Silver Price Today | 17 June | Silver Price Forecast: Bulls Gear Up for Breakout as XAGUSD Eyes $38.61 Resistance

Silver Price Today| June 17|


In the ever-volatile world of commodities, silver (XAGUSD) is once again proving why it’s one of the most closely watched assets on global trading desks. After staging a powerful rally in early June, silver has entered a phase of tight consolidation just below its recent trend high. Traders and analysts alike are now looking for cues: is silver about to launch the next leg of its bullish journey toward $38.61, or will we see a tactical retreat before further gains?

All eyes are on price action, and the technical landscape is beginning to signal a potential breakout — one that could redefine short-term strategy for commodity bulls.


Technical Setup: Holding Strong Near the Trend High |Silver Price Today

Silver made headlines last Monday when it hit $36.89, marking a new trend high. Since then, it has hovered just below this level, consolidating in a narrow range and preparing for a possible continuation. The recent pullback to $35.46—a textbook support test—was met with renewed buying strength, producing a bullish hammer candlestick, a well-known reversal signal that often precedes strong upward moves.

This dip and rebound not only confirmed the short-term support level but also nearly completed the ABCD harmonic pattern, with an initial upside target at $37.05. The market’s behavior around this structure provides further confirmation that buyers are maintaining control.


Chart Patterns: Bull Flag or Pennant Suggests Upside Continuation

Technical traders are now closely monitoring the formation of a bull flag or pennant pattern—classic continuation patterns that typically emerge during mid-trend consolidations. These patterns represent a pause before the next impulsive move and often resolve in the direction of the prevailing trend.

➡️ Key Confirmation Zone:
To validate the bullish setup, silver must hold above the $35.46 support level. A decisive breach would weaken the current bullish case and shift attention to the next technical safety net.

 Key Support Levels: The Safety Net Below |Silver Price Today

If silver loses traction and slips below $35.46, analysts will be watching the $34.87 to $34.59 support band, which represents the top of the long-term base structure that silver broke out of just last week.

This zone is fortified by the 20-day moving average, which currently sits around $34.64. This convergence of horizontal support and a moving average line provides a layered defense zone for bulls seeking re-entry on a dip.

📌 Support Zones to Watch:

  • $35.46 – Immediate swing support

  • $34.87 to $34.59 – Major structural support (top of previous base)

  • $34.64 – 20-day moving average support


Upside Targets: $38.61 Is Within Striking Distance |Silver Price Today

Should silver break convincingly above Friday’s high of $36.64, it will signal a renewed breakout attempt. A subsequent rally above the recent high at $36.89 would pave the way for the market to target the ABCD projection of $37.05 and eventually aim for the $38.46 to $38.61 zone.

Why does this level matter? Because the $38.61 zone is a technical confluence point, overlapping multiple Fibonacci retracement and extension levels, as well as past price congestion zones. Reaching this level would not only confirm the bull flag breakout but also suggest that silver’s medium-term trend is entering a new phase of strength.


Short-Term Risk, Long-Term Optimism

While near-term charts favor the bulls, traders should remain aware of potential risks. Silver’s recent breakout above a multi-week base is a strong signal of long-term bullish sentiment, but such breakouts are often followed by a healthy pullback or retest of the base level.

Such a move would not necessarily be bearish—it could represent a strategic opportunity for disciplined traders looking to enter on strength after a retracement. Pullbacks to the $34.59–$34.87 zone would thus be considered normal, and possibly beneficial for sustained upside momentum.

💡 Breakout Confirmation:
Last week’s weekly close above $34.87 is particularly important—it represents the first successful close above the base resistance and is being seen as a confirmation of a structural breakout.


Key Silver Price Levels to Monitor:

Level Significance
$34.59 – $34.87 Major support zone / Base top
$35.46 Short-term swing support
$36.64 Breakout confirmation threshold
$36.89 Current trend high
$37.05 ABCD pattern completion target
$38.46 – $38.61 Multi-resistance bullish breakout target

Analyst Insight: What Traders Should Watch

“Silver’s setup is a classic example of a breakout-followed-by-consolidation, which is exactly what you want to see in a healthy uptrend. Whether this consolidation resolves upward now, or after a mild dip, the structure favors further upside,” says Bruce Powers, Senior Technical Analyst at CreditSamadhaan.com.

