PM Jan Dhan Yojana has completed 12 years with 59.09 crore accounts, ₹3.17 lakh crore in deposits and 41.29 crore RuPay cards issued across India.
Steel Demand Outpaces Production
india’s finished steel consumption rose 7.9% during April-July 2026, outpacing domestic production growth as imports surged 36.6% to 2.77 million tonnes.
Gold, Silver Prices Ease
Gold and silver prices eased in early Indian trade on August 27 as a stronger US dollar and shifting Federal Reserve rate expectations put pressure on precious metals.
India Plans 100-Ship Fleet Expansion
India plans to add 100 vessels to its merchant fleet over five years as it seeks to reduce nearly US$75 billion in annual payments to foreign shipping lines and strengthen domestic maritime capacity.
ICAT Certifies 15-Metre Sleeper Bus
ICAT has issued its first compliance certificate for a 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus developed by Synaty Automotive, covering key safety, structural and passenger-comfort requirements.
India-Morocco Trade Expansion
India and Morocco aim to double their roughly $4 billion bilateral trade within five years while exploring a preferential trade agreement and expanding cooperation across fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and technology.
India-Japan Deep-Tech Push
India and Japan are exploring deeper startup and technology ties through a proposed deep-tech capital corridor, innovation partnerships and greater Japanese investment in Indian startups and MSMEs.
SIDBI Pushes RRB MSME Lending
SIDBI is seeking to expand its co-lending partnership with Regional Rural Banks to improve MSME credit access across rural and semi-urban India through a digital, paperless lending platform.
Tribunal Clears ₹11,003 Crore Jio Tax Disallowance
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal deletes ₹11,003-crore tax disallowance imposed on Reliance Jio Infocomm in a major tax classification ruling.
RRB Profits Hit Record High
Regional Rural Banks post ₹10,176 crore Key Highlights New Delhi, August 25: India’s Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) delivered their strongest-ever financial performance in FY 2025-26, with combined net profit rising to a record ₹10,176 crore and total business crossing ₹13.5 lakh crore, according to the Department of Financial Services. The performance was reviewed at a meeting in Delhi chaired by the Secretary, Department of Financial Services. Representatives from all 28 RRBs, NABARD, sponsor banks, the Reserve Bank of India, SIDBI and government officials participated in the meeting. Profitability and Asset Quality Improve RRBs reported a significant improvement in profitability during the financial year. Their consolidated net profit increased from ₹6,820 crore in FY 2024-25 to ₹10,176 crore in FY 2025-26, representing growth of about 49%. The combined business of the 28 banks also crossed ₹13.5 lakh crore. According to the government, this level of business is now higher than that of some individual public sector banks. Asset quality strengthened alongside profitability. Gross Non-Performing Assets declined to an all-time low of 5.3%, while Net NPAs fell to a record low of 2.1%. The Credit-Deposit Ratio also reached an all-time high of 75.2%, indicating an increasing deployment of deposits towards lending. Financial Inclusion Remains Key Focus RRBs continued to play an important role in expanding formal banking services across rural and underserved areas. During FY 2025-26, the banks opened more than 54.98 lakh new accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. The banks also achieved the prescribed targets and sub-targets under Priority Sector Lending, supporting their role in providing credit to agriculture and other underserved sections of the economy. Currently, 28 RRBs operate through a network of 22,273 branches covering around 700 districts across 26 states and three Union Territories. Digital Banking Push Ahead The Department of Financial Services has now called on RRBs to accelerate the adoption of modern banking technology and strengthen digital delivery. The government wants digital banking services to become more accessible in rural and far-flung regions while improving customer experience and operational efficiency. Particular emphasis has been placed on ensuring greater digital access for young customers and other sections of society. Sponsor banks have also been asked to support RRBs in strengthening their IT infrastructure. RRB chairpersons were encouraged to expand credit in sectors relevant to their respective regions and explore innovative lending opportunities. The government said the focus ahead will be on sustaining the improvement in RRB performance while ensuring formal banking services and government-backed financial schemes reach customers at the last mile.
