Current Affairs - Banking

Karnataka Bank won the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) Banking Technology Award 2026 in the category of Best Fintech & DPI Adoption. The award recognizes the bank’s strong integration of digital public infrastructure (DPI) platforms, fintech innovations, and customer-centric digital banking solutions. In addition to this main award, Karnataka Bank received runner-up status in the Best Tech Talent category and special mentions for digital banking, financial inclusion, and technology-driven innovation. This achievement highlights the bank’s ability to leverage technology to enhance efficiency, broaden financial access, and strengthen its position in India’s evolving digital banking ecosystem.

Tripura Gramin Bank introduced India’s first fully solar-powered ATM van, named ‘TGB on Wheels’, in January 2026. This innovative mobile banking solution provides uninterrupted ATM and basic banking services to rural and remote areas, especially where electricity supply is unreliable. The initiative, supported by NABARD, aligns with India’s sustainability goals by eliminating dependence on grid electricity or diesel generators. By combining financial inclusion with eco-friendly technology, the solar-powered ATM van enhances accessibility, reliability, and convenience for rural communities while promoting green banking practices and cost-efficient service delivery.

Federal Bank introduced the ‘Fortuna Wave’ brand identity to refresh its image and reinforce its positioning as a digital-first, pan-India banking institution. The launch, held in Mumbai, was aimed at attracting younger and tech-savvy customers while maintaining trust among existing users. Federal Bank emphasized core values such as authenticity, prosperity, and togetherness through this new identity. By creating a unified visual language across both digital platforms and physical branches, Federal Bank seeks to strengthen brand recognition, enhance customer engagement, and align itself with the evolving landscape of modern banking in India.

Axis Bank introduced the ‘Safety Centre’ on its mobile banking app to empower customers with real-time control over digital banking functions. The feature allows users to manage internet banking, UPI usage, fund transfer limits, and fraud protection tools directly through the app. Key tools include SMS Shield for verifying genuine messages, options to disable internet banking, and restrictions on fund transfers. By enabling self-managed security, Axis Bank aims to prevent unauthorized transactions, address rising digital fraud cases, and reduce dependency on branches or customer support, thereby promoting safer and more convenient digital banking experiences.

Federal Bank launched its new brand identity, ‘The Fortuna Wave’, on January 7, 2026, in Mumbai, with Vidya Balan as the brand ambassador. The refreshed logo features three waves symbolizing authenticity, togetherness, and prosperity, designed to be digital-friendly and visually appealing across platforms. This brand refresh reflects Federal Bank’s commitment to modernization, innovation, and future-ready digital banking solutions. Established in 1931 in Aluva, Kerala, Federal Bank has evolved into a pan-India private sector bank offering retail, corporate, NRI, lending, and digital banking services, and the rebranding reinforces its contemporary identity and customer-centric vision.