Finance Hub: Current Updates on RBI, Bank Holidays, Markets & Payments

Welcome to the finance corner of PC Literacy Info. If you want to know what’s happening with India’s central bank, when banks will be closed, or which market index just hit a new high, you’re in the right place. We’ll break down the big headlines so you can plan your banking, investing, and digital transactions without the jargon.

RBI and Monetary Policy

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate steady at 5.50% for the third meeting in a row. That decision came with a surprise cut to the FY26 inflation outlook—now pegged at 3.1%. In plain terms, the RBI is trying to balance growth while keeping price rises low, even as global trade tensions spike. For anyone with a loan or savings account, a steady repo rate means your interest costs stay predictable for now.

Another RBI move that caught attention is the ongoing debate over merchant discount rates (MDR) for UPI transactions. The government has pushed back hard against any plan to bring back MDR charges, keeping UPI free for users. With over 18 billion UPI transactions recorded in May 2025, this policy helps keep digital payments cheap and fast.

Bank Holidays & Market Highlights

Bank holidays can throw a wrench into everyday banking, so here’s a quick cheat sheet. In August 2025, many states observed Janmashtami on the 25th, leading to branch closures in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Digital services—UPI, net banking, and ATMs—stay live, but expect slower processing for cheque and cash deposits.

April 2025 also brought a packed holiday calendar, with celebrations such as Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, and Good Friday affecting banking hours. Some states added local holidays like Baisakhi in Punjab and Ambedkar Jayanti in Karnataka, so always double‑check your state’s schedule before planning a large transfer.

On the market side, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s TA‑125 index surged to a 52‑week high, jumping 4.26% despite regional conflict. While that’s a foreign market, it shows how investors can stay confident even when geopolitics stir. Closer to home, the NSDL IPO made a massive debut, raising over ₹4,000 crore and listing at a 10% premium. The strong response underlines growing appetite for financial infrastructure stocks.

For crypto fans, the Pi Network token slipped more than 10% in a single day, reminding us that digital assets remain volatile. Keep an eye on regulatory news and market sentiment before diving in.

All these pieces—RBI policy, bank holiday calendars, market spikes, and digital payment tweaks—directly affect how you manage money day‑to‑day. Bookmark this page and return often to stay ahead of the curve.

Got a specific question about a bank holiday in your state or how the latest RBI decision might impact your loan? Drop a comment, and we’ll chase down the answer for you.