Current Affairs - Finance

Fintech firm Slice has pioneered India's first fully UPI-powered bank branch in Bengaluru's Koramangala area, marking a significant shift in digital banking. The branch features UPI-enabled ATMs and introduces the slice UPI credit card - a no-fee product offering 3% cashback and interest-free EMI options. This launch represents Slice's evolution from a digital-only platform to an integrated banking service provider with its own infrastructure. By combining credit facilities with UPI's convenience, Slice aims to expand financial inclusion, particularly for underserved segments, while redefining point-of-sale credit access in India's banking landscape.

India’s post offices, under the Department of Posts, are set to accept UPI-based QR code payments at all counters across the country by August 2025. This digital transformation is part of the IT 2.0 infrastructure upgrade and aims to bring secure, real-time payment options to over 1.5 lakh post offices, many located in rural and semi-urban areas. The initiative builds on successful pilot programs in Karnataka and is designed to improve efficiency, reduce reliance on cash, and expand financial access through services like savings deposits, parcel booking, and postage. The move aligns with the broader goals of the Digital India initiative and financial inclusion.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a global model for countries aiming to build digital payment ecosystems. In a paper titled “Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability,” the IMF highlighted key success factors such as UPI’s interoperability, platform-agnostic design, affordable internet, digital ID infrastructure, and inclusive banking access. It emphasized that UPI’s collaborative and scalable design offers a strong blueprint for digital transformation. The endorsement showcases India’s leadership in financial technology and suggests that countries seeking digital payment reforms should consider India’s approach while tailoring it to their unique contexts.

The Bank of Baroda released a comprehensive report projecting a sharp rise in state-driven capital expenditure in India for FY26, with a total outlay of ₹10.2 lakh crore. The report identifies five major states—Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka—as the top contributors, collectively accounting for nearly 50% of this expenditure. The analysis emphasizes the strategic focus on enhancing infrastructure such as roads, health centres, and schools to drive productivity and long-term economic growth. This data-driven insight from the Bank of Baroda helps stakeholders understand state priorities and the broader macroeconomic investment landscape.

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.