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RBI Strengthens Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Norms – Key Highlights, Targets & Exam Notes

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced amendments to the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) guidelines to improve credit flow monitoring and strengthen financial inclusion

priority sector lending (psl)

Priority Sector Lending (PSL)

Priority Sector Lending (PSL) is a regulatory framework mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) requiring banks to direct a specific portion of their credit to sectors that are essential for the country’s development but often lack adequate access to formal finance.

  • It ensures that crucial sectors which often face credit shortages receive adequate financing.
  • It is a key tool for achieving financial inclusion and balanced development.

PSL Sectors:

  • Agriculture
  • Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
  • Export Credit
  • Education
  • Housing
  • Social Infrastructure
  • Renewable Energy
  • Weaker Sections (included under β€œOthers”)
PSL Targets:

Domestic Commercial Banks:

  • Must allocate 40% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to priority sectors.

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) & Urban Cooperative Banks:

  • Higher target of 75% of ANBC due to their role in rural and inclusive banking.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2026/Jan/19/rbi-tightens-psl-norms-asks-banks-to-get-external-auditor-certification: RBI Strengthens Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Norms – Key Highlights, Targets & Exam Notes

RBI Strengthens Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Norms – Key Highlights, Targets & Exam Notes Read More Β»

Union Cabinet Approves β‚Ή5,000 Crore Equity Infusion into SIDBI to Boost MSME Credit Growth

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Union Cabinet has approved a β‚Ή5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI to enhance credit availability for MSMEs and ensure the institution maintains a strong financial position amid expanding lending operations.

sidbi
  • The infusion will strengthen SIDBI’s lending capacity.
  • Helps maintain a healthy Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR).

SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India):

  • Established in 1990 under an Act of Parliament.
  • Acts as the principal financial institution for MSME promotion, financing, and development. Coordinates with other institutions involved in MSME financing.
  • Plays a vital role in industrial growth, employment generation, and exports.
Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR):
  • Also known as Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR).
  • Measures a bank’s capital in relation to its risk-weighted assets (RWA). Indicates the financial strength and stability of a bank.
  • A higher CRAR means better ability to absorb losses.
  • Governed by Basel Accords issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS).
https://pscchronicles.com/small-industries-development-bank-of-india-sidbi-topic-explained/: Union Cabinet Approves β‚Ή5,000 Crore Equity Infusion into SIDBI to Boost MSME Credit Growth

Union Cabinet Approves β‚Ή5,000 Crore Equity Infusion into SIDBI to Boost MSME Credit Growth Read More Β»

Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) Holds First Meeting in Mumbai – Key Exam Notes

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The first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) was held in Mumbai under the chairmanship of the RBI Governor.

payments regulatory board

Payments Regulatory Board:

Payments Regulatory Board (PRB)Β isΒ a six-member statutory body within theΒ Reserve Bank of India (RBI)Β established to regulate and oversee the country’s payment and settlement systems. It became operational by replacing the earlier Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS).

  • Composition: Chaired by the RBI Governor (currently Sanjay Malhotra), it includes two other RBI representatives and three nominees from the Central Government.
  • Focuses on regulation and supervision of digital and non-cash payment systems.
  • Decisions are made by a majority vote; the Chairperson holds a casting vote in case of a tie. The board must meet at leastΒ twice a year
https://www.newsonair.gov.in/rbi-governor-sanjay-malhotra-chairs-first-meeting-of-payments-regulatory-board-meeting/: Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) Holds First Meeting in Mumbai – Key Exam Notes

Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) Holds First Meeting in Mumbai – Key Exam Notes Read More Β»

Centre Proposes PM-RKVY Restructuring with β‚Ή1.75 Lakh Crore Outlay (2026–31) – Key facts

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Union Ministry of Agriculture has proposed a major restructuring of agricultural schemes by merging three schemes into Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).

pradhan mantri rashtriya krishi vikas yojana (pm rkvy).

Three schemes to be merged under PM-RKVY:

  • Krishonnati Yojana (KY) – Focus on food security & farmers’ income
  • National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) – Promotes chemical-free farming
  • National Bee and Honey Mission (NBHM) – Supports apiculture & pollination
Key Features of the Restructured Scheme:

Performance-Linked Funding Framework: For the first time, the allocation of central funds will be tied to aΒ “Reform Score,”Β shifting from an expenditure-driven approach to an outcome-oriented one.

  • 30% of funds will depend on a β€œReform Score”.
  • States will be incentivized for: Land leasing reforms, Agricultural market liberalization and Structural policy improvements.

