Banking and RBI
RBI: SGB 2020-21 Series-VIII premature redemption price fixed at Rs 16,012 per unit
15 May 2026 | Reserve Bank of India
Carried forward from 15 May 2026. The RBI announced that premature redemption of Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 Series-VIII (issued 18 November 2020) falls due on 18 May 2026, and the redemption price is Rs 16,012 per unit.
The price is the simple average of the closing price of 999-purity gold, published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA), for the three business days 13, 14 and 15 May 2026. Premature redemption is permitted after the fifth year from the issue date, on a date when interest is payable.
Key facts- SGB: 2020-21 Series-VIII; issued 18 November 2020
- Redemption date: 18 May 2026
- Price: Rs 16,012 per unit
- Basis: simple average of IBJA 999-gold closing prices of previous three business days
Exam takeaway: Premature redemption of an SGB is allowed after five years, on an interest payment date.
Quick revision: SGB 2020-21 Series-VIII: premature redemption 18 May 2026 at Rs 16,012 per unit (RBI, 15 May).
Reserve Bank of India original sourceBanking and RBI
RBI Weekly Statistical Supplement: scheduled commercial banks' deposits and credit as on 30 April 2026
15 May 2026 | Reserve Bank of India
Carried forward from 15 May 2026. The RBI's revised Weekly Statistical Supplement extract shows scheduled commercial banks' aggregate deposits at Rs 2,58,64,099 crore as on 30 April 2026, with year-on-year growth of 12.3 per cent.
Bank credit stood at Rs 2,12,11,828 crore, growing 16.0 per cent year-on-year, while the extract also lists state governments' loans and advances from the RBI at Rs 23,957 crore on 8 May 2026.
Key facts- Aggregate deposits (30 April 2026): Rs 2,58,64,099 crore; up 12.3% year-on-year
- Bank credit: Rs 2,12,11,828 crore; up 16.0% year-on-year
- State governments' loans and advances from RBI (8 May): Rs 23,957 crore
- Source: RBI Weekly Statistical Supplement extract (revised)
Exam takeaway: Year-on-year growth compares a figure with the same date a year earlier.
Quick revision: SCBs 30 Apr 2026: deposits Rs 2,58,64,099 cr (+12.3%), credit Rs 2,12,11,828 cr (+16.0%) (RBI).
Reserve Bank of India original sourceAppointments, Awards and Important Days
International Day of Light, 16 May: marks the first laser operation in 1960
16 May 2026 | UNESCO
UNESCO's page says the International Day of Light is celebrated on 16 May each year, on the anniversary of the first successful laser operation in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman.
UNESCO says the day calls for strengthening scientific cooperation and using the potential of light science for peace and sustainable development; a webinar is planned to celebrate the 2026 day.
Key facts- Day: International Day of Light, 16 May
- Anniversary of: first successful laser operation, 1960
- Laser pioneer: Theodore Maiman
- Observed by: UNESCO
Exam takeaway: The first working laser was demonstrated in 1960 by Theodore Maiman.
Quick revision: International Day of Light: 16 May; first laser 1960, Theodore Maiman (UNESCO).
UNESCO original source