Banking and RBI
RBI's 46th Half-Yearly Report: forex reserves fell to USD 691.11 billion by March 2026
30 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/189
On 30 April 2026 the RBI released the 46th Half-Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves, with reference to end-March 2026. During October 2025 to March 2026, India's foreign exchange reserves decreased from USD 700.09 billion to USD 691.11 billion.
The RBI began compiling half-yearly reports on management of forex reserves, and making them public, in February 2004 to promote transparency and disclosure. By our calculation, the fall over the six months is about USD 8.98 billion.
Key facts- Report: 46th Half-Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves
- Period: October 2025 to March 2026
- Reserves: USD 700.09 billion to USD 691.11 billion
- Practice started: February 2004
Exam takeaway: Forex reserves are foreign currency assets held by the central bank to back the currency and meet external needs.
Quick revision: RBI 46th half-yearly forex reserves report: USD 700.09 bn (Oct 2025) to USD 691.11 bn (Mar 2026).
Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/189 original sourceBanking and RBI
Small NBFC registration exemption and calamity relief norms effective 1 July 2026
30 April 2026 | The Hindu
Clarification to the 29 April edition. The Hindu reported on 30 April 2026 that the RBI exempted non-deposit-taking NBFCs with asset size below Rs 1,000 crore, not availing public funds and with no customer interface, from registration and reserve fund requirements from 1 July 2026. The circular says the asset size is measured on the latest audited balance sheet.
The Hindu also noted that the revised directions on relief measures in natural calamity-affected areas take effect from 1 July 2026, allowing banks to extend relief without waiting for individual requests and to offer fee waivers or reductions for up to one year in notified areas.
Key facts- NBFC exemption effective: 1 July 2026
- Asset size: below Rs 1,000 crore (latest audited balance sheet)
- Applies to: no public funds, no customer interface
- Relief norms effective: 1 July 2026
Exam takeaway: Reserve fund requirements make NBFCs transfer a portion of profit to a reserve each year.
Quick revision: Hindu: small NBFC exemption (assets under Rs 1,000 crore) and calamity relief norms effective 1 Jul 2026.
The Hindu original sourceAppointments, Awards and Important Days
Justice (Retd) Anupinder Singh Grewal appointed NCLT President
30 April 2026 | The New Indian Express
Retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal has been appointed President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), The New Indian Express reported on 30 April 2026. He succeeds Justice (Retd) Ramalingam Sudhakar, who was NCLT President from 1 November 2021 and demitted office earlier this year.
The appointment follows approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, for five years or until he attains the age of 67, whichever is earlier. He began practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1992, became Additional Judge on 25 September 2014, a permanent judge on 20 May 2016 and retired on 10 March 2026.
Key facts- Post: President, NCLT
- Appointee: Justice (Retd) Anupinder Singh Grewal
- Tenure: five years or age 67, whichever earlier
- Predecessor: Justice (Retd) Ramalingam Sudhakar
Exam takeaway: The NCLT hears company law and insolvency matters.
Quick revision: NCLT President: Justice (Retd) A. S. Grewal succeeds Justice R. Sudhakar (NIE, 30 Apr 2026).
The New Indian Express original source