviewed, including the Vehicle Traffic Management System. EXIM cargo operations follow a trial shipment of the port's first export container to Valencia. Mission Samudra is proposed to support port-led industrial and logistics development alongside these operations. The deep-water port was developed through a public-private partnership model and had obtained commercial commissioning certification before its dedication to the nation.
Industrial corridor development prioritises empowered SPVs, integrated infrastructure and investor-ready parks to accelerate manufacturing investment and operations. National Industrial Corridor Development Programme implementation prioritises timely infrastructure completion, land allotment, investment mobilisation and commencement of manufacturing. PM GatiShakti-aligned planning requires integrated connectivity, utilities and social infrastructure, while States should resolve land, clearance and SPV-power bottlenecks. BHAVYA proposes investment-ready, plug-and-play industrial parks appraised for ready land, credible demand, connectivity, utilities, realistic phasing and early investor attraction. NICDIT routes Government participation and equity support for BHAVYA project SPVs, and NICDC coordinates implementation and monitoring.
RERA compliance exemption for stalled housing projects raises whether statutory obligations may be waived to enable phased project completion. RERA compliance exemption is sought for completion of 16 stalled residential projects by a public sector construction entity appointed under a project-completion arrangement. The appellate insolvency tribunal declined to direct a waiver, considering itself incompetent to exempt compliance with statutory provisions. The arrangement requires phased completion, award and commencement of construction work, and oversight through an apex committee and project-wise committees. The projects remain incomplete owing to the developer's financial crisis.
Deposit mobilisation and youth banking guide strategies for stronger public financial institutions, investment financing and Global Capability Centre opportunities. PSB Confluence 2026 considers strategic priorities for Public Sector Banks and Public Financial Institutions across deposit mobilisation, banking for youth, investment-cycle financing and Global Capability Centres. Discussions seek practical, scalable strategies to strengthen customer engagement, youth-responsive banking propositions, institutional financing capabilities and participation in the expanding Global Capability Centre ecosystem. Youth engagement may use the MY Bharat platform to strengthen links with the formal financial system and awareness of education finance, entrepreneurship, internships and financial-sector careers. Further themes include value-chain infrastructure, priority sector lending and credit card business reform.
Banking-sector reform will guide lender capacity, financial stability, inclusion, consumer protection, deposit growth and responsible credit-card expansion. Banking-sector reform is proposed through a high-level committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat to review the sector and align it with growth needs while safeguarding financial stability, financial inclusion and consumer protection. Key themes include deposit mobilisation, youth banking, investment support, global capability centres, value-chain infrastructure, credit cards and priority-sector lending. Public-sector banks are expected to improve competitiveness through technology, sectoral expertise, product adaptation and customer-focused deposit growth. Credit-card development must maintain responsible underwriting, customer protection and appropriate risk controls.
FCNR(B) concessional swap facility availability narrows to timely mobilised deposits amid rupee depreciation and foreign currency inflow concerns. Foreign-exchange conditions reflected rupee depreciation amid weak domestic equity markets and higher crude oil prices. FCNR(B) concessional swap facility availability is confined to foreign currency deposits mobilised by banks within the revised cut-off period, replacing the previously longer mobilisation window. The facility is intended to encourage foreign currency inflows, while banks use the FCNR(B) scheme to mobilise foreign currency deposits through attractive interest rates.
Banking sector review panel will align future growth with financial stability, inclusion and consumer protection through government recommendations. High Level Committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat is proposed to comprehensively review the banking sector and align it with India's next phase of growth. It is intended to safeguard financial stability, financial inclusion and consumer protection, while providing views and recommendations to the Government on banking-sector development and reform.
Prime Minister Internship Scheme enhances youth employability through paid industry exposure, cross-field learning, workplace readiness and potential full-time employment. The Prime Minister Internship Scheme provides paid internships with leading companies across India to improve youth employability through practical workplace exposure, industry experience and skills development. It addresses the gap between classroom learning and employers' expectations of workplace readiness. Participation is not confined to academic qualifications, allowing youth to pursue fields of interest and gain hands-on professional learning. Strong internship performance may lead to full-time roles, while the scheme stresses responsible work where errors may affect quality, consumer safety and organisational reputation.
SAFTA origin fraud in areca imports allegedly enabled improper duty exemption through false Bangladeshi-origin declarations. SAFTA preferential duty treatment for areca-nut imports was allegedly misused by falsely declaring goods originating in South-East Asian countries as Bangladeshi origin. Since areca nuts normally attract 100% basic customs duty, the scheme sought to obtain the full SAFTA exemption reserved for qualifying Bangladeshi goods meeting Rules of Origin requirements. The alleged mechanism included routing goods through Bangladesh, changing containers and bags, using improperly obtained Certificates of Origin, and facilitating clearance through importers, Customs Brokers and IEC holders. Investigative findings also indicated cash proceeds, hawala channels and dummy entities.