With a clear roadmap now forming, silver traders would be wise to watch for a breakout above $36.89 as the signal that the market is primed to charge higher.


Risk Disclaimer:

Trading silver (XAGUSD) and other commodities involves substantial risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Price volatility, leverage, and geopolitical shifts can amplify both gains and losses. Always employ robust risk management, and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any trading decisions.


Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.

For daily silver forecasts, commodity insights, and forex strategies, stay connected with CreditSamadhaan.com—your reliable source for market intelligence and strategic financial commentary.

RBI News | June 17, 2025| RBI Greenlights Sandeep Batra’s Reappointment as Executive Director of ICICI Bank for Two More Years

June 17, 2025 | CreditSamadhaan.com News Desk | Corporate Banking News

In a clear endorsement of experienced leadership and strategic continuity, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially approved the reappointment of Sandeep Batra as Executive Director of ICICI Bank, one of India’s leading private sector financial institutions. The reappointment reflects both institutional trust and regulatory confidence in Batra’s role at the helm of the bank’s core operations.


New Term Details: Continued Leadership at the Top

As per the official communication released by ICICI Bank, Sandeep Batra’s new term will be effective from December 23, 2025, to December 22, 2027. The bank has confirmed that it will seek shareholder approval for the reappointment in due course, as per governance norms.

This announcement comes at a time when India’s banking sector is navigating rapid changes—ranging from digital disruption and increased regulatory scrutiny to evolving customer expectations. Against this backdrop, Batra’s continuity in leadership is seen as a stabilizing force for ICICI Bank.


A Trusted Pillar at the Corporate Centre | RBI News Insight

Sandeep Batra has been an integral part of ICICI Bank’s top management since July 2018, when he took charge of the Corporate Centre, one of the most strategic and operationally crucial arms of the bank. In his current capacity, he is responsible for leading multiple key verticals, including:

  • 📢 Corporate Communications

  • 💰 Finance & Accounts

  • 👥 Human Resources Management

  • ⚖️ Legal Affairs

  • 📞 Customer Service Operations

  • 🗂️ Secretarial & Compliance Functions

In addition to the above, ICICI Bank’s FY24 Annual Report highlights Batra’s extended administrative responsibility over critical risk-control functions such as:

  • 🛡️ Risk Management

  • 🔍 Internal Audit

  • 📋 Regulatory Compliance

This broad leadership portfolio positions Batra at the very core of the bank’s strategic operations, ensuring both regulatory alignment and internal governance strength.


Leadership in Transition, Growth & Regulatory Alignment | RBI News Perspective

Sandeep Batra’s reappointment arrives at a pivotal moment in ICICI Bank’s growth trajectory. The institution is:

  • Investing heavily in digital infrastructure and financial technologies

  • Deepening its focus on sustainable banking and ESG compliance

  • Responding to the RBI’s push for higher transparency, corporate accountability, and stronger internal control systems

In this landscape, Batra’s experience in risk oversight, corporate governance, and compliance structures adds significant value. He has played a central role in driving stability across internal functions while supporting ICICI Bank’s transformation into a digitally agile and customer-first bank.


Why This Appointment Matters | RBI News

In an era of economic volatility, global financial tightening, and increasing cybersecurity threats, continuity in experienced leadership is no longer just a preference—it’s a necessity. For a systemically important institution like ICICI Bank, Sandeep Batra’s reappointment serves multiple objectives:

  • ⚙️ Ensures smooth strategic execution of long-term plans

  • 🔐 Strengthens regulatory interface and trust with RBI

  • 👥 Supports organizational consistency amidst senior-level transitions

  • 📈 Provides a credible leadership anchor during industry-wide reforms


What’s Next for ICICI Bank?

With Batra’s leadership now secured for another two years, ICICI Bank is expected to continue focusing on:

  • 🔄 Operational efficiency through AI & automation

  • 🌱 Strengthening financial inclusion & ESG practices

  • 📊 Building risk-resilient portfolios

  • 📡 Expanding digital and rural banking footprints

The bank will initiate the shareholder approval process for his reappointment, which is likely to be tabled in the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) or through a special resolution as required under applicable laws.


Editor’s Note | RBI News Context

Sandeep Batra is widely recognized as one of the most strategic and steady leaders in India’s private banking space. His past contributions to ICICI Bank’s financial performance, operational depth, and regulatory harmony have been substantial.

