RBI’s 2025 Capital Market Exposure Directions: A New Prudential Framework for Banks
Policy Context and Objectives The Reserve Bank of India has issued draft “Commercial Banks – Capital Market Exposure (CME) Directions, 2025” proposing consolidated, risk-sensitive limits on banks’ direct and aggregate exposures to capital markets, with phased implementation envisaged from April 1, 2026 subject to finalisation. The draft CME framework seeks to rationalise and unify disparate…
Read article
New Rule: e-Arrival Card Mandatory for Foreign Nationals and OCI Cardholders Traveling to India
In a move to simplify immigration and enhance digital compliance, the Government of India has introduced mandatory online submission of the Electronic Arrival (e-Arrival) Card for all foreign nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders traveling to India. This update supports India’s ongoing initiative toward paperless and tech-enabled border processes. Key Requirement From 1…
Read article
Education Loan Scheme in India: Structure, Subsidies, and Best Practices
Education loans in India finance tuition, living expenses, travel, equipment, and exam fees for eligible courses in India and abroad, delivered primarily by banks/NBFCs with government-backed interest subsidy and targeted schemes for specific communities and income groups. Policy framework Loan types Eligibility Loan quantum and coverage Interest rates and concessions Security, margin, and co-borrowers…
Read article Vidya Lakshmi Portal and PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme: A One-Stop Platform for Education Loans in India
The Vidya Lakshmi Portal is a government-run, single-window platform designed to help students access education loans and government scholarships in one place. It streamlines the process of applying for multiple loan schemes across various banks, ensuring transparency and convenience for aspiring students. The Pradhan Mantri Vidyalaxmi (PM-Vidyalaxmi) Scheme, accessed through this portal, specifically offers collateral-free…
Read article
Parking Cash Smartly: Liquid Funds vs Ultra-Short Term Funds Explained
Liquid funds and ultra-short term funds are both SEBI-defined debt mutual fund categories designed for short horizons, but they differ mainly in portfolio duration, liquidity mechanics, risk-return profile, and use-cases for treasury and personal cash management. Definitions and portfolio Investment horizon Liquidity and redemption Risk sensitivity Return potential and volatility Costs and loads Operational…
Central Scheme to provide Interest Subsidy (CSIS) for the EWS students
The Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme (CSIS) is a Government of India initiative aimed at supporting students from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to pursue technical and professional education in India. Key updates include a maximum subsidy on loans up to ₹10 lakh, a parental income ceiling of ₹4.5 lakh annually, and applications submitted via…
Read article