Everything a banker needs today, in about five minutes: RBI, the government, banks, regulators, markets and the exam angle, each with its official source.
-
Economy and markets
Factory PMI eases to 54.7; export orders rise
The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI slipped to 54.7 in October from 55.1 in September, data released on 2 Nov show. New export orders grew at the fastest pace in six months, while input-cost inflation was the lowest since February.
At the branch: A reading above 50 means expansion. Exporters with rising orders may ask for higher packing credit or EPC limits; check order backing and past utilisation.
Exam angle: Purchasing Managers’ Index and economic indicators: JAIIB IE&IFS.
Source: HSBC India Manufacturing PMI (S&P Global), 2 Nov 2026, reported by ANI
Exam relevance: Medium
-
Government
GST changes in force from 1 Nov: 90% provisional refunds
Changes under the Finance Act, 2026 took effect on 1 November: businesses with an inverted duty structure can get 90% of a refund claim provisionally, subject to risk checks, and the ₹1,000 minimum for refunds on exported goods is gone. Post-sale discounts can now be handled through credit notes, with the buyer reversing the input tax credit.
At the branch: Faster refunds ease working capital for MSME borrowers stuck with blocked GST credit. Look at refund timing when you assess their cash-flow gap.
Exam angle: GST and working capital assessment for MSMEs: JAIIB AFM, CAIIB ABM.
Source: CBIC notification on the Finance Act, 2026, reported by IANS
Exam relevance: Medium
-
Banks
SBI announces its September-quarter results today
SBI’s Central Board meets in Mumbai on Tuesday, 3 Nov, to approve results for the quarter and half-year ended 30 September 2026. An analyst meeting follows at 5:15 pm.
At the branch: Know your own bank’s latest NIM, gross and net NPA, CASA and capital ratios; interview panels often ask how your bank did this quarter.
Exam angle: Bank financial statements and ratios: JAIIB AFM, CAIIB ABM.
Source: SBI stock-exchange intimation, reported by NiftyTrader
Exam relevance: Medium
-
Other regulators
IRDAI makes November a grievance-clearing month
IRDAI has asked insurers to clear long-pending policyholder complaints and disputes in November, settle viable cases and comply promptly with Insurance Ombudsman awards. About 2.21 lakh insurance cases were pending before consumer commissions and courts on 31 March 2026, nearly 72.5% of them for over a year.
At the branch: If a customer has a stuck claim on a policy sold through your branch, help them write to the insurer first and then the Insurance Ombudsman.
Exam angle: Bancassurance, insurance regulation and grievance redress: JAIIB RBWM.
Source: IRDAI announcement of 29 Oct 2026, reported by Elets BFSI
Exam relevance: Medium
-
Economy and markets
Sensex jumps 1,233 points as crude eases
The Sensex closed at 75,692.78 on 2 Nov, up 1,233.25 points (1.66%), and the Nifty 50 at 23,440.80, up 387.70 (1.68%); public sector bank shares were among the gainers. Brent crude fell to about $110 a barrel, while the rupee slipped 10 paise to 94.86 a dollar (provisional).
At the branch: Lower oil eases pressure on inflation and the rupee. Customers asking about market-linked products should get the product’s risk profile, not a view on the market.
Exam angle: Stock indices, exchange rate and oil prices: JAIIB IE&IFS.
Source: Market close of 2 Nov 2026, reported by HDFC Sky and Business Standard
Exam relevance: Low
-
Bankers' corner
Diwali week: branch holidays on 9–11 Nov vary by state
RBI’s holiday list for November shows branches shut on 9, 10 or 11 November in several states for Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bali Pratipada and Bhai Dooj; 8 Nov is a Sunday and 14 Nov the second Saturday. UPI, internet banking and ATMs normally keep working.
At the branch: Tell customers with EMIs, cheque payments or tax deadlines that week to act a day early. A bill falling due on a public holiday is payable on the preceding business day under the NI Act.
Exam angle: Holidays under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881: JAIIB PPB.
Source: RBI holiday list, reported by Upstox and News24
Exam relevance: Medium
-
Economy and markets
Maruti Suzuki sells a record 2.76 lakh vehicles in October
Maruti Suzuki sold 2,76,120 vehicles in October, its highest ever for a month and up 25% year on year, according to its filing of 1 Nov. Domestic sales rose 20% to 2,16,789 units and exports 59% to 49,872.
At the branch: Festive vehicle-loan demand is strong. Check income proof, the margin and the hypothecation entry on the RC before you disburse.
Exam angle: Retail loans and vehicle finance: JAIIB RBWM.
Source: Maruti Suzuki stock-exchange filing of 1 Nov 2026, reported by ANI
Exam relevance: Low
-
Appointments and reports
Jatin Kumar Nayak takes charge as IREDA chairman and MD
Jatin Kumar Nayak, earlier Executive Director (Finance) at REC Ltd, took charge as Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA on 30 October, until 30 September 2029. Director (Finance) Bijay Kumar Mohanty had held additional charge.
At the branch: IREDA is a government NBFC for renewable energy; it often co-lends or takes participation with banks in solar and wind projects.
Exam angle: Specialised financial institutions and NBFCs: JAIIB IE&IFS.
Source: IREDA BSE filing of 30 Oct 2026, reported by Investywise
Exam relevance: Low
-
International
Fitch: a hawkish Fed could test emerging markets
Fitch Ratings said a more hawkish US Federal Reserve and higher bond yields in advanced economies could raise borrowing costs for emerging markets and trigger capital outflows. It expects emerging markets outside China to grow 3.3% in 2027, down from 3.6% in 2026.
At the branch: Outflows usually weaken the rupee. Exporters and importers among your customers may ask about forward cover where your branch offers it.
Exam angle: Capital flows and global interest rates: JAIIB IE&IFS; CAIIB international banking.
Source: Fitch Ratings, reported by ANI on 1 Nov 2026
Exam relevance: Low
Index, rupee and Brent figures as reported by HDFC Sky and Business Standard; 10-year yield from Trading Economics; repo rate and reserves from RBI.