His reappointment is a signal not only of RBI’s endorsement of consistent leadership, but also of ICICI Bank’s internal confidence in steering through uncertain times with tested hands at the wheel.


For more updates on RBI announcements, leadership changes, and private sector banking insights, stay connected with CreditSamadhaan.com – your trusted source for curated financial news and expert analysis.

SBI News | 14 June | SBI Slashes Home Loan & EBLR by 50 bps After RBI’s Rate Cut: What It Means for You

SBI News | June 14, 2025 | CreditSamadhaan.com News Desk | 

In a decisive step aimed at boosting borrowing and economic momentum, the State Bank of India (SBI) — India’s largest public sector bank — has reduced its External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR) and home loan interest rates by 50 basis points (bps). This move, effective June 15, 2025, mirrors the RBI’s recent repo rate cut of 50 bps, underscoring a shift toward a more accommodative monetary environment.

This development comes as welcome news for millions of homebuyers, retail borrowers, and small business owners across the country. Amid rising concerns over affordability and slowing credit demand, SBI’s rate cut is expected to stimulate loan growth while making borrowing more attractive for consumers with healthy credit scores.


SBI’s Revised Lending & Deposit Rates: A Quick Snapshot | SBI News

Product Old Rate New Rate (from June 15, 2025)
External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR) 8.65% 8.15%
Home Loan Interest Rate Range 8.00–8.95% 7.5–8.45% (based on credit score)
Special Deposit Scheme (444 days) 6.85% 6.60%

According to revised data on SBI’s official website, home loan interest rates will now vary between 7.5% to 8.45%, depending on the borrower’s CIBIL score and risk category. A top SBI official confirmed,

“We have passed on the entire repo rate cut to our borrowers. This reaffirms our support for India’s credit growth and financial inclusion objectives.”


What Is EBLR and Why Is It Crucial for Borrowers?

The External Benchmark Lending Rate (EBLR) is the foundation upon which many loan products — including home, auto, and personal loans — are priced. Introduced in October 2019 by the RBI to increase transparency and transmission of policy rate changes, EBLR is directly linked to the RBI’s repo rate.

The final lending rate offered to the borrower =
EBLR + Credit Risk Premium (CRP) + Business Strategy Premium

  • Credit Risk Premium (CRP): Based on borrower’s credit score and risk profile

  • Business Strategy Premium: Internal policy pricing by the bank

Thus, a fall in the repo rate results in a directly proportional decline in EBLR-linked interest rates, making EMIs cheaper for borrowers holding floating-rate loans.


Impact on Home Loan Borrowers: Credit Score Matters More Than Ever | SBI News

The new rate structure rewards borrowers with excellent credit profiles. Here’s how it plays out:

CIBIL Credit Score Range Expected Home Loan Rate
800 and above As low as 7.50%
700–799 Around 7.95%
Below 700 Up to 8.45%

Why this matters:
Borrowers with a strong credit history can save thousands of rupees in interest over the loan tenure. A reduction of 0.50% in interest on a ₹50 lakh loan for 20 years can lower your EMI by nearly ₹1,600/month — a saving of ₹3.8 lakh over the loan tenure.


Fixed Deposit Investors: Lower Yields Ahead

While borrowers celebrate, fixed deposit investors face a downside. SBI has trimmed the interest rate on its popular special deposit scheme (444 days) — known as Amrit Vrishti — by 25 basis points, bringing it down from 6.85% to 6.60%.

🔸 Standard domestic term deposits (below ₹3 crore) remain unchanged for now, but according to senior SBI executives, these rates are under review, indicating a possible downward revision in the near future.


Stock Market Response and Financial Sector Outlook | SBI News

On June 13, 2025, SBI’s stock closed at ₹792.35 on the BSE, down ₹13.60 (-1.69%). Analysts attribute this dip to investor concerns about shrinking Net Interest Margins (NIMs) in the coming quarters.