FCNR(B) concessional swap facility closure may reduce temporary foreign-currency inflow support and heighten rupee weakness concerns. The Reserve Bank of India restricted its concessional swap facility for FCNR(B) deposits to deposits mobilised by August 31, advancing the earlier cut-off date. The facility was intended to encourage foreign-currency inflows, while banks mobilise such deposits through attractive interest rates. Market commentary indicated that existing inflows may support the rupee in the near term, but the curtailed availability of the facility could reduce this temporary cushion and increase depreciation risk.
Temporary tariff suspension for earthquake recovery is sought to ease pressure on affected Colombian businesses. Temporary suspension of high tariffs on Colombian products has been sought to support business recovery following a severe earthquake declared a natural disaster. The request links tariff relief to economic disruption affecting businesses amid extensive destruction, injuries and missing persons. United States emergency assistance has been provided through food, shelter and health supplies, while no response to the tariff-suspension request had been reported.
Port-led industrial development and direct export operations aim to expand logistics infrastructure, market access and trade connectivity. Mission Samudra is proposed as a port-led industrial and logistics development programme linked to the commencement of export-import operations at Vizhinjam seaport. It covers industrial clusters, new cities, port connectivity, logistics, development initiatives, programme management and capacity building. Direct export shipments are intended to improve overseas-market access and reduce transit time and logistics costs, particularly for small and medium enterprises. The framework also anticipates growth in warehousing, cold storage, container freight stations and logistics parks, supported by private participation and road and rail connectivity.
CBI in its press release has stated that it has arrested CEO of LIC Housing Finance Limited(LICHFL), Mumbai, Secretary (Investment), LIC, Mumbai, General Manager, Bank of India, Mumbai, Director (Chartered Accountant), Central Bank of India, New Delhi, DGM, Punjab National Bank, New Delhi, Chairman & Managing Director and other officials of a Mumbai-based private financial services company in a bribery case.
CBI has further said that it has busted a racket wherein a private financial services company, its CMD and other associates were allegedly bribing senior officials of public sector banks and financial institutions for facilitating large scale corporate loans. They were also gathering confidential business information from Financial Institutions. Officers of top and middle management of PSBs and FIs viz. Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and LIC Housing Finance Limited were receiving illegal gratification from the private financial services company who were acting as mediators and facilitators for corporate loans and other facilities. Searches were conducted by CBI at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata and Jalandhar and five separate cases have been registered by CBI and investigations are in progress.
Reports have been called by Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance from these institutions and the details as made available are as under:
LIC of India : The CEO of LICHFL Shri Nair and Shri Naresh Chopra, Secretary (Investment), LIC have been arrested. Senior executives of a financial services company private limited have also been arrested in this case. LICHFL has issued a press release assuring its investors, customers and business associates that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that interests of various stake holders are fully protected. It has also said that all procedures and due diligences consistent with Board approved guidelines have been adhered to in approving the loans by the competent authority. It has also indicated that all loans have been secured by underlying assets to the full satisfaction of the appropriate authority.
Bank of India: The CBI at Chennai had enquired about particulars of Shri Tayal, General Manager, Mumbai Large Corporate Branch who was earlier working in Chennai Large Corporate Branch and sought information on three accounts viz. OPG Power, BGR Energy and Ashapura Minechem, Mumbai. Of these three accounts, Bank of India has reported that only one is at present NPA on account of derivative losses. Shri Tayal was interrogated by CBI in Delhi on 23.11.2010 on the above three accounts. He has been arrested by CBI.
Central Bank of India : The Chartered Accountant, Director on the Board of the Bank Shri M.S. Johar has been arrested by CBI in this case. No official of the bank has been arrested. CMD, Central Bank has confirmed that as per information available there is no impact of the above development on asset quality
Punjab National Bank: Shri V.K. Gujjal, DGM of the Bank has been arrested. Mr. Gujjal is working as Chief Operating Officer of PNB Investment Services Limited, a merchant banking subsidiary set up by the Bank and headquartered in Delhi. Prior to this he was working as DGM in-charge of Large Corporate Branch, Delhi from 30th May, 2009 to 22nd May, 2010. CMD of PNB has said that there is no information linking the above incidence to any loan account of the bank.
Bribery allegations prompt institutional inquiries; reports sought as arrests and investigations target loan facilitation and confidential information misuse.
Allegations of systemic bribery by a private financial services company involve payments to officers of public sector banks and financial institutions to facilitate large corporate loans; multiple arrests and coordinated CBI searches have led to five cases and ongoing investigations. The Ministry of Finance has sought reports from affected institutions, which have asserted adherence to board-approved procedures and due diligence in loan approvals and reported no confirmed impact on asset quality to date.
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