Funding Pattern:

  • General States:Β 60:40 (Centre:State).
  • Northeastern and Himalayan States:Β 90:10.
  • Union Territories:Β 100% central funding
https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/govt-to-merge-agricultural-schemes-link-funds-to-state-reforms-10468148/: Centre Proposes PM-RKVY Restructuring with β‚Ή1.75 Lakh Crore Outlay (2026–31) – Key facts

Centre Proposes PM-RKVY Restructuring with β‚Ή1.75 Lakh Crore Outlay (2026–31) – Key facts Read More Β»

Israel Recognizes Somaliland – First UN Member to Do So

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Israel has reportedly become the first UN member state to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation. This move has significant implications for regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

somaliland

Somaliland:

  • Somaliland is a self-declared independent republic in the Horn of Africa.
  • It declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the fall of military ruler .
  • Despite functioning as a separate entity, it has not been widely recognized internationally until now.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-becomes-first-country-to-formally-recognise-somaliland-as-independent-state/article70441372.ece: Israel Recognizes Somaliland – First UN Member to Do So

Israel Recognizes Somaliland – First UN Member to Do So Read More Β»

India–Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty Renewal Talks 2026 – Exam facts

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India and Bangladesh have initiated discussions to renew the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which is set to expire in December 2026.

ganga river

Ganga Water Sharing Treaty:

  • The Ganga Water Sharing Treaty was signed on 12 December 1996 for a period of 30 years.
  • It regulates water sharing at the Farakka Barrage (West Bengal).
  • The agreement focuses on the lean season (January 1 – May 31) when water availability is low.
  • Ensures equitable distribution of Ganga waters between India and Bangladesh.
About Ganga River:
  • Course: Flows through: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.
  • Key Feature:
    • At West Bengal, it divides into:
      • Bhagirathi–Hooghly (India)
      • Padma (enters Bangladesh)
  • Delta:
    • Forms the Sundarbans Delta (largest delta in the world) along with the Brahmaputra before draining into the Bay of Bengal
https://www.firstpost.com/world/india-bangladesh-ganga-water-sharing-treaty-expiring-in-2026-will-new-delhi-renew-pact-talks-kick-off-13964670.html: India–Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty Renewal Talks 2026 – Exam facts

India–Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty Renewal Talks 2026 – Exam facts Read More Β»

ICJ Begins Hearings on Myanmar Rohingya Genocide Case – Key Facts for Exams

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International Court of Justice (ICJ) has commenced hearings to examine allegations of genocide committed by Myanmar against the Rohingya community.

international court of justice

Rohingyas:

The Rohingya are a Muslim minority ethnic group primarily residing in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Following severe military crackdowns and persecution, described by the UN as potential crimes against humanity and genocide, over 900,000 refugees fled to Bangladesh since 2015.Β 

International Court of Justice:
  • Also known as the World Court.
  • Established: 1945 under the UN Charter
  • Began functioning: 1946
  • Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
  • Composition: 15 judges elected for 9-year terms
  • Official Languages: English and French

ICJ Begins Hearings on Myanmar Rohingya Genocide Case – Key Facts for Exams Read More Β»

Why Does the USA Want to Acquire Greenland? Strategic, Economic & Geopolitical Reasons Explained

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United States has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland as part of its strategic foreign policy goals.

greenland

Greenland:

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, though it was once a Danish colony. It is the world’s largest island and located in the North Atlantic Ocean, near Canada. The region gained strategic importance during the Cold War due to its proximity to Russia

Importance of Greenland to USA:
  • Greenland is strategically located between North America and Europe, making it geopolitically crucial.
  • The US already operates the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) in Greenland.
  • The island is rich in rare earth minerals, essential for modern technology and defense.
  • Arctic ice melting is opening new trade routes, increasing global competition in the region.
  • The US aims to counter the growing influence of China and Russia in the Arctic.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74x4m71pmjo: Why Does the USA Want to Acquire Greenland? Strategic, Economic & Geopolitical Reasons Explained

Why Does the USA Want to Acquire Greenland? Strategic, Economic & Geopolitical Reasons Explained Read More Β»

Spain Joins Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) – Key Highlights & Exam Notes

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Spain has officially joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), enhancing its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region

indo pacific oceans initiative

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative:

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)Β isΒ an India-led, voluntary, and non-treaty-based framework launched in 2019. It aims to promote a free, open, and rules-based maritime order by fostering practical cooperation among like-minded nations.

The IPOI is an extension of India’sΒ SAGARΒ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

Β SAGARΒ (Security and Growth for All in the Region):

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)Β isΒ India’s strategic vision and geopolitical framework for maritime cooperation in theΒ Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Β It aims to promote a safe, stable, and prosperous maritime environment through collective action.

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-welcomes-spain-joining-indo-pacific-oceans-initiative/: Spain Joins Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) – Key Highlights & Exam Notes

Spain Joins Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) – Key Highlights & Exam Notes Read More Β»

OPEC+ Maintains Oil Output Policy Amid Saudi–UAE Tensions Over Yemen | Key Facts for Exams:

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OPEC+ has decided to continue its existing oil production policy. The decision comes despite rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the Yemen conflict, highlighting geopolitical influences on oil markets.

opec

OPEC:

OPEC+ is an expanded alliance of oil-producing nations that includes the 12 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and 10 non-OPEC partners.

The alliance comprises two primary groups:

  • OPEC Members (12):Β Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Venezuela.
  • Non-OPEC Partners (10):Β Russia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, South Sudan, and Sudan

OPEC+ Maintains Oil Output Policy Amid Saudi–UAE Tensions Over Yemen | Key Facts for Exams: Read More Β»

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