Current Affairs - Finance

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance launched a pioneering initiative on June 20, 2025, offering state-specific health insurance plans designed to reflect regional healthcare challenges and affordability factors. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all models, these customized policies consider variations in hospital infrastructure, disease prevalence, and treatment costs across different Indian states. The move is particularly targeted at the urban lower middle class, rural middle class, and the ‘missing middle’—segments not covered under Ayushman Bharat or standard private insurance. By adjusting premiums 10–15% based on state-specific data, Bajaj Allianz aims to bridge critical coverage gaps and support the goal of universal health coverage in India.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a new API-based system to enable real-time validation of PAN and bank account details specifically for the Income Tax e-filing portal. This integration allows instant verification of account holder names, active/inactive status, and PAN linkage directly with banks' Core Banking Systems (CBS). The initiative aims to expedite tax refunds, reduce manual errors, and streamline processes for taxpayers during ITR filing. Automating validations, eliminates delays caused by mismatched details, benefiting both individuals and government departments in financial reconciliation.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $109.97 million loan to enhance the skills development infrastructure in Gujarat, India. This funding supports a large-scale initiative aimed at aligning technical and vocational education with industry demands across sectors such as IT, healthcare, renewable energy, and logistics. Partnering with Gujarat’s Labor Department and Kaushalya: The Skill University, the project will upgrade 11 Industrial Training Institutes and create Centers of Excellence. ADB's involvement brings global expertise and financial strength to help establish a replicable, future-ready model for workforce development, advancing India's goals under the National Education Policy and regional economic ambitions.

On May 9, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched two key initiatives—UP AGREES and AI Pragya—with support from the World Bank. UP AGREES is aimed at transforming agriculture in 28 districts through climate-resilient and technology-driven practices, addressing both productivity and sustainability. AI Pragya focuses on digital skilling by training 10 lakh youth in artificial intelligence and related technologies, helping to build capacities across critical sectors like education, healthcare, and governance. The involvement of the World Bank highlights the global collaboration behind these transformative efforts for economic and social development in the state.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated its Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework to improve liquidity risk management and better align with global banking standards. A key revision includes the imposition of a 2.5% additional run-off factor on retail deposits enabled through digital platforms such as Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, and UPI. This percentage reflects the estimated portion of deposits that might be withdrawn during a period of financial stress, prompting banks to hold sufficient high-quality liquid assets. Initially, the draft guidelines proposed a 5% run-off, but after industry feedback, the final figure was reduced to 2.5%, offering relief to banks.