digital banking services

Bank customers across India should note extended holiday closures from May 26-28, 2026, impacting numerous states for national and religious observances like Kazi Nazrul Islam's birth anniversary and Eid-ul-Adha. Remember, second and fourth Saturdays also mean branch shutdowns. Plan ahead for essential services, as digital banking remains fully operational.

Union Education Minister Mr Dharmendra Pradhan held discussions with senior officials of SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Indian Bank to overhaul the CBSE payment gateway system following recent technical issues faced by students. The meeting focused on strengthening payment protocols for post-examination services, including re-evaluation and answer sheet photocopies. The banks were asked to introduce faster grievance redressal, real-time monitoring and automatic refund systems to ensure secure and smooth digital transactions for students.

Indian bank branches see most frequent visits from entrepreneurs, rural customers, and the affluent, driven by cash transactions and advisory needs. Younger, digital-native users are least likely to visit, preferring online services. Despite rising mobile adoption, demand for enhanced digital support and continued branch relevance for complex interactions is evident.

Victim spots unauthorised UPI transfers, alerts cyber helpline; Kavoor police register case

Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority is going paperless with a new unified IT system, aiming for a digital overhaul by August. Investors will soon manage land allotments, rent payments, and service requests online via a dedicated portal and mobile app. This move promises enhanced transparency and quicker grievance redressal, improving industry-government communication.

Principal Secretary PK Mishra cautioned financial systems against excessive speculation and market instability, emphasizing their connection to the real economy and citizens' lives. He highlighted India's digital public infrastructure, including the JAM trinity and UPI, as transformative forces for financial inclusion and credit access, particularly for underserved populations.

EPFO members will soon withdraw provident fund money directly using UPI. Testing is complete, and funds will transfer to linked bank accounts. This move simplifies access for over seven crore members. EPFO is also enhancing services through WhatsApp and has significantly reduced litigation cases. These initiatives aim to improve service delivery and member convenience.

Hyderabad police, in a massive crackdown across 13 states, have apprehended 66 individuals supplying ghost SIM cards to cybercriminals. Operation Octopus has successfully targeted the illegal issuance of these SIMs, which were instrumental in 76 fraud cases, resulting in a staggering Rs 101 crore loss.

As Delhi’s errand economy expands from food to fatigue, even the act of shopping is being reimagined as something you don’t have to fully do yourself

In the financial landscape of Bihar, a remarkable milestone was reached as the credit-deposit ratio soared past 60.21% in FY 2025-26, reflecting vigorous economic growth and a surge in citizen confidence. This impressive jump from 44.09% in 2018-19 particularly supports vital areas such as agriculture and MSMEs.

The UAE has become the first country to grant a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license to a cryptocurrency platform, allowing regulated digital asset payments. This landmark approval enables UAE residents to pay government fees using cryptocurrencies, integrating virtual asset payments into the nation's regulated financial system and bolstering its digital economy.

Indian consumers now have a streamlined path to justice for defective products and poor services. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, empowers individuals to file complaints with consumer commissions, bypassing lengthy civil court procedures. Cases are categorized by value, with online filing available, offering a swift resolution for grievances.

India's market regulator is exploring ways to deepen the corporate bond market by potentially easing disclosure rules for debt-only firms. A pilot project on bond tokenisation will also be launched to boost settlement speed and transparency.