Banking and RBI
RBI issues Consolidated Supervisory Directions: 628 circulars into 64 Master Directions
31 July 2026 | Reserve Bank of India
The RBI said on 31 July 2026 that, following the exercise announced on 8 April 2026, it consolidated 628 circulars (including Master Circulars and Master Directions) into 64 Master Directions covering up to nine functions across 11 types of regulated entities.
The 11 entity types include Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks, Payments Banks, Local Area Banks, RRBs, UCBs, Rural Co-operative Banks, AIFIs, NBFCs, Asset Reconstruction Companies and Credit Information Companies.
Key facts- Circulars consolidated: 628
- Master Directions: 64
- Regulated entity types: 11
- Exercise announced: 8 April 2026
Exam takeaway: Consolidation reduces compliance cost and duplication.
Quick revision: RBI Consolidated Supervisory Directions (RBI, 31 July 2026).
Reserve Bank of India original sourceBanking and RBI
Lending and Deposit Rates of Scheduled Commercial Banks, July 2026
31 July 2026 | Reserve Bank of India
RBI data released on 31 July 2026 show the WALR on fresh rupee loans of SCBs at 8.53 per cent in June 2026 (8.51 per cent in May), and on outstanding rupee loans at 8.96 per cent (8.97 per cent in May). The 1-year median MCLR stood at 8.60 per cent in July 2026 (8.50 per cent in June).
The WADTDR on fresh rupee term deposits was 5.99 per cent in June 2026 (5.83 per cent in May), and on outstanding deposits 6.58 per cent (6.57 per cent in May).
Key facts- WALR fresh loans (June 2026): 8.53%
- 1-year median MCLR (July 2026): 8.60%
- WADTDR fresh deposits (June 2026): 5.99%
- WADTDR outstanding deposits (June 2026): 6.58%
Exam takeaway: WALR is the weighted average lending rate; WADTDR is the weighted average domestic term deposit rate.
Quick revision: SCB lending and deposit rates, June and July 2026 (RBI).
Reserve Bank of India original sourceGovernment Schemes
Cabinet approves PM Surya Sarovar Yojana for floating solar, Rs 5,070 crore
31 July 2026 | Press Information Bureau
PIB said the Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) for Floating Solar Photovoltaic projects with Energy Storage Systems, with a total outlay of Rs 5,070 crore. It envisages 5,000 MW of floating solar with co-located storage of at least two hours (10,000 MWh).
Projects will be sanctioned during FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. Central Financial Assistance is Rs 1 crore per MW after commissioning, plus up to Rs 50 lakh per project for feasibility studies. NISE estimated floating solar potential of about 102.18 GWp.
Key facts- Outlay: Rs 5,070 crore
- Capacity: 5,000 MW with 10,000 MWh storage
- CFA: Rs 1 crore per MW
- Estimated potential (NISE): about 102.18 GWp
Exam takeaway: Floating solar uses reservoirs and inland water bodies.
Quick revision: PM-SSY: Rs 5,070 crore for floating solar (PIB, 31 July 2026).
Press Information Bureau original sourceGovernment Schemes
Cabinet approves Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme, Rs 84,084 crore
31 July 2026 | Press Information Bureau
PIB said the Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan, the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, with an outlay of Rs 84,084 crore up to FY 2030-31. It reflects the Prime Minister's vision articulated from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025.
It provides for seismic data acquisition, deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling, scientific drilling in frontier basins, common offshore production infrastructure and an integrated Oil and Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone.
Key facts- Outlay: Rs 84,084 crore
- Ministry: Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Period: up to FY 2030-31
- Type: Central Sector Scheme
Exam takeaway: The scheme targets energy security through offshore exploration.
Quick revision: Samudra Manthan: Rs 84,084 crore (PIB, 31 July 2026).
Press Information Bureau original sourceGovernment Schemes
Cabinet approves continuation of PM-KISAN from 2026-27 to 2030-31, Rs 3.15 lakh crore
31 July 2026 | Press Information Bureau
PIB said the Union Cabinet approved continuation of PM-KISAN from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 3.15 lakh crore. Eligible landholding farmer families receive Rs 6,000 a year in three equal instalments through DBT; the scheme was launched in February 2019.
More than Rs 4.47 lakh crore has been transferred through 23 instalments. The 23rd instalment benefited more than 9.49 crore farmers with over Rs 18,984 crore released.
Key facts- Period: 2026-27 to 2030-31
- Outlay: Rs 3.15 lakh crore
- Benefit: Rs 6,000 a year in three instalments
- Transferred so far: over Rs 4.47 lakh crore (23 instalments)
Exam takeaway: PM-KISAN uses Aadhaar authentication and DBT.
Quick revision: PM-KISAN continued to 2030-31, Rs 3.15 lakh crore (PIB, 31 July 2026).
Press Information Bureau original source