GS3 · Economy (MSMEs, capital markets)The Cabinet on 6 October 2026 approved a ₹10,000 crore government commitment to the SME Growth Fund, announced in Para 28 of the Union Budget 2026-27. The fund, set up as an Alternative Investment Fund, will give long-term equity to growth-stage small and medium enterprises, mostly in manufacturing, including those in Tier II and III city clusters.
UPSC angle: Prelims: AIF, SGF size. · Mains GS-III: MSME finance.
6 Oct 2026GS3 · Economy (financial markets)On 1 October 2026 NABKISAN Finance, a NABARD subsidiary, listed India's first social bond dedicated only to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) on the NSE. The issue was oversubscribed 1.8 times and raised ₹180 crore. The five-year bond pays 8.10 per cent, matures in September 2031 and is rated CRISIL AAA and CARE AAA.
UPSC angle: Prelims: green vs social vs sustainability bond. · Mains: Blended finance for SDG 6.
3 Oct 2026GS3 · Economy (insurance), securityThe Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) is India's first domestic marine insurance pool, with capacity of ₹13,906.50 crore (USD 1.5 billion). Approved on 18 April 2026 and launched on 12 May 2026, it covers Hull and Machinery, Cargo, P&I and War risks, backed by a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore.
UPSC angle: Mains: Sanctions-era shipping and the case for domestic marine insurance.
27 Sep 2026GS3 · Corporate governanceOn 4 September 2026 the National Financial Reporting Authority set up an Advisory Committee on Audit Quality, Assurance and Technology, using Rules 15 and 16 of the NFRA Rules, 2018. Its experts come from audit professionals, CFOs, audit committees, independent directors, technology, regulators and industry. It is NFRA's third such advisory body.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NFRA's parent Act.
4 Sep 2026GS3 · Energy marketsTransparent coal trading.
UPSC angle: Prelims: commodity exchanges.
15 Jul 2026GS3 · Shipping, financeThe Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has exempted IFSC units in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, from the licensing requirement under Section 11 of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025. Eligible units need not take a Director General of Shipping licence to charter foreign vessels for EXIM and international trade. Cabotage and coastal-trade safeguards stay unchanged.
UPSC angle: Prelims: IFSC.
10 Jul 2026 