💬 CareEdge Ratings’ Insight:

  • NIMs may decline by 20–25 bps in FY26, compared to FY25

  • This is due to loan yields dropping faster than the cost of deposits

  • Result: Short-term pressure on bank profitability, but long-term growth in loan demand


Expert Opinion from CreditSamadhaan.com

“SBI’s rate cut is timely and aligns perfectly with the RBI’s monetary easing. It not only strengthens access to affordable housing finance but also rewards financially disciplined borrowers. On the flip side, investors depending on fixed income from FDs should diversify their portfolios to hedge against future rate drops.”
CreditSamadhaan.com Strategy Team


Key Takeaways for You | SBI News

Lower EMIs starting June 15, 2025 for existing SBI home loan customers
Affordable borrowing for new applicants with strong credit profiles
CIBIL score continues to be the key to unlock best interest rates
FD investors should prepare for further yield compression
SBI maintains market leadership by full transmission of repo rate cut


What Should You Do Next?

🔹 Borrowers: Reassess your home loan — consider refinancing if you’re paying higher interest elsewhere.
🔹 FD Investors: Explore hybrid mutual funds, debt instruments, or tax-free bonds for better yield.
🔹 New Homebuyers: This is the ideal time to apply — combine low rates with festive offers ahead.
🔹 Credit-Conscious Citizens: Work on improving your credit score to qualify for premium rates.

Gold Rate Today | June 14 | Gold Prices Today in India, June 14: Rates Cross ₹1 Lakh in Major Cities Amid Middle East Tensions

Gold Rate Today | Gold Prices Today in India, June 14: Rates Cross ₹1 Lakh in Major Cities Amid Middle East Tensions

By Riya R Alex | Published: June 14, 2025, 07:14 AM IST
Cities covered: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata


Global Uncertainty Pushes Gold to New Highs

India woke up to record-breaking gold prices on June 14, 2025, as the precious metal surged past ₹1,00,000 per 10 grams across major cities. With escalating geopolitical conflict between Israel and Iran and the growing expectation of a U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cut, investors worldwide are rushing to safeguard their wealth in traditional safe-haven assets like gold and silver.

On Friday, gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) hit a staggering ₹1,00,314 per 10 grams, while silver followed suit, touching ₹1,06,474 per kg.

This marks a significant psychological and financial milestone in India’s bullion markets, where demand remains strong despite elevated prices.


Gold and Silver Prices in India — June 14, 2025

Here’s a detailed city-wise breakdown of bullion prices:

Gold Prices Today

City 24-Carat Gold (per 10g) 22-Carat Gold (per 10g)
Mumbai ₹1,00,280 ₹92,088
Delhi ₹1,00,110 ₹92,088
Kolkata ₹1,00,150 ₹92,088
Chennai ₹1,00,570 ₹92,088
Hyderabad ₹1,00,440 ₹92,088
Bengaluru ₹1,00,360 ₹92,088

Silver Prices Today

City Silver Bullion Rate (per kg)
Mumbai ₹1,06,710
Delhi ₹1,06,530
Kolkata ₹1,06,570
Chennai ₹1,07,020
Hyderabad ₹1,06,880
Bengaluru ₹1,06,800

📝 Prices are based on the Indian Bullion Association (IBA) and MCX data as of 7:00 AM IST.


Why Are Gold Prices So High?

Several factors have contributed to the gold rally:

1. 🛡️ Geopolitical Tensions

The Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military installations have escalated tensions in the Middle East, triggering fears of broader conflict. In such times, investors typically flee to gold — seen as a stable store of value.

2. 🏛️ US Federal Reserve Policy Expectations

U.S. inflation data released this week showed lower-than-expected figures, fueling market hopes that the Fed may start cutting interest rates. Lower interest rates generally weaken the U.S. dollar and boost gold prices globally.

3. 📉 Stock Market Volatility

Global equities have seen significant pullbacks in recent weeks due to weak tech earnings and lingering economic uncertainty, pushing investors to reallocate funds to commodities.

4. 📈 Long-Term Performance of Gold

  • 30% return in the past year

  • 15% CAGR since 2001

  • Outperformed inflation by 2–4% annually since 1995

💬 “Gold has once again proved its mettle as an inflation-beating, crisis-resilient asset. This price action signals that retail and institutional investors alike are recalibrating their strategies,” said Rajiv Khandelwal, Head of Commodities Research at InvestLogic India.


What About Silver? |Gold Rate Today

Silver is showing a similar bullish trend. Often referred to as “poor man’s gold,” silver has crossed ₹1.06 lakh per kg. Analysts attribute this not only to safe-haven demand but also to increased industrial use in solar panels, electronics, and electric vehicles (EVs).

