RBI Pushes for customer protection in Digital Payments

In its Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies released on February 6, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has outlined targeted measures to fortify the payments ecosystem amid surging digital transaction volumes. A standout initiative is the forthcoming Discussion Paper titled Exploring Safeguards in Digital Payments to Curb Frauds. This move underscores RBI’s commitment…

RBI Signals New Reform Agenda for Banks and NBFCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies on February 6, 2026, outlining several proactive measures to strengthen customer protection, harmonize regulations, and enhance operational flexibility for regulated entities (REs). These initiatives address critical areas like mis-selling, loan recovery, digital fraud, and lending norms, with draft instructions set for…

Union Budget 2026 — What Banks and Taxpayers Need to Know

Date presented: 1 February 2026Presented by: Finance Minister Nirmala SitharamanContext: The Union Budget 2026 🇮🇳 continues India’s efforts to sustain growth amid global economic pressures, while balancing fiscal prudence and long-term tax reforms. 📊 Overview: Growth, Deficit and Fiscal Strategy The government maintained a focus on macro-economic stability. With strong infrastructure spending and targeted incentives,…

Union Budget 2026: Key Takeaways for Banking Sector

India’s Union Budget 2026, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026, emphasizes financial sector reforms under the Viksit Bharat vision. It highlights the banking system’s strong balance sheets and profitability while announcing measures to enhance efficiency, inclusion, and growth. High-Level Banking Committee The budget proposes a high-level committee to review the banking…

Name Change after Marriage? RBI’s KYC Relaxation under PML Rules Explained

Background: PML Rules and Name Change The Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005 define what constitutes an officially valid document (OVD) for KYC purposes. ​To ease difficulties faced by individuals whose names change after marriage or otherwise, the Government notified the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Third Amendment Rules, 2015 (G.S.R. 730(E)…

State-wise and Union Territory-wise Bank Holidays in India – 2026

Bank holidays play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of banking operations, financial planning, and customer convenience. In India, bank holidays are notified under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and vary across States and Union Territories depending on local festivals, regional observances, and government notifications. To help bankers, professionals, businesses, and…

Ladakh UT- Bank Holidays 2026

The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, through notification No.530-LA(GAD)of 2025 dated 14.11.2025 declared Bank  holidays  to be observed throughout the UT of Ladakh during the calendar year 2026 under section 25 of negotiable instruments act 1881 Sr.No Date Day Occasion/Festival Date 1 26.01.2026 Monday REPUBLIC DAY 2 16.02.2026 Wednesday MELA DOSMOCHEY (Leh District &…

Bank holidays 2026 in Lakshadweep UT

The following are the public (bank) holidays for Karnataka in 2026, declared under the explanation of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.  Sr.No Date Day Occasion/Festival Date 1 26.01.2026 Monday REPUBLIC DAY 2 15.02.2026 Sunday SHIVRATHRI 3 04.03.2026 Wenesday HOLI 4 21.03.2026 Saturday EID-AL-FITR 4 31.03.2026 Tuesday MAHAVIR JAYANTHI 5 01.04.2026 Wednesday ANNUAL CLOSING…