Banking and RBI
RBI's two-factor authentication rule for digital payments takes effect
4 April 2026 (rule effective 1 April 2026) | Reserve Bank of India framework, as reported by Business Today
Business Today reported on 4 April 2026 that, from 1 April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India has rolled out mandatory two-factor authentication for digital payments. Under the framework, every digital payment, whether through UPI, debit or credit cards, or online banking, must be verified with at least two independent authentication factors.
The factors can include OTPs, biometrics such as fingerprint or face recognition, device-based authentication or PINs. The report said earlier many transactions relied mainly on OTPs, a method exposed to SIM-swap fraud and phishing.
The report added that the RBI is promoting risk-based authentication, where banks can apply stricter checks to high-risk transactions such as unusual spending patterns or unfamiliar locations. Banks and fintechs must upgrade systems for real-time authentication, tokenisation and fraud detection.
Key facts- Effective: 1 April 2026
- Applies to: UPI, cards, online banking, per the report
- Rule: at least two independent authentication factors
- Approach: risk-based authentication for high-risk transactions
Exam takeaway: Two-factor authentication means proving identity with two different types of factor, such as a PIN plus biometrics.
Quick revision: RBI 2FA for digital payments from 1 Apr 2026; risk-based checks promoted.
Reserve Bank of India framework, as reported by Business Today original sourceBanking and RBI
Exchanges relax order-to-trade ratio rules from 6 April
4 April 2026 | Reported by News18
News18 reported on 4 April 2026 that exchanges would roll out a revised Order-to-Trade Ratio (OTR) framework effective 6 April, easing penalties for equity options. OTR measures orders placed, including cancellations and modifications, against trades executed. A high ratio is linked to excessive order activity.
The report said the permissible range for exemption in options had been widened, so fewer orders attract penalties. It also said SEBI clarified that algorithmic orders placed by designated market makers are exempt from OTR computation, which is expected to help liquidity providers who place two-sided quotes continuously.
Key facts- Effective: 6 April 2026
- Measure: Order-to-Trade Ratio
- Change: wider exemption range in options; market maker algos exempt
- Aim: liquidity and lower compliance burden
Exam takeaway: OTR norms curb excessive order activity that can strain systems or point to manipulation.
Quick revision: OTR rules eased from 6 Apr 2026; market maker algos exempt.
Reported by News18 original sourceGovernment Schemes
India's NDC for 2031-35 (Cabinet approval of 25 March 2026)
25 March 2026 (carried forward) | Press Information Bureau
Carried forward from 25 March 2026: the Union Cabinet approved India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031 to 2035 under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. It is India's third NDC.
Targets by 2035: cut the emissions intensity of GDP by 47 per cent from the 2005 level; reach 60 per cent cumulative installed electric power capacity from non-fossil sources; and create a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover.
PIB said emissions intensity fell 36 per cent between 2005 and 2020, and non-fossil capacity reached 52.57 per cent in February 2026. India's 2015 targets (33 to 35 per cent intensity cut and 40 per cent non-fossil capacity) were met 11 and 9 years ahead of time.
Key facts- Approved by: Union Cabinet, 25 March 2026
- Emissions intensity: 47% cut by 2035 (2005 base)
- Non-fossil capacity: 60% by 2035; 52.57% in Feb 2026
- Carbon sink: 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes CO2 eq.
Exam takeaway: NDC stands for Nationally Determined Contribution, each country's own climate pledge under the Paris Agreement.
Quick revision: NDC 2031-35: 47% intensity cut, 60% non-fossil capacity, sink 3.5-4.0 bn t.
Press Information Bureau original sourceAppointments, Awards and Important Days
Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan becomes POWERGRID CMD
1 April 2026 (reported 2 to 4 April) | Energetica India and Bureaucrats India
Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) appointed Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan as Chairman and Managing Director with effect from 1 April 2026, Energetica India reported on 4 April. Bureaucrats India reported on 2 April that he had assumed charge.
He was earlier Director (Projects) at POWERGRID and has over 30 years of experience in power transmission and telecom. He has also been COO (Telecom) and CEO of POWERGRID Teleservices.
Key facts- Company: Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID)
- New CMD: Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan, effective 1 April 2026
- Earlier post: Director (Projects)
- Experience: over 30 years in transmission and telecom
Exam takeaway: POWERGRID is India's largest power transmission utility.
Quick revision: POWERGRID CMD: Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan from 1 Apr 2026.
Energetica India and Bureaucrats India original source