💬 “Silver is gaining both speculative and industrial support. As green energy adoption rises, silver’s real value proposition is coming to the forefront,” noted Dr. M. Raghavan, metals analyst at NSE Commodities.


Should You Buy Gold Now? | Gold Rate Today

While buying gold at an all-time high may seem risky, experts suggest a phased or SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) approach to hedge against price swings.

Tips for Gold Buyers:

  • Compare city-wise bullion rates.

  • Always check for BIS Hallmark before purchasing jewellery.

  • Consider digital gold, SGBs, or gold ETFs to avoid making charges and taxes.

  • Use certified jewellers only to avoid being overcharged.

🔔 Note: Retail jewellery prices may include additional making charges, GST, and local taxes, making the effective price 5–10% higher than listed bullion rates.


RBI’s Gold Loan Reforms in the Works

In related news, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to ease norms for gold loans for small-ticket borrowers. This could bring formal credit access to millions of underbanked Indians who rely on physical gold as collateral.

Expert Takeaway

💬 “In uncertain markets, gold becomes more than jewellery — it’s financial armor. Whether it’s inflation, war, or policy swings, gold offers a protective shield,” concludes Shweta Deshmukh, Senior Economist at Bharat Finance Forum.


Final Word: The Bullion Bull Run is On

As we head deeper into 2025, gold and silver may continue their upward climb, especially if geopolitical and economic uncertainties persist. For Indian households, which traditionally value gold as both emotional and financial wealth, this surge serves as a reminder of gold’s enduring importance.

RBI News | 14 june | RBI’s New Liquidity Playbook: CRR to Be Used as a Strategic Tool, Not Just for Emergencies

 14 June 2025 |CreditSamadhaan.com News Desk | RBI News 

In a bold shift that could reshape India’s monetary policy playbook, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is moving toward a dynamic, proactive approach to managing liquidity in the financial system—by making the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) a central tool, not a last resort.

This new stance marks a paradigm shift in the way the RBI tackles market liquidity, aiming for faster policy transmission and stronger financial stability. The implications for banks, borrowers, investors, and the broader economy are significant and far-reaching.


What’s Actually Changing with CRR?

The CRR—the percentage of a bank’s total deposits that must be held in reserve with the RBI—has traditionally been treated as a blunt instrument, used only during periods of crisis or economic overheating.

But now, the RBI is reshaping that mindset. Instead of using CRR reactively, the central bank plans to use it strategically and frequently, even in normal market conditions, to:

  • 🔹 Smoothen liquidity fluctuations

  • 🔹 Absorb excess capital inflows

  • 🔹 Improve policy rate transmission to the real economy

  • 🔹 Reduce dependency on Open Market Operations (OMOs)

This positions CRR as a frontline tool—like a dial, not a switch—for calibrating the flow of money through the system.


 The Big Move: A 100 Basis Point CRR Cut | RBI News

Just last week, the RBI made headlines by slashing the CRR from 4% to 3%, a 100 basis point cut that stunned markets and analysts alike. This is the lowest CRR level in recent history, and it unleashed ₹2.5 lakh crore (approx. $29.25 billion) into the banking system.

This aggressive liquidity infusion is designed to:

  • Lower borrowing costs for individuals and businesses

  • Stimulate credit growth, especially in MSMEs and housing

  • Enhance banks’ ability to lend, increasing liquidity in the hands of consumers

According to central bank insiders, this is just the beginning of a new, flexible liquidity strategy.


Inside RBI’s New Strategy | RBI News

In an exclusive Reuters report, a senior RBI official shared a rare glimpse into the central bank’s evolving thinking:

“CRR is now being looked at from a liquidity management perspective—not just as a panic button.”

This reflects a modern, nuanced understanding of liquidity dynamics—where traditional methods like OMOs and FX swaps are no longer sufficient on their own.

Key Highlights of the Strategy:

  • 🔄 CRR will now be adjusted more frequently, based on real-time liquidity assessments.

  • 💡 RBI will reduce reliance on OMOs and prefer direct, structural tools like CRR.

  • 📊 The central bank will use CRR tweaks alongside reverse repos and auctions to fine-tune short-term interest rates.


$100 Billion Already Pumped into the System |RBI News

Since December 2024, the RBI has injected nearly $100 billion into the banking system through a mix of:

  • 🔁 Open Market Operations

  • 💱 Foreign exchange (FX) swaps

  • 🧰 Term repos and standing facilities

But with this new shift, CRR adjustments are expected to become the go-to mechanism—offering quicker, more targeted liquidity solutions.


