RBI Announces Financial Literacy Week 2026.
Banking & Finance
📅 09 Feb 2026
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that the Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2026 will be observed from February 23 to March 1, 2026. The theme for this year is "Make a Right Start: Become Financially Smart", focusing on students and young adults to inculcate financial discipline.
Key Highlights
- RBI has been conducting FLW annually since 2016.
- Banks are advised to disseminate information and conduct camps.
- Financial literacy is a key enabler for financial inclusion.
Important Facts
- Event: Financial Literacy Week.
- Theme: Financially Smart.
- Organizer: RBI.
RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 6.5% for Sixth Consecutive Time.
Banking & Finance
📅 07 Feb 2026
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the Repo Rate unchanged at 6.5% for the sixth consecutive time. The decision aims to keep inflation within the target band of 4% (+/- 2%) while supporting economic growth.
Key Highlights
- The stance remains focused on "Withdrawal of Accommodation".
- RBI projects real GDP growth for FY25 at 7.0%.
- Repo rate is the rate at which RBI lends money to commercial banks.
Important Facts
- Rate: 6.5%.
- Policy: Monetary Policy.
- Decision: Unchanged.
LIC Launches New Unit-Linked Insurance Product "Index Plus".
Banking & Finance
📅 06 Feb 2026
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched a new unit-linked, regular premium, individual life insurance plan named "Index Plus". The plan offers life insurance coverage along with savings, allowing policyholders to invest in two dedicated funds: Flexi Growth Fund and Flexi Smart Growth Fund.
Key Highlights
- The minimum age at entry is 90 days (completed).
- It provides a guaranteed addition as a percentage of the annualized premium.
- LIC is diversifying its product portfolio to compete with private players.
Important Facts
- Product: Index Plus.
- Type: ULIP.
- Company: LIC.
HDFC Bank Receives RBI Approval to Acquire Stake in IndusInd Bank.
Banking & Finance
📅 05 Feb 2026
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval to HDFC Bank Group to acquire an "aggregate holding" of up to 9.50% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in IndusInd Bank Limited. The approval is valid for one year.
Key Highlights
- HDFC Bank must ensure the holding does not exceed 9.50% at any time.
- This is part of RBI's broader approvals for HDFC Bank to invest in multiple private banks.
- Such investments are usually for portfolio diversification.
Important Facts
- Buyer: HDFC Bank.
- Target: IndusInd Bank.
- Stake Limit: 9.5%.
RBI Report: Panchayats’ Own Revenues Only 1.1% of Total Revenue.
Banking & Finance
📅 04 Feb 2026
A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report titled "Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions" reveals that Panchayats earn only 1.1% of their total revenue through their own sources (taxes and fees). They are heavily dependent on grants from the Central and State governments.
Key Highlights
- 95% of their revenue comes from grants.
- The report analyzes data for the fiscal year 2022-23.
- It suggests that greater autonomy is needed for effective local governance.
Important Facts
- Report: Panchayat Finances.
- Publisher: RBI.
- Own Revenue: 1.1%.
ESAF Small Finance Bank Partners with Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance.
Banking & Finance
📅 03 Feb 2026
ESAF Small Finance Bank has entered into a bancassurance partnership with Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance. Under this partnership, ESAF Bank will offer Edelweiss Tokio's life insurance products to its customer base, particularly in rural and unbanked areas, thereby increasing insurance penetration.
Key Highlights
- Bancassurance is an arrangement where banks sell products of insurance companies.
- ESAF Bank focuses on financial inclusion.
- The aim is to provide diverse financial solutions under one roof.
Important Facts
- Partnership: Bancassurance.
- Bank: ESAF SFB.
- Insurer: Edelweiss Tokio.
UPI Transactions Hit Record High of Rs 18.41 Lakh Crore in January.
Banking & Finance
📅 02 Feb 2026
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India have scaled a new peak, reaching a value of Rs 18.41 lakh crore in January 2026. The volume of transactions also touched a record 12.20 billion. This indicates a 52% year-on-year growth in volume.
Key Highlights
- UPI is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- France recently became the first European country to accept UPI (at Eiffel Tower).
- The growth is driven by rural adoption and merchant payments.
Important Facts
- Report: UPI Data.
- Value: Rs 18.41 Trillion.
- Regulator: RBI/NPCI.