SBI Clerk Banking Awareness: “SEBI allows all NBFCs, including HFCs, to invest in ARC security receipts, boosting liquidity in the distressed asset market. Also, SEBI launches ‘Bond Central’ to enhance transparency in corporate bond investments. Read more on these key financial reforms.”
SBI Clerk Banking Awareness: Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Coal Transport Nearly Doubles to 54 MT in FY24
- The Ministry of Coal is advancing Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) logistics to streamline coal transportation from mines to ports and consumers.
- RSR helps ease congestion on all-rail routes while lowering carbon emissions, making it a more sustainable transport option.
- Coal transport via RSR surged from 28 MT in FY22 to 54 MT in FY24, with continued growth expected.
- Indian Railways plans to implement a telescopic freight rate in February 2025, reducing coal transport costs from CIL mines to power plants.
- This rate structure consolidates two rail segments into one, making RSR transport more economical.
- Coastal shipping in the RSR model is set to transform India’s logistics, enhancing coal distribution efficiency.
- The Ministry of Coal remains committed to expanding RSR strategies to support energy demands and a resilient supply chain.
SBI Clerk Banking Awareness: IRCTC & IRFC Attain ‘Navratna’ Status
- On March 3, 2025, the Government of India granted ‘Navratna’ status to IRCTC and IRFC, both PSUs under the Ministry of Railways.
- These companies became the 25th and 26th ‘Navratna’ CPSEs, joining a select group of financially strong enterprises.
- IRCTC reported ₹4,270.18 crore in revenue, ₹1,111.26 crore in net profit, and a net worth of ₹3,229.97 crore for FY 2023-24.
- IRFC achieved ₹26,644 crore in revenue, ₹6,412 crore in net profit, and a net worth of ₹49,178 crore in the same fiscal year.
- Navratna status allows these PSUs to invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a project without government approval.
- The designation provides greater autonomy for joint ventures, partnerships, and expansions.
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- CPSEs are classified as Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna, with Navratna firms receiving higher financial autonomy based on performance.
- This classification aims to enhance competitiveness, self-sufficiency, and growth potential in high-performing PSUs.
SBI Clerk Banking Awareness: IIFT & APEC Belgium Partner to Strengthen Trade and Logistics Education
- The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) signed an MoU with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium, to promote academic collaboration in global trade and logistics.
- The agreement facilitates faculty and student exchanges, joint research on port management, and specialized training programs.
- The focus includes e-governance, digital trade, and emerging business technologies, providing students hands-on exposure to global trade operations.
- This partnership aims to equip future business leaders with world-class insights into international trade.
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About IIFT
- Established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce, IIFT is a Deemed University specializing in Foreign Trade education and research.
About APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center
- APEC is affiliated with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, offering specialized training in port management, trade facilitation, and logistics.
SBI Clerk Banking Awareness: Axis Bank Finances Air India Aircraft via GIFT City
- Axis Bank became the first Indian bank to complete an aircraft financing deal through its International Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City IFSC.
- The financing, executed for AI Fleet Services Ltd. (AIFS), a subsidiary of Air India (Tata Group), supports the purchase of 34 training aircraft for a pilot training institute in Amravati, Maharashtra.
- Previously, India’s aviation finance was largely controlled by multinational banks, but GIFT City is emerging as an aviation finance hub.
- This was the first transaction where all stakeholders (lender, borrower, law firm, facility agent, and security agent) were GIFT City entities.
- The Indian government is actively promoting GIFT City as a strategic alternative to global aviation finance hubs.
- This deal marks one of the first long-term U.S. dollar aircraft financings by an Indian bank, bolstering India’s aviation finance ecosystem.
SBI Clerk Banking Awareness: SEBI Expands Investment Scope for NBFCs and Enhances Bond Market Transparency
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has permitted all Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), including Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), to invest in security receipts issued by Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). This decision aims to boost investments in distressed assets and improve market liquidity.
- By expanding the pool of qualified buyers under the SARFAESI Act, 2002, SEBI facilitates a more dynamic distressed asset market, allowing ARCs to manage non-performing assets (NPAs) more effectively.
- The move is expected to accelerate bad loan resolution, attract more investors, and strengthen the overall financial ecosystem.
SBI Clerk Banking Awareness: SEBI Launches Bond Central for Corporate Bonds
- SEBI has introduced Bond Central, a centralized database portal for corporate bonds, designed to serve as a reliable and transparent information source.
- Developed in collaboration with the Online Bond Platform Providers Association and Market Infrastructure Institutions, the portal will provide real-time and comprehensive bond market data.
- This initiative is set to improve transparency, aid investors in making informed decisions, and streamline corporate bond market operations, aligning with SEBI’s vision of a structured and efficient financial market.