RBI Eyes Stability in Interest Rates

Maintaining the overnight call rate—the rate at which banks lend to one another—close to the repo rate (currently at 6.5%) is central to RBI’s strategy.

To do this, the RBI will:

  • 🌀 Conduct variable-rate reverse repo auctions to mop up excess funds

  • 🧭 Recalibrate policy tools if the market rate drifts too far from the target

  • 📉 Maintain stability across the short-end of the yield curve

Already, the weighted average call rate has dropped closer to the 6.5% benchmark—signaling early success of this approach.


The Bond Market Reacts

Not all reactions have been positive. The increased reliance on CRR has reduced the need for OMOs, making long-term government bonds less attractive.

As a result:

  • 🔻 10-year bond yields have dipped, reflecting lower bond demand

  • 📉 Investors are repositioning portfolios away from long-dated securities

This will require the RBI to carefully balance liquidity goals with market stability, especially as fiscal borrowing remains high.


A New Liquidity Framework in the Works

RBI is currently finalizing a revised liquidity management framework that will:

  • 📌 Make CRR a more flexible and agile tool

  • 📌 Limit overuse of OMOs and FX swaps

  • 📌 Ensure tighter linkage between repo rate and market interest rates

  • 📌 Improve monetary policy transmission from the RBI to retail lending

Until this framework is formally launched, the central bank has assured continuity in current operations, including short-term liquidity injections as needed.


What This Means for You

Whether you’re a banker, borrower, or investor, this policy evolution carries direct consequences:

For Banks:

  • ✔️ More operational flexibility

  • ✔️ Increased loan disbursal capacity

  • ✔️ Potential for higher net interest margins

For Borrowers:

  • 💰 Potential drop in interest rates for home, auto, and business loans

  • 🚀 Easier credit access—especially for MSMEs and retail consumers

For Investors:

  • ⚠️ Stay alert to changing bond yield trends

  • 🧮 Expect rebalancing in fixed income portfolios

For the Indian Economy:

  • 🌐 A more adaptive monetary regime

  • 🔧 Faster response to liquidity needs

  • 🧩 Better alignment between market rates and policy objectives


Final Word: A More Intelligent RBI

The Reserve Bank of India is entering a new era of liquidity management—an era where flexibility, precision, and foresight take center stage. The transformation of CRR from a “break-glass-in-emergency” tool to a scalpel for managing liquidity signals a deeper evolution in how India handles macroeconomic challenges.

This is not just monetary policy—it’s monetary strategy.

And it’s built to keep India’s financial system stable, dynamic, and growth-ready.


RBI news today June 13, 2025 | The RBI is focused on digital equity. NITI Aayog is pushing for gender equity

June 13, 2025 | RBI news today

In a significant development on June 13, 2025, two transformative initiatives have emerged at the national level — one economic, and the other social. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled a new directive aimed at enhancing digital banking in rural areas through low-bandwidth solutions. Simultaneously, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, has launched a district-wise gender equality audit to address India’s declining performance on global gender indices.

RBI News Today: Banking for Bharat Goes Digital

In a bold push for financial inclusion, the RBI has asked banks and fintech companies to develop digital banking products specifically designed for feature phones and low-data connectivity areas. This move is expected to bring millions of unbanked and underbanked rural Indians into the formal financial ecosystem.

With internet infrastructure still patchy in many parts of India, especially in tier-3 towns and villages, the RBI’s focus on low-bandwidth banking is both timely and essential. These lightweight platforms will work on 2G networks and basic devices, ensuring that digital banking is not just a privilege of the urban elite, but a right accessible to every citizen.

Additionally, the RBI has mandated that all such digital solutions must come with robust cybersecurity features, ensuring safe and secure banking experiences even for first-time digital users.

Driving the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index)

This development is closely tied to the RBI’s ongoing efforts to improve the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index), which measures access to banking, insurance, credit, and pension services across India. As of March 2024, the FI-Index stood at 64.2, a decent figure but still short of the national goal. With this new initiative, the RBI aims to push the score significantly higher by FY2026, thereby creating a more inclusive and digitally empowered economy.

