Exporters seek RBI relief amid US tariff, insurers seek GST input tax relief, Netbanking 2.0 & more

Banks and NBFCs are looking to raise funds overseas in the next two to three quarters, taking advantage of tighter dollar bond spreads after S&P upgraded India’s sovereign rating. Amid rising bond yields and weaker institutional demand, commercial banks have requested the RBI to extend central government bond issuances into March, instead of February, to ease weekly pressure. Meanwhile, the GST rate cut has raised hopes of a potential interest rate reduction by the MPC. Export bodies met RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra seeking relief from the 50% US tariff on Indian goods. Proposals included a one-year loan moratorium, collateral-free credit, relaxed NPA norms, penalty-free extensions, and export settlement at the real effective exchange rate. Insurance companies have asked the Finance Ministry to permit input tax credits on health and life policies after GST on these was cut to zero from September 22. HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, SBI, AU Small Finance Bank,