central bank

The Minister said that the proposed CBDC-based model will gradually be operationalised at ration shops and integrated with banking systems, including private banks in the future.

The Bank of Italy is proactively engaging with global AI firms, including Anthropic, to address escalating cybersecurity risks before advanced AI models enter the financial sector. Governor Fabio Panetta stressed that banks, not just tech providers, bear full responsibility for data and money safety, urging executives to invest in robust digital defenses and comprehensive emergency plans.

The Reserve Bank of India has announced a record Rs 2.87 lakh crore dividend payout to the government for FY26, significantly boosting fiscal space amidst global uncertainties. This substantial transfer, a notable increase from previous years, reflects the central bank's robust financial performance and expanding balance sheet. The decision was made at the RBI Central Board's recent meeting.

India's economic horizon is looking promising, with the Reserve Bank of India forecasting a robust 6.9% GDP growth for the fiscal year 2026-27. Yet, challenges loom as global tensions, particularly in West Asia, and escalating energy costs could disrupt this trajectory. Inflation is predicted to rise slightly to 4.6%, while the RBI targets a steady 4%.

In an era of digital transactions, many Indians and small enterprises still cling to cash, driving the demand for banknotes higher. To counteract the surge in counterfeit Rs 500 notes, the RBI is ramping up security features and experimenting with varnished currency. Interestingly, the costs associated with printing paper money have recently decreased significantly.

Moody's Ratings has identified Indian banks as highly exposed to Middle East crisis risks due to the nation's significant energy import dependence. Sustained high oil prices could pressure inflation, interest rates, and borrower cash flows, impacting loan quality. Despite these challenges, Indian banks possess adequate capital and provisioning buffers to absorb potential credit losses.

The Reserve Bank of India is injecting $5 billion into the banking system through a USD/INR buy-sell swap auction on May 26. This move aims to boost long-term liquidity amidst a weakening rupee and global uncertainties. Banks will sell dollars to the RBI and buy them back in three years, with bids based on premium offers.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the deadline for NEET UG 2026 candidates to submit bank account details for examination fee refunds until June 22, 2026. This extension aims to assist the nearly 13 lakh candidates who have yet to complete the refund process following the exam's cancellation and rescheduling.

The Indian rupee has fallen nearly 6% against the US dollar due to Middle East tensions, prompting the Reserve Bank of India to consider measures like interest rate hikes and attracting dollar inflows. Officials are exploring a foreign currency deposit scheme for NRIs and a potential sovereign dollar bond to stabilize the currency.

Union Education Minister Mr Dharmendra Pradhan held discussions with senior officials of SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Indian Bank to overhaul the CBSE payment gateway system following recent technical issues faced by students. The meeting focused on strengthening payment protocols for post-examination services, including re-evaluation and answer sheet photocopies. The banks were asked to introduce faster grievance redressal, real-time monitoring and automatic refund systems to ensure secure and smooth digital transactions for students.