Banking and RBI
India's forex reserves at US$ 688.058 billion in week to 27 March 2026
3 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India, Weekly Statistical Supplement
The RBI's Weekly Statistical Supplement released on 3 April 2026 showed India's total foreign exchange reserves at US$ 688.058 billion (Rs 6,520,745 crore) as on 27 March 2026. The reserves fell by US$ 10.288 billion over the week.
Foreign currency assets, the largest component, stood at US$ 551.072 billion, down US$ 6.622 billion. Gold reserves were US$ 113.521 billion, down US$ 3.666 billion over the week.
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were US$ 18.649 billion and the Reserve Position in the IMF was US$ 4.816 billion.
Key facts- Total reserves: US$ 688.058 billion as on 27 March 2026
- Weekly change: down US$ 10.288 billion
- Foreign currency assets: US$ 551.072 billion
- Gold: US$ 113.521 billion; SDRs: US$ 18.649 billion; IMF reserve position: US$ 4.816 billion
Exam takeaway: Forex reserves have four parts: foreign currency assets, gold, SDRs and the reserve position in the IMF.
Quick revision: Forex reserves US$ 688.058 bn on 27 Mar 2026; down US$ 10.288 bn in the week.
Reserve Bank of India, Weekly Statistical Supplement original sourceBanking and RBI
SEBI readies SETU platform for investment advisers
3 April 2026 | Reported by The Hindu BusinessLine
The Hindu BusinessLine reported on 3 April 2026 that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was likely to launch a digital platform, SEBI SETU, in April to simplify registration and compliance for investment advisers (IAs). The launch was described as likely, not final.
The report said SETU is expected to act as a single-window interface for applicants and existing advisers. It noted that India has over 22 crore demat accounts while registered investment advisers number below 1,000.
Key facts- Regulator: SEBI
- Platform: SEBI SETU (expected, per the report)
- Purpose: simpler registration and compliance for investment advisers
- Context: over 22 crore demat accounts; fewer than 1,000 registered IAs
Exam takeaway: SEBI regulates the securities market and registers investment advisers.
Quick revision: SEBI SETU: single window for investment advisers, likely launch April 2026.
Reported by The Hindu BusinessLine original sourceAppointments, Awards and Important Days
Abhishek Singh appointed Director General of the NTA
3 April 2026 (order dated 31 March 2026) | Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, as reported by The NFA Post
An Appointments Committee of the Cabinet order dated 31 March 2026 appointed Abhishek Singh as Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), according to The NFA Post on 3 April. He moves from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to the exam body under the Ministry of Education.
Singh is a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Nagaland cadre. At MeitY he served as CEO of MyGov, the National e-Governance Division, Digital India Corporation and the IndiaAI Mission, and as Director General of the National Informatics Centre. He takes charge in the rank and pay of Secretary by temporary upgrade of the post.
Key facts- Post: Director General, National Testing Agency
- Officer: Abhishek Singh, 1995-batch IAS, Nagaland cadre
- Order dated: 31 March 2026
- Earlier roles: CEO IndiaAI Mission, DG NIC
Exam takeaway: The NTA conducts national entrance exams such as JEE Main, NEET-UG and CUET-UG.
Quick revision: NTA DG: Abhishek Singh (IAS, Nagaland, 1995).
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, as reported by The NFA Post original sourceAppointments, Awards and Important Days
Election Commission appoints Sandeep Rai Rathore as Tamil Nadu DGP
2 April 2026 (reported 3 April) | Election Commission of India, as reported by The News Minute
On Thursday, 2 April 2026, the Election Commission of India appointed Sandeep Rai Rathore, a 1992-batch IPS officer, as Director General of Police of Tamil Nadu, ahead of the Assembly elections. He replaced G Venkatraman, who was in-charge DGP, according to The News Minute.
The Commission also named Additional DGP Sanjay Kumar, a 1997-batch IPS officer, Commissioner of Police, Tambaram, replacing A Amalraj. The Commission clarified that officers moved in the reshuffle will not get election-related duties until polling is completed.
Key facts- State: Tamil Nadu
- New DGP: Sandeep Rai Rathore, 1992-batch IPS
- Replaced: G Venkatraman (in-charge DGP)
- Tambaram Police Commissioner: Sanjay Kumar
Exam takeaway: The Election Commission can transfer officers during the election period to ensure a free and fair poll.
Quick revision: TN DGP: Sandeep Rai Rathore, appointed by ECI on 2 Apr 2026.
Election Commission of India, as reported by The News Minute original source