Banking and RBI
RBI publishes MPC minutes: repo rate kept at 5.25% by unanimous vote
22 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release
On 22 April 2026 the RBI published the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee's 60th meeting, held 6 to 8 April 2026 under Governor Sanjay Malhotra. Under Section 45ZL of the RBI Act, 1934, minutes are published on the fourteenth day after each meeting.
The MPC voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate under the LAF unchanged at 5.25 per cent, with the standing deposit facility rate at 5.00 per cent. Members listed: Dr Nagesh Kumar, Saugata Bhattacharya, Prof Ram Singh, Dr Poonam Gupta (Deputy Governor) and Indranil Bhattacharyya (Executive Director), besides the Governor.
Key facts- Meeting: 60th MPC, 6 to 8 April 2026
- Repo rate: 5.25% (unanimous, unchanged)
- SDF rate: 5.00%
- Minutes published 14th day after meeting (Section 45ZL, RBI Act 1934)
Exam takeaway: The MPC has six members: three from the RBI and three external members appointed by the Government.
Quick revision: MPC minutes (22 Apr 2026): repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, SDF 5.00%, unanimous.
Reserve Bank of India press release original sourceBanking and RBI
RBI proposes draft Master Direction on Prepaid Payment Instruments
22 April 2026 | Business Standard (PTI)
On Wednesday, 22 April 2026, the RBI proposed measures to build a more conducive framework for the growth of Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), including better transaction security and clearer rules on refunds and grievance redressal. A draft Master Direction on PPIs was issued with comments invited by 22 May 2026, according to PTI.
PPIs are instruments in which money is loaded and used for later transactions. They are categorised as general purpose PPI, gift PPI, transit PPI and PPI for NRIs, besides other specific purpose PPIs. The draft says a bank permitted to issue debit cards can issue PPIs with prior intimation to the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS), RBI, Mumbai.
Key facts- Instrument: draft Master Direction on PPIs
- Comments due: 22 May 2026
- Types: general purpose, gift, transit, NRI and others
- Focus: security, refunds, grievance redressal
Exam takeaway: A draft Master Direction is a proposal released for public comments before it becomes final.
Quick revision: RBI draft PPI Master Direction (22 Apr 2026): comments by 22 May 2026.
Business Standard (PTI) original sourceAppointments, Awards and Important Days
Justice Lisa Gill becomes first woman Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court
22 April 2026 | The Economic Times (PTI)
Justice Lisa Gill became the first woman to head the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, PTI reported. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended her name on 26 February.
She was moved from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Andhra Pradesh High Court ahead of the appointment, following a Collegium policy of moving a judge proposed to head a high court there two months before taking charge. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointment on X.
Key facts- Post: Chief Justice, Andhra Pradesh High Court
- Justice Lisa Gill: first woman to head the court
- Recommended by SC Collegium on 26 February
- Earlier court: Punjab and Haryana High Court
Exam takeaway: High Court Chief Justices are appointed by the President after consultation under Article 217 of the Constitution.
Quick revision: Justice Lisa Gill: first woman Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh HC (22 Apr 2026).
The Economic Times (PTI) original source