NITI Aayog’s Gender Equality Mission: SDG 5 in Focus

While the RBI addresses economic inclusivity, NITI Aayog is turning the spotlight on gender equity. In collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, NITI Aayog has launched a district-level audit of India’s performance on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) — Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

This initiative follows India’s slip in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, where the country dropped two spots to rank 131 out of 148 countries, with a concerning gender parity score of 64.1. The report cites stagnation in women’s participation in the workforce, political leadership, and access to healthcare and education as key reasons for the decline.

SDG 5: What It Measures

Sustainable Development Goal 5 includes six core indicators that reflect a nation’s commitment to gender equality:

  1. Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls.

  2. Eliminating violence in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.

  3. Eradicating harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.

  4. Recognizing unpaid care and domestic work, and promoting shared responsibility.

  5. Ensuring universal access to reproductive health and rights.

  6. Enhancing women’s full participation and equal opportunities in political, economic, and public life.

India’s Performance: The Stark Reality

India’s national SDG India Index score for Goal 5 has stagnated at 48 since 2020-21, showing little to no improvement over the years. In the UN SDG Report 2024, India ranked 109 out of 166 countries, indicating a slow pace in meeting gender-related development targets.

NITI Aayog’s latest analysis reveals that 13 states and one union territory are performing below the national average in terms of gender equality. These include:

  • Odisha

  • Assam

  • Jharkhand

  • Bihar

  • Uttar Pradesh

  • Telangana

  • West Bengal

  • Haryana

  • Punjab

  • Madhya Pradesh

  • Tripura

  • Manipur

  • Chandigarh

These states are now under close observation, and targeted interventions will be planned based on district-level data.

Why These Developments Matter

Taken together, the RBI’s push for digital inclusion and NITI Aayog’s gender audit represent a holistic shift in India’s development strategy. While one addresses economic accessibility, the other tackles deep-rooted social inequities that have long held India back on global benchmarks.

  • The RBI is championing digital equity, enabling rural populations to access banking, credit, and government services without needing smartphones or broadband.

  • NITI Aayog is driving gender equity, making sure no woman or girl is left behind in India’s progress story.

Towards a More Inclusive India | RBI news today 

These moves are not isolated. They reflect a broader national vision of creating an inclusive, connected, and empowered Bharat, where both economic access and social justice walk hand in hand.

As India marches toward its 2030 SDG goals and prepares to become a $5 trillion economy, such grassroots-level initiatives will play a critical role in bridging both the digital and gender divides.


RBI Champions Financial Inclusion with Low-Bandwidth Apps for Feature Phones

June 13, 2025 — In a decisive push toward its mission of 100% financial inclusion, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has called on banks and financial institutions to develop low-bandwidth digital apps and products specifically designed for feature phones. The move is aimed at unlocking access to financial services in India’s most remote and underserved regions, where smartphone penetration and internet connectivity remain challenges.

As part of this digital transformation drive, the RBI has also emphasized the integration of robust cybersecurity features to prevent online fraud and ensure safe banking experiences for all users.

Bridging the Digital Divide

While retail banking is largely available via smartphone apps, the RBI has noted a significant service gap for users of basic mobile phones. The central bank is now urging the industry to reimagine mobile banking for low-bandwidth environments, ensuring even users in low-connectivity zones can benefit from digital banking.

 “Design digital products that cater to the real India,” is the message from RBI to banks, encouraging user-centric innovation for feature phone users. This includes adaptable apps and products with simpler interfaces, low data needs, and offline capabilities.

Financial Inclusion on the Rise

Under the leadership of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the country’s Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) has already shown improvement—from 60.1 in March 2023 to 64.2 in March 2024, reflecting growing accessibility and usage of financial services. The RBI has set its sights on an even more robust score for FY26.

Surveying the Road Ahead

To further inform its policy moves, the RBI announced plans to conduct a nationwide survey on digital payment usage. The goal: to gain deep insights into transaction behavior, challenges faced by users, and areas needing innovation. This data will help shape strategies to enhance both inclusion and payment system efficiency.

Custom Solutions for Real Needs

RBI Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao highlighted the need for flexible, context-aware products—like seasonal savings schemes, variable repayments, and locally adapted services. These customer-first offerings, he said, would ensure that India’s diverse population receives tailored solutions that meet their financial realities.


The RBI is not just building apps—it’s building bridges. With this bold initiative, India moves one step closer to a future where no citizen is left behind in the digital financial revolution.